Livestock position determination

Abstract

Methods of determining livestock location based on received signal strength indication (RSSI). One embodiment includes a method comprising: receiving a first reading of a livestock electronic identification tag attached to a livestock from a first electronic tag reader; calculating a RSSI of the first reading; and determining a location of the livestock based on the RSSI. Another embodiment includes a method comprising: receiving a first reading of a first livestock electronic identification tag attached to a first livestock; calculating a received signal strength indication (RSSI) of the first reading; receiving a second reading of a second livestock electronic identification tag attached to a second livestock; calculating a RSSI of the second reading; and determining a location of the first livestock based on the RSSI of the first reading and the RSSI of the second reading.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to determination of the position of livestock. BACKGROUND

[0002] Electronic identification tags for livestock can be used for identification of livestock. The tags are firmly attached to the livestock, typically in the ear of the livestock. By reading the tags, the livestock can be uniquely identified. SUMMARY

[0003] In a first exemplary embodiment, a method is provided, the method comprising: receiving a first reading of a livestock electronic identification tag attached to a livestock from a first electronic tag reader; calculating a received signal strength indication (RSSI) of the first reading; and determining a position of the livestock based on the RSSI.

[0004] In a second exemplary embodiment, a method is provided, the method comprising: receiving a first reading of a first livestock electronic identification tag attached to a first livestock; calculating a received signal strength indication (RSSI) of the first reading; receiving a second reading of a second livestock electronic identification tag attached to a second livestock; calculating a received signal strength indication of the second reading; and determining a position of the first livestock based on the RSSI of the first reading and the RSSI of the second reading. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0005] The invention is described below by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which are shown some embodiments of the invention. These embodiments are described only by way of example. The invention is not limited to the specific details described here.

[0006] Figure 1 is a diagram of an exemplary method for determining a position of livestock according to a first embodiment;

[0007] Figure 2 is a livestock tag reading system that can use the method of Figure 1 is a diagram of a livestock tag reading system that can use the method of

[0008] Figure 3 is a diagram of an exemplary method for determining a position of livestock according to a second embodiment; and

[0009] Figure 4 is a livestock tag reading system that can use the method of Figure 3 is a diagram of a livestock tag reading system that can use the method of DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] In some embodiments, a method for determining the location of livestock and thereby the location of the livestock to which the tag is attached is provided. A first reading of an electronic tag attached to a livestock is received by a first tag reader. The RSSI of the first reading is calculated. The location of the electronic tag is then determined based on the RSSI. In other embodiments, a method for identifying the location of a livestock electronic identification tag at a specified location is provided. A first reading of a first tag attached to a first livestock and a second reading of a second tag attached to a second livestock are received by a reader. Based on the RSSI of each reading, the location of the first livestock (at least relative to the second livestock) can be deduced.

[0011] Using RSSI allows the tag to be associated with a location. In different situations, this can be used to identify the location of a particular livestock, or to identify the livestock at a particular location.

[0012] For example, some feedlots have multiple races at the entrance or exit, and each race has a reader to read the tags of the livestock passing through the race. Different livestock travel in parallel in different races. This increases throughput compared to a feedlot with only one entrance or exit. However, because the races are close together, there is a risk of cross-reading, that is, a reader can read the tag on a livestock in an adjacent race. This makes it difficult to determine which race the livestock passed through. However, the read RSSI of a livestock electronic identification tag typically decreases with increasing distance, so the RSSI of a reading by a reader close to the tag is typically higher than the RSSI of a reading by a reader further away from the tag. When a livestock passes through a race, its tag should be closer to the reader of that race than to the readers of any other race. Therefore, RSSI can be used to determine the location of the tag, and thereby the location of the livestock to which the tag is attached.

[0013] Determining the location of livestock: first embodiment

[0014] Figure 1 An exemplary method for determining the location of livestock is shown. The method is performed using a system comprising at least one electronic tag reader.

[0015] In step 101, the electronic tag reader transmits an energising signal. The energising signal is used to power a livestock electronic identification tag attached to a livestock. The energising signal can be generated periodically, for example once every 100ms, and can be active for a predetermined portion of the cycle, for example 40% of the cycle.

[0016] In step 102, an electronic tag reader (which can be the same electronic tag reader that performed step 101) receives a first reading of a livestock electronic identification tag. The reading includes an identifier, such as a 96-bit electronic product code. The identifier is used to uniquely identify the livestock to which it is attached. For example, if multiple livestock electronic identification tags are attached to the same animal, each tag has the same identifier.

[0017] In step 103, the received signal strength indication (RSSI) of the reading is calculated. This can be performed by the electronic tag reader that performed step 102 or a separate controller. The RSSI reflects the strength of the signal received from the tag. The stronger the signal, the greater the RSSI. The RSSI can be calculated as a function of the signal power level (e.g., in milliwatts or milliwatts decibels). The RSSI tends to vary with distance. Thus, all else being equal, the RSSI of a tag that is closer to the reader tends to be greater than the RSSI of a tag that is farther from the reader.

[0018] In some cases, the RSSI is a relative number, such as the signal strength relative to the average signal strength (possibly over a recent period of time) received by the reader. In this case, a positive RSSI means that the signal strength of the received reading is greater than the average signal strength.

[0019] In step 104, the location of the livestock is determined based on the RSSI. This can be performed by the controller.

[0020] The location can be a relatively coarse area, such as a pen in a feedlot or a lane in a multi-lane tag reader system. In some cases, the areas are associated with one of multiple readers. For example, each pen or lane has a corresponding reader.

[0021] When a single reader has one or more readings of a tag, the RSSI of the one or more readings can be used to determine whether the tag is located at the location corresponding to the reader. In some cases, the tag is determined to be located at the location if the RSSI of at least one of the readings is above a threshold. The threshold can be determined based on an expected threshold distance. Since a greater RSSI tends to mean that the tag is closer to the reader, a more definitive determination can be made when the tag is closer to the reader if the threshold is higher.

[0022] In other cases, the RSSI can be used to estimate the distance between the tag and the reader. The RSSI is generally correlated with the distance between the tag and the reader. Using this correlation, an approximate distance between the tag and the reader can be calculated. For example, a model trained on RSSI sample values and corresponding distances can be used.

[0023] Thus, the use of RSSI can more accurately determine the location of the livestock electronic identification tag, and thus the location of the livestock.

[0024] When each of the plurality of readers has one or more readings and each reader is associated with a different location, the RSSI can be used to determine the location of the tag. In some cases, the location is determined based on the reading with the highest RSSI.

[0025] However, in some cases, the location can be determined based on multiple readings to improve accuracy. Thus, each reading can be considered together to determine the location.

[0026] For example, if readings are received from multiple readers in a sequence of readers, the RSSI can form a curve, with the maximum of the curve corresponding to the reader in the center of the sequence of readers. In this case, the location of the tag can be the location of the center reader.

[0027] In some cases, the location determination occurs in real time. This is applicable when some parts of the reader system are automatically controlled based on the readings. In some configurations, the livestock can enter a raceway with exit gates closed. Upon reading the tag of the livestock, the corresponding gate opens, allowing the livestock to exit the raceway. This system requires real-time determination of the location of the electronic tag (with a latency of less than a few seconds) for the system to operate effectively.

[0028] In some cases, the determination occurs substantially after the readings are received. Each reading is stored. These readings can be stored locally in the memory of the reader. Alternatively, the readings can be transmitted to a remote device, such as a controller. The remote device can receive the readings from multiple readers and determine the location based on the multiple readings.

[0029] For example, after all the livestock have passed through a reader system with multiple raceways, the readings can be analyzed to determine the path of the livestock through the system, and in particular, the raceway through which the livestock passed.

[0030] Behavior and movement

[0031] The above techniques can be used to determine the location of the tag (and thus the location of the livestock to which the tag is attached).

[0032] In some cases, other information can be determined based on the RSSI.

[0033] The tag is typically attached to the head of the livestock (e.g., the ear). Thus, the RSSI is typically related to the distance between the head of the livestock and the reader.

[0034] In some cases, this can be used to determine the behavior of the animal, for example, whether the animal places its head in a particular location, such as a feeding trough or water point. If the reader is positioned at or below that location, the RSSI will typically increase as the animal lowers its head (e.g., to eat or drink). This can be used to help distinguish when the animal is eating or drinking, as opposed to merely standing near the feeding trough or water point.

[0035] In some embodiments, the location of the tag (and thus the animal) can be monitored at all times. This monitoring can show changes in location, which indicate direction, path, or movement or lack thereof. This can then be used to track the movement of the animal using a series of readings by the reader system or other infrastructure.

[0036] Tag reading system

[0037] The above method is applicable in the case of an electronic tag reading system having multiple lanes. The system can be positioned at an entrance or exit to different areas within a farm or pasture, or when loading or unloading animals from a transport vehicle such as a truck. Using multiple lanes can increase throughput. Multiple lanes can also be used to segregate a group of animals into different areas, with a first lane leading to a first area and a second lane leading to a second area.

[0038] With only a single lane, determining the location of the animal in the tag reading system is relatively simple, as the animal must be in the lane. However, with multiple lanes, the determination is no longer accurate, as a reader in a first lane can inadvertently read a tag on an animal in a second lane. These "cross- reads" mean that the readings of the readers at a particular location do not directly correspond to the location of the animal. Thus, it is very useful to determine the location of the animal through the tag reading system (i.e., the lane through which the animal is traveling).

[0039] Figure 2 An exemplary tag reading system 200 is shown having three lanes 201, 202, 203 in sequence. Each lane 201, 202, 203 has a pair of opposing lane walls that define the path of the lane 201, 202, 203. In some cases, the lane walls can be shared with adjacent lanes 201, 202, 203. The width of each lane 201, 202, 203 can be only slightly larger than the maximum expected width of the animal, to encourage the animals to line up and travel through the lanes 201, 202, 203 in single file, which can improve the accuracy of the tag readings.

[0040] One or more readers 211, 212, 213 are associated with each raceway. Each reader 211, 212, 213 can be mounted within the raceway wall of each respective raceway 201, 202, 203. For example, the coil of a reader can pass through two opposing raceway walls of a respective raceway. Such an arrangement can provide a generally uniform magnetic field across the raceway 201, 202, 203, for example, by operating in a Helmholtz configuration.

[0041] In use, livestock enter the raceway 201, 202, 203 via an entrance, then pass the respective reader 211, 212, 213 and exit the raceway 201, 202, 203 via an exit. As the livestock passes, one or more of the readers 211, 212, 213 generates one or more readings of the tag of the livestock. Each of these readings has a different RSSI depending on the distance between the tag of the livestock and the respective reader.

[0042] For example, as shown in Figure 2, a livestock animal 220 is in the raceway 202. The readers 211, 212 and 213 each receive a reading from the livestock electronic identification tag 230 attached to the ear of the livestock animal 220. The reader 212 can obtain a first reading with a relatively high RSSI because the distance between the livestock identification tag 230 and the reader 212 is relatively close. The reader 213 can obtain a second reading with a relatively low RSSI because the distance between the livestock identification tag 230 and the reader 213 is relatively far. The reader 211 can not obtain a reading at all. Figure 2

[0043] The readings can be transmitted to a controller 250, either wired or wirelessly. The controller 250 can analyse the readings in real time or after a delay to determine the position of the tag, and hence the position of the livestock animal to which the tag is attached.

[0044] Thus, by using RSSI to distinguish between readings of the same tag, the position of the livestock animal can be determined (i.e. the raceway).

[0045] In some cases, the tag reading system can include physical structures to increase signal attenuation. This can further reduce the RSSI with distance, and hence improve the overall accuracy of the position determination.

[0046] ​For example, a shielding device 241, 242 can be provided between adjacent raceways. Thus, a shielding device 241 can be located between raceways 201 and 202, and a shielding device 242 can be located between raceways 202 and 203. The shielding device can be configured to block electromagnetic signals and / or radio frequency signals, and thereby cause the strength of signals passing between the raceways to attenuate. For example, a metal mesh of copper or steel or the like can be provided on or in the raceway walls of the respective raceways. Thus, a cross read (i.e. a reader in a first raceway reading a tag in a second raceway) results in a RSSI significantly lower than a tag reading in the same raceway.

[0047] Determination of livestock position: second embodiment

[0048] Figure 3 An exemplary method for determining the position of livestock according to the second embodiment is shown. The method is performed using a system comprising at least one electronic tag reader. The electronic tag reader is configured to read livestock at a particular location. This location becomes a reading zone. Alternatively, the location can be relative to other livestock. For example, the position of a first livestock can be ahead of a second livestock in a line.

[0049] In step 301, the electronic tag reader transmits an energising signal. The energising signal is used to power a livestock electronic identification tag attached to a livestock (e.g. a livestock in the reading zone). The energising signal can be generated periodically, for example once every 100 ms, and can last for a pre-set portion of the period, for example 40% of the period.

[0050] In step 302, the electronic tag reader (which can be the same electronic tag reader that performed step 101) receives a first reading of a first livestock electronic identification tag. The reading includes a first identifier, such as a 96-bit EPC. The identifier is used to uniquely identify the livestock to which it is attached. For example, if multiple livestock electronic identification tags are attached to the same livestock, each tag has the same identifier.

[0051] In step 303, the received signal strength indication (RSSI) of the first reading is calculated. This can be performed by the electronic tag reader that performed step 302 or a separate controller. The RSSI reflects the strength of the signal received from the tag. The stronger the signal, the greater the RSSI. The RSSI can be calculated as a function of the signal power level (e.g. in milliwatts or milliwatts decibels). The RSSI tends to vary with distance. Thus, all else being equal, a tag that is closer to the reader tends to have a greater RSSI than a tag that is further away from the reader.

[0052] In step 304, a second reading of the second livestock electronic identification tag is received by an electronic tag reader (which can be the same electronic tag reader that performed step 102). This can occur in the same manner as step 302 and simultaneously with step 302. The second reading includes a second identifier that is different to the first identifier.

[0053] As two (or more) readings are received, each with a different identifier, it is not possible to determine the read zone of the livestock. This can occur when the livestock are very close together or due to infrastructure or other environmental conditions that cause the signal reading of the second tag to be further than expected.

[0054] In step 305, the RSSI of the second reading is calculated. This can be performed by the electronic tag reader that performed step 304 or a separate controller. Otherwise, it can occur in the same manner as step 303 and simultaneously with step 305.

[0055] In step 306, the position of the first livestock is determined based on the RSSI of the first reading and the RSSI of the second reading.

[0056] For example, it can be determined that the first livestock is "within the read zone" or "outside the read zone". Alternatively, it can be determined that the first livestock is in front of the second livestock.

[0057] In some cases, this can be achieved by selecting the reading with the highest RSSI. As the reader is configured to read from the read zone (and therefore, the reader can be close to the read zone), the RSSI of a reading from a tag in the read zone can be higher than a reading from a tag outside the read zone. Therefore, if the RSSI of the first reading is the highest, it can be determined that the first livestock is within the read zone. Otherwise, it can be determined that the first livestock is outside the read zone.

[0058] If multiple readings are obtained over time, this can assist in determining the position of the first livestock relative to the second livestock. For example, if multiple readings are taken at a fixed period, the RSSI of a reading of a particular tag can increase as it gets closer to the reader and then decrease as it gets further away from the reader. Therefore, the RSSI can form a RSSI curve over time. By comparing the curves of the first tag and the second tag over time, the queue of livestock past the reader can be determined. That is, the curve with the maximum occurring earlier is associated with the livestock appearing earlier in the queue. From this, the relative position of the livestock can be determined.

[0059] In this way, the RSSI of one or more readings can be used to determine the position of the livestock. This enables the livestock to be identified within a predetermined location, such as a read zone.

[0060] Tag reading system

[0061] The above method is applicable in the case of a set point of the tag reading system where a line of livestock passes.

[0062] For example, in a slaughterhouse, livestock is hung on hooks at regular intervals. These hooks pass through a predetermined position reading zone for determining the livestock moving through the point of the slaughterhouse.

[0063] In some cases, the tags of two or more livestock are read simultaneously. This occurs in the case where the excitation signal of the reader is strong enough to power multiple tags. This can also be influenced by infrastructure that conducts the signal further than intended.

[0064] Upon receiving readings of multiple tags, there is a risk that the livestock is not correctly identified. This can affect the traceability of the livestock, where the reader identifies a first livestock as a second livestock.

[0065] Furthermore, in some cases, a line of livestock can only pass through a reading zone once the current livestock in the reading zone has been identified. Such a system requires accurate identification of the livestock to function effectively.

[0066] Figure 4 An exemplary tag reading system that can use the method of Figure 3 is shown.

[0067] Each livestock 401, 402, 403 is hung on a respective hook 411, 412, 413, which is connected to a belt 410. The hooks 411, 412, 413 are equally spaced apart. An electronic identification tag 421, 422, 423 of each livestock 401, 402, 403 is attached to each livestock 401, 402, 403. As the belt moves forward, each livestock passes through a reading zone 430 with a reader 431.

[0068] In use, the belt 410 can be paused until a reading of the tag in the reading zone is successfully received. The reading of the tag corresponding to the reading zone can be identified by determining the position of each tag of the received reading. Once the reading is successfully received, the belt 410 is moved so that the following livestock enters the reading zone.

[0069] Alternatively, the identification can be used to provide a path record of the livestock. In use, the livestock can be moved in different directions, for example, sent to different destinations. By recording the livestock of multiple reading zones, the path of each livestock can be determined. This provides traceability of the livestock through the slaughterhouse.

[0070] Prediction algorithm

[0071] As mentioned above, the position determination can be made based on the RSSI only. However, in some cases, the position can be determined based on the RSSI in combination with one or more other factors.

[0072] In some cases, the physical distance or configuration of the readers or other infrastructure can be factored into the determination. For example, certain metal objects in the infrastructure can conduct signals in a particular way. This can result in a higher RSSI for a reading from a reader that is farther away than would be expected based on distance alone.

[0073] In some cases, the output of one or more physical sensors (such as weight sensors or motion sensors) can be used to indicate when an animal is in a particular location. If the RSSI for a reading from a particular reader is higher, this generally indicates that the animal is in the corresponding location. However, if a weight sensor indicates that there is no animal present, then the animal must be in a different location.

[0074] In some cases, the previous location of the tag and / or the time since the last location determination can be used in the determination of the corresponding location. If the animal was previously determined to be in a first location, it is unlikely that the animal is in a second location that is not physically reachable from the first location. Similarly, the expected speed of movement of the animal can limit the range of possible locations based on the previous location.

[0075] In some cases, different weights can be assigned to the data from certain readers. If there is a sequence of readers, then readers outside of the sequence can be assigned a higher weight. This is because readers outside of the sequence are less likely to have a cross-reading, as they only have one neighboring reader. In other cases, readers can be weighted based on reliability: due to technical or structural differences, some readers tend to provide more accurate readings.

[0076] In practice, one or more of these factors can be provided to a prediction algorithm along with the RSSI in order to determine a location. Using multiple factors can increase the accuracy of the location determination.

[0077] In some cases, the prediction algorithm can include a model developed using artificial intelligence. For example, a neural network can be developed and trained based on a training set containing sample data. In use, the RSSI and other data can be provided to the model, which then outputs a determined location based on the trained neural network.

[0078] In some cases, there are multiple models available, and a choice can be made based on one or more criteria. In general, a first model can be used, while a second model can be used when a predetermined number of readings are received (such as more than 50 readings) or readings are received from a predetermined number of different readers (such as more than three readers). Using different determination models at different times can improve the overall accuracy of the location determination.

[0079] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0080] Two embodiments for determining the location of livestock have been described above. In some cases, these embodiments can be incorporated into a single implementation.

[0081] Although a series of steps has been described, it is not necessary to perform the steps in the order specified (unless the context requires otherwise). That is, the steps can be performed in a different order or in parallel in different embodiments.

[0082] Unless otherwise stated, the terms "comprise" and other grammatical forms have an inclusive meaning. That is, the terms and grammatical forms should be interpreted as including not only the stated components but also other non-stated components or elements.

[0083] The application has been described by way of example only. Although the application has been described in some detail by way of example, it is not intended to limit the scope of the application to the particular embodiments described. Various modifications and alterations to this application will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations and, therefore, the application should not be limited to the particular details indicated above.

Claims

1. A method for determining the location of a livestock animal, comprising: (a) receiving a plurality of readings of a livestock electronic identification tag attached to a livestock animal from a plurality of electronic tag readers, wherein each of the plurality of electronic tag readers is assigned to one raceway, the raceway being one of a plurality of raceways through which the livestock animal passes, wherein a given one of the plurality of electronic tag readers is assigned to a given one of the plurality of raceways, and wherein at least one of the electronic tag readers is provided with a weight, the weight being imparted based on the reliability of the data of the electronic tag reader; (b) calculating a received signal strength indication, RSSI, for each of the plurality of readings; and (c) determining in which one of the plurality of raceways the livestock animal with the given livestock electronic identification tag is located; wherein the determination of which one is based at least in part on a combination of the calculated RSSI and the weight.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The location of the livestock animal is further based on one or more of: the configuration of the electronic tag readers; the configuration of other infrastructure other than the electronic tag readers; the output of one or more physical sensors; the previous location of the livestock electronic identification tag; or the time since the location of the livestock animal was last determined.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein, Each of the plurality of readings comprises a livestock identifier.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining the change in the location of the livestock animal over time; determining the direction of movement of the livestock animal based on the change.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the electronic tag is attached to the head of the livestock animal and the RSSI is related to the distance of the head of the livestock animal from the electronic tag reader; the method further comprising: determining the behavior of the livestock animal based on the RSSI.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the weight of the given electronic tag reader is based on the likelihood of the given electronic tag reader reading a livestock electronic identification tag of a respective livestock animal in an adjacent raceway of the plurality of raceways, the adjacent raceway being adjacent to the given raceway.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein, shielding means are provided between adjacent raceways of the plurality of raceways.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein, the plurality of raceways are in a multi-raceway tag reading system, and wherein the readings are analyzed to determine the raceway through which the livestock animal passed after all of the livestock animals have passed through the tag reading system.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein, wherein the readings are analyzed to determine the location of the livestock animal after a delay.

10. An electronic tag reading system, comprising: a plurality of electronic tag readers, wherein each of the plurality of electronic tag readers is assigned to one raceway, the raceway being one of a plurality of raceways through which a livestock animal passes, and wherein a given one of the plurality of electronic tag readers is assigned to a given one of the plurality of raceways; at least one livestock electronic identification tag attached to each of a plurality of livestock animals; and a controller communicatively connected to the plurality of electronic tag readers; wherein the system is configured to perform a method, the method comprising: ​ receiving a plurality of readings of livestock electronic identification tags attached to livestock from the plurality of electronic tag readers, wherein at least one of the electronic tag readers is provided with a weight, the weight being imparted based on a reliability of data of the electronic tag reader; calculating a received signal strength indication, RSSI, for each of the plurality of readings; and determining which of the plurality of raceways a livestock animal with a given livestock electronic identification tag attached is located; wherein determining which raceway is located is based at least in part on a combination of the calculated RSSI and the weight.

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