Animal monitoring system

Abstract

The present invention relates to an animal monitoring system. The animal monitoring system comprises: a pill, orally administrable into an animal body, comprising: at least one pill sensor, capable of generating a pill sensor signal varying based on a change in at least one physiological parameter of the animal; a pill communication signal generator, capable of generating a wireless pill communication signal carrying encoded pill sensor data; a pill communication signal receiver; a tag, fixable to an outer surface of the animal, comprising: at least one tag sensor, capable of generating a tag sensor signal varying based on a change in at least one environmental parameter surrounding the animal; a tag first communication signal receiver, capable of receiving the wireless pill communication signal carrying encoded pill sensor data; a tag first communication signal generator, capable of generating a tag first communication signal having a tag first communication signal frequency, the tag first communication signal carrying pill programming data to the pill communication signal receiver.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional of the parent application for the invention patent application number 201680080457.5 (International application number: PCT / US2016 / 066012, filing date: December 9, 2016, invention name: Animal monitoring system and method of monitoring an animal).

[0002] This International Patent Cooperation Treaty patent application is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional Patent Application Number 14 / 970,289, filed on December 15, 2015, which is incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] Generally, an animal monitoring system including a bolus administered to reside within an animal, the bolus operable to sense changes in one or more physiological parameters of the animal and to generate and transmit encoded bolus sensor data to a tag attached on the exterior of the animal, the tag operable to sense changes in one or more environmental parameters surrounding the animal and to generate encoded tag sensor data and to receive encoded bolus sensor data, each of the encoded tag sensor data and the encoded bolus sensor data analyzable by the tag or a remote data processor to generate environmental parameter values and physiological parameter values to assess environmental conditions surrounding the animal or physiological conditions of the animal. BACKGROUND

[0004] An animal monitoring system including a bolus administered to reside within an animal can transmit encoded bolus sensor data to a remote processor for analysis. However, the remote processor can not be available to a user working in the field with the animal, or the remote processor can experience encoded sensor data analysis delays or loss due to hardware or software incompatibility with the bolus hardware or software, conflicts or contention with other programs executed by the remote processor, or the remote processor being inoperable.

[0005] In an animal monitoring system, there would be advantages in that a bolus residing within an animal is paired with a tag removably or permanently attached to the exterior surface of the animal, allowing a user when in the field with the animal to access physiological data and environmental data related to the animal and to reprogram operational parameters of the bolus or tag by the user interacting with the tag. SUMMARY

[0006] One aspect of the present invention relates to an animal monitoring system comprising: a pill, the pill being orally administrable into an animal, the pill comprising: at least one pill sensor, the at least one pill sensor being capable of generating a pill sensor signal that varies based on a change in at least one physiological parameter of the animal; a pill communication signal generator, the pill communication signal generator being capable of generating a wireless pill communication signal carrying encoded pill sensor data; and a pill communication signal receiver; a tag, the tag being attachable to an external surface of the animal, the tag comprising: at least one tag sensor, the at least one tag sensor being capable of generating a tag sensor signal that varies based on a change in at least one environmental parameter surrounding the animal; a tag first communication signal receiver, the tag first communication signal receiver being capable of receiving the wireless pill communication signal carrying the encoded pill sensor data; and a tag first communication signal generator, the tag first communication signal generator being capable of generating a tag first communication signal having a tag first communication signal frequency, the tag first communication signal carrying pill programming data to the pill communication signal receiver.

[0007] Naturally, further objectives of the present invention are disclosed in the description as well as in other areas of the present specification. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a specific embodiment of an animal monitoring system.

[0009] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a specific embodiment of a pill.

[0010] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a specific embodiment of a pill shown in FIG. 2

[0011] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a specific embodiment of an antenna included in the specific embodiment of a pill shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3

[0012] FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of a specific embodiment of an antenna having a first conductive loop and a second conductive loop disposed on opposite surfaces of a non-conductive sheet shown in FIG. 4

[0013] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a specific embodiment of a tag.

[0014] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a specific embodiment of a tag shown in FIG. 6

[0015] ​​​​FIG. 8A is an illustration of an embodiment of a manual user interface included in FIG. 6 is an illustration of an embodiment of a manual user interface having a first menu displayed on a display surface and a first manual user interface element operable to continuously advance a menu cursor through a plurality of parameter control fields in a first column of the menu.

[0016] FIG. 8A is an illustration of a first menu FIG. 8A is an illustration of a first menu having a menu cursor advanced through the plurality of parameter control fields in the first column of the menu by operation of the first manual user interface element.

[0017] FIG. 8B is an illustration of a menu FIG. 8A is an illustration of a menu having a menu cursor advanced to "Days since Lactation" in the plurality of parameter control fields in the first column of the menu and by operation of the second manual user interface element a second menu can be displayed in which the operation parameter field contains operation parameters related to the selected parameter control field "Days since Lactation".

[0018] FIG. 8B is an illustration of a second menu generated in response to operation of the second manual user interface.

[0019] FIG. 8C is an illustration of a second menu FIG. 8B is an illustration of a second menu having a menu cursor advanced through the plurality of parameter control fields in the first column of the second menu by operation of the first manual user interface.

[0020] FIG. 8C is an illustration of a second menu FIG. 8C is an illustration of a second menu activating a function of a selected parameter control field in the first column of the second menu by operation of the second manual user interface.

[0021] FIG. 8D is an illustration of a first menu FIG. 8A is an illustration of a first menu in which a menu cursor can be advanced through the plurality of parameter control fields in the first column of the first menu.

[0022] FIG. 8D is an illustration of a first menu FIG. 8A is an illustration of a first menu in which a menu cursor has been advanced to a parameter control field containing a parameter control value "Days since Menstruation" by operation of the first manual user interface.

[0023] FIG. 8E is an illustration of a first menu FIG. 8Dis an illustration of a first menu, the first menu having a menu cursor that has been advanced by operation of a first manual user interface element to a parameter control field containing a parameter control value "days since ovulation".

[0024] FIG. 8E is an illustration of a second menu, the second menu including a parameter control field containing a parameter control value "days since ovulation".

[0025] FIG. 8F is an illustration of a second menu, in which the menu cursor can be advanced by operation of a first manual user interface through the parameter control fields in a first column of the menu to a parameter control field containing the parameter value "yes" adjacent to a parameter value field in a second column of the menu containing the parameter value "in heat".

[0026] FIG. 8F is an illustration of a second menu, FIG. 8F is an illustration of a second menu, the second menu having a menu cursor that has been advanced by operation of a second manual user interface element to a parameter control field containing a parameter control value "yes" in a first column of the second menu.

[0027] FIG. 8G is an illustration of a first menu, FIG. 8A is an illustration of a first menu, in which the menu cursor can be advanced by operation of a first manual user interface through the parameter control fields in a first column of the menu.

[0028] FIG. 8G is an illustration of a first menu, FIG. 8A is an illustration of a first menu, in which the menu cursor has been advanced by operation of a first manual user interface to a parameter control field containing a parameter control value "sensor data".

[0029] FIG. 8H is an illustration of a first menu, FIG. 8G is an illustration of a first menu, the first menu having a menu cursor that has been advanced by operation of a first manual user interface element to a parameter control field containing a parameter control value "days since ovulation".

[0030] FIG. 8H is an illustration of a second menu, the second menu displaying curve data relating to a sensed environmental parameter and a sensed physiological parameter.

[0031] FIG. 8I is an illustration of a second menu, FIG. 8Hthe second menu in which the menu cursor can be advanced in the first column of the menu to "Yes" by operation of the first manual user interface element.

[0032] FIG. 8I is a depiction of the first menu 8A in which the menu cursor has been advanced to the parameter control field containing the parameter control value "Yes" by operation of the second manual user interface element.

[0033] FIG. 8J is a depiction of the first menu 8A in which the menu cursor can be advanced through the plurality of parameter control fields in the first column of the menu.

[0034] FIG. 8J is a depiction of the first menu 8A in which the menu cursor has been advanced to the parameter control field containing the parameter control value "Yes" by operation of the first manual user interface.

[0035] FIG. 8K is a depiction of the first menu in which the menu cursor has been advanced to "Yes" by operation of the first manual user interface, which causes the second menu to be displayed by operation of the second manual user interface element, the second menu including an operation parameter field in the second column of the menu containing the operation parameter associated with "Yes".

[0036] FIG. 8K is a depiction of the second menu displayed by operation of the second manual user interface.

[0037] FIG. 8L is FIG. 8K is a depiction of the second menu in which the menu cursor can be advanced by successive operation of the first manual user interface through the parameter control fields in the first column of the menu to the parameter control field containing the parameter control value "Yes" adjacent the operation parameter field containing the operation parameter "Internal Device".

[0038] FIG. 8L is a depiction of the third menu displayed by operation of the second manual user interface element in which the operation parameter associated with "Internal Device" is displayed in the operation parameter field in the second column of the menu.

[0039] FIG. 8M is FIG. 8L is a depiction of the third menu in which operation of the first manual interface element advances the menu cursor through the plurality of parameter control fields in the first column of the menu.

[0040] FIG. 8M isFIG. 8L is an illustration of the third menu shown in Fig. 7, in which the menu cursor has been advanced to the parameter control field containing the parameter control value "on" adjacent to the operation parameter field containing the operation parameter "move", and operation of the second manual user interface element activates the selected parameter control field.

[0041] FIG. 8N is FIG. 8M is an illustration of the third menu shown in Fig. 7, in which the parameter control value "on" adjacent to the operation parameter "move" has been changed to "off" by operation of the second manual user interface element.

[0042] FIG. 8N is FIG. 8N is an illustration of the third menu shown in Fig. 7, in which the cursor has been advanced to the parameter control field containing the parameter control value "15 minutes" adjacent to the operation parameter field containing the operation parameter "temperature", and operation of the second manual user interface activates the function of the selected parameter control field to display a fourth menu.

[0043] FIG. 8O is an illustration of the fourth menu, in which the menu cursor can be advanced through the plurality of parameter control fields in the first column of the fourth menu by operation of the first manual user interface.

[0044] FIG. 8O is an illustration of the fourth menu, in which one of the plurality of parameter control fields containing the parameter control value "30 minutes" can be selected by operation of the second manual user interface.

[0045] FIG. 8P is FIG. 8A is an illustration of the first menu shown in Fig. 6, in which the menu cursor has been advanced through the plurality of parameter control fields in the first column of the menu to the parameter control field containing the parameter control value "ID number" by operation of the first manual user interface element.

[0046] FIG. 8P is an illustration of the second menu displayed by operation of the second manual user interface to select the parameter control field containing the parameter control value "ID number".

[0047] FIG. 8Q is an illustration of the second menu, in which the menu cursor can be advanced through the plurality of parameter control fields in the first column of the menu to the parameter control field containing the parameter control value "yes" adjacent to the operation parameter value field containing the operation parameter "the internal device is pairing" by operation of the first manual user interface element.

[0048] FIG. 8Q This is an illustration of a third menu displayed by operating the second manual user interface element, which selects a parameter control field containing the parameter control value "Yes" adjacent to the operation parameter field containing the operation parameter "Internal device is pairing".

[0049] FIG. 8R yes FIG. 8Q The diagram of the third menu is shown, and the menu cursor can be moved forward through multiple parameter control fields in the first column of the menu to the parameter control field containing the parameter control value "100002" that is adjacent to the operation parameter field containing the operation parameter "Pairing: Selecting Device".

[0050] FIG. 8R The illustration shows a fourth menu displayed by operating a second manual user interface element to select a parameter control field containing the parameter control value "100002", which indicates that the parameter control value "1000002" has been assigned to the paired pill and tag.

[0051] FIG. 8S yes FIG. 8A The illustration of the first menu shows that, in the first menu, the operation of the first manual interface element causes the menu cursor to advance continuously through multiple parameter control fields in the first column to reach the parameter control field containing the parameter control value "ID number".

[0052] FIG. 8S 'yes FIG. 8P The illustration shows a second menu that is displayed by selecting a parameter control field containing the parameter control value "ID number" through operation of a second manual user interface element.

[0053] FIG. 8T yes FIG. 8S The illustration shows the second menu, in which the menu cursor has been moved in the first column of the menu to the parameter control field containing the parameter control value "ID number" by operating the first manual user interface element.

[0054] FIG. 8T This is an illustration of a third menu displayed through operations on the second manual user interface, allowing selection of a parameter control field containing the parameter control value "ID number".

[0055] FIG. 8U yes FIG. 8Tis a depiction of the third menu shown in FIG. 7, in which the first manual user interface can be operated in succession to advance the menu cursor through a plurality of parameter control fields to the parameter control field containing the parameter control value "Yes" adjacent to the operation parameter field containing the operation parameter "Activate Cell Phone."

[0056] FIG. 8U is a depiction of the fourth menu including a keypad displayed by operation of the second manual user interface to select the parameter control field containing the parameter control value "ID Number," in which the menu cursor can be advanced through a plurality of keys in the keypad by operation of the first manual user interface and a key in the keypad can be selected by operation of the second manual user interface element to create an animal identification number that can be associated with a paired pair and tag device by operation of the first manual user interface element to advance the menu cursor to the parameter control field containing the parameter control value "Save," by subsequent operation of the second manual user interface.

[0057] FIG. 8V is FIG. 8A is a depiction of the first menu shown in FIG. 6, in which operation of the first manual interface element advances the menu cursor in succession through a plurality of parameter control fields in the first column to the parameter control field containing the parameter control value "ID Number."

[0058] FIG. 8V is FIG. 8P is a depiction of the second menu shown in FIG. 7 displayed by selection of the parameter control field containing the parameter control value "ID Number" by operation of the second manual user interface element.

[0059] FIG. 8W is FIG. 8V is a depiction of the second menu shown in FIG. 6, in which the menu cursor has been advanced in the first column of the menu by operation of the first manual user interface element to the parameter control field containing the parameter control value "Communication Method."

[0060] FIG. 8W is a depiction of the third menu displayed by operation of the second manual user interface to select the parameter control field containing the parameter control value "Communication Method."

[0061] FIG. 8X is FIG. 8W is a depiction of the third menu shown in FIG. 7, in which the first manual user interface can be operated in succession to advance the menu cursor through a plurality of parameter control fields to the parameter control field containing the parameter control value "No" adjacent to the operation parameter field containing the operation parameter "Activate Cell Phone."

[0062] FIG. 8X is a graphical representation of a fourth menu displayed by operation of the second manual user interface to select a parameter control field containing the parameter control value "No", said fourth menu activating the selected communication method by subsequent operation of the second manual user interface element and displaying the operation control value "Yes" in the parameter control field adjacent to the operation parameter field containing the operation parameter "Activate Cell Phone".

[0063] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the animal environment and physiology monitoring system of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064] Reference will now be made primarily to FIG. 1 which illustrates a method of using a specific embodiment of an animal monitoring system (1) which can include one or more of the following: a pellet (2) which can be administered to reside within an animal (3); a tag (4) attached to the exterior of the animal (3) which can communicate with the pellet (2) by means of a tag first communication signal (5) or can communicate with a remote processor (11) by means of a tag second communication signal (7), whether directly or indirectly by means of a remote signal transceiver (6) having a location separate from the animal (3), each of the tag first communication signal (5) or the tag second communication signal (7) can carry physiological parameter data (8) of the animal (3), environmental parameter data (9) of an environment surrounding the animal (3) or pellet programming data (10); and a remote processor (11) which can analyze the physiological parameter data (8) or the environmental parameter data (9) to generate environmental parameter values (12) and physiological parameter values (13) related to environmental conditions (14) or physiological conditions (15) of the animal (3).

[0065] For the purposes of the present invention, the term "animal" refers to any animal to which a pellet (2) can be administered (whether orally or otherwise) to reside within an animal (3), including but not necessarily limited to, the order Artiodactyla (both wild and domesticated) and, without limiting the scope of the foregoing definition, including as illustrative examples the following: cattle, water buffalo, goats, sheep, deer, antelope, giraffe, yaks, hog deer, chevotain, etc.

[0066] For the purposes of the present invention, the term "rumino-reticulum" refers to the first compartment of the digestive tract of an animal (3) in the order Artiodactyla consisting of the rumen and reticulum. The reticulum differs from the rumen in the texture of its lining. The rumen wall is covered with small finger-like projections called papillae, while the rumino-reticulum (16) is lined with ridges forming a honeycomb pattern of hexagons. Despite the difference in the texture of the lining of the two parts of the rumino-reticulum (16), they represent one functional space.

[0067] For the purposes of the present invention, the term "birth" refers to the beginning of life of the animal (3) as a physically separate animal (3) from the body of its mother.

[0068] For the purposes of the present invention, the term "death" refers to the permanent cessation of vital bodily functions to end the life of the animal (3).

[0069] For the purposes of the present invention, the term "life span" refers to the time period between birth and death of the animal (3).

[0070] For the purposes of the present invention, the term "productive life span" refers to the time period between birth and the age reached by the animal (3) before being culled for production.

[0071] In this document, the animal monitoring system (1) is generally described in terms of functional block components and various process steps, or as such when the animal monitoring system involves a pellet (2), a tag (4), a remote signal transceiver (6), a remote processor (11), or other components or elements. It should be understood that such functional blocks can be implemented by any number of hardware or software elements configured to perform the specified functions. For example, elements included in various embodiments of the animal monitoring system (1) can take the form of various integrated circuit components acting as memory elements, processing elements, logic elements, look-up tables, etc., which can perform various functions under the control of one or more processors or other control devices.

[0072] Pellets Reference will now be made primarily to FIGS. 1-3, with respect to particular embodiments, the pellet (2) can but need not include an inert pellet body (17) configured for allowing oral administration into the animal (3), with certain embodiments having a configuration capable of oral administration into the animal (3) immediately upon birth. With respect to certain embodiments, the pellet can reside in the rumen (16) of the animal (3) throughout the lifetime of the animal (3) from birth to death or during the period from birth to end of productive life of the animal (3). Embodiments of the pellet (2) include at least one pellet sensor (18) capable of generating a pellet sensor signal (19) that varies based on a corresponding sensed variation of at least one physiological parameter (20) of the animal (3). The pellet (2) can further include a pellet memory element (21), which with respect to particular embodiments can be a reprogrammable memory element, and a pellet processor (22) in communication with the pellet memory element (21). Pellet computer code (23) contained in the pellet memory element (21) can be executed to convert analog signals to digital signals, encode and decode physiological parameter data (8), and transform physiological parameter data (8) to generate physiological parameter values (13). Embodiments of the pellet (2) can further include a pellet communication signal generator (26) capable of generating a pellet communication signal (38) that can carry encoded physiological parameter data (8) or physiological parameter values (13) from inside the animal (3) to outside the animal (3). With respect to particular embodiments, the pellet (2) can further include a pellet communication signal receiver (27) that can receive a pellet reprogramming signal (28) carrying pellet programming data (10) from outside the animal (3) to the pellet (2) residing inside the animal (3) to reprogram the pellet (2).

[0073] Reference is now made primarily to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 which show illustrative examples of a pellet (2) including at least one pellet sensor (18) each capable of generating at least one pellet sensor signal (19) (analog or digital) that varies based on a corresponding variation of at least one physiological parameter (20) of the animal (3) in which the pellet (2) resides. For purposes of the present invention, the term "physiological parameter" refers to a measurable physiological condition (15) of the animal (3) and includes, without being limited in scope to the foregoing, one or more of the following: geographic location, movement (including one or more of pitch, yaw, roll, inclination, vibration, sway, impact, etc.), temperature, sound (including sound produced by the digestive tract, heart, etc.), heart rate, pH, blood pressure, etc.

[0074] As illustrative examples, at least one pill sensor (18) suitable for use in particular embodiments includes: a global positioning chip (29), such as PNXPOSYS PMB 2540 distributed by Infineon Technologies AG; an omnidirectional tilt and vibration sensor (also known as an "accelerometer"), such as PN SQ-SEN-200 distributed by Signal Quest Precision Microsensors; a temperature sensor (31), such as Betachip Thermistor PN 1 K2OG3 distributed by BetaTHERM Sensors; a microphone (32), such as PN MP34DT01 distributed by ST Microelectronics; a pressure transducer (33) with an inductance sensor such as PN LDC1000 distributed by Texas Instruments, or similar or equivalent sensors, such as PN COQ-062 distributed by Kulite. The illustrative examples and descriptions of these sensors are intended to provide those of ordinary skill in the art with sufficient information to make and use embodiments of the pill (2) including numerous and various pill sensors (18), whether or not specifically enumerated.

[0075] The pill memory element (21) and the pill processor (22) in communication with the pill memory element (21) can, but need not, take the form of a microcontroller (35). An illustrative example of a microcontroller (35) suitable for use with embodiments of the present invention is available from Microchip Technology, Inc. located at 2355 West Chandler Blvd., Chandler, Arizona (Part No. PIC18LF14K22 or PIC18LF15K22). The pill computer code (23) contained in the pill memory element (21) can be executed to continuously or intermittently convert the analog pill sensor signal (24) or digital pill sensor signal (25) from the at least one pill sensor (18) into encoded physiological parameter data (8) representing the physiological condition (15) or changes in the at least one sensed physiological parameter (20). With respect to particular embodiments, the pill computer code (23) can be periodically executed to encode or re-encode certain amount sensor calibration data (36) that can be compared to the encoded physiological parameter data (8) of the at least one sensed physiological parameter (20) to calculate and output corresponding at least one physiological parameter value (13) of the animal (3) at different physiological conditions (15). The pill computer code (23) can be further executed to couple animal identification data (37) to the encoded physiological parameter data (8) or at least one physiological parameter value (13) to allow the data and values to be matched to the animal (3) in which the pill (2) resides.

[0076] The unicorn computer code (23) can be further executed to control the unicorn communication signal generator (26), which is capable of generating a unicorn communication signal (38) carrying encoded physiological parameter data (8) or physiological parameter value (13) corresponding to at least one physiological parameter (20). For example, an oscillator can generate a stable unicorn communication signal (38). Oscillators suitable for use with the present invention are available from Freescale Semiconductor (part numbers: MC1319x, MC1320x, MC1321x, and MC1322x); or can be similar or equivalent oscillators. In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the unicorn communication signal generator (26) can generate a unicorn communication signal (38) having a unicorn communication signal frequency (39) between approximately 410 MHz and approximately 1 GHz. In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the unicorn communication signal generator (26) can generate a unicorn communication signal frequency (39) of approximately 433 MHz. Regarding other specific embodiments, the Maru communication signal generator (26) can generate a Maru communication signal (38) having a Maru communication signal frequency (39) between approximately 700 MHz and approximately 1 GHz. The Maru communication signal frequency (39) can be selected from or comprise the group consisting of: between approximately 700 MHz and approximately 800 MHz, between 750 MHz and approximately 850 MHz, between approximately 800 MHz and approximately 900 MHz, between 850 MHz and approximately 950 MHz, and between approximately 900 MHz and approximately 1 GHz.

[0077] The Xiaowan computer code (23) can be further executed to control the Xiaowan communication signal frequency stabilizer (40) (in FIG. 3 The example shown is a Maru low-pass filter (41) and a Maru surface acoustic wave filter (42), the Maru communication signal frequency stabilizer being used to counteract variations in the Maru communication signal (38) caused by temperature fluctuations or fluctuations in power to or near the Maru communication signal generator (26). A Maru communication signal frequency stabilizer (40) suitable for use with the embodiment may be available from Hope Microelectronics Co., Ltd (part number: HF433E), RF Monolithics, Inc (part number: RF1172C), or may be a similar or equivalent part.

[0078] Embodiments of the pill (2) can further include a matching element (43) for matching the input impedance of an electrical load or the output impedance of a load corresponding to the pill communication signal generator (26) (or other signal source) to maximize power transfer or minimize signal reflections by the load. In an ideal situation, the source impedance and the load impedance should be equal to maximize power transfer.

[0079] Three elements affect the impedance balance in embodiments of the pill (2): the antenna (44) or "load", the pill communication signal generator (26) or "signal source", and the ground (45) or "ground plane". Since each of these elements has different physical characteristics, their respective impedances have inherent differences. The capacitors (46) and inductors (47) of the matching element (43) that make up embodiments of the pill (2) are used to mitigate these differences and rebalance the impedances for a given pill communication signal frequency (39).

[0080] The impedance of an inductor (47) is given by:

[0081]

[0082] where L is the inductance and is the angular frequency.

[0083] The impedance of a capacitor (46) is given by:

[0084]

[0085] where C is the capacitance

[0086] The reactance is:

[0087]

[0088] The pill matching element (43) includes an array of inductors (47) and capacitors (46) that are used in series or parallel to balance the circuit impedance once the impedances of the antenna (44), the pill communication signal generator (26), and the ground (45) are known.

[0089] The matching element (43) has an impedance that is the sum of the impedances of the inductor(s) (47) and the capacitor(s) (46):

[0090]

[0091] The impedance of a parallel resonant circuit is found by:

[0092]

[0093] A resonance in the matching element (43) occurs when the matching element (43) is driven at a frequency w0 where the inductive reactance and the capacitive reactance are equal in magnitude. The frequency for which this equation holds for the matching element (43) is called the resonance frequency and can be determined as follows:

[0094]

[0095] This value can then be converted to Hertz:

[0096]

[0097] The above calculations can be used to identify the inductor (47) and the capacitor (46) associated with the pill communication signal generator (26) used in the matching element (43) that operate at the specific pill communication signal frequency (39) to balance the impedance between the pill communication signal generator (26), the antenna (44) and limit the bandwidth to eliminate interference. After the pill communication signal (38) passes through the matching element (43), the resistance of the circuit can be changed to ensure that the resistance in the transmission line to the antenna (44) is the industry standard 50 ohms. The resistance of the circuit can be changed by including a resistor (48) for establishing a standard 50 ohm resistance in the circuit.

[0098] Because the pill communication signal generator (26) included in embodiments of the pill (2) operates within the bulk of the animal (3) and not free air, it has been found that the center frequency (49) (the arithmetic mean of the lower and upper cutoff frequencies) is shifted lower and can not have the maximum gain.

[0099] Therefore, there can be a substantial advantage by selecting the inductor (47) and the capacitor (46) and their location in the matching element (43) to increase the inductive and capacitive values to purposefully shift the center frequency (49) upward and allow the pill communication signal frequency (39) to be re-tuned to the desired pill communication signal frequency (39) by passing through the bulk of the animal (3).

[0100] Reference will now be made primarily to FIGS. 2-5The embodiment of the Maru (2) further includes an antenna (44) that converts electrical power into Maru communication signals (38). During transmission, the Maru communication signal generator (26) supplies current oscillating at one of the aforementioned Maru communication signal frequencies (39). During reception, the antenna (44) intercepts some of the electrical power of the Maru programming signal (28) to generate a small voltage at its terminals that is applied to the Maru communication signal receiver (27). In specific embodiments, the antenna (44) may, but is not necessarily, a conductive path (50) laid out on a printed circuit board (51). The advantage of this configuration of the antenna (44) may be that it does not require the formation of windings on a magnet or interaction with a magnetic field to transmit the Maru communication signal (38). Therefore, this configuration of the antenna (44) that interacts with the magnetic field (52) of the magnet (53) that may, but is not necessarily, contained within the pellet (2) can generate less interference. Less interference results in greater consistency (or less data loss) when transmitting encoded physiological parameter data (8) (or physiological parameter values ​​(13) or animal identification data (37)), leading to a lower incidence of pellet communication signal (38) loss or less modulation of the pellet communication signal (38).

[0101] Again, the main reference is FIGS. 2-5 Specific embodiments of the antenna (44) may, but do not necessarily, include a first conductive loop (54) electrically interconnected with and connected to a second conductive loop (55) and electrically connected to a Maru communication signal generator (26) or a Maru communication signal receiver (27) (or combined as a Maru communication signal transceiver (56)). In specific embodiments, the first conductive loop (54) or the second conductive loop (55) or the pair of conductive loops may each include a conductive sheet (57) (or a conductive path (50) or a conductive layer), the conductive sheet having an inner annular edge (58A) and an outer annular edge (58B) that engages opposite loop surfaces (59) (60). Typically, the conductive sheet (57) will be a copper sheet or a copper layer. Regarding specific embodiments, the antenna (44) may further include a non-conductive substrate (61), such as a printed circuit board (51), disposed between the pair of conductive loops (54) (55), wherein one or more vias (62) electrically interconnect the first conductive loop (54) and the second conductive loop (55) through one or more holes (63) through the printed circuit board (51) or the non-conductive substrate (61). The one or more holes (63) may be made conductive by electroplating or by lining the holes with tubes or rivets, thereby electrically interconnecting the pair of conductive loops (54) (55). As described above and like FIG. 4 and FIG. 5Structuring the antenna (44) as shown can have a number of advantages. First, the structure increases the cross-sectional width of the antenna (44), which increases the stability of the radiated electric field (64) of the antenna (44). Second, the structure increases the bandwidth of the antenna (44), thereby allowing for easier cancellation of shifts in the pill communication signal frequency (39) or attenuation caused by passing through a large portion of the animal (3). Third, the structure changes the magnetic and electric field generation, which reduces the effect of uncontrollable changes in the orientation of the pill (2) and, correspondingly, the antenna (44) in the animal (3) or the rumen (16) of the animal (3).

[0102] Referring again primarily to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 Embodiments of the pill (2) can further include a power source (65) and associated power regulator (66) that, respectively, supply energy (67) to the pill (2) and regulate the energy (power). FIG. 2 The power source (65) shown in the example can take the form of a battery, such as an AA battery, AAA battery, or the like. The power source (65) provides power to the electronic components supported on the printed circuit board (51), including, for example, the microcontroller (35), the pill communication signal generator (26), and the at least one pill sensor (18). Because the power source (65) of the pill (2) disposed in the body of the animal (3) or the rumen (16) of the animal (3) cannot be recharged, the operational life of the pill (2) will depend on the capacity of the power source (65) in ampere-hours (Ah) and the load current of the circuit. The power source (65) life will be longer as the load current decreases, and vice versa. A calculation to derive the capacity of the power source (65) taking the form of a battery can be mathematically derived according to the following formula:

[0103] Battery life = battery capacity in ampere-hours / load current in amperes x 0.70

[0104] With respect to specific embodiments of the pill (2), the pill computer code (23) can include a power management module (68) for regulating the energy (67) used by the pill (2) to extend the operational life of the pill (2) disposed in the body of the animal (3) or the rumen (16) of the animal (3). Embodiments of the pill (2) including the power management module (68) can operate in the body of the animal (3) for greater than three years and up to about ten years, which is a time period that is substantially greater than that of a conventional pill.

[0105] As an illustrative example, embodiments of the present pellet (2) can be administered orally into a calf at birth or immediately after birth and remain operational for the entire production life of the dairy cow, which averages about 2.4 lactations or about five to six years.

[0106] As another illustrative example, ewes typically have a production life between about five and about seven years. The productive capacity of ewes often peaks between 3 and 6 years of age and begins to decline after seven years. Thus, most ewes are removed from the flock before they will have reached their natural life expectancy. Embodiments of the pellet (2) disposed in the rumen (16) of the ewe at birth can thus be operational for the entire production life of the ewe.

[0107] With regard to specific embodiments of the pellet (2), the power management module (68) can, but need not, include a pellet activation element (69) for enabling at least one pellet sensor (18) and for encoding pellet sensor signal(s) (19) from the at least one pellet sensor (18), and can further be for comparing the one or more encoded pellet sensor signals (19) with one or more preselected activation codes (70). If, by comparison of the encoded pellet sensor signal(s) (19) with the preselected activation code(s) (70), a preselected activation match threshold is met, the pellet activation element (69) can further be for causing activation of the pellet (2) for normal operation. This provides the advantage of avoiding unintentional or premature activation of the pellet (2) and of avoiding a corresponding unnecessary expenditure of energy (67) from the power source (65).

[0108] As one illustrative example of the functionality of the pill activation element (69), the pill (2) can include a first pill sensor (71) that can be an accelerometer (30). The accelerometer (30) according to embodiments of the present application can sense movement of the pill (2) (whether in the body of an animal or outside the body of an animal) in a similar manner to accelerometers used in tablet computers and digital cameras such that images on a display screen are always displayed upright, or in a similar manner to accelerometers used for flight stabilization in drones. The accelerometer (30) can be enabled by the functionality of the pill activation element (69), and the pill activation element (69) can further be used to encode a first sensor signal (72) from the accelerometer (30) and compare the encoded first sensor signal (72) to a first preselected activation code (73). In the context of this illustrative embodiment, the first preselected activation code (73) can correspond to a particular pre-activation movement (74) of the pill (2) that can but need not be three successive reciprocating linear movements of the pill (2) and can but need not terminate in an impact to the pill (2) (also referred to as a "triple hit") within a time period of between about five and ten seconds. If the pre-activation movement (74) of the pill (2) including the "triple hit" meets a first preselected activation match threshold (75) related to the first preselected activation code (73) corresponding to the "triple hit", the pill activation element (69) can cause the pill (2) to activate for normal monitoring of the animal (3).

[0109] With respect to specific embodiments, the pill (2) can but need not include an illumination element (76) such as a light emitting diode (77). The illumination element (76) can be turned on by operation of the pill activation element (69) to provide an amount of light (107) as an indication that the pill (2) has been activated and can be administered or orally administered into the body of the animal (3).

[0110] With respect to a specific embodiment, the bolus activation element (69) that has activated the bolus (2) (and with respect to a specific embodiment, turned on the illumination element (76)) can, but need not, further enable and encode a bolus second sensor signal (78) from a second bolus sensor (79), which can, but need not, be a temperature sensor (31). The bolus activation element (69) can further function to encode the bolus second sensor signal (78) from the second bolus sensor (79) and compare the bolus second sensor signal (78) to a bolus second preselected activation code (81). In the context of this illustrative embodiment, the bolus second preselected activation code (81) can correspond to a bolus (2) pre-activation temperature (82), which can, but need not, be three consecutive temperature readings (also referred to as "three temperature readings") of the bolus (2) taken every approximately 15 minutes over a period of approximately 45 minutes. If the pre-activation temperature (82) of the bolus (2) including the "three temperature readings" meets a bolus second preselected activation matching threshold (83) of the bolus second preselected activation code (81) corresponding to the "three temperature readings," the bolus activation element (69) can activate the bolus (2) for normal monitoring of the animal (3). In an illustrative example of a bolus (2) used in a calf or a cow, if these three temperature readings are between approximately 100°F (approximately 37.8°C) and approximately 105°F (approximately 40.6°C), this would indicate that the bolus (2) resides in the rumen (16) of the calf or cow, and the bolus activation element (69) can then function to activate the bolus (2) for normal monitoring of the animal (3). This provides the advantage of avoiding unintentional or premature activation of the bolus (2) and avoiding a corresponding expenditure of energy (67) that need not be expended.

[0111] According to embodiments of the invention, a temperature sensor (31) or thermistor can sense the temperature (84) of the pellet (2) (whether inside or outside the animal) within a determined useful temperature range and accuracy, depending on the animal (3) to which the pellet (2) will be administered and the accuracy determined based on the sensed temperature (84). For example, the useful temperature range for a cow would be between about 95°F (about 35°C) and about 115°F (about 46°C), with an accuracy between about 0.1°C and about 0.3°C. The normal temperature of an adult cow is typically around 101.5°F (about 38.5°C), but can vary throughout the estrous cycle, with the lowest temperature occurring just before estrus and the highest temperature occurring on the day of estrus or due to milk production. Temperatures between around 103.0°F (about 39.4°C) and around 104.0°F (about 40°C) and up to around 108°F (about 42.2°C) generally indicate that the cow is sick. However, this illustrative example is not intended to preclude the use of thermistors that can sense a wider temperature range, which, as an illustrative example, is around -40°C to around +125°C, provided that the accuracy is not less than around 0.1°C to around 0.2°C of the actual temperature of the cow (2) and the time constant of the change from one temperature value to another is short enough to support the sampling rate of the cow's sensor signal (19) implemented by the thermistor via the cow's computer code (23). For example, the thermistor used in the embodiment with the small ball (2) can have a time constant of about one minute or less, and the sampling rate can be once every 10 to 20 minutes or more, depending on the application.

[0112] Regarding specific embodiments, the power management module (68) may, but not necessarily, be further used to reconfigure the operating mode of the pellet (2) or allow the operating mode of the pellet (2) to be reconfigured while residing in the animal (3) to regulate the energy (67) usage of the pellet (2), which may have the advantage of extending the operating life of the pellet (2).

[0113] Again, the main reference is FIGS. 1-3 Regarding a specific embodiment, the power management module (68) can regulate the energy (67) usage of the pellet (2) by enabling or disabling one or more pellet sensors (18) based on a predetermined set of physiological parameters (20) to be sensed during one or more stages (85) of the animal's (3) lifespan (86). The encoded physiological parameter data (8) useful in making determinations related to the animal (3) during the first stage (87) of the animal's (3) lifespan (86) (e.g., the period between birth and puberty) may differ from that of the second stage (88) (e.g., the period from the beginning of puberty until the end of reproductive age (or useful reproductive age)). FIG. 1of the animal (3) (e.g., a cow) from birth until the animal (3) is in puberty at about eight months of age to about seventeen months of age - depending on the breed, the useful encoded physiological parameter data (8) can include only temperature (84) related encoded physiological parameter data (8). Thus, in a first phase (87) of the lifetime (86) of the animal (3), the power management module (68) can be used to only enable and periodically read the second pill sensor signal (78) and generate encoded physiological parameter data (8) of the temperature (84) of the animal (3) after activating the pill (2) as described above. Moreover, because the encoded physiological parameter data (8) of the temperature (84) can only be used to determine whether the animal (3) is sick, the time period between readings of the second pill sensor signal (80) can be quite long, such as once within a twenty-four hour time period. Similarly, the time period between operating cycles of the pill communication signal generator (26) can be quite long, such as twenty-four hours, and the operating cycles of the pill communication signal generator (26) can be very short, such as a few milliseconds (also referred to as "transmission bursts"). Because most of the energy (67) used by the pill (2) occurs during the operating of the pill communication signal generator (26), increasing the time period between transmission bursts and limiting only the duration of the transmission bursts to that time period needed to transmit a limited amount of encoded physiological parameter data (8) can significantly increase the operating lifetime of the pill (2).

[0114] In contrast, in a second phase (88) of the lifetime (86) of the animal (3) (e.g., a cow) from puberty of the animal (3) to the end of the reproductive age of the animal (3), the useful encoded physiological parameter data (8) can include both temperature (84) physiological parameter data (8) and movement (89) physiological parameter data (8). As explained above, the temperature (84) of the animal (3) can vary throughout the estrus cycle, with the lowest temperature occurring just before estrus and the highest temperature occurring on the day of estrus. Moreover, the movement (89) of the animal (3) can measurably change before or at the time of estrus.

[0115] Accordingly, with respect to particular embodiments, the power management module (68) can further include a timer element (90) for assessing elapsed time from activation of the pill (2) to allow for adjustment of the energy (67) usage of the pill (2) based on elapsed time, which can be coordinated with one or more of the stages (85) in the lifetime (86) of the animal (3). As one illustrative example, if the pill (2) is administered orally at birth, the timer element (90) and power management module (68) can be used to enable the first pill sensor (71) (or first set of pill sensors (18) that provide useful encoded physiological parameter data (8) during the first stage (87)), and to encode physiological parameter data (8) (or first set of physiological parameters (20)) for temperature (84) for a time period corresponding to the first stage (87) of the lifetime (86) of the animal (3) (e.g., between birth and puberty), and then to further enable the second pill sensor (79) (or second set of pill sensors (18) that provide useful encoded physiological parameters (20) during the second stage (88) of the animal (3)) and to encode physiological parameters (20) for both temperature (84) and movement (89).

[0116] Further, because the encoded physiological parameters (20) for movement (89) and temperature (84) can be used to determine whether the animal (3) is in estrus, the power management module (68) can be used to reduce the time period between readings of the pill sensor signal (19) for temperature (84) and the pill sensor signal (19) for movement (89), such as four times within a twenty-four hour time period. Similarly, there can be a shorter time period between operational cycles of the pill communication signal generator (26), such as every six hours, and the operational cycles of the pill communication signal generator (26) can be adjusted to the time period for transmission of additional encoded physiological parameters (20).

[0117] With respect to particular embodiments, once the animal (3) is pregnant and during pregnancy, the power management module (68) can further be used to reconfigure the operation of the pill (2) to disable the first pill sensor (71) for movement (89) and to only read the second pill sensor (79) for temperature (84) and to transmit encoded physiological parameters (20) at a smaller frequency interval.

[0118] With respect to particular embodiments, the pill computer code (23) can be reprogrammed while the pill (2) resides in the animal (3) (or in the rumen (16) of the animal (3)) by receiving pill programming data (10) for reconfiguring the power management module (68) to adjust the energy (67) usage of the pill (2), as described above.

[0119] With respect to specific embodiments, the power management module (68) can, but need not, include a power sensor element (91) executable to determine the amount of energy (67) remaining in the power source (65). The power management module (68) can be further executable to determine the amount of energy (67) required to power the pill (2) for a predetermined time period (92) based on then-existing pill computer code (23) contained in pill memory element (21) of the pill (2). The power management module (68) can be further executable to compare the amount of energy (67) remaining in the power source (65) to the amount of energy (67) required to power the pill (2) for the predetermined time period (92) based on then-existing pill computer code (23) to determine the difference between the amount of energy (67) remaining in the power source (65) and the amount of energy (67) required to power the pill (2) for the predetermined time period (92). The power management module (68) can be further executable to perform one or more power adjustment events (93) to make up for the difference in the amount of energy (67) thereby allowing the pill (2) to operate for the predetermined time period (92). The power adjustment events (93) can include or consist of one or more of: turning off the illumination element (76), increasing the time interval between operations of the pill communication signal generator (26), decreasing the operational time period of the pill communication signal generator (26), disabling one or more of the plurality of pill sensors (18), interrupting the encoding of the pill sensor signals (19) from one or more of the plurality of pill sensors (18), or other reprogramming to reduce the use of energy (67).

[0120] With respect to specific embodiments, the power management module (68) can be preprogrammed to perform one or more of the power adjustment events (93) in one or more preprogrammed priority order based on the size of the difference between the amount of energy (67) remaining in the power source (65) and the amount of energy (67) required to power the pill (2) for the remainder of the preprogrammed or reprogrammed life cycle. Alternatively, the power management module (68) can be executable to encode and transmit as part of a transmission burst the encoded power source data (94) from which the remote processor (11) can calculate the amount of energy (67) remaining in the power source (65), and the power management module (68) can be reprogrammed to perform one or more power adjustment events (93) based on a priority order encoded in the pill programming data (10) received by the pill (2).

[0121] Again with primary reference to FIGS. 1-3Embodiments of the pellet (2) can, but need not necessarily, include an inert pellet body (17). With respect to particular embodiments, the inert pellet body (17) can have an outermost exterior surface (95) that is externally dimensioned to allow the pellet (2) to be orally administered and retained in the reticulo-rumen (16) of the animal (3). As one non-limiting example, the inert pellet body (17) can include a quantity of plastic resin (96) that is cast around an animal monitoring assembly (216) ("AMA") that includes one or more of the above-described components. As an illustrative example, the quantity of plastic resin (96) can be a plastic resin such as a polyurethane resin, an epoxy resin, a polyester resin, etc. that is used according to the manufacturer's instructions. With respect to other embodiments, the inert pellet body (17) can include a sealable housing (97) that defines a hollow interior space (98) that receives the AMA (216). With respect to other embodiments, the sealable housing (97) that includes the AMA (216) received in the hollow interior space (98) (and, with respect to particular embodiments, further includes one or more magnets (53) received in the hollow interior space (98)) can have a quantity of plastic resin (96) cast around the AMA (216) (and the one or more magnets (53)) that is located inside of the sealable housing (97).

[0122] Referring now primarily to FIG. 2 The configuration of the pellet (2) of the present invention that is suitable for oral administration into the body of the animal (3) can have a generally cylindrical configuration that has a diameter (99) in a range of about one-half inch (about 13 millimeters ("mm")) to about one and one-quarter inches (about 32 mm) in a cross-section that is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (100) and has a pellet length (101) that is arranged between the pellet first end (102) and the pellet second end (103) that is in a range of about two inches (about 50 mm) to about five inches (about 127 mm). Particular embodiments of the pellet (2) can have a length of about four inches (about 102 mm) and a diameter (99) of about one inch (about 25 mm).

[0123] While FIG. 2The example of FIG. 1 shows the bolus (2) including a sealable housing (97) having mating halves (104) (105) with the outermost exterior surface (95) configured as a cylinder; however, the bolus (2) can have numerous and various outermost exterior surface (95) configurations capable of being orally administered and remaining within the reticulo-rumen (16) of the animal (3). The inert bolus body (17) can be molded, cast or machined from a biocompatible (or biologically inert) non-magnetic material that allows the bolus communication signal (38) to be transmitted from within the bolus (2) to outside of the animal (3). As an example, the inert bolus body (17) can be made from a plastic such as nylon, fluorocarbon, polypropylene, polycarbonate, polyurethane, epoxy, polyethylene, etc.; or a metal such as stainless steel; or other materials such as glass can be utilized. The bolus (2) having a hollow interior space (98) can be generated by various procedures such as molding, casting, manufacturing, etc. As one non-limiting example, a cylindrical tube having an outer diameter and an inner diameter as described above can be sectioned into appropriate lengths that can have end caps fitted thereon. Alternatively, a hole can be formed in a cylindrical solid rod having an outer diameter as described above to provide a closed end tube, wherein the hole is of sufficient size to provide a hollow interior space (98).

[0124] Referring now primarily to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 , with respect to specific embodiments, the inert bolus body (2) can, but does not necessarily, include a translucent or transparent element (106) to allow viewing of an amount of light (107) produced by the illumination element (76) as a viewable indicator (108) of the bolus having been activated as described above. The translucent or transparent element (106) can include a portion or all of the housing (97) of the inert bolus body (17).

[0125] Referring now primarily to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, with respect to specific embodiments of the pellets (2), the inert pellet body (17) can be configured for oral administration into the animal (3) at birth. The digestive tract between the mouth (109) and the rumen (16) of the animal (3) at birth can have a relatively limited size compared to the adult animal (3). Thus, a pellet of conventional configuration can not be orally administered into the animal (3) at birth or can cause injury upon oral administration or can back up when the digestive tract between the mouth (109) and the rumen (16) expands due to the growth of the animal (3). The configuration of the outermost exterior surface (95) of the shell (97) of the inert pellet body (17) or the pellet density (110) or a combination thereof can be critical when the pellet (2) is orally administered into the animal (3) at birth. It has been found that while the pellet length (101) between the pellet first end (102) and the pellet second end (103) can be more variable, it can be critical that the largest pellet diameter (99) (or width) of the outermost exterior surface (95) along the pellet length (101) between the pair of pellet first ends (102) and the pellet second ends (103) should be between one-half inch (about 13 mm) and no more than three-quarters of an inch (about 19 mm). The configuration of the outermost exterior surface (95) of the pellet (2) can have a pellet diameter (99) (or width of the non-circular shell (97) in cross-section) selected from the group consisting of or consisting of: about 13 mm to about 15 mm, about 14 mm to about 16 mm, about 15 mm to about 17 mm, about 16 mm to about 18 mm, and about 17 mm to about 19 mm.

[0126] Reference will now be made primarily to FIG. 2 , as one illustrative example, the pellet (2) configured for oral administration into the animal (3) at birth can have an outermost exterior surface (95) of the inert pellet body (17) having a cylindrical configuration. The pellet length (101) between the pair of pellet first ends (102) and the pellet second ends (103) can vary between about three inches (about 76 mm) and about six inches (about 152 mm); however, the outermost exterior surface (95) should not exceed about 19 mm at any cross-section orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (100) of the pellet (2). As a second illustrative example, the inert pellet body (17) can be substantially spherical having an outer diameter of no more than about three-quarters of an inch (about 19 mm).

[0127] Embodiments of the pellets (2) of the present invention can, but need not, have a density of about 2.1 grams per cubic centimeter ("g / cm 3 " ) to about 3.3 g / cm 3between about 2.1 g / cm 3 and about 3.3 g / cm 3 , there can be a substantial advantage in that the pellets (2) are substantially less likely to regurgitate or be expelled from the rumen (16) of the animal (3) as compared to conventional pellets having a pellet density outside the range of the present invention. When the size of the outermost external surface (95) is reduced for oral administration into the animal (3) at birth or the pellets (2) reside in the rumen (16) of the animal (3) for the entire lifetime (86) of the animal (3), it can be critical to achieve a pellet density (110) between about 2.1 g / cm 3 and about 3.3 g / cm 3 . Within the range of the pellet density (110), the pellet density can be selected from the group comprising or consisting of: about 2.3 g / cm 3 to about 2.5 g / cm 3 , about 2.4 g / cm 3 to about 2.6 g / cm 3 , about 2. g / cm 3 to about 2.7 g / cm 3 , about 2.6 g / cm 3 to about 2.8 g / cm 3 , about 2.7 g / cm 3 to about 2.9 g / cm 3 ; about 2.8 g / cm 3 to about 3.0 g / cm 3 , about 2.9 g / cm 3 to about 3. g / cm 3 ; about 3.0 g / cm 3 to about 3.2 g / cm 3 , and about 3.1 g / cm 3 to about 3.3 g / cm 3 .

[0128] Label . Now referring primarily to FIG. 1 , FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 , embodiments of the present invention can but need not include a tag (4) having a tag housing (111) configured for removable or permanent attachment to an animal exterior surface (112) of the animal (3) by a securing element (113), with certain embodiments having a configuration capable of attachment to the animal (3) immediately after birth. While FIG. 1 and FIG. 6The embodiments of the tag (4) shown in the middle include a tag housing (111) configured to include a neck loop (114) that can be secured around the neck (115) of the animal (3), but there are situations where the neck loop (114) can not be suitable. Thus, the tag housing (111) can be configured to include a leg loop (116) that can be secured around the cannon bone (117) or between the knee (118) or hock (119) and the hoof (120) of the animal (3). With respect to specific embodiments, the tag housing (111) can be configured for securing to the ear (121) of the animal (3). With respect to specific embodiments, the tag housing (111) can include a securing element (113) in the form of a mating securing half (122) (123) that engages through the ear (121) that positions the tag housing (111) on the inner ear surface (124) or hangs from the securing element (113). Other configurations of the securing element (113) can be utilized depending on the location on the outer surface (112) of the animal (3) to which the tag housing (111) of the animal (3) is attached.

[0129] Referring now primarily to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 Embodiments of the tag (4) can but need not include at least one tag sensor (125) capable of generating a tag sensor signal (126) that varies based on a corresponding sensed environmental parameter (136) external or surrounding the animal (3). Illustrative examples of the tag sensor (125) can but need not include: a global positioning chip (127), such as PN XPOSYS PMB 2540 distributed by Infineon Technologies; a tag omnidirectional tilt and vibration sensor (also known as an "accelerometer"), such as PN SQ-SEN-200 distributed by Signal Quest Precision Micro Sensors; a tag temperature sensor (129), such as a Betachip thermistor PN 1K2OG3 as distributed by BetaTHERM Sensors; a tag microphone (130) distributed by STMicroelectronics (PN MP34DT01); a tag pressure transducer (131), such as PN COQ-062 distributed by Cole-Parmer; a tag inductance sensor (132): PN LDC1000 distributed by Texas Instruments.

[0130] The illustrative examples and descriptions of these tag sensors (125) are intended to provide sufficient information to those of ordinary skill in the art to make and use embodiments of the tag (4) including numerous and various tag sensors (125) whether specifically enumerated or not. Although FIG. 7The illustrative example of the tag (4) includes a first tag sensor (133), a second tag sensor (134), and a third tag sensor (135), but embodiments of the tag (4) can include a smaller or larger number of tag sensors (125) depending on the application.

[0131] Reference will now be made primarily to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 which shows an illustrative example of a tag (4) that includes at least one tag sensor (125) that is each capable of generating at least one tag sensor signal (126) (analog or digital) that varies based on a respective change in at least one sensed environmental parameter (136) of an animal (3) on which the tag (4) resides. For purposes of the present invention, the term "environmental parameter" refers to a measurable environmental condition (14) of the environment surrounding the animal (3) and includes, without limitation, one or more of the following: geographic location, movement (including one or more of pitch, yaw, roll, inclination, vibration, sway, impact, etc.), temperature, sound, proximity to metal, etc.

[0132] The tag (4) can further include a tag memory element (137) and a tag processor (138) in communication with the tag memory element (137), which can but need not take the form of a tag microcontroller (139). By way of illustrative example, a tag microcontroller (139) suitable for use with embodiments of the present application can be obtained from Microchip Technology Inc., 2355 West Chandler Blvd., Chandler, AZ (Part No. PIC18LF14K22 or PIC18LF15K22). Tag computer code (140) contained in the tag memory element (137) can be executed to continuously or intermittently convert the analog or digital tag sensor signals (126) from the at least one tag sensor (125) into encoded environmental parameter data (9) indicative of changes in the condition or sensed environmental parameter (136). With respect to particular embodiments, the tag computer code (140) can be executed periodically to encode or re-encode certain amounts of tag sensor calibration data (141) that can be compared to the encoded environmental parameter data (9) of the at least one sensed environmental parameter (136) to calculate and output corresponding at least one environmental parameter value (12) at different environmental conditions (14). The tag computer code (140) can be further executed to couple animal identification data (37) to the encoded environmental parameter data (9) and at least one environmental parameter value (12), thereby allowing the environmental parameter data (9) and environmental parameter value (12) to be matched to the animal (3) to which the tag (4) is attached. The tag memory element (137) can but need not include a first tag database (142) in which the encoded environmental parameter data (9) can be stored. The tag computer code (140) can be applied to the stored encoded environmental parameter data (9) to convert the stored encoded environmental parameter data (9) into at least one environmental parameter value (12) that can be stored in and retrieved from a second tag database (143) of the tag memory element (137).

[0133] With respect to a particular embodiment, the tag computer code (140) can be, but is not necessarily, executed to periodically poll each tag sensor (125) for a certain duration to collect environmental parameter data (9) and compare the environmental parameter data (9) or environmental parameter values (12) to respective preselected indicator element activation values (189) for each sensed environmental parameter (136). If the environmental parameter values (12) meet or exceed the respective preselected indicator element activation values (189), the tag computer code (140) can be executed to operate the tag indicator element (144). The tag indicator element (144) can be operated by execution of the tag computer code (140) to provide a sensibly perceptible indicium (145). As an illustrative example, the tag indicator element (144) can be a light-emitting element (146) such as a light-emitting diode that emits light (147) when operated, or can be a sound-emitting element (148) such as a loudspeaker that emits sound (149) when operated. With respect to a particular embodiment, the tag computer code (140) can be, but is not necessarily, executed to periodically poll each tag sensor (125) and each pill sensor (18) for a certain duration and compare the physiological parameter data (8) or physiological parameter values (13) and the environmental parameter data (9) or environmental parameter values (12) to respective preselected indicator element activation values (189) for each physiological parameter (20) or sensed environmental parameter (136). If the physiological parameter values (13) or environmental parameter values (12) meet or exceed the respective preselected indicator element activation values (189), the tag computer code (140) can be executed to operate the tag indicator element (144) to emit a sensibly perceptible indicium (145).

[0134] With respect to specific embodiments, the tag computer code (140) can, but need not, include a flag stop element (150) that, when executed, terminates operation of the tag indicator element (144). As one illustrative example of the function of the flag stop element (150), the tag (4) can include a first tag sensor (133) that can be a tag accelerometer (128). The tag accelerometer (128) according to embodiments of the present application can sense movement of the tag (4) in a similar manner to accelerometers used in tablet computers and digital cameras such that images on the display are always displayed upright, or in a similar manner to accelerometers used for flight stabilization in drones. The tag computer code (140) can further be used to encode a tag first sensor signal (151) from the accelerometer and compare the first sensor signal (151) to a first preselected stop code (152). In the context of this illustrative embodiment, the first preselected stop code (152) can correspond to a specific flag stop movement (153) of the tag (4) that can, but need not be, three consecutive linear reciprocating movements of the tag (4) in one or more preselected axes of tag movement (154) within a certain time period, such as between about five and ten seconds. If the preselected flag stop movement (153) of the tag (4) satisfies the first preselected stop code (152), the tag computer code (140) can further be executed to terminate operation of the tag indicator element (144).

[0135] The tag computer code (140) can be further executed to control a tag first communication signal generator (155) and a tag first communication receiver (156) (or combined as a tag first communication signal transceiver (157)) operable to communicate with the pill (2) residing inside the animal (3) to receive encoded physiological parameter data (8) or physiological parameter values (13) corresponding to the at least one physiological parameter (20). Thus, the tag first communication signal generator (155) and the tag first communication receiver (156) can be configured to communicate with the pill (2) at a first tag communication signal frequency (158) (or frequencies), which can be the same as the frequencies described above for the pill communication signal frequency (39). The tag first communication signal generator (155) and the tag first communication receiver (156) can, but need not, include components as described above for the pill communication signal generator (26) and the pill communication signal receiver (27) (or pill communication signal transceiver (56)) or similar or equivalent components to the extent needed to implement the first tag communication signal frequency (158), which can, but need not, include one or more of a tag low pass filter (159) and a tag surface acoustic wave filter (160) similar or equivalent to the pill low pass filter (41) and the pill surface acoustic wave filter (42) for canceling out changes in the tag first communication signal (5) due to temperature changes or changes in power to the tag first communication signal generator (155), a tag first resonant circuit (161) similar or equivalent to the matching element (43), a tag first antenna (171A) which can be similar or equivalent to the antenna (44).

[0136] The tag computer code (140) can be, but need not be, further executed to control a tag second communication signal generator (162) and a tag second communication receiver (163) (or combined as a tag second communication signal transceiver (164)) operable to communicate with one or more remote signal transceivers (6) ("RST") to transmit encoded physiological parameter data (8) or physiological parameter values (13) corresponding to the at least one physiological parameter (20) and environmental parameter data (9) or environmental parameter values (12) corresponding to the at least one sensed environmental parameter (136) and to receive pill programming signals (28) carrying pill programming data (10) to or from one or more remote processors (11) to the tag (4) attached to the outer surface of the animal (3) for reprogramming the pill (2), as further described below.

[0137] The tag second communication signal generator (162) and the tag second communication receiver (163) can be configured for communicating with the RST (6) at one or more tag second communication signal frequencies (165). The tag second communication signal generator (162) and the tag second communication receiver (163) can, but need not, include components as described above for the pill communication signal generator (26) and the pill communication signal receiver (27) (or the pill communication signal transceiver (56)) or similar or equivalent components to the extent necessary to implement the tag second communication signal frequencies (165), which can, but need not, include one or more of a tag second low pass filter (166) and a tag second surface acoustic wave filter (167) similar or equivalent to the pill low pass filter (41) and the pill surface acoustic wave filter (42) for canceling out variations in the tag second communication signal (7) due to temperature variations or variations in power to the tag second communication signal generator (162), a tag second matching element (168) similar or equivalent to the matching element (43), or a tag second antenna (171B) that can be similar or equivalent to the antenna (44). The tag second communication signal generator (162) and the tag second communication receiver (163) can be configured for communicating in one or more operational modalities, illustrative examples including: code division multiple access as used in many mobile phone standards such as cdmaOne, CDMA2000, WCDMA, etc., Bluetooth , sub-Gighertz radio operating at frequencies between about 800 MHz to about 950 MHz, wireless signals operating at frequencies of about 2.4 GHz, etc.

[0138] Referring now primarily to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 Embodiments of the tag (4) can, but need not, include a manual user interface (169) including a user interface input element (172) and a display surface (170), each of which can be disposed in the tag housing (111) to allow a user (196) to interact. The user interface input element (172) can interoperate with the display surface (170) to allow the user (196) to perform various functions of the tag computer code (140) for controlling, reprogramming, or monitoring the operation of the tag (4) and the pill (2) communicatively coupled to the tag (4). The user interface input element (172) can be adapted to receive user input by one or more of sound, touch, or detected displacement, without limitation to the foregoing, the user interface input element (172) can take the form of a key, button, touch screen, voice recognition hardware, or combinations thereof.

[0139] Referring now primarily toFIG. 6 , FIG. 7 , and FIG. 8A and FIG. 8A ' to FIGS. 8X-8X ' show that the display surface (170) can be adapted for displaying human-readable indicia (173) (as shown in the example of FIG. 6 ) to allow the user to interact in one or more menus (179) that allow a particular bolus (2) to be communicatively paired with a particular tag (4); select a parameter control field (181) to enter a parameter control value (175) corresponding to a specific physiological parameter (20) or sensed environmental parameter (136); and access a physiological parameter value (13) or environmental parameter value (12) calculated directly by the tag (4) or bolus (2) or indirectly by a remote processor (11) communicatively coupled to the tag (4) or bolus (2) (as shown in the example of FIG. 1 ).

[0140] For the purposes of the present invention, the term "indicia" refers to markings that can be understood by a human displayed on the display surface (170) of the tag housing (111). The human-readable indicia (173) can take the form of letters, numbers, symbols, shapes, colors, etc. or any combination thereof that can be understood by a human. The human-readable indicia (173) can also correspond to or be convertible to a specific number or letter or any combination of numbers or letters that can be understood by a human. For example, a sequential combination of a blue triangle, a red square, and a yellow circle can represent the alphanumeric code 17A, where the blue triangle represents 1, the red square represents 7, and the yellow circle represents A.

[0141] For the purposes of the present invention, the term "human-readable" refers to markings that can be understood by a human. The human-readable indicia can be read by a human using the naked eye, or, in the case of a given size of indicia, with the aid of one or more optical magnifiers, still cameras, video cameras, video recorders, etc. that can be used to assist a human in reading the indicia.

[0142] Again, with primary reference to FIG. 6 , FIG. 7 , and FIG. 8A and FIG. 8A ' to FIGS. 8X-8XAs an illustrative example, the manual user interface (169) can include a first manual user interface element (177) and a second manual user interface element (184) that execute a menu navigation module (178) of the tag computer code (140), such as a key, button, or touch surface. User interaction with the first manual user interface element (177) and the second manual user interface element (184) causes the menu navigation module (178) of the tag computer code (140) to retrieve and successively display one or more menus (179) (successively identified 179A, 179B, 179C, 179D, 179E, etc.) on the display surface (170) accordingly. A first user interaction with the first manual user interface element (177), such as: a push, a displacement, a touch, a spoken word, etc., or a combination thereof, can cause the menu navigation module (178) to retrieve and display a first menu (179A) that includes one or more parameter control fields (181) that each contain a parameter control value (175). A menu cursor (185) can be positioned in one of the parameter control fields (181). One or more additional interactions with the first manual user interface element (177) causes the menu navigation module (178) to successively advance the menu cursor (185) through the one or more parameter control fields (181) that can return to the one of the parameter control fields (181) in which the menu cursor (185) was initially positioned. With respect to a particular embodiment, the one or more parameter control fields (181) can be displayed in a menu first column (187) that is adjacent to respective parameter value fields (182) that contain parameter values (183) (whether physiological parameters (20) or sensed environmental parameters (136)) that are displayed in a menu second column (188). For purposes of the present invention, the term menu cursor (185) refers to a movable indication, such as an underscore, stylized graphic, dot, highlighted dot, or highlighting of an entire field, or other indication of the current position of the user (196) within the one or more menus (179) that can be affected by user interaction with the manual user interface (169). User interaction with the second manual user interface element (184) causes selection of a parameter control value (175) contained in a parameter control field (181).

[0143] Referring now to FIG. 8A and FIG. 8A ’to FIGS. 8X-8X ’As an illustrative example, the one or more menus (179) can each include: a menu first column (187) that includes one or more parameter control fields (181) that each contain a selectable parameter control value (175) (as shown by the example of 8A); and a menu second column (188) that includes one or more parameter value fields (182) that each contain one or more current parameter values (183) (as shown by the example of 8B).FIG. 8A (Example shown).

[0144] Now refer to FIG. 8A and 8A A first operation on the first manual user interface element (177) presents a first menu (179A), and further operations on the first manual user interface element (177) cause the menu cursor (185) to advance in the first column (187) of the menu through one or more parameter control fields (181) adjacent to the second column (188) of the menu, each containing one or more related parameter value fields (182) that each contain one or more current parameter values ​​(183). FIG. 8A and FIG. 8A As shown, operation of the first manual user interface element (177) causes the menu cursor (185) to move between parameter control fields (181) in the first column (187) of the menu (as shown). FIG. 8A and FIG. 8A As shown in the example, the menu cursor (185) moves from the parameter control field containing "ID number" to the parameter control field containing "days of lactation". The parameter value (183) of "days of lactation" is displayed adjacent to the parameter value field (182) in the second column (188) of the menu (as shown in the example). FIG. 8A and FIG. 8A As shown in the example, the parameter value is "0"). Each additional operation on the first manual user interface element (177) causes the menu cursor (185) to advance continuously through multiple parameter control fields (181) (as shown in the example). FIG. 8A As shown in the example, “ID number”, “days of lactation”, “days since estrus”, “sensor data”, “settings”) and can be returned to the first parameter control field (181) in the first column (187) of the menu (as shown in the example). FIG. 8B As shown in the example, “ID number”).

[0145] Currently, the main reference is... FIG. 8B and FIG. 8B ', Once the user (196) has positioned the menu cursor (185) in one of the multiple parameter control fields (181) in the first column (187) of the menu (as FIG. 8B As shown, “Lactation Days”, by performing an operation on the second manual user interface element (184), a parameter control field (181) can be selected, thereby triggering the display of a second menu (179B). In the second menu, one or more parameter control fields (181) can be displayed in the first column (187), and the corresponding operation parameter field (186) (“Lactation Days”) related to the selected parameter control value (175) of the first menu (179A) can be displayed in the second column (188). FIG. 8C (Example shown).

[0146] Referring now to FIG. 8C and 8C ', once the second menu (179B) is displayed, operation of the first manual user interface element (177) causes the menu cursor (185) to advance through one or more parameter control fields (181) in the menu first column (187) containing corresponding parameter control values (175) (as shown in the example of FIG. 8C The user advances the menu cursor (185) to the parameter control field (181) containing the parameter control value (175) "Yes" adjacent to either of the two operation parameter fields (186) in the menu second column (188) containing the operation parameters (174) "Dry" or "Calve" (as shown in the example of FIG. 8C ' ). Selection of the parameter control value (175) "Yes" for the operation parameter (174) "Calve" activates the tag computer code (140) to generate a corresponding parameter value (183) in the second column (188) of the first menu (179A). For example, selection of the parameter control value (175) "Yes" corresponding to the operation parameter (174) "Calve" activates the counting module (180) of the tag computer code (140) to count "Days in Milk". Operation of the first manual user interface element (177) advances the menu cursor (185) to "Exit" in the menu first column (187) of the second menu (179B), and operation of the second manual user interface element (184) causes return to the first menu (179A). The parameter value (183) for the parameter control value (175) "Days in Milk" is reported in the menu second column in days (as shown in the example of FIG. 8D ' ). The parameter value for "Days in Milk" is "1", and is counted up for each successive day by operation of the counting module (180).

[0147] Referring now to FIG. 8D and FIG. 8E ', FIG. 8E and FIG. 8F ', and FIG. 8F and FIG. 8D ', once the first menu (179A) is displayed (as shown in the example of FIG. 8D , successive operation of the first manual user interface element (177) can advance the menu cursor (185) to other parameter control fields (181) (as shown in the example of FIG. 8E ', "Days since Estrus" ), and operation of the second manual user interface element (184) can select parameter control values (175) (as shown in the example ofFIG. 8E of Fig. 16B) so as to cause the display of a second menu (179B) in which the environmental parameter value (12) and the physiological parameter value (13) are plotted with respect to the passage of time (as shown in the example of Fig. 16C, "Animal Temperature", "Ambient Temperature", and "Animal Activity" plotted over time). Operation of the first manual user interface element (177) causes the menu cursor (185) to advance to "Exit" (as shown in the example of Fig. 16D) and operation of the second manual user interface element (184) causes a return to the first menu (179A). FIG. 8E of Fig. 16B) so as to cause the display of a second menu (179B) in which the environmental parameter value (12) and the physiological parameter value (13) are plotted with respect to the passage of time (as shown in the example of Fig. 16C, "Animal Temperature", "Ambient Temperature", and "Animal Activity" plotted over time). Operation of the first manual user interface element (177) causes the menu cursor (185) to advance to "Exit" (as shown in the example of Fig. 16D) and operation of the second manual user interface element (184) causes a return to the first menu (179A). FIG. 8F of Fig. 16B) so as to cause the display of a second menu (179B) in which the environmental parameter value (12) and the physiological parameter value (13) are plotted with respect to the passage of time (as shown in the example of Fig. 16C, "Animal Temperature", "Ambient Temperature", and "Animal Activity" plotted over time). Operation of the first manual user interface element (177) causes the menu cursor (185) to advance to "Exit" (as shown in the example of Fig. 16D) and operation of the second manual user interface element (184) causes a return to the first menu (179A). FIG. 8G of Fig. 16B) so as to cause the display of a second menu (179B) in which the environmental parameter value (12) and the physiological parameter value (13) are plotted with respect to the passage of time (as shown in the example of Fig. 16C, "Animal Temperature", "Ambient Temperature", and "Animal Activity" plotted over time). Operation of the first manual user interface element (177) causes the menu cursor (185) to advance to "Exit" (as shown in the example of Fig. 16D) and operation of the second manual user interface element (184) causes a return to the first menu (179A).

[0148] Reference is now made to Figs. 17A-17D, which are examples of a display screen (170) of a user interface (100) of the system (10) of Fig. 1, according to still another example of the present application. FIG. 8G and FIG. 8H , FIG. 8H and FIG. 8I , FIG. 8I and FIG. 8G , once the first menu (179A) is displayed (as shown in the example of Fig. 16B), successive operation of the first manual user interface element (177) can cause the menu cursor (185) to advance to another parameter control field (181) (as shown in the example of Fig. 16C, "Sensor Data") and operation of the second manual user interface element (184) causes the selection of the parameter control field (181) containing the parameter control value (175) "Sensor Data" (as shown in the example of Fig. 16D) so as to cause the display of a second menu (179B) in which the environmental parameter value (12) and the physiological parameter value (13) are plotted with respect to the passage of time (as shown in the example of Fig. 16E, "Animal Temperature", "Ambient Temperature", and "Animal Activity" plotted over time). Operation of the first manual user interface element (177) causes the menu cursor (185) to advance to "Exit" (as shown in the example of Fig. 16F) and operation of the second manual user interface element (184) causes a return to the first menu (179A). FIG. 8G of Fig. 16B) so as to cause the display of a second menu (179B) in which the environmental parameter value (12) and the physiological parameter value (13) are plotted with respect to the passage of time (as shown in the example of Fig. 16C, "Animal Temperature", "Ambient Temperature", and "Animal Activity" plotted over time). Operation of the first manual user interface element (177) causes the menu cursor (185) to advance to "Exit" (as shown in the example of Fig. 16D) and operation of the second manual user interface element (184) causes a return to the first menu (179A). FIG. 8H of Fig. 16B) so as to cause the display of a second menu (179B) in which the environmental parameter value (12) and the physiological parameter value (13) are plotted with respect to the passage of time (as shown in the example of Fig. 16C, "Animal Temperature", "Ambient Temperature", and "Animal Activity" plotted over time). Operation of the first manual user interface element (177) causes the menu cursor (185) to advance to "Exit" (as shown in the example of Fig. 16D) and operation of the second manual user interface element (184) causes a return to the first menu (179A). FIG. 8H of Fig. 16B) so as to cause the display of a second menu (179B) in which the environmental parameter value (12) and the physiological parameter value (13) are plotted with respect to the passage of time (as shown in the example of Fig. 16C, "Animal Temperature", "Ambient Temperature", and "Animal Activity" plotted over time). Operation of the first manual user interface element (177) causes the menu cursor (185) to advance to "Exit" (as shown in the example of Fig. 16D) and operation of the second manual user interface element (184) causes a return to the first menu (179A). FIG. 8I of Fig. 16B) so as to cause the display of a second menu (179B) in which the environmental parameter value (12) and the physiological parameter value (13) are plotted with respect to the passage of time (as shown in the example of Fig. 16C, "Animal Temperature", "Ambient Temperature", and "Animal Activity" plotted over time). Operation of the first manual user interface element (177) causes the menu cursor (185) to advance to "Exit" (as shown in the example of Fig. 16D) and operation of the second manual user interface element (184) causes a return to the first menu (179A). FIG. 8IAs shown in the example), and operation of the second manual user interface element (184) causes a return to the first menu (179A) (as shown in the example). FIG. 8J As shown in the example, the current environmental parameter value (12) and the current physiological parameter value (13) are displayed in the parameter value field (182).

[0149] Now refer to FIG. 8J and FIG. 8K '、 FIG. 8K and FIG. 8L '、 FIG. 8L and FIG. 8N '、 FIG. 8N and FIG. 8O '、 FIG. 8O and FIG. 8J ', Once the first menu (179A) is displayed (as shown) FIG. 8J As shown in the example), by continuously operating the first manual user interface element (177), the menu cursor (185) can be moved to another parameter control field (181) (as shown in the example). FIG. 8K As shown in the example, “Settings”, and the operation of the second manual user interface element (184) causes an adjustment to the parameter control value (175) (as shown in the example). FIG. 8K As shown in the example, selecting "Settings" and displaying the second menu (179B) in the second menu, the parameter control field (181) containing the parameter control value (175) adjacent to the corresponding operation parameter field (186) containing the operation parameter (174) is displayed in the first column (187) of the menu (e.g. FIG. 8L (As shown in the example). Subsequent operation of the first manual user interface element (177) causes the menu cursor (185) to advance in the first column (187) of the menu to select one of the plurality of parameter control values ​​(175) (as shown in the example). FIG. 8L As shown in the example, the menu cursor can be moved to "Yes" adjacent to the operation parameter field (186) of the operation parameter (174) "Internal Device" which is related to the operation of the small ball (2), or to the operation parameter field (186) of the operation parameter (174) "External Device" which is related to the operation of the label (4). Operation on the second manual user interface element (184) can cause the display of a third menu (179C) having: a first menu column (187) including one or more parameter control fields (181) each containing a parameter control value (175); and a second menu column (188) including one or more operation parameter fields (186) each containing an operation parameter (174) (e.g. FIG. 8MAs shown in the example, the second column (188) of the menu lists three operation parameters (174) of the small ball (2): "Temperature", "Move", and "Microphone". Operation of the first manual user interface element (177) causes the menu cursor (185) to move between parameter control fields (181) (as shown in the example of 8M, the cursor can be moved to the parameter control value (175) "On" adjacent to the operation parameter (174) "Move"). Operation of the second manual user interface element (184) toggles the selected parameter control value (175) between "On" and "Off" (as shown in the example of 8M). FIG. 8N 'and FIG. 8N As shown in the example). Operation of the first manual user interface element (177) causes the menu cursor (185) to move between other parameter control fields (181) on the first column (187) of the menu (as shown in the example). FIG. 8O As shown in the example, the menu cursor is moved to the parameter control value (175) "15 minutes" adjacent to the operation parameter (174) "Temperature" displayed in the second column (188) of the menu. Operation of the second manual user interface element (184) can cause the display of a third menu (179C) that displays the parameter control value (175) associated with the operation parameter (174) of "Temperature" (e.g., FIG. 8O As shown in the example, the selectable time period between temperature readings via the small ball (2) is "15 minutes", "30 minutes", or "60 minutes". Operation of the first manual user interface element (177) causes the menu cursor (185) to advance between selectable parameter control values ​​(175) of the operation parameter (174) of "temperature" (as shown in the example). FIG. 8O As shown in the example). Operation of the second manual user interface element (184) can cause an adjustment to the parameter control value (175) (as shown in the example). FIG. 8P As shown in the example, the selection of “30 minutes” is shown. Operation of the first manual user interface element (177) causes the menu cursor (185) to advance to “Exit”, and operation of the second manual user interface element (184) causes a return to the first menu (179A).

[0150] Now refer to FIG. 8P and FIG. 8Q '、 FIG. 8Q and FIG. 8R 'as well as FIG. 8R and FIG. 8P Once the first menu (179A) is displayed, the menu cursor (185) can be moved to another parameter control field (181) by continuous operation of the first manual user interface element (177). FIG. 8P As shown in the example, proceeding to the "ID number", and operation of the second manual user interface element (184) can cause an adjustment to the parameter control value (175) (as shown in the example).FIG. 8Q The display of the example shown) and the display of the second menu (179B), the second menu including one or more parameter control fields (181) in the first column (187) of the menu and one or more operation parameter fields (186) in the second column (188) of the menu (as shown in the example) FIG. 8Q As shown in the example). Operation of the first manual user interface element (177) causes the menu cursor (185) to advance between the plurality of parameter control fields (181) that each contains a parameter control value (175) adjacent to the respective plurality of operation parameter fields (186) containing operation parameters (174). FIG. 8Q As shown in the example, the menu cursor (185) can be moved to "Yes" adjacent to the operation parameter (174) "Internal device is pairing". Operation of the second manual user interface element (184) can cause the display of a third menu (179C), which displays selectable parameter control values ​​(175) adjacent to the operation parameter (174) displayed in the first column (187) of the menu (e.g., ...). FIG. 8R As shown in the example, one of the two parameter control values ​​(175) "1000001" and "1000002" adjacent to "Pairing: Selecting Device" is displayed. Operation of the first manual user interface element (177) allows the menu cursor (185) to move between the selectable parameter control values ​​(175) (as shown in the example). FIG. 8R As shown in the example, the cursor can be moved to "1000002". Operation of the second manual user interface element (184) can cause the selection of a parameter control value (175), thereby pairing the parameter control value (175) associated with the small ball (2) with the label (4) (as shown in the example). FIG. 8S As shown in the example, it displays the small ball (2) "100002" paired with the label (4). Operation on the first manual user interface element (177) causes the menu cursor (185) to advance to "Exit", and operation on the second manual user interface element (184) causes a return to the first menu (179A).

[0151] Currently, the main reference is... FIG. 8S and FIG. 8T '、 FIG. 8T and FIG. 8U 'as well as FIG. 8U and FIG. 8S Once the first menu (179A) is displayed, the menu cursor (185) can be moved to the parameter control field (181) by continuous operation of the first manual user interface element (177). FIG. 8Sof the first menu (179A) (as shown in the example of Fig. 1 1 1 ). Operation of the second manual user interface element (184) can cause selection of the parameter control field (181 ) and display of a second menu (179B) in which the parameter control field (181 ) containing the parameter control value (175) "ID number" can be displayed adjacent to the operation parameter field (186) containing the operation parameter (174) "Animal ID" (as shown in the example of Fig. 1 12). FIG. 8T Operation of the first manual user interface element (177) can cause the menu cursor (185) to advance between the plurality of parameter control fields (181 ) in the menu first column (187) (as shown in the example of Fig. 1 13). Operation of the second manual user interface element (184) can cause selection of the parameter control value (175) "ID number" and display of a third menu (179C) including: a menu first column (187) in which one or more additional parameter control fields (181 ) contain selectable parameter control values (175); and a menu second column (188) including an operation parameter field (186) containing the operation parameter (174) (as shown in the example of Fig. 1 14). FIG. 8T Operation of the first manual user interface element (177) can cause the menu cursor (185) to advance between the plurality of parameter control fields (181 ) in the menu first column (187) (as shown in the example of Fig. 1 13). Operation of the second manual user interface element (184) can cause selection of the parameter control value (175) "ID number" and display of a third menu (179C) including: a menu first column (187) in which one or more additional parameter control fields (181 ) contain selectable parameter control values (175); and a menu second column (188) including an operation parameter field (186) containing the operation parameter (174) (as shown in the example of Fig. 1 14). FIG. 8U Operation of the second manual user interface element (184) can select the parameter control value (175) "Yes" for the operation parameter "Enter ID" (as shown in the example of Fig. 1 15). Operation of the second manual user interface element (184) can select the parameter control value (175) "Yes" causing display of a fourth menu (179D) (as shown in the example of Fig. 1 16). FIG. 8V Operation of the first manual user interface element (177) can cause the menu cursor (185) to advance in the keypad field (179E') and operation of the second manual user interface element (184) can cause selection of a keypad alpha-numeric value (179E") corresponding to the keypad field (179E') in which the menu cursor (185) is positioned, allowing selection of an ID number to be associated with the pair of pellets (2) and the tag (4) to be paired. Operation of the first manual user interface element (177) can cause the menu cursor (185) to advance to "Exit" and operation of the second manual user interface element (184) can cause return to the first menu (179A).

[0152] Reference will now be made primarily to FIG. 8V and FIG. 8W ', FIG. 8W and FIG. 8X ' and FIG. 8X and FIG. 8V', once the first menu (179A) is displayed, the menu cursor (185) can be advanced to another parameter control field (181) (e.g., "ID Number", as shown in the example of FIG. 8V ' ) by successive operation of the first manual user interface element (177), and operation of the second manual user interface element (184) causes selection of the associated parameter control value (175) and display of a second menu (179B) (e.g., as shown in the example of FIG. 8W ' ). Operation of the first manual user interface element (177) advances the menu cursor (185) through the plurality of parameter control fields (181) in the menu first column (187) (e.g., as shown in the example of FIG. 8W ' ) can advance the menu cursor (185) to the parameter control field (181) containing the parameter control value (175) "Communication Method" adjacent to the operation parameter field (186) containing the operation parameter (174) "Communicate". Operation of the second manual user interface element (184) causes display of a third menu (179C) displaying additional parameter control fields (181) containing parameter control values (175) corresponding to the operation parameter (174) contained in the operation parameter field (186) displayed adjacent in the menu second column (188) in the menu first column (187) (e.g., as shown in the example of FIG. 8X ' ), the parameter control value "No" adjacent to each of the operation parameters (174) "Local Collector", "Activate Cell Phone", or "Connect Bluetooth". Operation of the first manual user interface element (177) advances the menu cursor (185) between the selectable parameter control fields (181) in the menu first column (187) (e.g., as shown in the example of FIG. 8X ' ). Operation of the second manual user interface element (184) causes selection of the parameter control value (175) (e.g., as shown in the example of FIG. 6 ' ), selection of the parameter control value (175) causes toggling between "No" and "Yes" in the parameter control field (181). Operation of the first manual user interface element (177) advances the menu cursor (185) to "Exit", and operation of the second manual user interface element (184) causes return to the first menu (179A).

[0153] Referring again primarily to FIG. 7 and FIG. 6 , an embodiment of the tag (4) can further include a tag power supply (190) (and associated tag power regulator (191) ) that supplies energy (67) (power) to the tag (4) and regulates the energy. FIG. 7 and Remote signal transceiverThe illustrated tag power source (190) can take the form of a battery, such as an AA battery, AAA battery, or the like. The tag power source (190) provides power to electronic components supported on the tag printed circuit board, including, for example, the tag microcontroller (139), the tag first communication signal generator (155), the tag second communication signal generator (162), and the at least one tag sensor (125).

[0154] With respect to particular embodiments, the tag power management module (192) can, but need not, include a tag power sensor element (193) that is executable to determine a remaining amount of energy (67) in the tag power source (190) and to generate a corresponding tag power source energy value (194). A preselected power source energy value (195) can be input into the tag (4), and the tag computer code (140) can be executable to periodically determine the tag power source energy value (194) and to compare the power source energy value to the preselected power source energy value (195). If the tag power source energy value (194) falls below the preselected power source energy value (195), the tag computer code (140) can be executable to cause the tag indicator element (144) to emit a sensually perceptible indicium (145), as described above.

[0155] FIG. 1 Referring now primarily to FIG. 9 and Remote processor , the animal monitoring system (1) can, but need not, include one or more RSTs (6) positioned to receive the pill communication signal (38) or the tag second communication signal (7) bearing the physiological parameter data (8) from the one or more pills (2) or the environmental parameter data (9) from the one or more tags (4). With respect to particular embodiments, the one or more RSTs (6) can be further operative to assemble the encoded physiological parameter data (8) or environmental parameter data (9) into one or more data packets that can be transmitted and received by a wired or wireless receiving device, which can be integrated into the remote processor (11). The receiving device can pass the data packets to the remote processor (11). The remote processor (11) can be operative to transform the animal identification data (37), the physiological parameter data (8), and the environmental parameter data (9) to output an animal identification value (176) (letter or number or other animal identifier), a physiological parameter value (13) (letter or number or other symbol), or an environmental parameter value (12).

[0156] FIG. 1 Referring now generally to FIG. 3 , FIG. 7 , FIG. 9 and FIG. 1Embodiments of the present invention may, but not necessarily, include a remote processor (11) configured to either, directly or indirectly, via one or more RSTs (6) at a frequency corresponding to the worm communication signal (38) or the tag second communication signal (7) in some embodiments and in some embodiments, to communicate with the worm (2) and the tag (4) or both, to obtain or generate animal identification values ​​(176), physiological parameter values ​​(13), and environmental parameter values ​​(12) accessible to a user (196) and to transmit the worm programming signal (28) carrying the worm programming data (10) to the tag (4) (in some embodiments) or to the worm (2) (in some embodiments) to reprogram the worm (2).

[0157] For the purposes of this invention, the term "remote processor" refers to any suitable type of electronic device. As an illustrative example, a remote processor (11) may include a portable electronic device that a user (196) can hold in their hand, such as a personal email device (e.g., a Blackberry provided by Research in Motion, Waterloo, Ontario). (e.g., personal data assistants, cellular phones, tablets, laptops, desktop computers, etc.)

[0158] The remote processor (11) may be described in this document as functional block components, screenshots, and various process steps. It should be understood that such functional blocks can be implemented by any number of hardware or software components configured to perform the specified functions.

[0159] Similarly, the software elements of this invention can be implemented using any programming or scripting language, such as C, C++, Java, COBOL, assembler, PERL, LabVIEW, or any graphical user interface programming language, Extensible Markup Language (XML), Microsoft's Visual Studio .NET, Visual Basic, etc., wherein various algorithms or Boolean logic are implemented using any combination of data structures, objects, processes, routines, or other programming elements. Furthermore, it should be noted that this invention can employ any number of conventional wired or wireless technologies for data transmission, signal transmission, data processing, network control, etc.

[0160] It should be understood that the specific computer implementations shown and described herein are illustrative of the application and the best mode for carrying out the application and are not intended to limit the scope of the application in any way. Indeed, for the sake of brevity, conventional data networking, application development, and other functional aspects of the systems (and components of the individual operating components of the systems) can not be described in detail herein. Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in the various figures contained herein are intended to represent example functional relationships and / or physical couplings between the various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections can be present in the animal environment and physiological monitoring system (1).

[0161] As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, the present application can be embodied as a method, a data processing system, a device for data processing, a computer program product, or the like, in alternative implementations. Accordingly, the present application can take the form of an entirely software embodiment, an entirely hardware embodiment, or an embodiment combining aspects of both software and hardware. Furthermore, the present application can take the form of a computer program product on a computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable program code means embodied in the storage medium. Any suitable computer readable storage medium can be utilized, including hard disks, CD-ROMs, optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, ROMs, Flash RAM, or the like.

[0162] It should be understood that each of the functional blocks of the block and flow diagrams, and combinations of functional blocks in the block and flow diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be loaded onto a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute on the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions specified in the flow diagram block or blocks.

[0163] These computer program instructions can also be stored in a computer- readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including instructions which implement the function specified in the flow diagram block or blocks. The computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions specified in the flow diagram block or blocks.

[0164] Accordingly, the functions of the blocks of the illustrative diagrams and flow charts can be implemented with fixed logic or programmable logic (e.g., computer software) that perform the specified functions to accomplish the specified

[0165] Referring again to FIG. 3 , FIG. 7 , FIG. 9 and FIG. 9 , the illustrative remote processor (11) can include at least one processing unit (197), a memory unit (198), a bus (199) that operatively couples the components of the remote processor (11), including but not limited to the memory unit (198), to the processing unit (197). The remote processor (11) can be a conventional computer, a distributed computer, or any other type of computer that can contain all or a portion of the described or illustrated elements for implementing the functionality described herein; the present application is not limited in this regard. The processing unit (197) can include but is not limited to one Central Processing Unit (CPU), or multiple processing units, or parallel operating, or a digital signal processor (DSP) plus a host processor, etc. The bus (199) can be any of several types of bus configurations that can be used to connect the components, such as the memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus, using any of a variety of bus architectures, such as Industrial Standard Architecture (ISA), Micro Channel Architecture (MCA), Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI), Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe), or others. The memory unit (198) can be but is not limited to a read only memory (ROM) (200) or a random access memory (RAM) (201), or both. A basic input / output system (BIOS) (202) containing the routines that help to transfer information between elements within the remote processor (11), such as during start-up, can be stored in ROM (200). The remote processor (11) can further include one or more of a hard disk drive (203) for reading from and writing to a hard disk (204), a magnetic disk drive (205) for reading from or writing to a removable magnetic disk (206), and an optical disk drive (207) for reading from or writing to a removable optical disk (208) such as a CD ROM or other optical media.

[0166] The hard disk drive (203), the magnetic disk drive (205), and the optical disk drive (207) and the receiving device can be connected to the bus (199) through the hard disk drive interface (209), the magnetic disk drive interface (210), and the optical disk drive interface (211). The signal receiving device can be connected to the bus (199) through the signal receiving device interface (212), respectively. The drives and their associated computer readable media provide nonvolatile storage of computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules and other data for the remote processor (11). Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that any type of computer readable media, such as magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards, digital video disks, Bernoulli cartridges, random access memories (RAMs), read only memories (ROMs), RFID devices, etc., can be used in the example operating environment.

[0167] The remote processor (11) can further include an operating system (213) and an animal monitoring program (214) ("AMP"), which, with respect to particular embodiments of the present application, can include an AMA encoder-decoder module (215) for programming animal monitoring assemblies (AMA) (216) or reprogramming certain operating parameters of the AMAs using animal identification data (37). With respect to particular embodiments, programming of the AMAs (216) can be accomplished using an animal monitoring assembly programmer (217) connected to the bus (199) through an AMA interface (218). The AMA encoder-decoder module (215) can be stored on or in the hard disk (204), the removable disk (206), the optical disk (208), the ROM (200), in the RAM (201) of the remote processor (11), or, alternatively, the functions of the AMA encoder-decoder module (215) can be implemented as an application specific integrated chip (ASIC) or a field programmable gate array (FPGA), etc.

[0168] With respect to a specific embodiment, the remote processor (11) can be further configured for generating pill programming data (10) based on user (196) interaction with the AMP (214), which can be received by the RST (6) over a local area network (219), over a wide area network (220). The RST (6) can generate an RST communication signal (221) for carrying the pill programming data (10) to a tag second communication receiver (163) contained in the tag (4). The RST communication signal (221) can be processed by the tag microcontroller (139), and the tag (4) can reprogram the pill computer code (23) with a tag first communication signal (5) and alter operation of the AMA (216) accordingly with the power management module (68) whether the pill (2) containing the AMA (216) has a location external to the animal (3) or has a location internal to the animal (3).

[0169] The user (196) can enter commands and information into the remote processor (11) through input devices (222) such as a keyboard (223) and pointing devices (224) such as a mouse. Other input devices (not shown) can include for example: a touch screen, a microphone, a joystick, a game pad, a satellite dish, a scanner, a magnetic stripe, etc. These and other input devices are often connected to the processing unit (197) through a serial port interface (225) that can be coupled to the bus (199), but can be connected by other interfaces, such as a parallel port, a game port, or a universal serial bus (USB). A monitor (226) or other type of display device can also be connected to the bus (199) via an interface, such as a video adapter (227). In addition to the monitor (226), the remote processor (11) can further include peripheral output devices (232) such as speakers and a printer.

[0170] The remote processor (11) can operate in a networked environment using logical connections to one or more remote processors (11). These logical connections can be implemented by a communications device (228) coupled to the remote processor (11) or a part of the remote processor. Although ​ Although only a single bus (199) has been shown in the remote processor (11), the remote processor (11) can include any number of buses. The remote processor (11) can further include memory storage devices (229) or memory elements (230), which can include a cache such as found in the processing unit (197) or in other elements of the remote processor (11). The memory storage devices (229) and memory elements (230) can include a RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory, or other memory technology, which can be electrically, magnetically, or optically coupled to the remote processor (11). The memory storage devices (229) and the memory elements (230) can include program elements (231), such as an operating system (234), one or more application programs (235), other program

[0171] When used in a local area networking environment, the remote processor (11) can be connected to a local area network (229) ("LAN") through a network interface (230). When used in a WAN networking environment, the remote processor (11) typically includes a modem (231) or other type of communications device for establishing communications over a wide area network (220), such as the Internet. The modem (231), which can be internal or external, can be connected to the bus (199) via the serial port interface (225). In a networked environment, the AMP (214) or portions thereof can be stored in any one or more of the plurality of remote processors (11). It will be appreciated that the logical connections shown are exemplary, and other means of establishing communications between the plurality of remote processors (11) can be utilized.

[0172] As can be readily appreciated from the foregoing, the basic concepts of the present application can be embodied in a variety of ways. The present application relates to various embodiments of animal environmental and physiological monitoring systems and methods for making and using such animal environmental and physiological monitoring systems, including the best mode.

[0173] As such, the present application in its broadest form is not to be limited to the specific embodiments and examples disclosed and will expressly include other alternative embodiments and equivalents as can be set forth in the claims. Furthermore, the specific description of the individual embodiments or elements of the present application can not explicitly disclose all possible embodiments or elements; the description and drawings implicitly disclose many alternatives as can be readily understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0174] It will be appreciated that each element of the apparatus or each step of the method can be described by an apparatus term or a method term. Such terms can be replaced when it is desirable to explicitly cover the full scope of the application as broadly as possible. As one example, it will be understood that all steps of a method can be disclosed as acts, apparatuses for taking the acts, or elements causing the acts. Similarly, each element of an apparatus can be disclosed as a physical element or an act facilitated by the physical element. But as one example, a disclosure of a "generator" is understood to cover a disclosure of a "generating" act, whether or not explicitly discussed, and conversely if a "generating" act is effectively disclosed, such disclosure is understood to cover a disclosure of a "generator" and even an "apparatus for generating." Such alternative terms for each element or step are understood to be expressly included in the specification.

[0175] In addition, with respect to each term used, it is to be understood that, unless otherwise explicitly provided, the common dictionary definitions are to be understood to be incorporated in each description of each term in the Random House Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, Second Edition, which is to be construed as being incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

[0176] All numerical values of parameters (e.g., of quantities or dimensions) are to be understood as modified by the term "about" unless otherwise explicitly indicated. For the purposes of this application, ranges can be expressed as from "about" one particular value to "about" another particular value. When two values are expressed as from about one particular value to about another particular value, it is intended to include the range between the two values and specific

[0177] Also for the purposes of this application, the term "a" or "an" entity includes one or more entities, unless otherwise limited. As such, the terms "a" (or "an"), "one or more", and "at least one" can be used interchangeably herein.

[0178] Accordingly, it is to be understood that the (multiple) Applicant(s) hereof reserves the right to amend the above specification and / or claims according to the following: i) each of the animal environment and physiological monitoring systems disclosed and described herein; ii) the related methods disclosed and described; iii) similar, equivalent and even implicit variations of each of these devices and methods; iv) alternative embodiments of those items which have been shown or described which accomplish the same function(s) of the items previously described; v) those alternative designs and methods which accomplish each of the functions shown as are within the scope of the functions shown; vi) each feature, component, and step shown as separate and independent applications; vii) applications enhanced by the different systems or components disclosed; viii) the resulting products produced by such systems or components; ix) methods and apparatus substantially as described herein above and with reference to any of the accompanying drawings; x) different combinations and permutations of each of the disclosed earlier elements.

[0179] The Background section of this patent application provides an indication of the field of endeavor to which this application pertains. This section also incorporates by reference or otherwise and includes related information, problems or concerns that can be addressed by the subject matter of the application. None of the cited or incorporated information, documents, or subject matter, if any, is intended to be construed as being indicative of, or admitted as prior art against, the present application.

[0180] The claims set forth in this specification, if any, are hereby specifically incorporated by reference as part of this specification as if each system individually was individually incorporated by reference herein. Applicant expressly reserves the right to use all or part of this specification, including the claims, to support the patentability of additional patents or patent applications.

[0181] Accordingly, the claims set forth in the description of the application (if any) are further intended to describe a limited number of the preferred embodiments of the present application and are not intended to be a complete description of all such embodiments of the present application. The present application is not limited to the embodiments described herein, but instead has wide applicability to other combinations of hardware and software employed in the implementation of the present application.

Claims

1. An animal monitoring system, the animal monitoring system comprising: The pellet, which can be orally administered to an animal, comprises: At least one pellet sensor, the at least one pellet sensor being capable of generating a pellet sensor signal that varies based on a change in at least one physiological parameter of the animal; A Maru communication signal generator, which is capable of generating wireless Maru communication signals carrying encoded Maru sensor data; A small, round-shaped memory element, the small, round-shaped memory element including a power management module; and The Xiaowan communication signal receiver is capable of receiving Xiaowan programming data to reprogram the power management module. A tag, which can be attached to the outer surface of the animal, the tag comprising: At least one tag sensor, the at least one tag sensor being capable of generating a tag sensor signal that varies based on changes in at least one environmental parameter surrounding the animal; A first communication signal receiver for the tag, the first communication signal receiver for the tag being capable of receiving the wireless pellet communication signal carrying the encoded pellet sensor data; and A tag first communication signal generator is provided, which generates a tag first communication signal with a tag first communication signal frequency. The tag first communication signal carries the small ball programming data to the small ball communication signal receiver to reprogram the power management module, thereby changing 1) the time period between readings of the small ball sensor signal or the time period between transmission pulses of the small ball communication signal generator or 2) the duration of the transmission pulses.

2. The animal monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one pellet sensor includes an omnidirectional tilt and vibration sensor as well as a temperature sensor.

3. The animal monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein, The wireless microsatellite communication signal carrying the encoded microsatellite sensor data has a microsatellite communication signal frequency between 700MHz and 1GHz.

4. The animal monitoring system according to claim 3, wherein, The communication signal frequency of the small ball is selected from the group consisting of the following: between 700MHz and 800MHz, between 750MHz and 850MHz, between 800MHz and 900MHz, between 850MHz and 950MHz, and between 900MHz and 1GHz.

5. The animal monitoring system according to claim 3, wherein, The tag first communication signal has a tag first communication signal frequency in the range of 700MHz to 1GHz.

6. The animal monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one tag sensor includes an omnidirectional tilt and vibration sensor as well as a temperature sensor.

7. The animal monitoring system of claim 1, further comprising a tag indicator element capable of generating a sensory-perceptible tag upon execution of tag computer code when a preselected indicator element activation value for a physiological parameter value or an environmental parameter value is present.

8. The animal monitoring system of claim 1, further comprising a tag indicator element capable of being operated by executing tag computer code to generate a sensory-perceptible mark when a preselected power energy value of the tag power source is present.

9. The animal monitoring system according to claim 1, further comprising a remote transceiver, the remote transceiver being capable of receiving a second communication signal from a tag carrying the coded pellet sensor data or the coded environmental data, and transmitting the coded pellet sensor data or the coded environmental sensor data to a remote processor.

Images