SYSTEM AND SMART TAG FOR ANIMALS

Abstract

The invention relates to a system comprising at least one smart tag for animals on a farm and a multiplicity of devices which are configured to have an interaction with the animals, the smart tag being provided with at least one transmitting and receiving apparatus, at least one processor, at least one memory and at least one sensor which are communicatively connected with each other, characterized in that the smart tag is configured to comprise and send out command data intended to selectively control a device of a multiplicity of different type devices autonomously and wirelessly.

Claims

1. A system comprising at least one smart tag for animals and a multiplicity of devices that are configured to have an interaction with the animals, wherein ones of the at least one smart tag comprise: a transmitting and receiving apparatus, a processor, a memory, and a sensor; wherein the ones of the at least one smart tag are configured to wirelessly and autonomously transmit command data that selectively controls a device of a multiplicity of different type devices.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the smart tag is configured to selectively control a device of a multiplicity of different type devices directly, autonomously and wirelessly.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the multiplicity of different type devices comprises a controllable automatic feeder, wherein the command data are configured to autonomously control the automatic feeder, and wherein the command data relate to an amount of feed and a moment when a portion of feed is provided by the automatic feeder.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein the command data are configured to autonomously control the automatic feeder in order that a desired kind of feed is dispensed in accordance with an animal identification associated with the one of the at least one smart tag.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the multiplicity of devices comprises a controllable access apparatus, wherein the command data are configured to autonomously control the controllable access apparatus, and wherein the command data relate to controlling whether the controllable access apparatus is in an open state.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the multiplicity of devices comprises a controllable milking robot, wherein the command data are configured to autonomously control the controllable milking robot, and wherein the command data relate to controlling activation of the controllable milking robot in relation to the at least one smart tag.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein the smart tag is configured such that at least a part of transmitted command data is determined in accordance with cooperative operation of the sensor and the processor.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein the transmitting and receiving apparatus comprises a resonant circuit that responds by selectively sending out command data when the smart tag is introduced into an electromagnetic interrogation field, wherein the selectively sending depends on a code of the interrogation field, and wherein, the resonant circuit is at least one technology taken from the group consisting of: an LF technology; an acoustic technology configured to receive sound and in response to the received sound to respond by selectively sending out the command data, said selection depending on the content of the received sound; and an optical technology configured to receive light and in response to the received light to respond by selectively sending out the command data, said selection depending on the content of the received light.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein, in use, each of the devices is configured to send out an interrogation field with a code representing a type of device or an identity of the device.

10. The system according to claim 1, wherein the smart tag is configured to: receive information from the device of the multiplicity of different type devices, and store the information in the memory so that the received information can be obtained from the smart tag.

11. The system according to claim 1, wherein the system further comprises a central computer, while the smart tag is configured to build up a communicative connection with the central computer and/or that the smart tag is configured to build up a communicative connection with a cloud service.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein the communicative connection with the central computer and/or the cloud service comprises a Wi-Fi connection and/or internet.

13. The system according to claim 11, wherein the smart tag is configured to send data obtained with the at least one sensor to the central computer and/or the cloud service.

14. The system according to claim 10, wherein the smart tag is configured to send data obtained from the device to at least one networked system taken from the group consisting of: a central computer, and a cloud service.

15. The system according to claim 11, further comprising a central computer and/or a cloud service that is configured, on the basis of the received data obtained with the at least one sensor, to determine a status of the animal.

16. The system according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of the command data is received by the smart tag with the aid of a transceiver.

17. The system according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of the command data have been determined with the aid of the at least one sensor and the at least one processor.

18. The system according to claim 10, wherein at least a part of the command data have been determined with the aid of the processor on the basis of data obtained from the device.

19. The system according to claim 1, wherein the processor comprises a neural network.

20. The system according to claim 1, wherein the smart tag is configured, on the basis of data obtained with the sensor, to determine a status of an animal and store information about the status of the animal in the memory.

21. A smart tag for animals, for use in a system comprising a multiplicity of devices that are configured to have an interaction with the animals, wherein the smart tag comprises: a transmitting and receiving apparatus, a processor, a memory, and a sensor wherein the ones of the at least one smart tag are configured to wirelessly and autonomously transmit command data that selectively controls a device of a multiplicity of different type devices.

22. The smart tag according to claim 21, wherein the smart tag is configured to selectively control a device of a multiplicity of different type devices directly, autonomously and wirelessly.

23. The smart tag according to claim 21, wherein the command data are configured for at least one task taken from the group consisting of: autonomously controlling an automatic feeder, while the command data relate to the amount of feed and the moment when a portion of feed can be provided by the automatic feeder to an animal wearing the smart tag; autonomously controlling the automatic feeder in order that only a desired kind of feed is dispensed to the animal wearing the smart tag; autonomously controlling an access such as a separation gate and determining whether and more particularly when the access can be opened; and autonomously controlling a milking robot and determining whether and, if so, when an animal wearing the smart tag can be milked.

24. The smart tag according to claim 21, wherein at least a part of the command data is determined in accordance with cooperative operation of the sensor and the processor.

25. The smart tag according to claim 21, wherein the smart tag incorporates at least one wireless technologies taken from the group consisting of: a resonant circuit that responds by selectively sending out command data when the smart tag is introduced into an electromagnetic interrogation field, while the selection depends on a code of the interrogation field; acoustic technology for receiving sound and in response to the received sound to respond by selectively sending out the command data, said selection depending on the content of the received sound; and optical technology for receiving light and in response to the received light to respond by selectively sending out the command data, said selection depending on the content of the received light.

26. The smart tag according to claim 21, wherein the smart tag is configured to receive information from at least one of the devices and store the information in the memory, and that the smart tag is configured to determine at least a part of the command data with the aid of the processor on the basis of data obtained from one of the devices.

27. The smart tag according to claim 21, wherein the processor comprises a neural network.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0026] The invention will be discussed below on the basis of specific embodiments thereof, not intended as limiting, with reference to the appended figures, in which:

[0027] FIG. 1 shows a schematic overview of a system according to the present invention;

[0028] FIG. 2 shows a further schematic representation of the operation of the system according to the present invention;

[0029] FIG. 3 shows the application of a system according to the present invention to a milking robot.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a system 1 according to the present invention. The system 1 comprises a multiplicity of labels or smart tags 3. Each of the smart tags 3 is coupled to an animal for use on a farm, for example. Each smart tag 3 contains a unique identification code belonging to the respective animal wearing the smart tag 3. The smart tag 3 may for instance be worn on the collar of an animal or, for example, as an ear tag. This is not further shown in FIG. 1. The smart tag 3 according to the present invention comprises a processor 6 and a memory 5 for data storage. Also, the smart tag 3 is provided with a battery or power supply 8. This can be, for example, a button cell or other type of battery. The smart tag 3 is further provided with a transmitting and receiving apparatus 7 which is coupled with an antenna 9 for wirelessly transmitting data. While not shown in FIG. 1, the smart tag 3 may further be provided with a resonant circuit for data transfer in a manner known per se. Such a resonant circuit is then, similarly to the antenna 9, coupled to the transmitting and receiving apparatus for sending and receiving data. The processor 6 may be physically or wirelessly coupled with one or more sensors 12 which are in communication with the respective animal, or which make particular ambient parameters measurable. Thus, sensor 12 can be, for example, a temperature sensor which reflects the internal temperature of the animal. Also, it is possible that sensor 12 is an optical sensor for measuring blood levels, or a motion sensor for establishing movements to be made by the animal, or a sensor with which the proximity of other smart tags 3 can be established.

[0031] The smart tags 3 may, in this last instance, also communicate directly with each other via the antenna 9 in order to be able to establish the proximity of one or more smart tags in the vicinity of smart tag 3. Wireless communication via the transmitting and receiving apparatus 7 and antenna 9 is schematically represented in FIG. 1 by two double-headed arrows. According to the figure, the smart tag 3 communicates, for example, with a central computer unit 20 which is in communication with a wide area network 25. The wide area network (WAN) may be, for example, the internet, or may be a data communication network such as UMTS or GPRS. The wireless communication via antenna 9 with the different devices 15, 16, 17 and 20 can take place in different manners. According to a preferred embodiment, the data communication can take place via a local Wi-Fi network. Also, it is possible that the transmitting and receiving apparatus 7 itself sets up a local Wi-Fi network which belongs to the smart tag 3. Other devices, such as the central server 20 or the devices 15, 16 and 17 can thus communicate directly with the smart tag 3 via the Wi-Fi network set up by the smart tag 3. Communication via protocols other than Wi-Fi is also possible. Thus, use can also be made of known active or passive tags provided with resonant circuits. Also data communication via communication protocols for data communication via a mobile network can be used for transmitting data. In this last instance, each smart tag 3 then needs to be implemented, for example, with a SIM card. A person skilled in the art will appreciate in what way the data communication between the different devices in a system 1 according to the present invention can take place.

[0032] The devices 15, 16 and 17 can be a multiplicity of different devices which are in and around the farm. Thus, device 15 can be a milking robot, device 16 a feeding station, and device 17 a separation gate. Data communication with other devices than the aforementioned specific devices that are used on farms, can also take place. In the present description, frequently reference is made to the use on a farm with cows. However, the system according to the present invention can also be applied for managing farm processes with other animals than cows, such as: pigs, horses, chicken, goats, sheep, et cetera. One of the devices 15, 16 or 17 on a chicken farm may for example be a laying station, while milking robots such as milking robot 15 may also be used on a farm with sheep or goats.

[0033] FIG. 2 schematically shows the operation of a system 1 according to the present invention. In FIG. 2 a multiplicity of cows 35-1, 35-2, 35-3, 35-4 and 35-5 can be seen. Each of the cows 35-1 through 35-5 is provided with a smart tag 3-1, 3-2, 3-3, 3-4 and 3-5. The smart tags 3-1 through 3-5 are similar smart tags to the smart tag 3 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 shows the space on the farm which is divided into four mutually separated areas, including the areas 29, 31, 32 and 33. In area 31 is feeding station 16 which is in communication with a trough 37. Area 32 is a separation area in which cows 35 can be isolated for particular reasons (for example, in calf, medical check, insemination). Area 33 concerns a milking parlor in which there is a milking robot 15. Area 29 is an approaching zone for cows 35, for approaching function areas 31, 32 and 33. The cows 35-1 through 35-5 are individually guided to the different areas 31, 32 and 33 via automatically operable separation gates 38-1, 38-2 and 38-3. When cow 35-3 approaches the separation gates 38-1 through 38-3 from area 29, the gate 38-1 is opened so that cow 35-3 can enter the milking parlor 33. In FIG. 2 cow 35-3 is in the milking parlor 33. Cow 35-5 has been separated and is in separation zone 32. Cow 35-4 is in the feeding zone 31.

[0034] Each of the cows 35-1 through 35-5 wears an individual smart tag 3-1 through 3-5. The smart tags 3-1 through 3-5 are each provided with a unique identification code with which the respective cow can be recognized. When cow 35-2 approaches the separation gates 38-1 through 38-3, the smart tag 3-2 that belongs to the cow 35-2 is in the interrogation field 40 (represented by a dotted line) which is set up by the control unit 39 with which the separation gates 38-1 through 38-3 are operated. The interrogation field 40 is created with the aid of antenna 41. The smart tag 3-2 is provided with a resonant circuit and in response to the picking up of the interrogation field 40 the smart tag 3-2 sends command data for the opening of one of the gates 38-1 through 38-3. Cow 35-2 has already been milked earlier that day and proceeds to the separation gates to be fed. The smart tag 3-2 is aware that the cow 35-2 has been milked by the milking robot 15 earlier that day, and establishes that separation gate 38-1 does not need to be opened. Furthermore, the smart tag 3-2 knows at what time the cow 35-2 last ate (the evening before) and can determine that it is time for cow 35-2 to be fed. As, furthermore, there are no specific details regarding cow 35-2 that necessitate separation of the cow, the smart tag 3-2 sends command data to unit 39 for the opening of gate 38-2. The control unit 39 for operating the separation gates 38-1 through 38-3 thereupon opens separation gate 38-2 which provides access to the feeding area 31. The cow 35-2 will thereupon enter the feeding area 31.

[0035] The cow 35-1, approaching behind cow 35-2, also approaches the control unit 39 for separation gates. Cow 35-1, too, has been milked earlier that day and proceeds in the direction of the feeding area 31. However, the smart tag 3-1 of cow 35-1 contains an algorithm on the ground of which the smart tag can establish whether cow 35-1 is estrous. From the algorithm it follows that cow 35-1 is probably estrous. Furthermore, smart tag 3-1 of cow 35-1 has recorded which smart tags of other cows and bulls were in the vicinity of cow 35-1 earlier that day. From this information, the processor 6 of smart tag 3-1 can gather that one of the bulls has gone near cow 35-1 noticeably often. The estrus of cow 35-1 can now be established with reasonably great certainty and the smart tag 3-1 hence knows that cow 35-1 is estrous and should be separated. Upon approach of the interrogation field 40, the processor 6 of the smart tag 3-1, as soon as the smart tag 3-1 is within the interrogation field 40, sends command data for the opening of separation gate 38-3. These command data are received by control unit 39, and separation gate 38-3 is opened. Inside the separation zone 32 cow 35-1 will be fed separately, and also insemination can take place.

[0036] FIG. 3 is a schematic outline of a milking robot 15 within a system 1 according to the present invention. FIG. 3 shows cow 35 which is provided with a smart tag 3. The smart tag 3 contains a memory 5, processor 6, transmitting and receiving apparatus 7 and antenna 9. Also, the smart tag 3 is connected with a sensor 12. This can be an internal or external sensor of the smart tag 3. The sensor 12 may be, for example, a motion sensor with which movements of the cow 35 can be established to enable an assessment to be made of the behaviors of the cow 35. The milking robot 15 is also provided with an antenna 54 with which an interrogation field can be applied and command data can be received. In alternative embodiments, the interrogation field may be absent and, for example, an optical signal may be generated, such as, for example, an infrared signal, which can be received by the smart tag 3. Also, it is possible with the aid of, for example, ultrasonic sound, to establish the proximity of the milking robot 15 in the vicinity of the smart tag 3. The invention is not limited to the use of an interrogation field. When the cow 35 with its smart tag 3 is in the interrogation field of milking robot 15, the milking robot will automatically attach teat liners 52 to the udders of cow 35. To this end, the smart tag 3 sends command data to the milking robot 15 in order for the teat liners 52 to be attached. After the milking robot has correctly attached the teat liners 52 to the udders of cow 35, milking robot 15 sends the smart tag 3 a confirmation signal after which the smart tag 3 sends command data to the milking robot for starting the milking procedure. In response, milking robot 15 will start milking of cow 35.

[0037] The milk is received by the milking robot via receiving unit 50 and then passed on to milk reservoir 55 via line 61. Halfway line 61 is an electrically controllable valve 64 which is controllable with control unit 60. Control unit 60 is also provided with an antenna with which command data from the smart tag 3 can be received. When no special health status of cow 35 is known, the milk 56 which has been received by receiving unit 50 will be passed on via valve 64 to line 62 so that it reaches the reservoir 55. When, however, cow 35 is in calf or has just calved, it is possible that the milk 56 is temporarily not suitable for human consumption, and should be separated by the milking robot 15 from the other milk. In that case, the smart tag 3 knows about the gestation of cow 35, and gives control unit 60 the instruction to set valve 64 such that the milk 56 of cow 35 is conducted via line 63 to alternative reservoir 55′. Upon termination of the milking procedure, milking robot 15 sends a confirmation of the termination of the procedure to smart tag 3, and also passes on the amount of milk drawn. This is stored in the memory 5 and can be forwarded in a later stage to a central computer for administrative purposes.

[0038] Given below are a series of numbered examples of embodiments of the present invention. Example 1 concerns a system comprising at least one smart tag for animals on the farm and a multiplicity of devices which are configured to have an interaction with the animals, the smart tag being provided with at least one transmitting and receiving apparatus, at least one processor, at least one memory and at least one sensor which are communicatively connected with each other, characterized in that the smart tag is configured to comprise and send out command data intended to selectively control a device of a multiplicity of different type devices autonomously and wirelessly.

[0039] Example 2 concerns a system according to example 1, characterized in that the smart tag is configured to selectively control a device of a multiplicity of different type devices directly, autonomously and wirelessly. Example 3 concerns a system according to example 1 or 2, characterized in that the multiplicity of devices comprises at least one controllable automatic feeder, wherein the command data are configured to autonomously control the automatic feeder and relate to the amount of feed and the moment when a portion of feed can be provided by the automatic feeder to an animal wearing the smart tag. Example 4 concerns a system according to example 3, characterized in that the command data are configured to autonomously control the automatic feeder in order that only a desired kind of feed is dispensed to the animal wearing the smart tag.

[0040] Example 5 concerns a system according to any one of the preceding numbered examples, characterized in that the multiplicity of devices comprises at least one controllable access such as a separation gate, while the command data are configured to autonomously control the access and determine whether and more particularly when the access can be opened. Example 6 concerns a system according to any one of the preceding numbered examples, characterized in that the multiplicity of devices comprises at least one controllable milking robot, while the command data are configured to autonomously control a milking robot and determine whether and, if so, when an animal wearing the smart tag can be milked. Example 7 concerns a system according to any one of the preceding numbered examples, characterized in that the smart tag is so configured that at least a part of the command data has been determined with the aid of the at least one sensor and the at least one processor.

[0041] Example 8 concerns a system according to any one of the preceding numbered examples, characterized in that: the transmitting and receiving means comprise a resonant circuit which responds by selectively sending out command data when the smart tag is introduced into an electromagnetic interrogation field, while the selection depends on a code of the interrogation field, and in particular the responding of the resonant circuit is based on LF technology; or the label is configured to receive sound and in response to the received sound to respond by selectively sending out the command data, said selection depending on the content of the received sound; or the label is configured to receive light and in response to the received light to respond by selectively sending out the command data, said selection depending on the content of the received light. Example 9 concerns a system according to example 8, characterized in that, in use, each of the devices is configured to send out an interrogation field with a code representing the type of device or an identity of the device.

[0042] Example 10 concerns a system according to any one of the preceding numbered examples, characterized in that the smart tag is configured to receive information from at least one of the devices and store the information in the memory so that in particular this information can be read out at the smart tag later. Example 11 concerns a system according to any one of the preceding numbered examples, characterized in that the system further comprises a central computer, while the smart tag is configured to build up a communicative connection with the central computer and/or that the smart tag is configured to build up a communicative connection with a cloud service. Example 12 concerns a system according to example 11, characterized in that the communicative connection with the central computer and/or the cloud service comprises a Wi-Fi connection and/or internet. Example 13 concerns a system according to example 11 or 12, characterized in that the smart tag is configured to send data obtained with the at least one sensor to the central computer and/or the cloud service. Example 14 concerns a system according to example 10 and example 11, 12, or 13, characterized in that the smart tag is configured to send data obtained from one of the devices to the central computer and/or the cloud service.

[0043] Example 15 concerns a system according to any one of the numbered examples 11-14, characterized in that the central computer and/or the cloud service is configured, on the basis of the received data obtained with the at least one sensor, to determine a status of the animal. Example 16 concerns a system according to any one of the preceding numbered examples, characterized in that at least a part of the command data have been received by the smart tag with the aid of the transmitting and receiving means.

[0044] Example 17 concerns a system according to any one of the preceding numbered examples, characterized in that at least a part of the command data have been determined with the aid of the at least one sensor and the at least one processor. Example 18 concerns a system according to at least example 10, characterized in that at least a part of the command data have been determined with the aid of the processor on the basis of data obtained from one of the devices. Example 19 concerns a system according to any one of the preceding numbered examples, characterized in that the at least one processor comprises at least one neural network. Example 20 concerns a system according to any one of the preceding numbered examples, characterized in that the smart tag is configured, on the basis of data obtained with the at least one sensor, to determine a status of the animal and possibly store information about the status in the memory.

[0045] Example 21 concerns a smart tag for animals on the farm, provided with at least one transmitting and receiving apparatus, at least one processor, at least one memory and at least one sensor which are communicatively connected with each other, characterized in that the smart tag is configured to comprise command data intended to autonomously and selectively control a device of a multiplicity of different type devices wirelessly. Example 22 concerns a smart tag according to example 21, characterized in that the smart tag is configured to selectively control a device of a multiplicity of different type devices directly, autonomously and wirelessly. Example 23 concerns a smart tag according to example 21 or 22, characterized in that the command data are configured to autonomously control an automatic feeder and relate to the amount of feed and the moment when a portion of feed can be provided by the automatic feeder to an animal wearing the smart tag.

[0046] Example 24 concerns a smart tag according to example 23, characterized in that the command data are configured to autonomously control the automatic feeder in order that only a desired kind of feed is dispensed to the animal wearing the smart tag. Example 25 concerns a smart tag according to any one of the numbered examples 21-24, characterized in that the command data are configured to autonomously control an access such as a separation gate and determine whether and more particularly when the access can be opened. Example 26 concerns a smart tag according to any one of the numbered examples 21-25, characterized in that the command data are configured to autonomously control a milking robot and determine whether and, if so, when an animal wearing the smart tag can be milked. Example 27 concerns a smart tag according to any one of the preceding numbered examples 21-26, characterized in that at least a part of the command data has been determined with the aid of the at least one sensor and the at least one processor. Example 28 concerns a smart tag according to any one of the preceding numbered examples 21-27, characterized in that the transmitting and receiving means comprise a resonant circuit which responds by selectively sending out command data when the smart tag is introduced into an electromagnetic interrogation field, while the selection depends on a code of the interrogation field, and in particular the responding of the resonant circuit is based on LF technology; the label is configured to receive sound and in response to the received sound to respond by selectively sending out the command data, the selection depending on the content of the received sound; or the label is configured to receive light and in response to the received light to respond by selectively sending out the command data, the selection depending on the content of the received light.

[0047] Example 29 concerns a smart tag according to any one of the preceding numbered examples 21-28, characterized in that the smart tag is configured to receive information from at least one of the devices and store the information in the memory so that in particular this information can be read out at the smart tag later. Example 30 concerns a smart tag according to any one of the preceding numbered examples 21-29, characterized in that the smart tag is configured to build up a communicative connection with a central computer and/or that the smart tag is configured to build up a communicative connection with a cloud service. Example 31 concerns a smart tag according to example 30, characterized in that the communicative connection with the central computer and/or the cloud service comprises a Wi-Fi connection and/or internet. Example 32 concerns a smart tag according to example 30 or 31, characterized in that the smart tag is configured to send data obtained with the at least one sensor to the central computer and/or the cloud service. Example 33 concerns a smart tag according to example 29 and example 30, 31, or 32, characterized in that the smart tag is configured to send data obtained from one of the devices to the central computer and/or the cloud service.

[0048] Example 34 concerns a smart tag according to any one of the preceding numbered examples 21-33, characterized in that the smart tag is configured, in use, to receive at least a part of the command data with the aid of the transmitting and receiving means. Example 35 concerns a smart tag according to any one of the preceding numbered examples 21-34, characterized in that the smart tag is configured to determine at least a part of the command data with the aid of the at least one sensor and the at least one processor. Example 36 concerns a smart tag according to at least example 29 and possibly one or more of the numbered examples 21-28, 30-35, characterized in that the smart tag is configured to determine at least a part of the command data with the aid of the processor on the basis of data obtained from one of the devices. Example 37 concerns a smart tag according to any one of the preceding numbered examples 21-36, characterized in that the at least one processor comprises at least one neural network. Example 38 concerns a smart tag according to any one of the preceding numbered examples 21-37, characterized in that the smart tag is configured, on the basis of data obtained with the at least one sensor, to determine a status of the animal and possibly store information about the status in the memory.

[0049] The above-described specific embodiments of the invention are intended to illustrate the principle of the invention. The invention is only limited by the following claims.