Livestock Management System

Abstract

A livestock management system is disclosed for detecting, tracking, and responding to livestock location and body parameters, and for determining livestock behavior and associated physical conditions. The system generally includes multiple tags and sensors attached to or implanted in multiple livestock, one or more local sensors, a management platform, and a remote computer system. Each tag receives, processes, and maintains data on the location, activity, and body parameters of the livestock to which it is attached, and locally determines the livestock's behavior and physical condition. These tags communicate locally with other nearby tags and sensors via a dynamic mesh network, and communicate with the management platform and the remote computer system via a long-range wireless network. The management platform processes the tag data and generates herd-related data. The remote computer uses the tag data to generate and update livestock behavior and condition models for download to these tags.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] The described example embodiments generally relate to a livestock management system for detecting, tracking, and responding to livestock location and activity, and for determining livestock behavior and associated physical conditions.

[0002] Tags equipped with sensors and electronic devices are externally attached to various parts of the body of cattle and other livestock as components of livestock management systems to record and transmit data on the livestock's location, certain physical parameters, and health and welfare. For example, such tags are attached to the ears, dewlap, and chest area of ​​cattle. Any discussion of the related technology throughout this specification should not be construed as an admission that such related technology is well-known in the art or forms part of common general knowledge. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Some embodiments of the various examples in this disclosure relate to a livestock management system capable of managing various types of livestock. Some embodiments of the various examples in this disclosure manage herds within a managed area. Some embodiments of the various examples in this disclosure typically include multiple tags, one or more local sensors / transceivers located within the managed area, a management system platform, and a remote computer system, wherein each tag is attached to an animal in the managed herd. In some other embodiments, one or more sensors may be implanted in and / or attached to each animal.

[0004] Each tag locally and autonomously receives and / or acquires data on the livestock's location, orientation, movement, and other data about the livestock from embedded receivers and sensors (e.g., embedded GPS receivers, gyroscopes, and accelerometers). Each tag also locally and autonomously receives and / or acquires the livestock's physical parameters from one or more sensors (e.g., internal body temperature sensors). These sensors may be implanted in the livestock and / or attached to the livestock, separate from and / or integrated into the tag. Each tag locally and autonomously processes the data and physical parameters to determine certain activities and behaviors of the livestock, such as feeding, rumination, and walking, and to determine certain physical conditions of the livestock associated with these behaviors, such as illness, injury, estrus, mating, and farrowing. The tag can predict and determine livestock activity and physical conditions by applying one or more AI models and / or other detection algorithms to the received and acquired data. Each tag also locally and autonomously receives or acquires data on events and conditions outside the livestock, processes the data, and determines whether there are potential risks to the livestock, such as nearby predators or vehicles.

[0005] Each tag can locally and autonomously determine to generate an alarm or alert in response to detected or determined livestock location, activity, and / or physical condition, and / or in response to detected or determined events or conditions outside the livestock. For example, the tag can generate an alarm or alert when it detects that livestock has left a managed area or a designated area within a managed area, when it determines that livestock is sick, injured, in estrus, or giving birth, when it determines that livestock may have been stolen, and / or when it determines that livestock is threatened by external events or conditions (e.g., predators, severe weather, etc.).

[0006] Each tag is capable of data, determination, and alarm communication with a management system platform and / or a remote computer system (e.g., with the cloud) via one or more long-range wireless networks (which may include cellular networks, satellite networks, and / or IP-based networks, and / or LPWANs such as LoRa or Sigfox). However, in embodiments where it is not necessary or desirable for each tag to communicate individually with the management system platform and / or remote computer system, for example, for energy efficiency reasons, each tag may be configured to communicate locally and autonomously with other nearby tags and local sensors / transceivers in the managed area via one or more self-forming dynamic local mesh networks, or each tag may communicate or attempt to communicate with other nearby tags without forming a mesh network. Depending on the location of surrounding or nearby tags, one or more tags may receive data from a sending tag. Therefore, the sending tag may not have the data "sensing ability" to determine whether other individual tags or tags have received the transmitted data. For example, this type of transmission may be used for emergency alarms or general data sharing.

[0007] In any case, each tag in the local mesh network, or each tag sufficiently close to other tags, can have all and a subset of the data of every other tag in the network or area. This data may include, for example, signal strength, battery level, and external conditions, and based on such data, each tag in the network can autonomously determine the tag in the best condition for communicating with the management system platform and / or a remote computer network. The tag can then transmit aggregated data from some or all of the tags in the local mesh network, or a group of tags in a certain area, via a long-range wireless network to the management system platform and / or the remote computer network, for example, to the cloud.

[0008] The management system platform receives, processes, and stores data from these tags, and aggregates individual livestock data to generate herd-level data. The platform can also respond to alarms from these tags and can generate its own alarms. It monitors and manages designated grazing areas and consumable inventory, such as feed, hay, and water. The platform maintains and manages genetic and pedigree data, health and physical condition history, owner and location history, and financial information. It maintains and manages external user access to the system, data, and functions, and can be configured to operate as a remote service provider, for example, providing online auctions and / or veterinary services. The platform manages and monitors tags, including adding and deleting tags in the system, populating tags with data and updates, provisioning tag operation, and monitoring battery level and operating conditions.

[0009] The remote computer system can be separate from the management system platform or integrated with it wholly or partially. It can provide large-capacity storage for very large amounts of tag data and determinations. Furthermore, it can provide computing power and tools to generate, train, and update AI models and / or other detection-based algorithms to determine livestock activity, behavior, and condition using large amounts of tag data and determinations. The remote computer system can directly and / or download such AI models and / or other detection-based algorithms, along with tag updates, from the management system platform.

[0010] Therefore, some embodiments of livestock management systems have been outlined quite extensively to facilitate a better understanding of their detailed description and the invention's contribution to the prior art. Other embodiments of livestock management systems are also available, which will be described below and form the subject matter of the appended claims. In this regard, before explaining at least one embodiment of the livestock management system in detail, it should be understood that the application of the livestock management system is not limited to the construction details and component arrangements set forth in the following description or shown in the accompanying drawings. Livestock management systems can have other embodiments and can be practiced and implemented in various ways. Similarly, it should be understood that the wording and terminology used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered restrictive. Attached Figure Description

[0011] The exemplary embodiments can be more fully understood from the detailed description and accompanying drawings given below, wherein similar elements are indicated by similar reference numerals, which are given by way of illustration only and therefore do not limit the exemplary embodiments herein.

[0012] Figure 1A This is a perspective view of a tag component of a livestock management system according to an example embodiment.

[0013] Figure 1B This is a front view of the tag component of a livestock management system according to an example embodiment.

[0014] Figure 1C This is a side view of the tag component of a livestock management system according to an example embodiment.

[0015] Figure 1D This is a rear view of the tag component of a livestock management system according to an example embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2 It is a perspective view of livestock equipped with a tag component of a livestock management system according to an example embodiment.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating the elements and architecture of a tagging component of a livestock management system, according to an example embodiment.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating the power supply elements and architecture of a tag component of a livestock management system, according to an example embodiment.

[0019] Figure 5 It is a block diagram illustrating the components and architecture of the communication interface of the tag component of a livestock management system according to an example embodiment, and a graphical representation illustrating the communication relationship between the communication interface and other components of the system.

[0020] Figure 6 It is a graphical representation of livestock in multiple dynamic local mesh networks within a livestock management system according to an example embodiment.

[0021] Figure 7 It is a graphical representation of livestock in multiple different dynamic local mesh networks within a livestock management system according to an example embodiment.

[0022] Figure 8 This is a block diagram illustrating some potential functions performed in the tagging component of a livestock management system, a possible logical flow, and the receiving, processing, and maintenance of associated data, based on an example embodiment.

[0023] Figure 9 This is a block diagram illustrating a potential logical data structure for receiving, processing, and maintaining potential data in the tagging component of a livestock management system, based on an example embodiment.

[0024] Figure 10 It is a block diagram illustrating the components and architecture of a management system platform for a livestock management system, based on an example embodiment, and a graphical representation illustrating the communication relationships between the management platform and other components of the system.

[0025] Figure 11AThis is a block diagram illustrating some potential functions performed in a management system platform of a livestock management system, a possible logical flow, and the receiving, processing, and maintenance of associated data, based on an example embodiment.

[0026] Figure 11B This is a block diagram illustrating some potential functions performed in a management system platform of a livestock management system, a possible logical flow, and the receiving, processing, and maintenance of associated data, based on an example embodiment.

[0027] Figure 11C This is a block diagram illustrating some potential functions performed in a management system platform of a livestock management system, a possible logical flow, and the receiving, processing, and maintenance of associated data, based on an example embodiment.

[0028] Figure 11D This is a block diagram illustrating some potential functions performed in a management system platform of a livestock management system, a possible logical flow, and the receiving, processing, and maintenance of associated data, based on an example embodiment.

[0029] Figure 11E This is a block diagram illustrating some potential functions performed in a management system platform of a livestock management system, a possible logical flow, and the receiving, processing, and maintenance of associated data, based on an example embodiment.

[0030] Figure 12A This is a partial graphical representation of livestock, according to an example embodiment, illustrating the correlation between an orientation of a tag component of a livestock management system and livestock behavior that the system can use to determine livestock condition.

[0031] Figure 12B This is a partial graphical representation of livestock, illustrating, according to an example embodiment, the correlation between another orientation of the tag component of a livestock management system and livestock behavior that the system can use to determine livestock condition.

[0032] Figure 12C This is a partial graphical representation of livestock, illustrating, according to an example embodiment, the correlation between another orientation of the tag component of a livestock management system and livestock behavior that the system can use to determine livestock condition.

[0033] Figure 13 The graph, according to an example embodiment, illustrates the relationship between livestock body temperature and walking behavior over time, a relationship detected by a tag component of the livestock management system and used to determine livestock condition.

[0034] Figure 14A This is a block diagram illustrating a potential logical data structure for receiving, processing, and maintaining potential data in a management system platform of a livestock management system, based on an example embodiment.

[0035] Figure 14B This is a block diagram illustrating a potential logical data structure for receiving, processing, and maintaining potential data in a management system platform of a livestock management system, based on an example embodiment.

[0036] Figure 14C This is a block diagram illustrating a potential logical data structure for receiving, processing, and maintaining potential data in a management system platform of a livestock management system, based on an example embodiment.

[0037] Figure 15 This is a graph illustrating the power status of the tag, according to an example embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0038] A. Overview

[0039] Some embodiments of the various examples of this disclosure relate to a livestock management system capable of managing various types of livestock. Some embodiments of the livestock management system 10 of this disclosure typically include multiple tags 20 attached to corresponding plurality of managed livestock 12, multiple local sensors and transceivers 34 located in the managed area, a management system platform 140, and a remote computer system 220. In some other example embodiments, one or more sensors 32 are implanted in and / or attached to each livestock 12.

[0040] Each tag 20 is adapted and configured to be attached externally, preferably to the outside of the animal's ear, to the corresponding animal 12. Each tag 20 is self-powered and operates autonomously and automatically in most cases.

[0041] Each tag 20 includes elements and components necessary for acquiring or receiving data and information about the individual livestock 12 to which it is attached, for processing, maintaining, and transmitting such data. Such data may include, but is not limited to, livestock location, movement, orientation, position and angle relative to other nearby livestock 12, and physical parameters such as internal body temperature. Each tag 20 is adapted and configured to autonomously and automatically process the received and acquired data on the livestock 12's location, orientation, movement, etc., and physical parameters locally, and to determine the livestock 12's activities and behaviors by applying one or more models and / or algorithms. Such activities and behaviors may include, for example, but not limited to, eating, drinking, ruminating, resting, walking, mating, etc. Each tag 20 is also adapted and configured to autonomously and automatically determine certain relevant livestock health and other important physical conditions from the data and determined activities and behaviors by applying one or more models. Such conditions may include, but are not limited to, disease, injury, estrus, ovulation, mating, pregnancy, and farrowing.

[0042] Each tag 20 is also adapted and configured to generate and transmit alarms and / or alerts in response to certain detected activities and / or conditions, and to receive and respond to alarms and / or alerts. For example, an alarm or alert may be transmitted to one or more mobile devices of a rancher, herd manager, etc. Detected conditions that can trigger an alarm or alert include, but are not limited to, estrus and parturition. Detected activities that can trigger an alarm or alert may include, but are not limited to, inactivity, sudden physical impacts and / or loud noises, and prolonged maintenance of a specific orientation. Each tag 20 may respond to an alarm or alert by taking actions including, but not limited to, activating an LED, a tone generator, and / or a stimulator.

[0043] Each tag 20 is also adapted and configured to communicate directly or indirectly with the management system platform 140 and the remote computer system 220 via one or more long-range wireless networks. Such networks may include, but are not limited to, cellular networks, satellite networks and / or IP-based WAN / LAN networks, and / or LPWANs such as LoRa or Sigfox.

[0044] Each tag 20 may also be adapted and configured to communicate with and receive data from one or more sensors 32 via a wireless connection, which may be implanted in and / or attached to the livestock 12 to which the tag 20 is attached. The wireless connection may be, but is not limited to, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) connectivity and antenna-based RFID connectivity or other RF links. Each tag 20 may be further adapted and configured to process, maintain, and transmit data from the sensor(s) 32. The one or more sensors 32 may be adapted and configured to sense various bodily parameters, conditions, and / or activities of the livestock 12, including but not limited to body temperature. In an example embodiment, a temperature sensor may be implanted in or attached to the livestock 12 at a location spaced apart from the ear location to which the tag 20 is attached. For food safety reasons, the spaced-apart location may include, for example, another location on the ear. The sensors 32 may provide relative body temperature readings of the livestock 12, which may be closely correlated with the health-related conditions and other bodily conditions of the livestock 12 to be determined by the tag 20.

[0045] In addition to each tag 20 being adapted and configured to communicate directly with, for example, a management system platform 140 and / or a remote computer system 220 in the cloud, in some embodiments, each tag 20 may also be adapted and configured to communicate directly with each of the other nearby tags 20 within a signal range in a dynamic local mesh network. Multiple dynamic local mesh networks may exist in a managed herd at any given time. These dynamic local mesh networks are self-organizing networks such that when an individual animal 12 leaves the signal range of one such network and enters the signal range of another, each network automatically updates its tag membership and transmits the new membership information to the other tags 20 in the network. The tags 20 in each dynamic local mesh network communicate with each other via wireless peer-to-peer connections. Wireless peer-to-peer connections may include, but are not limited to, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and / or LPWAN connections.

[0046] Each tag 20 in the dynamic local mesh network can be adapted and configured at any given time to receive all or a subset of data from every other tag 20 in the network, and to send all or a subset of its own data to every other tag 20 in the network. Each tag 20 in the network can also be adapted and configured to determine which tag 20 is in optimal condition for transmitting aggregated data from all tags in the network to the management system platform 140 and / or the remote computer system 220, i.e., the cloud. This determination can be based on multiple factors, including but not limited to relative power levels, relative signal strength, and other relative transmission conditions. Each tag 20 can be further adapted and configured to determine whether and when to transmit aggregated data from the tags 20 in the local network to the management system platform 140 and / or the remote computer system 220. This determination can be based on multiple factors, including but not limited to time and date, atmospheric conditions, signal conditions, and the power level and / or other conditions of the tag 20, or livestock conditions. For example, the livestock status that can trigger the transmission of aggregated data includes the health or health status or condition changes of livestock 12, including but not limited to estrus, giving birth, or changes in the location of livestock 12, such as when it is detected that livestock 12 has left a designated area or entered an unauthorized area (e.g., crossed a geofence).

[0047] One or more local sensors and transceivers 34 may be located at fixed locations within the managed area, or may be mobile within the managed area, and preferably located in one or more areas where livestock 12 also appear from time to time. Each local sensor and / or transceiver 34 is adapted and configured to communicate with each tag 20 within a specific signal range, and may be a member of a dynamic local mesh network having these tags 20. Each tag 20 is adapted and configured to communicate with each local sensor and / or transceiver 34 within the signal range, and to receive, maintain, process, and transmit any data received therefrom. Local sensors may include, for example, but not limited to, weight sensors connected to a scale, light sensors and / or cameras mounted on or near a scale, light sensors and / or cameras mounted at or near a feed or water source, feed or water level sensors, etc. For example, when other forms of communication (e.g., cellular networks or LPWAN) are unavailable for some reason, the local transceivers may also be used to transmit data between tags 20 within the signal range, the management system platform 140, and / or the remote computer system 220.

[0048] The management system platform 140 can be hosted in a fixed location, such as a desktop PC or cloud platform, or on a mobile device such as a laptop, tablet, or mobile phone. All or part of the instances of the management system platform 140 can be distributed between one or more host devices in a fixed location and one or more mobile host devices.

[0049] The management system platform 140 is adapted and configured to receive, process, maintain, and identify data from tags 20 attached to managed livestock 12. The management system platform 140 is adapted and configured to communicate directly with the tag 20 and a remote computer system 220 via one or more wireless and / or wired networks. These networks may include, but are not limited to, cellular networks, satellite networks, and / or IP-based WAN / LAN networks, and / or LPWANs such as LoRa or Sigfox. Where the management system platform 140 is embodied in a mobile host device, the management system platform may also be adapted and configured to communicate with the tag 20 via short-range wireless connections, including but not limited to Bluetooth. The management system platform 140 may also be adapted and configured to communicate with the tag 20 within signal range via a local RF transceiver located near the tag 20 in the event that other communication connections are unavailable for any reason.

[0050] The management system platform 140 is adapted and configured to process livestock tag data in substantially the same manner as the individual tags 20. The management system platform 140 can typically track the location and movement of individual livestock 12 and managed herds, and can use models and / or other algorithms to determine the presence of certain activities and behaviors, certain events, and certain physical conditions, such as estrus and farrowing in individual livestock 12. The management system platform 140 is also adapted and configured to respond to the detection of such events and the determination of such physical conditions by taking actions, including but not limited to transmitting alarms or alerts to one or more mobile devices of ranchers, herd managers, etc., and causing tags 20 associated with events or physical conditions to take actions such as activating tone generators, stimulators, and / or LEDs.

[0051] The management system platform 140 is also adapted and configured to manage tags 20 and monitor the operating conditions of each tag 20. The management system platform 140 can be adapted and configured to add new tags 20 to the system, delete tags 20 from the system, populate tags 20 with data and updates, and provision the operation of tags 20 in the system. The management system platform 140 can monitor the operating conditions of the tags 20, which may include, but are not limited to, battery level, signal strength level, temperature, humidity, etc. The management system platform 140 can take actions, including generating and transmitting alarms or alerts when monitored conditions indicate the need for maintenance, repair, or other intervention.

[0052] The management system platform 140 is also adapted and configured to process and determine data from tag 20, and generate additional data and information beneficial to the management of herd 12. Such data and information may include data and information at both the individual and herd levels. At the individual level, such data and information may include, for example, but not limited to, genetics and pedigree, history of physical characteristics such as weight, health and medical history, individual market value, and expected costs. At the herd level, such data and information may include, for example, but not limited to, herd head statistics and statistics, herd market value, actual and expected costs, herd location relative to pasture, and the usage status and remaining inventory of hay, feed, medical supplies and / or other consumables.

[0053] The management system platform 140 is also adapted and configured to receive, process, maintain, and transmit external information related to the management of individual livestock and herds of the livestock 12. Such information may include, but is not limited to, ownership information and history, location information and history, health-related conditions and other physical condition information and history (e.g., veterinary visits and treatments, vaccinations, records of injuries and diseases), market prices of livestock, market prices of feed and other consumables, financial information (e.g., interest rates, debt repayments), and weather information. The management system platform 140 may be adapted and configured to include triggers to automatically generate alarms or alerts for system users when certain predetermined thresholds are detected. Such triggers and alerts may include, but are not limited to, alarms for buying or selling when a specific market price is detected, alarms for moving all or part of the herd when a specific use value of the pasture or specific weather conditions are detected, and alarms for updating vaccinations when a period of time has passed or when a specific date and / or disease has been detected.

[0054] The management system platform 140 can also be adapted and configured to provide one or more external access interfaces. These external access interfaces may include login / password access security. The management system platform 140 can be configured to restrict access to only specified portions of the management system platform's functions, data, and information based on password control or other means. For example, one or more external access interfaces can be set up to allow one or more banks or other financial institutions, insurance providers, and / or government agencies to access specific information. The management system platform 140 can also be configured to operate as a remote service provider for certain online services (such as veterinary services, auction house services, or other livestock management-related services). In this case, external access interfaces can also be set up to allow registered users to access such services.

[0055] It is anticipated that once tag 20 is activated and put into use, it will generate a large amount of data and determinations over time. The management system platform 140 and / or remote computer system 220 can be adapted and configured to aggregate and maintain current and historical data and determinations of all tags 20 in the managed herd. Such data and determinations can be used to create, develop, train, and subsequently update one or more machine learning or artificial intelligence (AI) models and / or one or more other detection algorithms to determine livestock activity, behavior, and condition. Such models can then be embedded in tag 20 and applied to data received and acquired by tag 20 in real time (e.g., location, orientation, movement, body parameter values), and to determinations made by tag 20 in real time to accurately determine whether various important physical conditions of livestock 12 have occurred or are present, including but not limited to estrus, mating, and farrowing.

[0056] After generating a model or algorithm or updating a model or algorithm, the management system platform 140 or remote computer system 220 can download it to the individual tags 20. Each individual tag 20 is adapted to receive, store, and apply these models and / or algorithms and updates relative to real-time data from the tag 20. As an example, the tag 20 can apply a model or algorithm to determine whether the livestock 12 is in estrus using the orientation of the tag 20 (indicating the first behavior of the livestock 12), the height of the tag 20, the movement of the tag 20 (indicating the second behavior of the livestock 12), and the relative body temperature of the livestock 12 from the sensor 32 (indicating the body parameters of the livestock 12) as parameters.

[0057] The remote computer system 220 may be separate from or part of the management system platform 140. The remote computer system 220 may communicate directly with the tag 20 and the management system platform 140 via one or more long-distance wired and / or wireless networks, including but not limited to cellular networks, satellite networks and / or IP-based WAN / LAN networks, and / or LPWANs such as LoRa or Sigfox.

[0058] The remote computer system 220 preferably includes a large-capacity storage device, such as one or more high-capacity, high-performance remote / cloud storage servers, which has sufficient capacity to maintain the large amount of data and determinations generated over time by all tags 20 of the managed herd. The remote computer system 220 also preferably includes sufficient processing power (e.g., one or more high-performance central processing units) and the necessary tools and facilities to perform machine learning on the large amounts of data and determinations and to create, train, and update the desired models and / or other detection algorithms to be downloaded to and reflected in the tags 20.

[0059] While it is conceivable that the example livestock management system 10 described herein will be particularly useful for managing livestock 12, especially cattle, it is conceivable and should be understood that this example livestock management system can also be used more generally for managing other domesticated animals, and even wild animals. Accordingly, the description of the example livestock management system 10 herein is not intended and should not be construed as necessarily limited to use with livestock 12.

[0060] B. Labels

[0061] The example livestock management system 10 includes multiple tags 20. Each individual tag 20 is adapted to be attached to an individual livestock 12. The individual livestock 12 can be managed separately or can be part of a group or multiple livestock 12 under management.

[0062] Each tag 20 is preferably adapted to be physically attached to an external body part of an individual animal 12 in a location where the tag 20 is easily visible and physically accessible. For example, such as Figure 2 As shown, the tag 20 can be attached to the outer ear or auricle 14 of the animal 12 in a location and manner familiar to those skilled in the art.

[0063] Each tag 20 is self-powered and can move with the animal to which it is attached. The tags 20 are preferably relatively small and lightweight, and their shape is determined to avoid causing irritation, deformity, or injury to the animal, particularly at the attachment point (e.g., the ear). For example, in one embodiment, the tag 20 will have an inner ear component measuring approximately 60mm × 30mm × 15mm, an outer ear component measuring approximately 50mm × 25mm × 5mm, and will weigh approximately 20 to 40 grams.

[0064] Each tag 20 has a mark or symbol that allows it to be easily and uniquely visually identified even when attached to livestock 12. For example, each tag 20 has an outward-facing outer surface with a mark that is printed, engraved, etched, or otherwise applied, which uniquely identifies the tag 20 and distinguishes it from other tags 20 attached to other managed livestock 12. The mark may include, but is not limited to, alphanumeric and / or symbolic representations. Different tags 20 may also have a variety of different colors that can identify different models, types, categories, periods of use, etc.

[0065] As described in detail below, each tag 20 is self-powered and includes data collection, processing, storage, communication, control, and other components (including code) to receive, process, retain, and transmit data about the individual livestock 12 to which it is attached, as well as aggregated livestock data. Such data may include, but is not limited to, livestock location, movement, orientation, position relative to other livestock, body parameters, etc.

[0066] As described in detail below, each tag 20 is adapted and configured to locally process received and acquired data on the body parameters and activities of the livestock 12 to which it is attached, using one or more models, in order to determine the occurrence of various behaviors and related physical conditions. Body parameters may include, but are not limited to, relative internal body temperature. Determined behaviors and conditions may include, but are not limited to, walking, feeding, and rumination. Determined related physical conditions may include, but are not limited to, estrus and farrowing.

[0067] 1. Outer shell

[0068] like Figures 1A to 1DAs shown, each tag 20 includes a housing 22 having a convex attachment element 24, a concave attachment element 26, and a solar cell 28. The housing 22 encloses a sealed internal space where the tag 20's data collection, processing, storage, communication, control, and other components and parts are located to prevent exposure to the external environment, potential contaminants, and potential damage. As described below, some components and parts may have at least a portion exposed outside the housing 22.

[0069] The outer casing 22 is preferably constructed of an inexpensive, lightweight, relatively rigid, damage-resistant, and abrasion-resistant material that is resistant to exposure to the external environment, and the material will not cause chemical, biological, or physical irritation to the livestock 12 to which the tag 20 is attached. Many commercially available plastic materials are suitable for these purposes.

[0070] The housing 22 can have any shape consistent with the above-described purpose. In one example embodiment described herein, the housing 22 can have a substantially square or rectangular periphery shape, and on the front outer surface ( Figure 1B ) and rear outer surface ( Figure 1D There is a relatively thin depth dimension between them. Figure 1C Preferably, all peripheral edges of the outer shell 22 are beveled or rounded to minimize any physical stimulation to the livestock 12 to which the tag 20 is attached.

[0071] The convex attachment element 24 includes a backing element 25, an elongated shaft 27, and an end 29. As further described below, the convex attachment element 24 can be selectively attached to and detached from the housing 22. The elongated shaft 27 has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The backing element 25 is connected, attached, or integrally formed with the first end, while the end 29 is connected, attached, or integrally formed with the second end. The end 29 is adapted and configured to pierce and penetrate the tissue of the outer ear or auricle of the animal 12 to which the tag 20 is to be attached, from the posterior lateral aspect of the ear to the anterior medial aspect of the ear. Accordingly, the end 29 is preferably tapered and has a relatively sharp tip. The backing element 25 is adapted and configured to hold the convex attachment element 24 on and against the ear. It is contemplated that when the tag 20 is attached to the outer ear of the animal 12, the backing element 25 will contact the posterior lateral aspect of the ear. Accordingly, the shape of the backing element 25 is preferably determined to securely hold the tag 20 to the ear and to minimize the possibility of ear injury (e.g., tissue tear) and any discomfort to the animal 12. In one example embodiment described herein, the backing element 25 is substantially cup-shaped. This distributes the force on the ear due to the weight of the tag 20 to a larger surface area, thereby minimizing the possibility of injury and discomfort, and also helps to prevent foreign debris from becoming lodged and causing damage to the tag 20 or the animal.

[0072] The concave attachment element 26 is connected, attached, or integrally formed with the housing 22. The concave attachment element 26 includes an extension or protrusion extending or projecting outward from the peripheral edge of the housing 22. The extension has a first end located at and near the peripheral edge and a second end opposite to the first end, the second end being spaced apart from the peripheral edge. The second end of the convex attachment element 24 is adapted and configured to selectively attach and detach from the concave attachment element 26. The second end has a socket with an opening and a channel adapted to selectively receive and retain the second end of the convex attachment element 24, such that the convex attachment element 24 is selectively attached and detached from the concave attachment element 26, and therefore selectively attached and detached from the housing 22. Preferably, the second end of the convex attachment element 24 and the opening and channel of the concave attachment element 26 are configured and adapted to allow the housing 22 to pivot about the axis 27 of the convex attachment element 24 when the tag 20 is attached to the ear of the animal 12. This allows the outer casing 22 to pivot under gravity, and the tag 20 to continue hanging downwards regardless of the orientation of the shaft 27 when the livestock 12 moves and / or changes orientation. This reduces lateral forces that could cause injury to the ear tissue due to the weight of the tag 20. Furthermore, the uniform downward orientation of the tags 20 makes them easier to visually locate, identify, read, or otherwise access. For the above purposes, various corresponding pivotable quick-connect and disconnect structures can be included on the shaft 27 of the convex attachment element 24 and in the openings and channels of the concave attachment element 26.

[0073] With the convex attachment element 24 and concave attachment element 26 selectively attached and detached, tag 20 can be selectively attached and detached from livestock 12. This feature advantageously allows for selective detachment of tag 20, for example, if it is necessary to replace the battery of the self-powered tag 20, or if the livestock 12 to which tag 20 is attached dies or otherwise ceases to be managed, and then the tag can be reattached to the same or different livestock 12. However, it is conceivable and should be understood that, alternatively, the convex attachment element 24 and concave attachment element 26 can be configured and adapted to permanently and only once attach tag 20 to livestock 12. In this case, once detached, convex attachment element 24, concave attachment element 26, or both, may be physically impossible to reattach to the other, therefore tag 20 cannot be reattached, and a new tag 20 must be attached. Both alternatives are intended to be included within the scope of the exemplary embodiments described herein.

[0074] As described above, some elements and components of tag 20 may have at least a portion exposed outside the housing 22. For example, the power system 40 of tag 20, described in detail below, may include one or more external energy harvesters, such as one or more solar cells 28. Figure 1A , Figure 1B and Figure 2 As shown, the solar-collecting surfaces of one or more solar cells 28 are exposed to the external environment on one or more outer surfaces of the housing 22. Similarly, other elements and components of the tag 20, intended to interact with the environment outside the tag 20, may have portions exposed outside the housing 22. These portions may include, but are not limited to, one or more LEDs 64, a microphone 66, a speaker 68 for a tone generator, and a lens 72 for a camera. Each of these elements will be described in detail in the following sections.

[0075] 2. Components and Architecture

[0076] Each tag 20 is self-powered and includes an independent power system 40 within the housing 22. For example... Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the power system 40 includes an external energy harvester (e.g., solar cell 28) and a power source 42.

[0077] An external energy harvester is designed to generate electrical energy from a source external to power source 42. In one example embodiment described herein, the external energy harvester may include one or more solar cells 28 adapted and configured to convert sunlight into electrical energy. However, the external energy harvester may also include other types of external energy generating elements, such as piezoelectric elements adapted and configured to convert the movement of tag 20 into electrical energy as livestock 12 moves. The external energy harvester may also include other types of external energy generating elements. The external energy harvester may also include one or more such elements in combination.

[0078] The power supply 42 has an input terminal and an output terminal. The input terminal is electrically coupled to an external energy harvester, such as solar cell 28, and receives the current generated therefrom. The output terminal is electrically coupled to the electrical input terminals of various components and parts of tag 20 that require electrical power to operate, and provides the operating electrical power required by these components and parts.

[0079] Power supply 42 may include a voltage regulator 44, a charging circuit 46, and a rechargeable energy storage device 48. The voltage regulator 44 has an input and an output. The input includes the input of power supply 42 and receives current (DC) from an external energy harvester. Alternatively, the input of power supply 42 may be directly connected to the charging circuit 46 (without using voltage regulator 44). The magnitude of the current generated by the external energy harvester can vary over a relatively wide range, depending on environmental conditions and other factors. Voltage regulator 44 is operable to generate a voltage (DC) at its output, the magnitude of which is within the operating range of the charging circuit 46 and the rechargeable energy storage device 48, and is fixed within a fairly narrow range. The output of the rechargeable energy storage device 48 can also be regulated by a voltage regulator 49, whose output is the output of power supply 42. Regardless of voltage fluctuations in the rechargeable energy storage device 48, voltage regulator 49 can provide a constant or nearly constant output voltage from power supply 42 to various electronic components and parts of tag 20.

[0080] The charging circuit 46 has an input terminal and an output terminal. The input terminal is electrically coupled to the output terminal of the voltage regulator 44. The charging circuit 46 is operable to generate a charging current (DC) at its output terminal, the magnitude of which is related to the magnitude of the regulated voltage (DC) at its input terminal. The magnitude of the charging current is within the charging current limit range of the rechargeable energy storage 48. The charging circuit 46 may also include circuitry for detecting and monitoring the voltage level and / or current consumption of the rechargeable energy storage 48, which responds to automatic control of the on / off state and / or charging current level to charge the rechargeable energy storage 48 when the energy level drops to a predetermined low level and to stop charging when the energy level reaches a predetermined maximum level to prevent overcharging.

[0081] The rechargeable energy storage device 48 may include one or more suitable batteries, although any other suitable form of rechargeable energy storage device may also be used. The rechargeable energy storage device 48 has an input terminal and an output terminal. The input terminal is electrically coupled to the output terminal of the charging circuit 46 and receives charging current to initially charge and subsequently charge the rechargeable energy storage device 48 as needed. The output includes the output of the power supply 42 and provides operating electrical power (DC current and voltage) at the desired level to the various electronic components and parts of the tag 20. Preferably, the electronic components and parts will consume as little power as possible during operation, preferably less than a few milliwatts (mW) on average.

[0082] like Figure 3As shown, the data collection, processing, storage, communication, and control components and elements for each tag 20 may include a processor and memory element 50, a triaxial accelerometer 52, a triaxial gyroscope 54, a compass 56, an altimeter 58, a barometer 59, a non-volatile memory (NVM) 60, a communication (COMMS) interface 62, one or more LEDs 64, a microphone (MIC) 66, a tone generator 68 and a speaker, a stimulator 70, a camera 72, an air temperature sensor 74, and a humidity sensor 76. The triaxial accelerometer 52 and the triaxial gyroscope 54 may together form, or be referred to as, an inertial measurement unit 55. When using the accelerometer 52, the gyroscope 54 may also be used in conjunction to detect the movement of the livestock 12.

[0083] Processor 50 may include one of the processor types described below. For example, processor 50 may be a commercially available microprocessor and / or microcontroller. Preferably, processor 50 is of a type that consumes very little power when performing the intended functions and operations of tag 20 as described herein. Processor 50 executes programs, applications, models, etc., stored in tag 20 to perform the functions and operations of tag 20 as described herein.

[0084] Processor 50 is configured and programmed to work with the processor identified above and Figure 3 and Figure 4 The processor 50 communicates with and controls the operation of various other components and elements of the tag 20 shown herein. The processor 50 is connected to and communicates with each of these components and elements via a bus 78. The bus 78 may include one or more physical and / or logical buses adapted to transmit data, instructions, commands, requests, control words, etc., between the processor 50 and each of the other components and elements to perform the functions and operations of the tag 20 as described herein.

[0085] The memory elements of processor 50 include a memory controller and volatile memory. The memory controller may be wholly or partially located on the same chip as processor 50, or it may be wholly or partially located on one or more separate chips. Similarly, the volatile memory may be wholly or partially located on the same chip as processor 50 or the memory controller, or it may be wholly or partially located on one or more separate chips. The memory controller manages various aspects of the volatile memory and provides an interface for reading and writing data from the volatile memory. The volatile memory provides temporary storage for the operating system, runtime calculations of processor 50, data received and recorded by the various data collection components of tag 20 described below, and programs, applications, models, etc., that may be executed by processor 50. The volatile memory preferably includes a fast, low-power type of random access memory. For example, the volatile memory may be composed of low-power SRAM or DDR. The volatile memory may also be supplemented or replaced by various non-volatile types of memory that offer power efficiency advantages. For example, phase-change memory (PCM) may be used.

[0086] Accelerometer 52 provides data indicating the movement of tag 20, which corresponds to the movement of livestock 12 to which tag 20 is attached, along three axes, which may be referred to as the longitudinal, lateral, and vertical axes, or the pitch, roll, and yaw axes. The data provided by accelerometer 52 is used to determine when livestock 12 is moving and stationary, as well as the linear direction and possible rate of movement. This information can then be used to determine certain activities, behaviors, and physical conditions of livestock 12. Accelerometer 52 may be a commercially available MEM, piezoelectric accelerometer, or other type of accelerometer suitable for performing and conforming to the objectives and functions described herein. Accelerometer 52 may be integrated on the same chip or in the same package with one or more other data collection devices described herein, or it may be a separate device on a separate chip or in a separate package. Accelerometer data may be generated continuously or periodically, transmitted to and / or received by processor 50. Accelerometer data may also be generated automatically or as needed and transmitted to processor 50.

[0087] Gyroscope 54 provides data indicating the orientation of tag 20, which corresponds to the orientation of the livestock 12 to which tag 20 is attached relative to three axes, which may be the same three axes referenced by accelerometer 52. The data provided by gyroscope 54 is used to determine the angular movement and orientation of livestock 12, which can then be used to determine certain activities, behaviors, and physical conditions of livestock 12. The gyroscope may be a commercially available MEM, piezoelectric gyroscope, or other type of gyroscope suitable for performing and conforming to the objectives and functions described herein. Gyroscope 54 may be integrated on the same chip or in the same package with one or more other data collection devices described herein, or it may be a separate device on a separate chip or in a separate package. Gyroscope data may be generated continuously or periodically and transmitted to and / or received by processor 50. Gyroscope data may also be generated automatically or on demand and transmitted to processor 50.

[0088] Compass 56 provides data indicating the direction of tag 20, thereby providing data indicating the direction the livestock 12 to which the tag is attached is facing relative to fundamental directions of the Earth (e.g., north, south, east, and west). The data provided by compass 56 is used to determine the geographic direction of travel of livestock 12. This geographic direction of travel can then be used to assist in tracking the location of livestock 12, predicting its destination, and determining certain activities, behaviors, and physical conditions of livestock 12. The compass may be a commercially available solid-state MEM or other type of magnetometer suitable for performing and conforming to the objectives and functions described herein. Compass 56 may be integrated on the same chip or in the same package with one or more other data collection devices described herein, or it may be a separate device on a separate chip or in a separate package. Compass data may be generated continuously or periodically, transmitted to and / or received by processor 50. Compass data may also be generated automatically or on demand and transmitted to processor 50.

[0089] Altimeter 58 and / or barometer 59 provide data indicating the altitude or height of tag 20, thereby providing data indicating the altitude or height of livestock 12 to which the tag is attached. Altimeter 58 and / or barometer 59 can provide data indicating altitude or height relative to sea level or another reference height, or data indicating relative changes in altitude or height over time. For example, if limited to absolute pressure, especially in a closed tag, barometer 59 (or altimeter 58) may not always be able to determine altitude changes reflecting animal behavior. However, by observing relative changes in pressure, barometer 59 can detect minute pressure changes occurring over very short time intervals to determine, for example, whether the animal has changed position, thus affecting the tag's relative altitude (e.g., altitude change). The data provided by altimeter 58 and / or barometer 59 can be used to assist in tracking the location of livestock 12. Altitude changes or no changes can also be used to determine certain activities, behaviors, and health-related conditions or physical conditions of livestock 12. Altimeter 58 can be a commercially available solid-state MEM, piezoelectric altimeter, or other type of altimeter suitable for performing and conforming to the objectives and functions described herein. The altimeter 58 can be integrated with one or more other data collection devices described herein on the same chip or in the same package, or it can be a separate device on a separate chip or in a separate package. Altimeter data can be generated continuously or periodically and transmitted to and / or received by the processor 50. Altimeter data can also be generated automatically or as needed and transmitted to the processor 50.

[0090] Barometer 59, air temperature sensor 74, and humidity sensor 76 provide data indicating environmental and weather-related conditions during tag 20's operation. The data provided by these sensors can be used to determine whether conditions are suitable for tag 20 to transmit data. This data can also be used to determine whether weather conditions exist that may pose a risk to livestock 12 and may require the generation of alarms and / or actions to protect livestock 12 (e.g., moving livestock to a shelter or another location). Barometer 59, air temperature sensor 74, and humidity sensor 76 can be commercially available solid-state diodes, ceramic dielectric capacitor sensors, MEMS, piezoelectric sensors, bimetallic sensors, or other sensors or combinations thereof suitable for performing and conforming to the objectives and functions described herein. Each or all of barometer 59, air temperature sensor 74, and humidity sensor 76 can be combined with each other or with one or more other data collection devices described herein on the same chip or in the same package, or can be separate devices on separate chips in separate packages. Data from barometer 59, air temperature sensor 74, and humidity sensor 76 can be generated continuously or periodically and transmitted to and / or received by processor 50. This data can also be automatically or as needed and transmitted to processor 50.

[0091] Non-volatile memory (NVM) 60 provides long-term storage for the operating system, certain unchanging or infrequently changing parameters, settings, and data (e.g., BIOS) related to tag 20 and its functions and operations, as well as programs, applications, models, and related parameters and data that are desired to exist permanently or semi-permanently in tag 20. Some or all of these items can be copied or transferred to the volatile memory component for execution by processor 50. NVM 60 preferably includes a rewritable memory type, allowing the stored data, programs, models, etc., to be modified from time to time, for example, to incorporate changes or updates. Memory types suitable for such purposes include complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) type flash memory or other electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM).

[0092] The COMMS interface 62 provides interfaces to a number of different communication channels through which the tag 20 can communicate. These communication channels include channels for communicating with one or more sensors 32 attached to and / or to the animal 12 to which the implanted tag 20 is attached, other nearby tags 20, nearby local sensors and transceivers 34, the management system platform 140, the remote computer system 220, and the GPS satellite 83. Among other things, the COMMS interface 62 also provides data on the status and availability of connections via the communication channels, as well as data on the signal levels of available connections. (See below for reference.) Figure 5 A more detailed description of the COMMS interface 62.

[0093] The LED 64, microphone (MIC) 66, tone generator 68 with speaker, stimulator 70, and camera 72 are adapted and configured to collect various forms of data from the external environment and to communicate and interact with the livestock 12 to which the tag 20 is attached. Similar to the solar cell 28, which includes an external energy harvester, at least a portion of each of these components may be exposed to the outside of the housing 22 of the tag 20 for these purposes.

[0094] In response to a determination made locally by the processor 50 or a command or instruction received from the management system platform 140, the processor 50 controls the LED 64. The processor 50 can control the LED 64 to selectively activate and deactivate it. For example, the processor 50 can cause the LED 64 to repeatedly flash on and off to visually draw attention to the tag 20. This can be used to assist in identifying, distinguishing, and drawing attention to a single tag 20 attached to an individual animal 12 from multiple tags 20 attached to multiple animals 12 in a managed herd when individual attention is required for a single tag 20 or the individual animal 12 to which it is attached.

[0095] Microphone 66 and camera 72 provide information about sound and stationary and / or moving video in the environment surrounding tag 20 and the external environment, and in some cases, information about the livestock 12 to which tag 20 is attached. Processor 50 can access microphone 66 and camera 72 respectively in response to a determination made locally by processor 50 or a command or instruction received from management system platform 140. Processor 50 can access each of microphone 66 and camera 72 on a periodic schedule or as needed. Furthermore, each or any one of microphone 66 and camera 72 may include separate control circuitry that enables microphone 66 and / or camera 72 to automatically respond to sound and / or video stimuli independently of processor 50 and to transmit data about the sound and / or video stimuli to processor 50. Alternatively, microphone 66 and camera 72 may share common control circuitry for this purpose. For example, microphone 66 may be controlled to automatically respond to sounds with loudness above a threshold level or specific types of sounds, such as specific types of sounds occurring in the external environment or emitted by the livestock 12 to which tag 20 is attached. Similarly, camera 72 can be controlled to automatically respond to certain shapes or movements detected in the external environment.

[0096] Audio and video data provided by microphone 66 and / or camera 72 helps determine the occurrence of certain events outside the livestock 12, such as nearby gunshots or the approach of predators or vehicles. This audio and video data also helps determine certain activities, behaviors, health-related conditions, and other physical conditions of the livestock 12. For example, repeated or continuous vocalizations or mooing detected by microphone 66 may indicate that the livestock 12 is sick or injured, separated from its calf, or that a predator is nearby. The microphone can also be used to detect coughs or other sounds to assist in determining whether the livestock 12 is sick. Similarly, some detected video may indicate that the livestock 12 has fallen, is sick or injured, is trapped, or that the livestock 12 has engaged in certain behaviors, such as mating.

[0097] In response to a determination made locally by the processor 50 or a command or instruction received from the management system platform 140, the processor 50 controls the tone generator 68 and the stimulator 70. The processor 50 selectively causes the tone generator 68 to generate a tone or sound that the livestock 12 can hear. The tone or sound can be one of several selectable tones or sounds. The processor 50 selectively causes the stimulator 70 to generate physical stimuli that the livestock 12 can feel. The stimulus can be one or more of several selectable physical stimuli. The stimulus can include various tactile sensations, such as vibration, humming, rumbling, or other sensory stimuli. The processor 50 can cause the tone generator 68 to generate a tone or sound, and cause the stimulator 70 to generate a stimulus in response to the detection or determination of an event or occurrence outside the tag 20 and / or the livestock 12, the detection or determination of the livestock 12's activity or behavior, or the determination of the livestock 12's health-related conditions or other physical conditions. For example, when livestock 12 is detected to have left a designated area or entered an unauthorized area (e.g., crossed a geofence), tone generator 68 may generate a tone or sound, and / or stimulator 70 may generate a stimulus to alert livestock 12 to return. Tone generator 68 may also generate a tone or sound in an attempt to scare away nearby detected predators. Tone generator 68 may also generate a tone or sound that may be associated with the activation of LED 64, in order to identify, differentiate, and draw attention to a single tag 20 attached to an individual livestock 12 in a managed herd when individual attention to the tag 20 or the individual livestock 12 to which it is attached is required.

[0098] In addition to the above, processor 50 also communicates with and controls power supply 42 and communication interface 62. Processor 50 can receive or determine the charge or power level and / or charging state of rechargeable energy storage 48 from power supply 42. For example, processor 50 can detect the voltage level of rechargeable energy storage 48 (such as a battery or supercapacitor), and / or detect the charging current supplied by charging circuit 46 via analog-to-digital converter (ADC). Depending on the nature of power supply 42, other methods may also be used, such as a gas pressure gauge or battery model implemented in processor 50. Processor 50 receives or determines the status, availability, and signal level of connections through various communication channels that tag 20 can use to transmit data from communication interface 62. This data from power supply 42 and / or communication interface 62 can be used alone or in combination with data provided by other elements and components described above to determine whether tag 20 has sufficient power to transmit its data to other nearby tags 20 in the dynamic local mesh network and / or directly to management system platform 140 or remote computer system 220. This data is also used to determine which tag 20 in the dynamic local mesh network is the best tag for transmitting aggregated livestock data of tag 20 in the local network, i.e., under optimal conditions, and to determine whether that tag has sufficient power and signal strength to do so. This data can also be used as a trigger for tag 20 to generate an alarm or alert indicating low power or low signal conditions, faults, and / or service requests, and to transmit that alarm or alert to the management system platform 140.

[0099] refer to Figure 5Each tag 20 is adapted and configured to communicate via its communication interface 62 with one or more sensors 32 implanted in and / or attached to the livestock 12 to which the tag 20 is attached, a management system platform 140, a remote computer system 220, any other nearby tags 20, and any nearby local sensors and transceivers 34. The communication interface 62 of each tag 20 may include a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver 82, and one or more of a Bluetooth transceiver 84, a cellular network transceiver 86, a satellite data network transceiver, one or more LPWAN transceivers 88, and an RFID transceiver 92. Although not individually identified, each receiver and transceiver has one or more suitable corresponding antennas. Each of these receivers and transceivers of the communication interface 62 communicates with the processor 50 via a bus 78. The receivers and transceivers may be independent, or one or more of these receivers and transceivers may be integrated with each other and / or with other components in one or more chips and / or packages, or may be included within the processor 50. For example, in one embodiment, Bluetooth and LPWAN transceivers 84, 88 may be integrated with processor 50, and one or more of GNSS receiver 82, satellite data transceiver and cellular transceiver 86 may be integrated with each other or with another component.

[0100] GNSS receiver 82 receives global positioning signals from satellite 83 and determines the location of tag 20 based on these signals, thereby determining the latitude and longitude of the livestock 12 to which the tag is attached. GNSS receiver 82 may include commercially available receivers adapted and configured to receive global positioning satellite signals from one or more national and / or regional global positioning satellite constellations. Suitable constellations and systems include, but are not limited to, GPS (Navigation Satellite System), GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou. Preferably, the GNSS receiver 82 used is a receiver designed for battery-powered applications and has very low power consumption. For example, some commercially available GNSS receivers designed for low-power applications operate intermittently to receive satellite signals and determine location, then sleep during the intervals between location determinations to reduce power consumption. Some receivers also receive satellite positioning data (ephemeris) via a terrestrial low-power network connection instead of via satellite communication to reduce power consumption.

[0101] Bluetooth transceiver 84 is operable to wirelessly send and receive data with other nearby Bluetooth transceivers within Bluetooth signal range. Bluetooth transceiver 84 may include commercially available Bluetooth transceivers, and preferably includes Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) transceivers with lower power consumption than conventional Bluetooth transceivers. In addition to each tag 20, Bluetooth transceiver 84 may also be embedded in the animal(s) to which the implanted tag 20 is attached and / or in the sensors(s) 32 attached to the animal, as well as in local sensors and transceivers 34 located in various areas or locations of the managed property where the animal(s) 12 may be present. Such sensors(s) 32 and local sensors and transceivers 34 will be described in detail in the following sections. Thus, each tag 20 is adapted and configured to wirelessly communicate directly with the sensors(s) 32 of the animal(s) to which the tag 20 is attached, and with each other nearby tag 20 and each local sensor and transceiver 34 within Bluetooth signal range via its respective Bluetooth transceiver 84.

[0102] It should be understood that the Bluetooth transceiver 84 is a specific type of RF transceiver that can form a wireless local area network (LAN) and is suitable for relatively short-range wireless communication at relatively low data rates. It is conceivable and should be understood that, in addition to or in place of the Bluetooth transceiver 84, other types of wireless communication transceivers or interfaces, such as IEEE 802.11a, b, g, and n, can be used. Wi-Fi transceivers are typically capable of transmitting data at much higher data rates and over much greater distances than Bluetooth transceivers. However, Wi-Fi transceivers also consume more power than Bluetooth transceivers.

[0103] The Bluetooth transceiver can also be embedded in one or more commercially available Bluetooth gateways or hubs 85 located in one or more areas or locations within the managed property where the livestock 12 may be present. The Bluetooth gateway / hub 85 may, in turn, have one or more wireless and / or wired connections to one or more other data networks connected to the management system platform 140 and / or the remote computer system 220. For example, such networks may include a TCP / IP-based LAN or an HTTP-based WAN, such as the Internet. Therefore, the Bluetooth gateway / hub 85 provides at least one long-range communication channel for nearby tags 20 within Bluetooth signal range, enabling direct wireless communication between the tags 20 and the management system platform 140 and / or the remote computer system 220. One or more Bluetooth gateways or hubs 85 can also be adapted and configured to function as Bluetooth repeaters. In this case, tags 20 not within each other's Bluetooth signal range can still wirelessly communicate with each other via Bluetooth.

[0104] Cellular transceiver 86 is operable to wirelessly transmit and receive data from tag 20 over a relatively long distance (longer than Bluetooth or Wi-Fi) via one or more cellular networks. This long-range communication channel enables tag 20 to send and receive data even when the livestock 12 to which the tag is attached is not near a short-range transceiver such as Bluetooth, for example, when the livestock 12 is in an open pasture. Cellular transceiver 86 may be a commercially available transceiver suitable for and configured to transmit data over one or more cellular networks (including but not limited to CDMA, WCDMA, GSM, GPRS, LTE, EDGE, UMTS, and iDEN-based cellular networks). Cellular transceiver 86 communicates data with one or more cell towers 87 within cellular signal range. Commercially available cellular transceivers are typically capable of transmitting data signals to cell towers 87 approximately 45 miles away, depending on conditions. Cellular tower 87 can transmit data bidirectionally between each tag 20 and the management system platform 140 and / or remote computer system 220, either directly through the cellular network or through the cellular network and intermediate LAN or WAN networks (including but not limited to the Internet). As further described below, the transmitted data can be data from a single tag 20 or data aggregated from multiple tags 20 in a dynamic local mesh network. One or more cellular enhancers, repeaters, and / or gateways can also form part of the cellular communication channel between the tag 20 and the management system platform 140 and / or remote computer system 220.

[0105] If included, the satellite data network transceiver complements the GNSS receiver 82. Similar to the cellular network transceiver 86, the satellite data network transceiver is operable to wirelessly transmit and receive data from the tag 20 over relatively long distances (longer than Bluetooth or Wi-Fi), in addition to via one or more satellite data networks (such as OrbComm, Iridium, or Globalstar).

[0106] The LPWAN transceiver 88 is operable to wirelessly transmit and receive data from the tag 20 over a relatively long distance (longer than Bluetooth or Wi-Fi) with very low power consumption. The LPWAN transceiver 88 can be a commercially available LPWAN transceiver, such as a LoRa or Sigfox transceiver. The LPWAN transceiver may include one or more different LPWAN transceivers. The LPWAN transceiver 88 is specifically designed for applications requiring very low power consumption, such as battery-powered IoT sensor applications, and is currently capable of transmitting data over distances of up to approximately 30 miles, depending on conditions. Similar to cellular and satellite network communication channels, the LPWAN communication channel enables the tag 20 to send and receive data even when the livestock 12 to which the tag is attached is not near a short-range transceiver such as Bluetooth, for example, when the livestock 12 is in an open pasture. Compared to comparable commercially available cellular and satellite transceivers, commercially available LPWAN transceivers are typically smaller and consume less power, but generally have lower bandwidth and data rates. The LPWAN transceiver 88 can communicate data with one or more LPWAN gateways 89 within its signal range. The LPWAN gateway 89 can transmit data bidirectionally between the individual tags 20 and between the tags 20 and the management system platform 140 and / or the remote computer system 220 via one or more intermediate LANs, WANs, cellular and / or satellite networks. As further described in the following sections, the transmitted data can be data from a single tag 20 or aggregated data from multiple tags 20 in a dynamic local mesh network. One or more signal enhancers and / or repeaters can also form part of the LPWAN communication channel between tags 20 and other tags and / or between tags 20 and the management system platform 140 and / or the remote computer system 220.

[0107] If included, the RFID transceiver 92 is operable to wirelessly transmit and receive data with other nearby RFID transceivers within signal range. The RFID transceiver 92 may include commercially available RFID transceivers. In addition to each tag 20, the RFID transceiver 92 may also be embedded in the animal(s) to which the implanted tag 20 is attached and / or in the sensor(s) 32 attached to the animal, as well as in local sensors and transceivers 34 located in various areas or locations of the managed property where the animal(s) may be present. Such sensor(s) 32 and local sensors and transceivers 34 will be further described below. Thus, each tag 20 is adapted and configured to wirelessly communicate directly with each other tag 20 and each local sensor and transceiver 34 within the RFID signal range of the animal(s) to which the implanted tag 20 is attached and / or in the sensor(s) 32 attached to the animal(s), as well as with each other tag 20 and each local sensor and transceiver 34 within RFID signal range via its respective RFID transceiver 92.

[0108] It should be understood that some or all of the communication functions performed by the RFID transceiver 92 embedded in the tag 20 may also be performed by the Bluetooth transceiver 84 and / or the LPWAN transceiver 88. Accordingly, the RFID transceiver 92 may not be necessary and may not be included in all embodiments.

[0109] If an RFID transceiver 92 is included, it can be embedded in a chip in the ear or other body part of the livestock 12 that can be implanted detached from the tag 20, rather than being embedded in the tag 20. In this case, the chip and RFID transceiver 92 can be externally powered by sunlight, laser, or energy from an external RFID reader or scanner. Once powered, the chip and RFID transceiver 92 will be adapted and configured to communicate directly with the tag 20 and transmit its information directly to the tag 20. When the tag 20 has been detached and removed from the animal, the chip can also be read by a scanner / reader, for example, to identify the animal associated with the tag 20. Such data may include, but is not limited to, information identifying the livestock 12 and the associated tag 20, such as a unique identification number and tag ID. Therefore, if the tag 20 is detached, damaged, or otherwise unavailable or detrimental, the chip and RFID transceiver 92 can operate as a redundant backup of the tag data.

[0110] As described above and as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, tags 20 can be adapted and configured such that, when attached to livestock 12, they can communicate with other nearby tags 20 and nearby local sensors and transceivers 34, and autonomously and automatically organize into one or more dynamic local mesh networks. Depending on the relative position of individual livestock 12 within the managed herd at any given time, one or more dynamic local mesh networks can be formed and exist. Furthermore, as livestock 12 move and change position relative to each other, the positions of nodes or members of the various dynamic local mesh networks (e.g., tags 20 and livestock 12) and the networks themselves can change dynamically and automatically. It is conceivable that in practices with relatively large managed herds, when livestock 12 are concentrated in a relatively small area of ​​several acres, such as for transport, sale, slaughter, or in a feedlot, dynamic local mesh networks of more than 20,000 tags 20 can be formed. This could result in tags 20 attached to livestock 12 belonging to different owners or users of the livestock management system 10 sharing data with each other and transmitting aggregated data from different owners or users to the management system platform 140. The management system platform 140 can be configured to restrict access to data applicable to each user in a manner described in detail below.

[0111] For example, such as Figure 6As shown, at any given moment, individual livestock C1, C2, C3, and C4 are within the Bluetooth or LPWAN signal range of each other and the first local sensor 34. Simultaneously, tags 20 attached to individual livestock C5, C6, and C7 are within the Bluetooth or LPWAN signal range of each other and the second local sensor 34. However, tags 20 attached to C1, C2, C3, and C4 are not within the Bluetooth or LPWAN signal range of any tag 20 attached to C5, C6, or C7. It should be understood that, as used herein, "Bluetooth or LPWAN signal range" refers to a range where the Bluetooth or LPWAN signal strength is sufficient to establish and maintain reliable communication. Through mesh network discovery and communication technology, tags 20 attached to C1, C2, C3, and C4 automatically discover and communicate directly with each other and the first sensor 34, automatically forming a first dynamic local mesh network. Similarly, tags 20 attached to C5, C6, and C7 automatically discover and communicate directly with each other and the second sensor 34, automatically forming a second dynamic local mesh network.

[0112] like Figure 7 As shown, at another moment, livestock C3 moves and changes position, and the tag 20 attached to it, along with tags 20 attached to livestock C1, C2, and C4 and the first local sensor 34, leaves the Bluetooth or LPWAN signal range, and enters the Bluetooth or LPWAN signal range along with at least one of the tags 20 attached to livestock C5, C6, and C7 and the second local sensor 34. Again, through mesh network discovery and communication technology, the tags 20 attached to C1, C2, and C4 automatically discover that the tag 20 attached to C3 has left the first dynamic local mesh network, automatically reassemble the first dynamic local mesh network, and continue to communicate directly with each other and the first sensor 34. Similarly, at least one of the tags 20 attached to C5, C6, and C7 automatically discovers that the tag 20 attached to C3 has entered the Bluetooth or LPWAN signal range. The tags 20 attached to C3, C5, C6 and C7 automatically reassemble the second dynamic local mesh network to include the tag attached to C3, begin communicating with the tag 20, and continue communicating with each other and the second sensor 34.

[0113] It should be understood that, although in the example scenario described above, both dynamic local mesh networks include local sensors and transceivers 34, it is also possible, and in many cases, that only the tags 20 attached to the livestock 12 are within the range forming the dynamic local mesh network. In such instances, tags 20 can share data, and one or more tags 20 can transmit aggregated data directly to the management system platform 140 and / or the remote computer system 220 without the participation of local sensors and transceivers 34, as described in detail below. In another instance, for example, one or more tags 20 in a local mesh network including local sensors and transceivers 34 may be outside the signal range of the local sensors and transceivers 34, but within each other's signal range. If at least one other tag 20 of the dynamic local mesh network is within the signal range of the local sensor and transceiver 34, and is within the signal range of at least one tag 20 that is not within the signal range of the local sensor and transceiver 34, then the tag 20 that is not within the signal range of the local sensor and transceiver 34 can transmit its data to one or more other tags 20 that are within the signal range of the local sensor and transceiver 34, and if necessary, these other tags 20 can then transmit the aggregated data to the management system platform 140 and / or the remote computer system 220 via the local sensor and transceiver 34. In this way, the geographical reach of the dynamic local mesh network can be extended to cover several miles or more.

[0114] The above description of detecting nearby tags 20 and organizing them into one or more dynamic local mesh networks based on location and signal range is merely an example. As an additional example, it is conceivable and should be understood that tag 20 can detect more tags 20 nearby and within signal range than tags that can form a local mesh network and share data with it. Therefore, tag 20 can be adapted and configured to form a dynamic mesh network only with nearby tags 20 that meet predetermined criteria, such as tags within a predetermined distance and / or with signal levels higher than a predetermined value. Tag 20 can also be adapted and configured to limit the number of tags 20 with which it forms a local mesh network to a maximum number, such as a predetermined number of tags with the highest signal level or closest proximity.

[0115] Each tag 20 may be adapted and configured to receive all livestock-related data and / or other data or subsets of data, such as running data, from each of the other tags 20 in a dynamic local mesh network, and to transmit its own all livestock-related data and / or other data or subsets of data to each of the other tags 20 in the network. Running data may include, for example, but not limited to, signal strength, stored power levels (e.g., battery charge or voltage levels), and running condition data. Alternatively, tags 20 may be adapted and configured to receive and transmit data using only a subset of data from the other tags 20 in the local mesh network. The subset of tags 20 may be determined based on predetermined criteria similar to those used to determine the tags 20 constituting the local mesh network, such as proximity, signal strength, predetermined quantity, etc. Accordingly, tags 20 in a dynamic local mesh network may have copies of all livestock-related data and other data or subsets of data from each of the other tags 20 in the network, or copies of subsets of data from the tags 20 in the network. Alternatively, tags 20 in a dynamic local mesh network can be adapted and configured to transmit all or a subset of their data to a single tag 20 in the network, for example, a tag 20 determined to have optimal conditions for communicating with the management system platform 140 and / or the remote computer system 220.

[0116] Each tag 20 can be configured to determine which tag 20 is in optimal condition based on its own data and / or aggregated data of tags 20 in a dynamic local mesh network, so as to transmit the aggregated data of tag 20 to the management system platform 140 and / or remote computer system 220 via one of the aforementioned communication channels (e.g., cellular, satellite, Bluetooth, and / or LPWAN). This determination can be based on a number of factors, including but not limited to relative power levels, relative signal strength, and relative transmission conditions, such as atmospheric or meteorological conditions.

[0117] Each tag 20 may be further adapted and configured to determine whether and when to transmit aggregated data to the management system platform 140 and / or the remote computer system 220. This determination may be made internally based on multiple factors, including but not limited to time and date, transmission conditions such as atmospheric or meteorological conditions, signal conditions, power levels, and / or other operating conditions of the tag 20 itself. Tags 20 may also be triggered to transmit data in response to external input received from a user, the management system platform 140, or the remote computer system 220.

[0118] 3. Functions, data, and logical flow

[0119] Each tag 20 is adapted and configured to operate autonomously in most cases. Accordingly, each tag 20 is adapted and configured to autonomously and automatically acquire or collect, receive, and locally maintain data and information, including data and information about the individual livestock 12 to which it is attached. Each tag 20 is configured to autonomously and automatically process data and information locally, and to autonomously and automatically perform various livestock management functions and operations locally. For example... Figure 8 The diagram shows that each tag 20 typically follows a logical flow for acquiring and processing data and information, as well as for performing livestock management functions and operations. However, it should be understood that... Figure 8 The process shown is merely an example of a possible process and an example of the data, information, and functions that may be included in that process. Furthermore, it should be understood that... Figure 8 The process shown is inherently logical and is not intended to be interpreted as a linear and sequential flow that necessarily requires all the steps or activities shown. Instead, Figure 8 The multiple logical steps and activities shown can be executed in various orders and simultaneously or sequentially.

[0120] As shown in box 94, tag 20 acquires or receives various data and information. This data and information may include, but is not limited to, data and information about the individual livestock 12 to which tag 20 is attached. For example, tag 20 may acquire or receive data about the orientation of livestock 12 from gyroscope 54, data about the direction of travel of livestock 12 from compass 56, and data about the altitude of livestock 12 from altimeter 58. Tag 20 may also acquire or receive data about the movement of livestock 12, such as direction of travel and speed, from accelerometer 52, and data about absolute position or location from GNSS receiver 82. Tag 20 may also receive data about the relative distance and angle between livestock 12 and other nearby livestock 12 from Bluetooth transceiver 84. As described in detail below, tag 20 may also acquire or receive data about one or more body parameters, conditions, and / or activities of livestock 12 from one or more sensors 32, including but not limited to its internal body temperature. Tag 20 can also acquire or receive audio information from microphone 66 and video information from camera 72, as described above. Tag 20 is preferably adapted and configured to acquire, receive, or sample some or all of the necessary data so that the tag can repeatedly and periodically perform the livestock management functions described herein at the same or different time intervals.

[0121] Tag 20 can also acquire data and information about other tags 20, as well as data and information from those other tags. As described above, tag 20 can detect and discover other nearby tags 20, and can automatically organize itself into a dynamic local mesh network with other tags 20 based on predetermined criteria (e.g., proximity, signal strength, and quantity). Tag 20 can receive data and information from some or all of the other tags 20 in the local mesh network, and can also transmit its own data and information to some or all of the other tags 20 in the network based on predetermined criteria. Data received from other tags 20 may include, but is not limited to, livestock-related data and operational data, absolute position or location, and relative position and angle with respect to the receiving tag 20 and other tags 20 in the dynamic local mesh network.

[0122] Tag 20 also acquires or detects data and information about itself. Such data and information may include, but is not limited to, diagnostic data, such as faults, errors or other conditions detected in the components or elements of tag 20, and operational data, such as power levels, signal strength levels, etc., from various interfaces of communication interface 62.

[0123] Tag 20 can also acquire or receive data and information from local sensors and transceivers 34 within the signal range. For example, such data and information may include, but are not limited to, the weight of the livestock 12 from a weighing scale, the presence of the livestock 12 at a feed station or water station from a proximity sensor or presence sensor, etc.

[0124] Tag 20 may also acquire or receive data and information from management system platform 140 and / or remote computer system 220. For example, tag 20 may receive data and information that includes or relates to health, medical care, ownership, pasture location, and / or other matters concerning livestock 12 that it wishes to retain permanently or semi-permanently on tag 20.

[0125] In box 96, tag 20 locally stores some or all of the acquired, received, or sampled data in its volatile and / or non-volatile memory for subsequent use in performing the various livestock management functions and operations described herein, and for subsequent communication with other tags 20 and management system platform 140 and / or remote computer system 220. Tag 20 is preferably adapted and configured to store in its local memory each instance or sample of repeatedly acquired or received time-varying data and information items, such as absolute position, relative distance and angle, orientation, direction of travel, internal body temperature, etc., and the corresponding date and time of acquisition or receipt of each such instance or sample. Figure 9 An example logical structure of the data and information acquired and stored by tag 20 is shown and described below.

[0126] In box 98, tag 20 autonomously and automatically processes some or all of the acquired and stored data locally, and autonomously and automatically performs various livestock management functions and operations locally. Broadly speaking, tag 20 is adapted and configured to perform functions and operations including and based on detecting, monitoring, and tracking the absolute location of livestock 12 and the location and orientation of livestock 12 relative to other nearby livestock 12. Tag 20 is also adapted and configured to perform functions and operations including detecting, determining, and monitoring certain physical parameters, activities, and behaviors of livestock 12, and determining the associated health-related conditions and other physical conditions of livestock 12. Tag 20 is also adapted and configured to perform functions and operations including detecting the presence of external conditions that may indicate a threat or risk to the well-being of livestock 12. Tag 20 is preferably adapted and configured to store in its local memory any determinations made in connection with performing such functions and operations, and any data or information generated, for future use and / or communication.

[0127] More specifically, tag 20 can detect, monitor, and track the absolute location of livestock 12, determine whether livestock 12 is within a designated pasture, and identify the pasture. This data can be used to manage the use of available pasture by livestock 12. Among other data and parameters stored in tag 20, the coordinates defining one or more virtual perimeter boundaries or geofences associated with a managed area (e.g., a pasture) can be stored, for example, in non-volatile memory 60. Such virtual perimeter boundaries or geofences can be defined, for example, as extending around one or more designated pastures within a managed area. Tag 20 is adapted and configured to determine whether livestock 12 is within one of these designated pastures and to identify the designated area by plotting or comparing the absolute location of livestock 12 relative to the coordinates of each pasture defined by the virtual boundary or geofence. If the location of livestock 12 is within the coordinate range corresponding to a pasture defined by the virtual boundary, livestock 12 is determined to be within that pasture. Otherwise, it is determined that the livestock is not within that pasture.

[0128] Tag 20 can also detect, monitor, and track the absolute location of livestock 12 and determine the amount of time livestock 12 spends in a specific designated pasture. This data can be used, along with data on certain livestock activities (e.g., feeding), to manage livestock 12's use of available pasture and monitor livestock 12's intake. Tag 20 is adapted and configured to repeatedly acquire the location of livestock 12 from GNSS receiver 82 at periodic time intervals and to store each instance of the acquired location along with the corresponding date and time of acquisition in its local memory. Tag 20 is adapted and configured to determine the time livestock spends in the designated pasture based on the difference between the date and time on which the location of livestock 12 is determined to be within the coordinate range corresponding to the designated pasture and the date and time on which the location of livestock 12 is determined to be outside that range.

[0129] Tag 20 can also detect, monitor, and track the absolute location of livestock 12, and monitor and track where and when livestock 12 feeds, and for how long. This data can be used not only to monitor the intake of livestock 12, but also to assist in protecting the health of livestock 12. For example, if livestock 12 becomes ill, its past location and feeding history can be traced to determine whether the illness was likely caused by something ingested by livestock 12, and where and when livestock 12 came into contact with the pathogen. Livestock 12 can then receive appropriate treatment, and the illness can be identified, located, and eradicated. As further described below, tag 20 is adapted and configured to determine when livestock 12 engages in feeding activity based on data obtained from gyroscope 54 and possibly from accelerometer 52 and / or altimeter 58. Tag 20 is further adapted and configured to correlate the determined feeding activity with the absolute location of livestock 12 at that time to determine where and when livestock 12 feeds. Tag 20 can determine the time when livestock 12 feeds at a specific location in a similar manner to how tag 20 determines the time when livestock 12 appears in the designated pasture as described above.

[0130] Tag 20 can also detect, monitor, and track the absolute location of livestock 12 and determine the number of times livestock 12 visits points of interest (POIs) within the managed area. POIs may include, for example, feed stations or feed sources and / or water stations or water sources, swamps, barns, cliffs, fence gates, ramps, alleyways, roads, shelters, minerals, houses, etc. Tag 20 can also determine the identification of POIs, when livestock 12 is there, and the length of time livestock 12 stays there. This data can be used to monitor livestock 12's intake and manage livestock 12's use of consumable resources, such resource inventories, etc. This data can also be used to detect potential hazards and monitor the health of livestock 12. For example, repeated trips may pose a risk to livestock 12 and may indicate the need for action. A decrease in the number of water trips may indicate that livestock 12 has developed a respiratory disease that may require treatment. The location and identification of one or more POIs within the managed area can be stored in data and parameters stored in tag 20, for example, in non-volatile memory 60. Tag 20 is adapted and configured to associate the location data of livestock 12 with the storage location of points of interest in order to determine when livestock 12 is in its vicinity. Tag 20 can determine the time when livestock 12 is present at a specific point of interest in a similar manner to how tag 20 determines the time when livestock 12 is present in a designated pasture as described above.

[0131] Tag 20 can also be configured and adapted to detect the presence of livestock 12 at a specific feed station, water station, or other point of interest by communicating with local sensors and transceivers 34 located at or near the point of interest. For example, an RFID reader or scanner, phototube, or another sensor can detect the presence of tag 20 and / or livestock 12 at or near a specific feed station or water station, swamp, barn, etc., and transmit that data and the identification of the point of interest to tag 20.

[0132] Tag 20 can also detect, monitor, and track the absolute location of livestock 12 and determine whether livestock 12 has crossed the perimeter boundary or geographic fence of a pasture or managed area. Livestock 12 may cross such boundaries for a variety of reasons. Livestock may simply cross the boundary, or it may have been led or transported across the boundary. Accordingly, this data can be used not only to prevent livestock 12 from being lost / stolen, but also to prevent livestock 12 from mixing with neighboring herds and / or damaging neighboring property, and to prevent livestock 12 from being hit by vehicles or otherwise injured.

[0133] Tag 20 can be configured and adapted to determine whether livestock 12 has crossed the perimeter boundary in a manner similar to that used to determine whether livestock 12 is within a designated pasture as described above. As described above, tag 20 is adapted and configured to repeatedly acquire location data of livestock 12 from GNSS receiver 82 at periodic time intervals, and to store each instance of the acquired location along with the corresponding date and time of acquisition in its local memory. Tag 20 is adapted and configured to plot or compare each acquired location of livestock 12 relative to the coordinates of pasture(s) and / or managed areas defined by one or more virtual perimeter boundaries or geofences. When a location acquired at an earlier time falls within the coordinate range corresponding to an area within the virtual boundary, determining that the acquired location is outside that range indicates that livestock 12 has crossed the virtual boundary.

[0134] Tag 20 can also detect, monitor, and track the absolute position of livestock 12 and determine the approximate time, location, and manner in which livestock 12 crosses the boundary. Tag 20 can be adapted and configured to determine the approximate time of livestock 12 crossing the boundary using any number of methods. For example, tag 20 can assume that livestock 12 travels in a straight line at a fixed, normal, predetermined pace between its last acquired position inside the boundary and its first acquired position outside the boundary, and infer the approximate time of livestock 12 crossing the boundary. By calculating the distance between the last acquired position inside the boundary and the boundary, calculating the time it takes for livestock 12 to travel that distance at the assumed direction and pace, and adding the calculated time to the time corresponding to the last acquired position inside the boundary, the approximate time of livestock 12 crossing the boundary can be easily inferred. It should be understood that the inference can also be performed using data on the direction of travel and rate of motion of livestock 12 acquired from accelerometer 52 and compass 56 instead of using assumed values, and using such data can produce more accurate results.

[0135] Similarly, by assuming that the livestock 12 travels along a straight line between the last acquired position inside the boundary and the first acquired position outside the boundary, and calculating the intersection of the line and the boundary, tag 20 can determine the approximate position where the livestock 12 has crossed the boundary. It should be understood that the intersection point can be calculated using actual travel direction data of the livestock 12 acquired from accelerometer 52 and compass 56, rather than assuming or combining this with the assumption that the livestock 12 travels along a straight line, and using such data can produce more accurate results.

[0136] It is conceivable and should be understood that tag 20 can also be adapted and configured to determine, via communication between tag 20 and one or more local sensors and transceivers 34, that livestock 12 has crossed or is about to cross the perimeter boundary of a managed area. For example, multiple local sensors and transceivers 34 may be placed at intervals corresponding to the virtual perimeter boundary of the managed area. When livestock 12 approaches and crosses the perimeter boundary, livestock 12 may be physically close to and within the signal range of one or more of the local sensors and transceivers 34. Tag 20 can then establish communication with the local sensors and transceivers 34, and with each other and / or the management system platform 140, thereby indicating not only that livestock 12 has approached or crossed the perimeter boundary, but also its location. Such communication may be used alone or in combination with any or all other methods described herein to detect livestock 12 crossing the perimeter boundary.

[0137] Tag 20 can determine how the livestock 12 crossed the boundary based on motion rate data obtained from accelerometer 52. For example, motion rate data approximately at the moment the livestock 12 crossed the boundary indicates that the livestock 12 is moving at a relatively slow, normal rate, suggesting that the livestock 12 is likely simply crossing the boundary on its own. However, data from accelerometer 52 indicating that the livestock 12 is moving at an abnormally high rate suggests that the livestock 12 was likely transported across the boundary by vehicle and may have been stolen.

[0138] Tag 20 can also detect, monitor, and track the absolute location of livestock 12, and can detect and determine the presence of potential theft regardless of whether tag 20 detects that livestock 12 has crossed the perimeter boundary of the managed area. For example, tag 20 can determine that livestock 12 is at a certain location and is moving at a direction and rate indicating potential theft based on location data obtained from GNSS receiver 82 and movement rate and direction of travel data obtained from accelerometer 52. For example, a location on or near a road, a direction of travel consistent with the road direction, and an unusually high movement rate (e.g., 20 mph) can collectively indicate that livestock 12 has been stolen and is being transported away from the managed area.

[0139] In addition to detecting, monitoring, and tracking the absolute location of livestock 12, tag 20 can also detect, monitor, and track the relative position and orientation of livestock 12 with respect to other nearby livestock 12, and can use such data to determine the health of livestock 12 and the health of livestock calves (such as calves). Tag 20 can also determine from such data when livestock 12 is in estrus and whether mating and / or insemination may have occurred. Tag 20 can also generate data for tracking the genetics and pedigree of livestock 12.

[0140] Tag 20 is adapted and configured to determine the relative position and orientation of livestock 12 relative to other livestock 12 based on data obtained at least from Bluetooth transceiver 84, gyroscope 54, and possibly from altimeter 58 and barometer 59. Bluetooth transceiver 84 can obtain and provide data about the distance and angular orientation between tag 20 and other nearby tags 20 from wireless signals transmitted between the respective Bluetooth transceivers 84 of tags 20, thereby providing the distance and angular orientation between the livestock 12 to which tag 20 is attached. As described above, the gyroscope 54 in each tag 20 provides data about the orientation of tag 20, thereby providing data about the orientation of the livestock 12 to which that tag is attached. By comparing orientation data from nearby tags 20, tag 20 can determine the orientation of its attached livestock 12 relative to other nearby livestock 12. Similarly, the altimeter 58 in each tag 20 provides data about the height of tag 20, thereby providing data about the height of the livestock 12 to which that tag is attached. By comparing height data from nearby tags 20, tag 20 can determine the height of the livestock 12 to which it is attached relative to other livestock 12 in the vicinity. Tag 20 can determine certain activities of livestock 12, such as mounting activities for mating, based on relative position, orientation, and height data.

[0141] Tag 20 can also detect, monitor, and track the relative position and orientation of livestock 12 with respect to other nearby livestock 12 in a group or herd, and determine if livestock 12 may have health-related problems. For example, if tag 20 determines that livestock 12 is further away from the group or herd than other livestock 12 over a period of time, this may indicate that livestock 12 is sick, injured, or has other health-related problems. Similarly, if tag 20 determines that livestock 12 fails to stay close to other livestock 12 when they move together as part of a group or herd, this may also indicate that livestock 12 is sick, injured, or has other health-related problems. Likewise, if tag 20 determines that livestock 12 maintains a different orientation and potentially different height than other livestock 12 in the group or herd, such as indicating that livestock 12's head is drooping below average compared to an established baseline, or that the livestock's orientation and height while lying down when other livestock 12 in the group or herd are standing and / or moving, this may also indicate that livestock 12 is sick, injured, or has other health-related problems.

[0142] Similarly, tag 20 can determine whether the offspring of livestock 12 may have health-related problems based on the relative position and orientation of livestock 12 and their offspring over time and / or based on the changing relative position and orientation of livestock 12 and / or their offspring relative to other nearby livestock 12 in the group or herd over time. For example, if tag 20 determines that the offspring of livestock 12 has failed to maintain relatively close proximity to livestock 12 over a period of time, this may indicate that the offspring has been separated or lost, or may be sick, injured, or have other health-related problems. Similarly, if tag 20 determines that livestock 12 and / or their offspring maintain a relatively greater distance from other livestock 12 in the group or herd, or fail to maintain relatively close proximity to other livestock 12 when moving together as a group or herd, this may also indicate that the offspring is sick, injured, or has other health-related problems. Similarly, if label 20 determines that livestock 12 and its offspring maintain relatively different orientations and possibly different heights over a period of time, such as indicating that livestock 12 is standing while its offspring is lying on the ground, this may also indicate that the offspring may be sick, injured, or have other health-related problems.

[0143] Tag 20 can also detect, monitor, and track the relative position, angle, and orientation of livestock 12 with respect to other nearby livestock 12, and determine or confirm when livestock 12 (e.g., cows) is in estrus. The automatic and autonomous determination of estrus by tag 20 reduces the burden on ranchers and / or herd managers of physically monitoring the herd and making this determination for potentially hundreds or thousands of livestock 12. Therefore, it also reduces the chance of missing the estrus condition of an individual livestock 12 and increases the probability of successful pregnancy if artificial insemination is to be performed on that livestock 12 at the optimal time. Thus, autonomous and automatic determination of estrus by each tag 20 can improve conception rates during artificial insemination, reduce the workload of artificial inseminators, and improve conception and farrowing rates for the entire herd.

[0144] Tag 20 can determine or confirm that a cow is in estrus, at least in part, by detecting, monitoring, and tracking the relative distance between the cow and other livestock 12 in the group or herd. For example, a cow may appear anxious before standing in estrus. Typical behavior at this time is for the cow to isolate herself and distance herself from the other livestock 12 in the group or herd, for example, by walking along the fence line in search of a bull. Therefore, by determining that the cow has isolated herself and distanced herself from the other livestock 12 in the group or herd for a period of time, tag 20 can determine that the cow is in or about to be in estrus.

[0145] Tag 20 can also determine or confirm that a cow is in estrus, at least in part, by determining that the cow is in close proximity to another animal 12 and that the angle or direction between the cow and the other animal 12 coincides with the other animal 12 mounting the cow or the cow mounting the other animal 12. As described above, the distance and angle between the cow and the other animal 12 can be obtained from signals of wireless communication between Bluetooth transceivers 84 or LPWAN transceivers 88 in their respective tags 20. It should be understood that, for example, each tag 20 will have data on whether the animal 12 to which it is attached is a cow or a bull, as this data will preferably be stored locally in the memory of the tag 20. However, the sex of the other animal 12 is only one factor in estrus, not the only determining factor. A cow in estrus may mount another cow, or may be mounted by another cow and a bull. Therefore, regardless of the sex of the other animal 12 involved, proximity and directionality data indicating any mounting activity involving the cow may be a determining factor in the cow's estrus.

[0146] Tag 20 can also determine or confirm that a cow is in estrus, at least in part, based on its orientation when closely approaching another animal 12. If tag 20 determines that the cow's orientation indicates that the cow is in a standing position consistent with being ready to be mounted by another animal 12, this provides further indication that the cow is in estrus. Similarly, tag 20 contains data about the sex of the animal 12 to which it is attached; however, the sex of the other animal 12 is only one factor in determining that a cow is in estrus, because a cow in estrus will stand to be mounted by another animal 12, regardless of their sex, even if mounted by another cow / heifer / steward. A cow standing to be mounted is likely in estrus (or at least close to estrus), while a mounting cow is likely close to estrus.

[0147] It is conceivable and should be understood that tag 20 may be adapted and configured to use, alone or in any combination, any or all of the methods described above to determine or confirm whether livestock 12 is in estrus. Inertial measurements (e.g., from accelerometer 52, GNSS receiver 82, and gyroscope 54), other parameters from barometer 59, and internal body temperature from implanted body temperature sensor 32 may all be used to determine whether an animal is in estrus. Regardless of which method(s) is used, tag 20 preferably also includes the natural estrus cycle of livestock 12 in the determination. Each tag 20 may store in its memory a value or range of the natural estrus cycle of the livestock 12 to which tag 20 is attached. For example, the natural estrus cycle of a cow is typically around 17 to 24 days. The value or range of values ​​stored in memory may be based on a typical normal estrus cycle of similar livestock or may be based on empirical observations of a particular livestock 12 over time. When tag 20 determines that livestock 12 is in estrus, it may save this determination, along with the data, in its local memory. Then, tag 20 can activate a counter or store the expected next estrus date or date range. When tag 20 next determines that livestock 12 is in estrus, it can confirm the determination by comparing it to stored data on the natural estrus cycle of livestock 12, to confirm the determination or to provide an indication that the determination may be inaccurate. Over time, tag 20 can learn the actual estrus cycle of the livestock 12 to which it is attached, for example, by averaging the time between accurate estrus determinations and adjusting the stored natural estrus cycle values ​​accordingly.

[0148] Tag 20 can also detect, monitor, and track the relative position, orientation, and possible height of livestock 12 relative to other nearby livestock 12, and determine or confirm that livestock 12 may have been bred and inseminated. More specifically, tag 20 can determine that a cow was likely bred and naturally inseminated by a bull. As described above, each tag 20 has data in its memory indicating whether the livestock 12 to which it is attached is a cow or a bull. Regardless of whether tag 20 is attached to a cow or a bull, tag 20 can determine that breding and natural insemination have occurred by determining that the cow and bull are close together and that the relative orientation and possible height of the two livestock 12 are consistent with the bull mounting the cow. For example, tag 20 can determine that the cow and bull are close together based on signals of wireless communication between Bluetooth transceiver 84 or LPWAN transceiver 88 or solely based on GNSS data in the respective tag 20. Tag 20 can also determine the relative orientation and height between the cow and bull from the gyroscope 54 and altimeter 58 in the respective tag 20. As those skilled in the art will know, when a bull mounts a cow, at least the orientation of the bull's forehead is rotated or tilted upwards relative to the cow. Furthermore, assuming the tag 20 attached to the bull is located near the forehead, such as the ear, the height of the tag 20 will be higher than that of the tag 20 attached to the cow. Therefore, by determining that the bull and cow 12 are in close proximity, that the bull's orientation is tilted or rotated upwards relative to the cow's orientation, and that the bull is at a higher height than the cow, each tag 20 can determine or confirm that the cow 12 has most likely been mated and naturally inseminated. The tag 20 can also obtain and use data from the accelerometer 52 attached to the bull to determine its increased activity level, thereby verifying mounting and mating activity for more accurate results.

[0149] The following process can be used to determine whether an animal is mounting another animal, which can be further used to determine estrus and mating activity. Data from IMU 55 (e.g., accelerometer and gyroscope data) can be processed by tag 20 or other parts of the system to look for high rates of acceleration in the forward and upward directions, indicating that the tag's altitude has risen rapidly, which occurs when an animal mounts another animal. The system also compares the IMU data with data from barometer 59, which should also show a rapid increase in relative altitude if mounting has occurred. Similarly, data from IMU 55 and barometer 59 can be processed for dismounting behavior, which will be represented by reverse movement, downward acceleration, a sudden acceleration after downward acceleration, and a decrease in the relative altitude of barometer 59, all of which indicate that the animal may be dismounting.

[0150] Mounting behavior can be combined with data from nearby tags (e.g., determined via Bluetooth or GPS proximity measurements) and also includes compass and location data, allowing users to identify which animal is being mounted. Determination can be made based on the sex of the mounting and the mounted animal (i.e., a cow mounting a cow indicates standing estrus, a bull mounting a cow indicates mating / insemination has occurred). The detected movement and the timing (e.g., duration) of relative elevation changes can also be used to determine whether mating and insemination actually occurred.

[0151] Tag 20 can further confirm that the cow has successfully conceived through natural or artificial insemination. For example, after a mating or artificial insemination event is detected, tag 20 can determine that the cow is not showing signs of estrus based on its typical estrous cycle, and this determination can be used as confirmation that the cow has successfully conceived.

[0152] Tag 20 can also identify a specific male animal 12 (e.g., a bull) that has been bred and a specific female animal 12 (e.g., a cow) that has become pregnant. In the case of natural mating and insemination, the tags 20 attached to the cow and the bull can share data in the manner described herein, and the tags 20 attached to either or both animals can accordingly maintain an identification record for each animal 12 associated with the event. Alternatively, if the animal 12 has been artificially inseminated, the straw used to inseminate the animal 12 will include information identifying the specific male donor, which can be scanned and verified, or manually or otherwise entered into the system. In either case, the identification of the two animals 12 involved can be stored locally in the tags 20 and can be transmitted to the management system platform 140, where the tags 20 attached to other animals 12 in the managed herd can aggregate these identifications with similar determinations.

[0153] Based on the above determination, each tag 20 can automatically generate data to track the genetics and pedigree of each individual livestock 12 in the managed herd. Each tag 20 can locally store the genetic chain of the livestock 12 to which it is attached in its memory. When a new livestock 12 is born, the genetic chain of the newborn calf can be stored in the tag 20 along with other information identified and described herein, and then the tag 20 is attached to the newborn calf.

[0154] The genetic tracking data automatically generated by tag 20 can be used to help improve the physical characteristics and health of livestock 12, as well as reduce the spread of genetic diseases caused by inbreeding. The genetic tracking data automatically generated by tag 20 can also reduce the burden on ranchers and / or herd managers to manually track the numerous genetic chains of livestock 12 in the managed herd, while simultaneously strengthening and simplifying the overall herd record of the livestock management system 10.

[0155] Knowing the genetic chain of the livestock, appropriate actions can be taken to control the mating of livestock 12. For example, actions can be taken to prevent livestock 12 from mating with another livestock 12 in the same genetic chain. As an example, when it is determined that a particular female animal 12 (e.g., a cow) is in estrus as described above, the female animal 12 can be moved or placed in a managed area separated from one or more male animals 12 (e.g., bulls (multiple heads)) in the same genetic chain as the female animal 12, or in a location inaccessible to that male animal. Alternatively, one or more bulls can be removed from the cow. Similarly, alternatively, the cow can be brought closer to a specific bull or bull with whom the cow is to be mated.

[0156] In addition to detecting, monitoring, and tracking the absolute, relative, and orientation of livestock 12, tag 20 can also detect, identify, and monitor certain body parameters, activities, and behaviors of livestock 12, and determine related health-related conditions and other physical conditions of livestock 12. Such body parameters that can be detected and monitored by tag 20 may include, but are not limited to, the body temperature of livestock 12. Tag 20 may acquire or receive instances or samples of body temperature and / or other body parameters from one or more implanted and / or attached sensors 32. Activities and behaviors that can be detected, identified, and monitored by tag 20 may include, but are not limited to, walking, eating, drinking, and rumination. Relevant health-related conditions and other physical conditions that can be determined by tag 20 may include, but are not limited to, estrus, ovulation, pregnancy, and farrowing. Tag 20 may also be configured to make determinations such as optimal weaning time based on detected activities and behaviors of livestock 12.

[0157] Advantageously, by acquiring or receiving instances or samples of the livestock 12's internal body temperature over time, tag 20 can use the relative change of such temperature values ​​over time to determine whether the livestock 12 has health-related conditions or other physical conditions, rather than comparing the internal body temperature to another value (such as ambient temperature), which also changes over time and is unrelated to the livestock 12's condition. Therefore, the determinations made by tag 20 can be made more accurately. For example, tag 20 can detect that the livestock 12's internal body temperature has increased by a certain amount compared to the last acquired internal body temperature value or the long-term average internal body temperature value. Based on this data, tag 20 can determine that the livestock 12 is sick, injured, or has other health-related problems, such as wound infection, viral infection, etc.

[0158] Label 20 can also combine the detected increase in internal body temperature with other data to make a determination and / or improve the accuracy of the determination. For example, label 20 can determine that the temperature increase occurred within a certain time period and can distinguish between normal temperature changes and temperature changes indicating health-related problems. Label 20 can also determine whether the temperature increase is related to, for example, the normal estrous cycle or other normal cycle in livestock, and whether the temperature increase is caused by one of these recurring normal physical conditions.

[0159] In addition to the animal's physical parameters, the tag 20 can also detect, identify, and monitor certain activities and behaviors of the animal 12, and determine whether there are any related health-related conditions or other physical conditions of the animal 12. For example, the tag 20 can detect and monitor certain physical activities and behaviors, such as walking, eating, and rumination. The tag 20 can then determine from these activities and behaviors whether there are any related health-related conditions or other physical conditions, such as estrus, ovulation, pregnancy, and parturition.

[0160] By autonomously and automatically determining the presence of these conditions without requiring actual observation of livestock 12 by ranchers, herd managers, or other personnel, tag 20 can improve the overall health, welfare, and productivity of the herd. For example, farrowing is a critical moment for the health and well-being of livestock 12 and its newborn foals. By autonomously and automatically determining when livestock 12 has farrowed or is about to farrow, tag 20 enables ranchers, herd managers, or other personnel responsible for livestock 12 to take action to more closely observe livestock 12 and its newborn foals, thereby ensuring no complications occur and reducing the risk of mortality. By autonomously and automatically determining when livestock 12 is in estrus, tag 20 enables actions to be taken to artificially inseminate livestock 12 at the optimal time or to increase the likelihood of natural insemination at the optimal time, thereby improving herd productivity.

[0161] Walking, eating, and rumination are strong indicators of the health and various physical conditions of livestock 12. On average, healthy livestock 12 should ruminate for about 7 to 9 hours per day, eat for about 4 to 5 hours per day, and lie comfortably for about 12 to 14 hours per day. Most rumination occurs when livestock 12 is lying down. Accordingly, based on the detected reduction or change in normal activity (such as walking and rumination) or normal intake (such as eating and drinking), tag 20 can identify the presence of respiratory disease before symptoms become apparent. Tag 20 then allows for early intervention to treat the disease before it can spread to other members of the herd or group and before livestock 12 becomes seriously ill.

[0162] Similarly, livestock 12 typically rise and lie down frequently 2 to 6 hours before giving birth. Furthermore, feeding and rumination activity in livestock 12 about to give birth is usually below long-term baseline levels. Livestock 12 also frequently isolates itself from other animals in the herd or group during parturition; many lie down to give birth, although some still give birth standing up. The internal body temperature of livestock 12 also typically decreases within approximately 8 to 48 hours after giving birth. Tag 20 can automatically detect and monitor these physical activities, behaviors, and parameters of livestock 12, determine when these activities, behaviors, and parameters are consistent, and thereby determine whether the relevant physical conditions for parturition are ongoing or about to begin. Tag 20 can then enable appropriate actions as described herein to be taken.

[0163] Similarly, before and after entering estrus, livestock 12 typically exhibit restlessness, which manifests as increased movement and a significant increase in internal body temperature relative to the normal internal body temperature of livestock 12 when not in estrus. Figure 13 The text graphically illustrates how the gait and internal body temperature of livestock 12 typically change over time, and how increased gait and elevated internal body temperature coincide temporally with the normal estrus cycle of livestock 12, thus indicating the presence of physical conditions related to estrus. Furthermore, livestock 12 in or entering estrus often isolate themselves from other livestock 12 in the group or herd and may vocalize more frequently than usual. By detecting and monitoring these physical activities, behaviors, and parameters of livestock 12, tag 20 can automatically determine when these activities, behaviors, and parameters coincide, and based on this determination, can further determine the physical conditions of livestock 12 that indicate they are about to enter or have already entered estrus. Tag 20 can then send a notification to enable appropriate actions as described herein.

[0164] Tag 20 can autonomously and automatically determine the aforementioned body parameters, activities, and behaviors of livestock 12 based on data acquired from (multiple) sensors 32, accelerometer 52, gyroscope 54, compass 56, altimeter 58, barometer 59, etc. For example, Figure 12A , Figure 12B and Figure 12C As shown, tag 20 can determine, at least in part, when and whether livestock 12 is ruminating, feeding, and / or moving, either alone or in combination with other sensors such as accelerometer 52 and barometer 59, based on orientation data acquired from gyroscope 54. The inputs from gyroscope 54 and accelerometer 52, when combined, can be termed inertial measurements. Inertial measurement unit (IMU) 55 can measure the movement of livestock 12, which may include, for example, the number of steps, high-acceleration movements, decreased movement, and average movement.

[0165] like Figure 12AAs shown, standing or walking livestock 12 will typically have a first orientation relative to three axes (e.g., pitch, roll, and yaw). Ruminating livestock 12 will typically have a second orientation, wherein the pitch, roll, and yaw axes are slightly rotated or pivoted downwards relative to the first orientation, such as... Figure 12B As shown in the diagram. Rumination typically also includes detecting motion (i.e., inertial measurements from IMU 55) and may also include detecting changes in altitude measured by barometer 59, which measures relative changes in sensor altitude. Similarly, the feeding animal 12 will typically have a third orientation, in which the pitch axis, roll axis, and yaw axis are further rotated or pivoted downward relative to the first and second orientations, as shown in the diagram. Figure 12C As shown in the diagram. Further, tag 20 can use data from GNSS receiver 82 and inertial measurements from accelerometer 52 and gyroscope 54 (i.e., collectively referred to as inertial measurement unit 55) to determine that livestock 12 is feeding, which is typically indicated by low GPS speed and low acceleration and movement associated with feeding.

[0166] In addition to orientation data, tag 20 can also use data from accelerometer 52 to determine and differentiate between these three activities. For example, tag 20 can determine when and whether livestock 12 is standing still or moving, and the location and rate of movement of livestock 12, based on accelerometer 52 data and GNSS data from GNSS receiver 82. Based on this data, tag 20 can further differentiate when livestock 12 is walking compared to when it is essentially standing still while eating or possibly ruminating. Tag 20 can also use data from altimeter 58 and / or barometer 59 to further differentiate between these three activities. Figures 12A to 12C As shown, the height of the animal 12's head above the ground typically varies depending on whether the animal 12 is standing or walking, ruminating or eating. Furthermore, the animal 12 usually lies on the ground ruminating. Therefore, tag 20 can use altimeter 58 data or barometer 59 data to determine the height of the animal's head (assuming tag 20 is attached to the animal 12's ear) relative to the ground, and further determine and / or confirm whether and when the animal 12 is engaged in one of these three activities. Barometer 59 can determine the relative change in height and provide the data to tag 20's processor / memory 50.

[0167] Tag 20 can autonomously and automatically detect, identify, and monitor the body parameters, activities, and behaviors of livestock 12, and determine the presence of certain health-related conditions and other physical conditions as described above by determining when one or more of the acquired livestock-related data matches. However, preferably, tag 20 has one or more artificial intelligence (AI) models and / or other detection algorithms embedded in its local memory, and executes one or more of these AI models and / or other detection algorithms relative to one or more of the acquired livestock-related data items to predict or determine whether one or more physical activities or behaviors of livestock 12 occur or exist, and to predict or determine one or more health-related conditions or other physical conditions of livestock 12 associated with them.

[0168] More specifically, tag 20 preferably includes one or more AI models and / or other detection algorithms that can predict or determine the presence of one or more bodily activities and / or behaviors of livestock 12 based on one or more acquired data items related to livestock, including but not limited to walking, rumination, and feeding, such data items including but not limited to ground movement (from GNSS receiver 82 and / or accelerometer 52), orientation (from gyroscope 54), and altitude (from altimeter 58 or barometer 59). Tag 20 also preferably includes one or more AI models and / or other detection algorithms that can predict or determine the presence of one or more health-related conditions or other physical conditions of livestock 12 based on one or more of the determined bodily activities and / or behaviors, including but not limited to illness, injury, estrus, ovulation, pregnancy, and farrowing. These AI models and / or other detection algorithms preferably also include one or more parameters corresponding to one or more external and physical parameters associated with the livestock 12, including but not limited to body temperature (from (multiple) implanted and / or attached sensors 32 or sensors 32 embedded in the tag 20), absolute and relative position and angle (from GNSS receiver 82 and Bluetooth transceiver 84), direction of travel (from compass 56), etc.

[0169] Appropriate machine learning and AI model and / or algorithm creation and development tools can be used in the management system platform 140 and / or remote computer system 220 to create AI models and / or other detection algorithms embedded in the tags 20. AI models and / or other detection algorithms can be generated, trained, and updated from time to time using data acquired and received from the tags 20. Data from the tags 20 attached to livestock 12 in managed herds can be aggregated, and the aggregated data can be used to create, develop, train, and update AI models and / or other detection algorithms. Furthermore, the aggregated data can also be aggregated with the same data from tags 20 attached to livestock 12 in other herds managed by the same or different ranchers, herd managers, owners, etc.

[0170] It is conceivable and should be understood that tag 20 may use one or more AI models and / or other detection algorithms, alone or in combination with one or more of the various discrete methods described herein, to make various determinations of the physical activities and / or behavior of livestock 12, as well as various determinations of the health-related conditions and other physical conditions of livestock 12. For example, one or more of the discrete methods used to determine estrus, for example, based on the relative position and angle of livestock 12 with nearby livestock 12, may be incorporated as one or more parameters of the AI ​​model or other detection algorithm that predicts or determines estrus, or may be used separately by tag 20 from the AI ​​model or other algorithm, for example, as additional confirmation of the model or algorithm's prediction or determination. Alternatively, tag 20 may be used alone or in combination with one or more of the discrete methods described herein to make various determinations with or without the use of AI models and / or other detection algorithms.

[0171] Tag 20 is also adapted and configured to autonomously and automatically perform functions and operations, including detecting the presence of external conditions that may indicate a threat or risk to the well-being of livestock 12 or may affect the operation of tag 20. Such functions may include, but are not limited to, detecting the presence of loud noises such as gunshots or vehicle engines, detecting the presence of potential predators, detecting the presence of other hazardous conditions, and detecting weather or meteorological conditions. Upon detecting such conditions, tag 20 can send an alarm and enable appropriate actions to be taken to protect livestock 12, such as driving away gunmen, predators, or potential thieves, and / or moving livestock 12 to a safer location.

[0172] Tag 20 can detect the presence of loud noises, such as gunshots or vehicle engine sounds, based on audio data acquired or received from microphone 66. Similarly, tag 20 can detect noises associated with another potentially hazardous situation, such as flowing water. Tag 20 can periodically or as needed acquire, record (e.g., store), and analyze audio data from microphone 66. Microphone 66 may also include circuitry that automatically responds to loud sounds and automatically provides samples of the audio. Tag 20 can store the audio data without analysis for subsequent transmission to management system platform 140. Alternatively, tag 20 and / or management system platform 140 can analyze the audio by comparing it to stored samples or by executing AI models or other algorithms to attempt to identify the nature of the noise. Tag 20 preferably stores or records the audio data, along with the time and date of acquisition or reception, to assist ranchers or herd managers in any subsequent investigations or assessments of the noise. Tag 20 can determine the absolute location of livestock 12 based on data provided by GNSS receiver 82, enabling the location of livestock 12 and appropriate protective actions to be taken. The tag 20 and / or management system platform 140 can also roughly estimate the location of noise based on the time and / or direction of noise detection by several tags 20 attached to several livestock 12 in a group or herd using triangulation techniques. The tag 20 can also take actions to acquire additional audio data from the microphone 66 and / or other data to assist in determining the nature, source, and location of the noise. For example, the tag 20 can activate the camera 72 and acquire video data.

[0173] Tag 20 can also detect the presence of potential predators, such as wolves, based on abnormal or anomalous activity of livestock 12. For example, tag 20 can detect abnormal movement of livestock 12, such as moving in an abnormal direction and / or at an abnormal pace, and determine that this likely indicates the presence of a potential predator in the area where livestock 12 is active. Tag 20 can acquire information on the movement, direction of travel, and pace of livestock 12 from accelerometer 52 and / or compass 56. Tag 20 can also acquire data from GNSS receiver 82 indicating the absolute position of livestock 12 and any anomalous changes in position, and can use this data in the determination. By communicating with other tags 20 in the dynamic local mesh network, tag 20 can also acquire similar data about the activity of other nearby livestock 12 in the group or herd, and include this data in the determination. For example, tag 20 can determine that other nearby livestock 12 are reacting in the same manner and in the same direction as the livestock 12 to which tag 20 is attached, and use this determination to confirm the presence of a predator nearby.

[0174] Tag 20 can also detect or confirm the presence of potential predators or other dangers based on audio data acquired or received from microphone 66 and / or video information acquired or received from camera 72, in the same manner as described above. For example, livestock 12 may vocalize more than usual when a predator is nearby or when livestock encounters other dangers. Predators themselves may also emit distinctive sounds, such as howling. Tag 20 can detect such unusual vocalizations, distinctive sounds, etc., from the audio data and can thereby determine the presence of predators or other dangers. Tag 20 can also obtain the absolute position of livestock 12 from GNSS receiver 82 and data on the movement of livestock 12 from accelerometer 52. Based on this additional information, tag 20 can determine whether livestock 12 is stationary and can thereby determine whether livestock 12 is injured or otherwise unable to move, such as being entangled in wires or stuck in mud, and needs assistance.

[0175] Tag 20 can also detect the presence or imminent presence of weather or meteorological conditions that may pose a threat or risk of injury to livestock 12. For example, tag 20 can determine, based on data obtained from barometer 59 (pressure), ambient temperature sensor 74 (air temperature), and / or humidity sensor 76 (air humidity), that a severe storm is approaching (e.g., a rapid drop in pressure), and / or that hazardous temperatures, heat indices, and / or wind chill conditions exist (e.g., a combination of high or low temperatures with high or low humidity). Therefore, tag 20 enables ranchers or herd managers to take appropriate actions to protect livestock 12, such as by moving the livestock to a shelter or otherwise providing additional protection, or to autonomously prompt the livestock 12 to move to a safer location.

[0176] Similarly, tag 20 can detect weather and meteorological conditions and determine whether its operation needs to be modified to optimize and extend its operation. For example, tag 20 can determine that temperature and humidity conditions warrant reducing, slowing down, or suspending its operation to avoid overheating or excessive consumption of its stored power. Similarly, tag 20 can determine that current conditions are unfavorable for successful long-distance communication with the management system platform 140 and / or the remote computer system 220, such as due to heavy rain or fog, or known low coverage areas, and therefore delay such communication until conditions are more favorable for optimizing the use of its stored power. Likewise, tag 20 can determine that conditions are unsuitable for fully charging its stored power to support ongoing operation, such as due to cloudy or nighttime conditions, and can reduce, minimize, or slow its operation until conditions improve for full charging.

[0177] Reference box 102, tag 20 is adapted and configured to generate and transmit or send alarms and alerts in response to certain conditions, events, and / or occurrences detected and / or determined by tag 20. Tag 20 may transmit alarms and alerts to management system platform 140, remote computer system 220, and / or one or more mobile and / or fixed devices of ranchers, herd managers, owners, etc. Alarms and alerts may also include certain local actions performed by tag 20, such as activating LED 64, tone generator 68, and / or stimulator 70. Tag 20 may transmit alarms and alerts in the form of email, text messages, or direct device-to-device communication. The content of alarms and alerts may vary depending on the conditions, events, and / or occurrences that cause tag 20 to generate alarms and alerts. Tag 20 may transmit alarms and alerts via cellular transceiver 86 in a cellular network, via satellite data network transceiver in a satellite network, via LAN or WAN network, via LPWAN transceiver 88 with or without gateway 89, or via Bluetooth transceiver 84 and suitable gateway 85.

[0178] Tag 20 can also determine whether the identified condition, event, or occurrence is one requiring immediate attention, and if the operating and communication conditions of tag 20 are suitable for immediate communication, it will immediately transmit an alarm or alert. If neither condition is met, tag 20 may delay transmitting an alarm or alert until the next scheduled transmission time or until the operating and / or communication conditions become suitable for communication. Alarms or alerts that may require immediate attention include, but are not limited to, detecting or determining that livestock 12 has crossed the perimeter boundary, may have been stolen, may be seriously ill or injured, or is giving birth or about to give birth. Other such alarms or alerts may include, but are not limited to, detecting the presence of predators, gunshots, or vehicles nearby, or detecting or determining any other situation or event that may directly injure livestock 12. Situations that may cause tag 20 to delay transmitting alarms or alerts include, but are not limited to, low electrical power stored in tag 20, lack of a suitable communication channel or no or poor communication signal, and severe weather conditions.

[0179] More specifically, tag 20 is preferably adapted and configured to generate and transmit an alarm or alert in response to determining that livestock 12 has crossed the perimeter boundary or geofence of a managed area or designated area within a managed area as described above. The alarm or alert may contain information that livestock 12 has crossed the perimeter boundary and alerts the receiver to take appropriate action. The alarm or alert may also include information about the recent location and movement of livestock 12, such as GPS coordinates, direction of movement, etc. The alarm or alert may also include local actions performed by tag 20, including activating tone generator 68 to generate sound or noise and / or activating stimulator 70 to generate physical stimuli, such as rumbling or vibration, to prompt livestock 12 to return to the designated area or managed area. The alarm or alert may also include local actions performed by tag 20, namely activating LED 64 to assist in locating and identifying livestock 12.

[0180] Tag 20 is preferably also adapted and configured to generate and transmit an alarm or alert in response to determining that livestock 12 may have been stolen, as described above. The alarm or alert may contain information informing the livestock 12 that it may have been stolen and to contact the competent authorities. The alarm or alert may also include information about the recently detected location and movement of livestock 12, such as GPS coordinates, speed, direction, etc. The alarm or alert may also include local actions performed by tag 20, namely activating LED 64 and / or playing a message via tone generator 68 and a speaker indicating that livestock 12 is stolen property.

[0181] Tag 20 is preferably also adapted and configured to generate and transmit alarms or alerts in response to determining a health-related condition or other physical condition of livestock 12 that may require attention. Such conditions include, but are not limited to, determining that livestock 12 may be sick or injured, in estrus, in the process of mating, and / or about to give birth or in the process of giving birth. Alarms or alerts may include information identifying and describing the condition that caused the alarm or alert, as well as data detected or determined under these conditions, such as internal body temperature, inactivity over a period of time, etc. Alarms or alerts may also include information about the location and movement of recently detected livestock 12, such as GPS coordinates, speed, direction, etc. Alarms or alerts may also include local actions performed by tag 20, namely activating LED 64 and / or tone generator 68 to visually and audibly identify livestock 12 for easy location, and / or activating tone generator 68 and / or stimulator 70 to autonomously prompt livestock 12 to move to an area such as a sick pen if the detected condition is not too serious.

[0182] Tag 20 can also be adapted and configured to generate and transmit alarms or alerts in response to the determination of certain herd-related or herd-affecting conditions that may require attention. Such conditions may include, but are not limited to, determining overgrazing, insufficient feed or water supply, and optimal weaning time. Tag 20 can determine the latter condition, particularly by monitoring the relationship between livestock 12 and their young. Typically, the optimal weaning time for dairy livestock 12 is 2 to 3 days after birth, while the optimal weaning time for meat livestock 12 is much longer. Therefore, tag 20 can determine when livestock 12 gives birth and use this determination to determine the optimal weaning time. Tag 20 can also make optimal weaning determinations based on data regarding the relative position and orientation of livestock 12 and their young from GNSS receiver 82, gyroscope 54, and Bluetooth transceiver 84, or other RF links in the corresponding tag 20 of livestock 12 and their young. Tag 20 can determine from this data the time intervals and durations in which young closely approach livestock 12, and the time intervals and durations in which young have an orientation relative to livestock 12 indicating that they are nursing. Label 20 can determine the optimal weaning time when the interval and amount of time between approaching and breastfeeding are reduced to a certain extent.

[0183] The alarm or alert may contain information identifying and describing the conditions that caused the alarm or alert, as well as data detected or determined under these conditions. The alarm or alert may also include information about the location of the condition, the location and movement of the most recently detected livestock 12, such as GPS coordinates, speed, direction, etc. The alarm or alert may also include local actions performed by tag 20, namely activating LED 64 and / or tone generator 68 and speaker to visually and audibly identify livestock 12 for easy location, and / or activating tone generator 68 and / or stimulator 70 to, for example, autonomously induce calves to be isolated from their mothers in different pens / pastures at the optimal weaning time, or vice versa.

[0184] Tag 20 can also be adapted and configured to generate and transmit alarms or alerts in response to the determination of the presence or imminent presence of a predator, gunshots or vehicle noise, severe weather, another dangerous situation, or a sudden impact on livestock 12. The alarm or alert may contain information identifying and describing the situation that caused the alarm or alert, data detected or determined under these situations, and information reminding the receiver to take appropriate action. The alarm or alert may also include information about the location of the situation that caused the alarm or alert, the location and movement of the most recently detected livestock 12, such as GPS coordinates, speed, direction, etc. The alarm or alert may also include local actions performed by tag 20, namely activating LED 64 and / or tone generator 68 to visually and audibly identify livestock 12 for easy location, and / or activating tone generator 68 and / or stimulator 70 to autonomously prompt livestock 12 to move to a safer location.

[0185] Tag 20 may also be adapted and configured to generate and transmit alarms or alerts in response to determining operating conditions, diagnostic conditions, or other conditions of tag 20 itself. Such conditions may include, but are not limited to, low power levels, hardware failures, self-test failures, etc. Alarms or alerts may contain information identifying and describing the conditions that caused the alarm or alert, as well as data detected or determined under these conditions. Alarms or alerts may also include information about the location and movement of the livestock 12 to which tag 20 is attached most recently detected, such as GPS coordinates, speed, direction, etc. Alarms or alerts may also include local actions performed by tag 20, namely activating LED 64 and / or tone generator 68 and speaker, to visually and audibly identify the livestock 12 to which tag 20 is attached, thereby facilitating the location of the livestock.

[0186] In box 104, tag 20 may transmit some or all of its data to some or all of other tags 20 in the dynamic local mesh network, as described elsewhere herein. Tag 20 may also transmit some or all of its data, as well as aggregated data received from other tags 20 in the dynamic local mesh network, to management system platform 140 and / or remote computer system 220, also as described elsewhere herein. As described above, tag 20 may determine whether it is a tag in the dynamic local mesh network in the optimal condition for transmitting its data and aggregated data. If the tag determines that it is not in the optimal condition for transmitting data, the tag may abandon transmitting data and support the tag determined to be in the optimal condition for transmitting data. Even if tag 20 determines that it is in the optimal condition, the tag may determine whether the conditions are suitable for immediate data transmission, and if not, it may store the data and delay data transmission until the next scheduled transmission time, until the operating conditions and / or communication conditions become suitable for communication, or until the tag receives input that triggers its data transmission.

[0187] In box 106, tag 20 can receive data from other tags 20 in the dynamic local mesh network. Tag 20 can also receive data and updates from management system platform 140 and / or remote computer system 220. Data from other tags 20 includes data acquired and received by other tags 20 in the dynamic local mesh network during operation, and this data will be aggregated and transmitted to management system platform 140 and / or remote computer system 220 by tags 20 determined to be in optimal conditions for data transmission. Data and updates from management system platform 140 and / or remote computer system 220 may include data and information to be stored in the local memory of tag 20, and / or updates to data and information stored in local memory. Data and updates may also include new or updated programs, algorithms, or applications to be stored and executed in tag 20. Data and updates may also include new or updated AI models, model parameters, weights, or other values ​​to be executed in tag 20. For example, as tag 20 continues to transmit data to management system platform 140 and / or remote computer system 220, the created AI model can be refined, updated, and trained to make more accurate determinations and predictions. These updates can then be transmitted back to tag 20. Similar to other data communications described herein, tag 20 can determine that conditions are not suitable for receiving and storing data and updates, and can refuse and postpone them until it determines that the conditions are more suitable. Tag 20 can wait for the next scheduled communication or can request to receive data and updates.

[0188] In boxes 108 and 110, tag 20 can receive alarms and / or alerts from the management system platform 140 and / or from one or more mobile devices. For example, tag 20 can receive alarms and / or alerts with commands to take actions such as activating LED 64, tone generator 68, and / or stimulator 70 to identify and distinguish livestock 12 from other livestock, and / or to prompt livestock 12 to do something similar to returning to a designated area. For example, such alarms or alerts can be received from mobile devices when a rancher or herd manager is physically observing a group or herd and attempting to locate, for example, a specific livestock 12. Tag 20 can also receive alarms and / or alerts to take actions such as activating microphone 66 and / or camera 72 to acquire audio and / or video data. Such alarms or alerts can serve as a response to an alarm or alert generated by tag 20 in the first instance. For example, if tag 20 generates and transmits an alarm or alert indicating a potential predator or other potential hazard, the alarm or alert, along with a command to acquire audio and / or video data, can be transmitted back to tag 20 in an attempt to confirm the presence of the predator or other hazard. Tag 20 may also receive data, parameters, or other information related to the action of the alarm or alert command, such as causing LED 64 to flash in a specific pattern, or causing a tone generator to play a specific tone or sound sample. Similar to other data communications described herein, tag 20 can determine that conditions are not suitable for receiving an alarm or alert and take action accordingly, and can reject and postpone such actions until it determines that the conditions are more suitable.

[0189] In conjunction with the data, confirmation, alarm, and alert communications in boxes 102, 104, 106, and 108, if tag 20 is within the signal range of the corresponding transceiver, the tag may first attempt to communicate with the management system platform 140 and / or the remote computer system 220 via a local communication channel, such as Bluetooth transceiver 84 or LPWAN transceiver 88. For example, the corresponding Bluetooth transceiver 84 or LPWAN transceiver 88 may be embedded in a mobile device within the managed system platform 140, or in a local sensor and transceiver 34 within the activity range of the livestock 12 with the tag 20 that it wishes to communicate with. This often occurs, for example, when there is a relatively large number of livestock 12 within a relatively small area (e.g., a feedlot) or a relatively small plot of land. Compared to using long-range communication channels, tag 20 can transmit data via Bluetooth transceiver 84 and LPWAN transceiver 88 at a relatively high rate and relatively low cost. However, if tag 20 determines that a suitable Bluetooth or LPWAN connection is unavailable, for example when the livestock 12 to which tag 20 is attached is in an open pasture and far from the management system platform 140 and any local sensors and transceivers 34, tag 20 may choose to communicate via a long-range communication channel (such as via a cellular network through cellular transceiver 86 or via a satellite data network transceiver) at a lower data rate and additional cost. Therefore, tag 20 can autonomously select the fastest and lowest-cost communication channel to transmit data, depending on factors such as location, signal strength, tag 20 power level, and other transmission conditions. Over time, this capability can save significant amounts of money.

[0190] Similarly, in conjunction with the data, determinations, and alarm and alert communications in boxes 102, 104, 106, and 108, tag 20 preferably compresses the data to be transmitted to reduce the amount of data transmitted and lower data costs. Furthermore, each tag 20, management system platform 140, remote computer system 220, and each mobile device or other device with which tag 20 communicates includes a unique set of encryption keys. Each tag 20 and each platform, system, or device with which it communicates uses these keys to encrypt outgoing communications and decrypt incoming communications, thereby providing end-to-end encryption for all communications.

[0191] In block 112, tag 20 can be configured and adapted to enter a sleep state to reduce power consumption and / or conserve stored electrical energy. Tag 20 can alternate between an active state performing some or all of the functions described in conjunction with blocks 94, 96, 98, 102, 104, 106, 108, and 110 and a sleep state in block 112. During the sleep state, tag 20 can shut down some or all of its operations to reduce power consumption and conserve electrical energy stored in power supply 42. During the active state, tag 20 can perform some or all of the functions described herein. Tag 20 can perform the same function during each active state cycle, or it can perform different functions during different active state cycles. The interval between the active and sleep states can be fixed or variable, and can also vary based on the remaining energy level of power supply 42. For example, the sleep state may be longer during periods of expected herd inactivity, such as at night, and shorter during the day. The active state will change in the opposite direction. For example, tag 20 can dynamically determine and change the time periods for sleep and activity states based on the duration required for tag 20 to perform certain functions, assessments of current or historical livestock activity, etc. Such functions may include, for example, how long it might take to charge rechargeable energy storage 48. Based on the current charge level of rechargeable energy storage 48, current charging conditions, and current weather conditions, tag 20 can be adapted to remain in a sleep or activity state for a variable time period.

[0192] In box 114, tag 20 can be adapted and configured to exit or wake from a sleep state. Tag 20 can exit or wake from a sleep state based on a timeout or elapsed signal from a timer in tag 20 or based on receiving a signal indicating an internal or external event (such as an alarm or siren, gunshot, or vehicle noise). Tag 20 can also exit a sleep state upon receiving a signal or communication from another tag 20, the management system platform 140, and / or a remote computer system 220. While exiting a sleep state, tag 20 can continue to acquire, store, and process data and information, and perform actions as described herein. Figure 8 The determination shown is as follows.

[0193] In addition to active or sleep states, any combination of features available for execution by tag 20 can be turned off, decremented, or reduced based on the power level of power supply 42. Figure 15A simplified chart showing possible thresholds is shown. During operation, more critical or time-critical features may remain available over a wider range of available power, while less critical or time-critical features may be more easily reduced or disabled when power 42 is more depleted. Examples include cellular communications related to livestock 12's alarms or location (e.g., "Find my cow"), which can be enabled within a range of 10% to 100% of available energy. Using eDRX can conserve energy used for this function. Less urgent cellular data usage, such as 24-hour uploads, can be enabled within a range of 25% to 100% of available energy, while these cellular data usages are disabled when storage capacity drops below 25%.

[0194] GPS functionality can be controlled in a similar manner. For example, if the system requests GPS location, the GNSS receiver 82 can be enabled within a range of 10% to 100% of available energy, while periodic location can be acquired based on other storage levels and varies depending on the duration of the measurement interval. Therefore, location determination can be performed for 15 minutes within a range of 80% to 100% of available energy; for 1 hour within a range of 60% to 80%; for 4 hours within a range of 40% to 60%; and for 12 hours within a range of 25% to 60%. Bluetooth Low Energy functionality can be used within a range of 5% to 100% of available energy, and the 915MHz wireless interface can be used within a range of 10% to 100% of available energy. Of course, these thresholds can vary depending on the need for power saving or if any particular function is considered more important.

[0195] 4. Logical Data Structure

[0196] Tag 20 can arrange the data and information it receives or acquires, along with the determinations it generates, within one or more logical data structures, where related data, information, and determinations are logically grouped for storage and access in its local physical memory. For example, in... Figure 9 The document illustrates one possible logical data structure 120. However, it is conceivable and should be understood that many other different data structures can be used to store and access data and information in the local memory of tag 20. Any and all such data structures consistent with performing the objectives, functions, and operations of tag 20 described herein are intended to be included within the scope of the exemplary embodiments described herein.

[0197] Logical data structure 120 may include a permanent or semi-permanent storage portion 122. Data and information about tag 20 and the livestock 12 to which it is attached, intended to be permanently or semi-permanently retained, may be stored together in the permanent or semi-permanent storage portion 122. For example, such data and information may include, but is not limited to, unique tag ID data and other information specific to tag 20, multiple unique encryption keys for secure communication with tag 20, and contact information of the owner of tag 20 in case the tag is detached or lost. Such data and information may also include, but is not limited to, data and information specific to the livestock 12 to which tag 20 is attached, such as ownership information, contact information, genetic lineage information, demographic information, and health and vaccination history of livestock 12.

[0198] The logical data structure 120 may also include a tag data section 124, which is used to record data that the tag 20 periodically acquires or receives during operation. Such data may include, but is not limited to, motion data from the accelerometer 52, orientation data from the gyroscope 54, direction of travel data from the compass 56, altitude data from the altimeter 58, absolute position from the GNSS receiver 82, relative position and angle data from the Bluetooth transceiver 84, body temperature and / or other body parameter data from (multiple) sensors 32, weather and meteorological data from the barometer 59, temperature sensor 74 and / or humidity sensor 76, audio and / or video data from the microphone 66 and / or camera 72 and / or their links, battery power from the power supply 42, signal strength from the Bluetooth transceiver 84, cellular transceiver 86 and / or LPWAN 88 transceiver, etc. Each time tag 20 acquires or receives all or some of such data (e.g., every 30 seconds), a record including the acquired or received dataset can be stored in tag data section 124 along with the date and time of acquisition or receipt of the dataset. The stored data records can be overwritten individually, in chunks, or entirely by newer data records subsequently acquired or received. As an example, after a set time period or a set amount of storage capacity has been used, each subsequent new data record acquired or received can individually overwrite the oldest stored data record still held in the tag's memory. Therefore, tag data section 124 can operate on a first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis, like a ring buffer. As another example, after some or all of the stored data records have been transferred from tag 20 to management system platform 140 and / or remote computer system 220, all transferred records can be erased individually or as a block erase and can subsequently be overwritten.

[0199] Logical data structure 120 may also include a video data portion 126 and / or an audio data portion 128 separate from the tag data portion 124. The video data portion 126 may include records of video data (e.g., clips) acquired or received by the tag 20 during operation, and the audio data portion 128 may include records of audio data (e.g., clips) acquired or received by the tag 20 during operation, as described herein. Each video and each audio record stores the time and date of acquisition or reception of that video and audio record. In embodiments where the video data portion 126 and / or audio data portion 128 are separate from the tag data portion 124, instead, the data records of the tag data portion 124 that originally included video data and / or audio data may include links or addresses to the respective video data portion 126 and audio data portion 128 where the records are located. The video and audio records of the video data portion 126 and audio data portion 128 may be erased and / or overwritten by newer video and / or audio records according to the same standards and in the same manner as described above with respect to the records of the tag data portion 124.

[0200] The logical data structure 120 may further include a detected tag / sensor data portion 132, separate from the tag data portion 124 used for data received from other tags 20 and sensors 34 in the dynamic local mesh network. The detected tag / sensor data portion 132 may contain data received from each tag 20 and sensor 34 in the dynamic local mesh network, including individual records and the date and time of data reception, as well as the ID of the tag 20 or sensor 34 from which data was received. Each record may also include the distance and angle between the tag 20 and the tag or sensor receiving data from the Bluetooth transceiver 84. Records in the detected tag / sensor data portion 132 may be erased and / or overwritten by newer data records according to the same criteria described above with respect to the records in the tag data portion 124.

[0201] C. Livestock Sensors

[0202] One or more sensors 32 can provide data on internal or external bodily parameters of the livestock 12 to a tag 20 attached to the livestock 12, and provide data on certain conditions and activities of the livestock 12. Sensors 32 can communicate with the tag 20 via a wireless connection. The wireless connection can be, but is not limited to, an antenna-based RFID connection via an RFID transceiver 92 of the tag 20 and / or a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) connection via a Bluetooth transceiver 84 of the tag 20. While sensors 32 are sometimes referred to herein as “implanted” sensors 32, it is conceivable and should be understood that sensors 32 can include one or more sensors implanted within the livestock 12 and / or one or more sensors 32 externally attached to the livestock 12.

[0203] One or more sensors 32 can sense various bodily parameters of the livestock 12, including but not limited to internal body temperature and / or relative body temperature. In an example embodiment, the implantable sensor 32 may include an internal body temperature sensor comprising a thermopile. The body temperature sensor is implanted in the livestock 12 at a location suitable for providing accurate readings of the internal body temperature of the livestock 12. This location may and is likely spaced apart from the ear location to which the tag 20 is preferably attached; however, in some embodiments, the body temperature sensor may be implanted in or attached to the same ear of the livestock 12 to which the tag 20 is attached, but at a location spaced apart from the tag 20. Similarly, a temperature sensor 32 externally attached to the ear of the livestock 12 or elsewhere spaced apart from the tag 20 can provide relative body temperature data of the livestock 12. Depending on the placement, such a sensor 32 can provide internal and / or relative body temperature readings of the livestock 12 that can be closely and accurately correlated with the health-related conditions and other bodily conditions (e.g., illness, estrus, etc.) of the livestock 12 to be determined.

[0204] One or more sensors 32 may also potentially provide data on certain conditions and activities of the livestock 12. For example, the pressure sensor 32 may be externally attached to the back skin of the breeding animal 12 (e.g., a cow) or implanted under the back skin. The pressure sensor 32 may provide data indicating that the livestock 12 has been mounted and may be used to determine, for example, that the livestock 12 is in estrus and / or is being bred.

[0205] Sensor 32 can provide data continuously, periodically, or as required by tag 20. For example, implantable body temperature sensor 32 can provide instances or samples of internal body temperature data that change over time, thereby allowing tag 20 to detect changes in the internal body temperature of livestock 12 relative to a baseline (such as a long-term average of such temperatures) and to determine, based on such changes, the health-related status and other physical conditions of livestock 12 as described herein.

[0206] It is conceivable and should be understood that, in other embodiments, one or more sensors 32 may be embedded in the tag 20 and / or externally attached to and / or implanted in different locations within the animal 12. In all such embodiments, the sensor 32 is preferably adapted and configured to measure one or more bodily parameters, conditions, and / or activities of the animal 12 to which it is attached.

[0207] D. Local sensors and transceivers

[0208] One or more of the local sensors and / or transceivers 34 may be located at one or more fixed locations within the managed area, or may be mobile within one or more designated areas within the managed area, preferably located at one or more fixed locations or mobile within one or more designated areas where the livestock 12 also appears from time to time. The local sensors and / or transceivers 34 are adapted and configured to communicate with the tags 20 within range and to be members of a dynamic local mesh network having tags 20 as described above. Some or all of the local sensors and / or transceivers 34 may also be adapted and configured to communicate separately from the tags 20 with the management system platform 140 and / or the remote computer system 220.

[0209] Similar to tag 20, the local sensor and / or transceiver 34 may include a Bluetooth transceiver and an RFID transceiver (which may be a 915MHz transceiver). The local sensor and / or transceiver 34 may be adapted and configured to communicate locally with the tag 20 within range using one or both of these transceivers. Also similar to tag 20, the local sensor and / or transceiver 34 may include a cellular transceiver, a satellite transceiver, and / or an LPWAN transceiver. The local sensor and / or transceiver 34 may be adapted and configured to communicate remotely with the management system platform 140 and / or the remote computer system 220 using any or all of these transceivers.

[0210] One or more local sensors and / or transceivers 34, located at one or more fixed locations, may be coupled to various local devices, range tags 20, and management system platform 140 and / or remote computer system 220 described herein, and are adapted and configured to transmit data between them. As an example, the local sensors and transceivers 34 may be connected to, or be part of, a scale that livestock 12 are driven across (e.g., in a ramp leading to or from a pen or feedlot), communicate with the scale. The scale automatically weighs each animal 12 as it passes, and the local sensors and transceivers 34 receive the weight data, read the ID of the tag 20 attached to the animal 12, associate the weight data with the tag ID, and transmit the weight data and tag ID to the management system platform 140 and / or remote computer system 220 for automatic tracking of the animal 12's weight. The local sensors and transceivers 34 may also locally transmit the weight data of each animal 12 to the attached tag 20 for local storage and weight tracking by the tag 20. Such data can be used to detect and monitor the health of livestock 12, as weight loss may be a sign of disease. This data can also be used to detect and monitor the market value of livestock 12, since value is at least partly based on weight.

[0211] As another example, the local sensor and transceiver 34 may be located at or near one or more feed stations or feed sources and / or one or more water stations or water sources. Such sensors may include light sensors and / or other types of location sensors and / or proximity sensors. The local sensor and transceiver 34 can detect when tag 20 is nearby, indicating that the livestock 12 to which tag 20 is attached is eating or drinking. The local sensor and transceiver 34 can read the ID of tag 20, correlate the tag ID with data about the source (e.g., feed or water source, location, source ID, time spent at the source, etc.), and can transmit the data to the management system platform 140 and / or remote computer system 220 to automatically track the feeding and drinking behavior of livestock 12. Such data can be used to automatically detect potential health-related conditions in livestock 12, such as a decrease and / or shortening of trips to feed stations / feed sources and / or water stations / water sources indicating respiratory illness. This data can also be used to automatically track the use and inventory of consumable resources such as feed and water, and to issue alerts when replenishment is needed. The local sensors and transceiver 34 can also transmit some or all of the data to the tag 20 attached to the livestock 12 for local storage and processing.

[0212] It is conceivable and should be understood that data provided by the local sensors and transceiver 34 regarding livestock 12 approaching a feed station or feed source and / or a water station or water source as a sign of feeding and drinking behavior can be processed together with other data acquired by the tag 20 attached to the livestock 12 to provide a more accurate determination. Such data may include, for example, the location of the tag 20 (from the GNSS receiver 82) and the orientation and altitude of the tag 20 (from the gyroscope 54 and altimeter 58), which indicate feeding and drinking behavior, as described above and as shown in Figure 12.

[0213] As another example, local sensors and transceivers 34 can be located at ramp structures leading to multiple pens or other resting areas, each with a separate entrance gate. As livestock 12 crosses the ramp / lane, the local sensors and transceivers 34 can read tag IDs from tags 20 and communicate with one or more local controllers to automatically control the opening of gates associated with specific pens or resting areas based on the tag IDs. This capability allows livestock 12 to be automatically sorted and isolated based on one or more selected characteristics. For example, cows, calves, bulls, breeding stock, heifers, sick animals, animals in estrus, and animals about to give birth can be automatically sorted and isolated in one or more separate pens or resting areas.

[0214] As another example, multiple local sensors and transceivers 34 may be located at fixed intervals corresponding to the boundaries or perimeter of one or more designated areas within a managed area, as described above. When livestock 12 approaches and / or crosses such a boundary or perimeter, one or more of the local sensors and transceivers 34 may detect and communicate with the tag 20 attached to the livestock 12. The local sensors and transceivers 34 may receive the tag ID and transmit an alarm or alert along with the tag ID and other data from the tag 20 (e.g., the location, direction of travel, and speed of the livestock 12) to the management system platform 140. The local sensors and transceivers 34 may also transmit an alarm or alert to the tag 20 to take actions such as activating a tone generator 68 and / or a stimulator 70 to prompt the livestock 12 to stop and / or return after crossing the boundary or perimeter.

[0215] As another example, local sensors and transceivers 34 can be placed in one or more pens, ramps, gates, or other designated areas that livestock 12 must pass through to obtain selected information from tag 20 and transmit the data to the management system platform 140, thereby automatically tracking the status of livestock 12. For example, local sensors and transceivers 34 can read tag IDs and receive other selected tag data, such as the vaccination status and / or vaccination history of livestock 12. Local sensors and transceivers 34 can also receive the medication status and / or medication history of livestock 12, such as whether and when specific drugs or pesticides were applied to prevent lice, parasites, or grubs. Local sensors and transceivers 34 can also receive the medical procedure status and / or medical history of livestock 12. Local sensors and transceivers 34 can transmit this data to the management system platform 140 to automatically determine and track whether livestock 12 has received the latest vaccinations, required drugs, and / or medical procedures, and generate alarms or alerts to ranchers, herd managers, etc., to take appropriate action.

[0216] In addition to generating alarms or alerts to take action, the local sensor and transceiver 34 can be adapted and configured to autonomously trigger actions by associated equipment in response to data communicated with tag 20. As an example, the local sensor and transceiver 34 can receive data from tag 20 indicating that the livestock 12 to which the tag is attached has not received the latest vaccines, medications, or topical treatments, and can activate an associated sprayer or injection device to autonomously administer the required medication. Tag 20, communicating with the local sensor and transceiver 34, can then update the data for the livestock 12 in tag 20, and tag 20 and / or the local sensor and transceiver 34 can transmit the updated data to the management system platform 140 in the manner described herein. As another example, the local sensor and transceiver 34 can implement automated sorting gates in response to a tag ID received from tag 20 to select and activate fence / gate controls, thereby autonomously guiding the livestock 12 to a selected area. This functionality is useful not only for farms but also for sales.

[0217] Local sensors and / or transceivers 34 may also be placed in one or more mobile devices within one or more designated areas of the managed area. As an example, local sensors and transceivers 34 may be installed in a mobile phone or mobile computing device carried by a rancher, herd manager, ranch worker, etc. As another example, local sensors and transceivers 34 may also be placed on or within a drone or vehicle remotely controlled by a rancher, herd manager, etc. Local sensors and transceivers 34 can read the IDs of nearby tags 20, and mobile devices can display or otherwise transmit these IDs to the rancher, herd manager, etc., so that one or more tags can be selected. Local sensors and transceivers 34 can then transmit alarms or alerts to the selected tags(s), causing these tags to take action to identify the livestock 12 to which they are attached, for example, by activating LED 64 and / or tone generator 68. This helps ranchers, herd managers, etc., select and identify specific livestock 12 from groups or herds of livestock 12, for example, for vaccination or medication, addressing health-related issues, etc.

[0218] As described above, when tag 20 is within the Bluetooth or LPWAN signal range of the corresponding Bluetooth transceiver or LPWAN transceiver of the local sensor and / or transceiver 34, the local sensor and / or transceiver 34 can also be adapted and configured to transmit data between tag 20 and management system platform 140 and / or remote computer system 220. The local sensor and transceiver 34 can then communicate with management system platform 140 and / or remote computer system 220 via the same or another wired or wireless communication channel and / or network interface as described herein. Similarly, if tag 20 is within the Bluetooth or LPWAN range of the local sensor and transceiver 34, the local sensor and transceiver 34 can receive data and / or updates from management system platform 140 and / or remote computer system 220, and can transmit this data and / or updates to tag 20 via the corresponding Bluetooth transceiver or LPWAN transceiver.

[0219] E. Management System Platform

[0220] The management system platform 140 is adapted and configured to manage the livestock 12 to which the tag 20 is attached, as well as the tag 20 itself. The management system platform 140 is adapted and configured to perform various functions and operations related to the individual management of the livestock 12 and the management of the livestock as a herd. Such functions may include, but are not limited to: detecting, monitoring, tracking, and responding to various current health-related conditions of livestock 12; monitoring, tracking, and maintaining data on various characteristics of livestock 12; monitoring, tracking, and responding to the location and movement of livestock 12; detecting, monitoring, and responding to current important physical conditions of livestock 12; determining and maintaining genetic and pedigree data of livestock 12; monitoring and managing the use of managed grazing areas by livestock 12; monitoring and maintaining the health history of livestock 12; generating, tracking, and maintaining demographic, historical, and other data of livestock 12; detecting, monitoring, and responding to external events; creating and managing system access permissions for external users; monitoring and managing consumable inventory; monitoring, tracking, and maintaining various financial data; detecting, monitoring, and responding to weather and meteorological conditions and / or events; tracking and maintaining historical ownership and location data of livestock 12; and monitoring and responding to various conditions of tag 20.

[0221] The management system platform 140 may include and can be hosted on one or more computers (such as desktop PCs, workstations, or servers located in one or more fixed locations, including in the cloud), and / or on one or more mobile computing devices (such as laptops or tablets). Many suitable host platforms are further identified and described below. Furthermore, all or part of the management system platform 140 may be replicated and / or distributed across one or more host platform devices. The management system platform 140 may wirelessly communicate locally or remotely with tag 20 and local sensors and transceivers 34 via cellular networks, satellite networks, IP-based networks, LPWAN, and / or other communication channels, such as... Figure 5 and Figure 10 As shown in the document.

[0222] The management system platform 140 is adapted and configured to communicate with tags 20, local sensors and transceivers 34 in the managed area, and a remote computer system 220. The management system platform 140 can send and receive various types of information from and from tags 20, local sensors and transceivers 34, and the remote computer system 220, including but not limited to data, alarms and alerts, programs, applications, AI models, other detection algorithms, and updates. The management system platform 140 is adapted and configured to receive and store data generated by each individual tag 20 and the local sensors and transceivers 34, and to process and respond to such data in order to perform the various management functions described herein. The management system platform 140 is also adapted and configured to receive, aggregate, and store data received from all individual tags 20 and the local sensors and transceivers 34, and to process, respond to, store, transmit, and access such data in order to perform the various management functions described herein.

[0223] 1. Components and Architecture

[0224] like Figure 10 As shown, the management system platform 140 may include a processor 142, a memory element 144, one or more input devices 146, a scanner / reader 148, a local storage device 150, and a display 152. The management system platform 140 may also include communication interfaces, including a cellular network interface 154, a WAN / LAN network interface 156, and a local RF interface 158. If needed, the communication interfaces may further include a satellite network interface and / or an LPWAN interface.

[0225] Processor 142 may include one of the processor types described below. For example, processor 142 may include one or more commercially available general-purpose processing units (GPUs), such as microprocessors(s). Processor 142 is adapted to execute programs, applications, models, etc. stored in memory 144 and to process data received by management system platform 140 in order to perform the livestock management functions and operations described herein.

[0226] Processor 142 is configured and programmed to work with the processor identified above and Figure 10 The processor 142 communicates with, controls, and manages the operation of various other components and elements of the management system platform 140 shown in the diagram. The processor 142 is connected to and communicates with each of these components and elements via a bus 143. The bus 143 may include one or more physical and / or logical buses adapted to transmit data, instructions, commands, requests, control words, etc., between the processor 142 and each of the other components and elements.

[0227] Memory element 144 is adapted to provide local storage for operational and application data related to the operation and functionality of the management system platform 140. The memory element may include a memory controller, volatile memory such as DDR DRAM, and non-volatile memory such as flash memory or another electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) or erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM). Memory element 144 can provide local storage for basic operational data necessary for the basic operation of the management system platform 140, such as an operating system and BIOS, provided to the processor 142. Memory element 144 can also provide local storage for application data, programs, applications, models, parameters, settings, etc., for execution by the processor 142 of the management system platform 140 to perform the various livestock management functions described herein.

[0228] Multiple input devices 146 are adapted and configured to enable users to interact with the management system platform 140. Users can use the multiple input devices 146 to interact with the management system platform 140 in various ways, including but not limited to inputting or entering data, selecting data items or information presented by the system, selecting programs, applications, models, algorithms, functions, etc., presented by the system to be executed, issuing requests to the system, or giving commands. The multiple input devices 146 may include one or more user-operable input devices, including but not limited to a mouse, trackball, touchpad, touchscreen, keyboard, etc. Beyond the scope identified herein, the multiple input devices may also include any type of user-operable input device identified and described below.

[0229] The scanner / reader 148 is adapted and configured to scan and / or read data and / or information from the tag 20 when the scanner / reader 148 approaches the tag 20. The scanner / reader 148 may include, but is not limited to, an RFID scanner / reader, a barcode scanner / reader, a QR code scanner / reader, etc. The data and / or information may include any data that can be encoded and contained on or on the tag 20. Such data and / or information may include, but is not limited to, a unique tag ID, and corresponding data specific to the livestock 12 to which or to be to which the tag 20 is attached.

[0230] The scanner / reader 148 can be integrated into a mobile component (such as a handheld or other mobile device) of the management system platform 140. Such a device can be carried by ranchers, herd managers, etc., and can be used to scan and / or read data and / or information from tags 20 attached to specific livestock 12 in the field. This allows ranchers, herd managers, etc., to locate specific livestock 12, confirm the identification of specific livestock 12, and / or pay attention to specific livestock 12 in the field. Similarly, the scanner / reader 148 can be used to scan or read data and / or information from tags 20 that have detached from and are subsequently found in the field. This data can assist in locating and identifying the livestock 12 from which the tag 20 has detached, and the tag 20 can then be reattached to the correct livestock 12. Alternatively, the found tag 20 can be removed from the management system, and its data transferred to a new tag 20 attached to the livestock 12.

[0231] The scanner / reader 148 can also be integrated into a non-mobile component of the management system platform 140 (such as a desktop PC or workstation in an office). In this setup, the scanner / reader 148 can be used to input a new tag 20 into the management system, which will be attached to a new animal 12 (e.g., a recently born or recently acquired animal 12 that will be added to the managed herd).

[0232] Local storage device 150 is adapted and configured to provide storage for data and information received from tag 20, local sensors and transceivers 34, remote computer system 220, and other external sources (e.g., banks, veterinarians, markets, other ranches, etc.). Local storage device 150 is also adapted and configured to provide storage for data and information generated by management system platform 140 and / or remote computer system 220. Local storage device 150 may include one or more suitable storage devices with sufficient capacity, including but not limited to disk drives, solid-state drives (SSDs), and / or tape units. To the extent not identified herein, local storage device 150 may also include any type of storage device identified and described below.

[0233] Display 152 is adapted and configured to visually present data and / or information to a user of management system platform 140. Such data and / or information may include, but is not limited to, data or information input by the user, data or information received from one or more tags 20 and / or local sensors and transceivers 34, data or information received from other external sources, data or information generated by management system platform 140, representations of data, information, programs, applications, models, functions, etc., available for user selection, and representations of user-selectable menus and menu items. Display 152 may include one or more displays of any suitable type, including but not limited to computer monitors, television monitors, and mobile device displays. To the extent not identified herein, display 152 may also include any type of display device identified and described below.

[0234] As an example, display 152 can show a visual representation of a surface map or topographic map of a managed area and / or one or more designated areas within the managed area. The management system platform 140 may include mapping software and maps for this purpose, and / or may receive this information from an external source. Display 152 can also display one or more user-defined geofence boundaries of the managed area and / or one or more designated areas within the managed area as overlays on a map. The management system platform 140 can generate this information based on the physical boundaries of the managed area and the known GPS coordinates of the designated areas within the managed area. Display 152 can also display a representation of some or all of the managed livestock 12 as an overlay on a map. The management system platform 140 can generate this information based on GPS location data of each livestock 12 received from tags 20 attached to the livestock 12. The displayed information allows the user to visually determine the position of each managed livestock 12 relative to the managed area, the designated areas within the managed area, and the geofence boundaries. Therefore, the user can easily determine, for example, whether the livestock 12 is inside or outside the perimeter boundary of the managed area.

[0235] The management system platform 140 may also be adapted and configured to display on display 152 a representation of the livestock 12 with different display attributes (e.g., color, flashing, etc.) based on various characteristics or conditions of the livestock 12 (e.g., bull, cow, calf, recently sick, recently vaccinated, etc.). The management system platform 140 may also be adapted and configured to respond to a user's selection of a representation of the livestock 12 on display 152 to take action on the selected livestock 12. For example, a user may use input device 146 to select the displayed representation of the livestock 12, and the action taken may include displaying additional information about the selected livestock 12. Depending on the configuration of the management system platform 140, the displayed information may include any or all information from the tag 20 attached to the livestock 12, and any or all information about the livestock 12 maintained on the management system platform 140. Another action may be to generate and send an alarm or alert about the selected livestock 12. Any number of actions may be taken individually or in combination.

[0236] The management system platform 140 is adapted and configured to communicate with tag 20, local sensors and transceivers 34, and remote computer system 220 via a communication interface. The communication interface provides interfaces to a number of different communication channels through which the management system platform 140 can communicate.

[0237] Cellular network interface 154 provides a communication channel through which management system platform 140 can remotely communicate with tag 20, local sensors and transceivers 34, and remote computer system 220. Cellular network interface 154 includes a cellular transceiver operable to wirelessly transmit and receive data from corresponding cellular transceivers 86 of tag 20, local sensors and transceivers 34, and remote computer system 220 via one or more cellular networks (including, for example, those previously identified herein). The cellular transceiver of management system platform 140 may be the same as or similar to the cellular transceiver 86 of tag 20 and local sensors and transceivers 34.

[0238] The cellular transceiver of the management system platform 140 communicates with one or more cellular towers within its cellular signal range. The cellular towers transmit data bidirectionally between the management system platform 140, individual tags 20, local sensors and transceivers 34, and the remote computer system 220. Data can be transmitted directly between corresponding cellular transceivers via the cellular network, or it can be transmitted partly via the cellular network and partly via an intermediate WAN and / or LAN network (including but not limited to the Internet), such as... Figure 10As shown, one or more cellular boosters, repeaters, and / or gateways may also form part of a cellular communication channel between the management system platform 140, individual tags 20, individual local sensors and transceivers 34, and remote computer system 220.

[0239] If needed, the communication interface may also include a satellite data network interface. The satellite data network interface provides another communication channel through which the management system platform 140 can remotely communicate with tag 20, local sensors and transceivers 34, and remote computer system 220. The satellite data network interface will include a satellite data network transceiver that transmits data bidirectionally between the management system platform 140, individual tag 20, local sensors and transceivers 34, and remote computer system 220 via a satellite network (such as satellites previously identified herein). Individual tag 20, local sensors and transceivers 34, and remote computer system 220 will each include corresponding satellite data network transceivers. Data can be transmitted directly between corresponding satellite data network transceivers via the satellite network, or it can be transmitted partly via the satellite network and partly via an intermediate WAN and / or LAN network (including but not limited to the Internet).

[0240] The WAN / LAN network interface 156 provides another communication channel through which the management system platform 140 can conduct remote or local data communication with tag 20, local sensors and transceivers 34, and remote computer system 220. The WAN / LAN network interface 156 may include an LPWAN network transceiver operable to remotely wirelessly transmit and receive data from one or more intermediate WAN and / or LAN networks (such as networks previously identified herein, including the Internet) to and from the corresponding LPWAN network transceiver 88 of tag 20 and local sensors and transceivers 34. The LPWAN transceiver of the management system platform 140 may be the same as or similar to the LPWAN network transceiver 88 of tag 20 and local sensors and transceivers 34. One or more LPWAN gateways, signal enhancers, and / or repeaters may also form part of the LPWAN communication channel between the management system platform 140, tag 20, and / or local sensors and transceivers 34.

[0241] The WAN / LAN network interface 156 may also include a conventional TCP / IP and / or HTTP type network interface operable for remote or local data communication with tag 20, local sensors and transceivers 34, and remote computer system 220, at least under certain conditions. For example, management system platform 140 may communicate remotely with tag 20, local sensors and transceivers 34, and remote computer system 220 via a WAN (e.g., the Internet), provided they have an available Internet connection. This is typically not the case for tag 20, but remote computer system 220 will generally have an available wired or wireless WAN connection. Management system platform 140 may also communicate locally with tag 20, local sensors and transceivers 34, and remote computer system 220 via a LAN, provided they have an available LAN connection. Particularly in the case of tag 20, this also depends on the availability of a wireless LAN connection, such as Wi-Fi. In the case of remote computer system 220, a wired or wireless LAN connection is generally available, depending on the relative locations of management system platform 140 and remote computer system 220.

[0242] The local RF interface 158 provides another communication channel through which the management system platform 140 can wirelessly communicate local data with the tag 20 and the local sensor and transceiver 34 when the management system platform 140 is relatively close to the tag 20 or the local sensor and transceiver 34. For this purpose, the local RF interface 158 may include a Bluetooth transceiver and / or an RFID transceiver. The Bluetooth transceiver and / or RFID transceiver of the management system platform 140 may be the same as or similar to the corresponding Bluetooth transceiver 84 and / or RFID transceiver 92 of the tag 20 and the local sensor and transceiver 34, as described above. Accordingly, the management system platform 140 can wirelessly communicate data with the tag 20 or the local sensor and transceiver 34 via the Bluetooth transceiver or the RFID transceiver when within Bluetooth or RFID signal range of the tag 20 or the local sensor and transceiver 34. Although the range is rather limited, this communication mode is very useful for ranchers, herd managers, etc., to communicate with the tag 20 while in the field. For example, at least a portion of the management system platform 140, including the local RF interface 158, can be integrated into a mobile device carried in the field by a rancher, herd manager, or similar personnel. With this arrangement, the management system platform 140 can wirelessly communicate with a selected tag 20 located in close proximity to it. As described herein, when the management system platform 140 and / or the livestock 12 to which the tag 20 is attached are within signal range of the local sensor and transceiver 34, the management system platform 140 can also wirelessly communicate with the tag 20 via Bluetooth or another local RF communication channel through the local sensor and transceiver 34.

[0243] Similar to tag 20 as described above, if the management system platform 140 is within signal range of tag 20 and / or the corresponding transceivers of local sensors and transceivers 34, the management system platform may first attempt to communicate with tag 20 and / or remote computer system 220 via local communication channels such as Bluetooth transceiver 84 or LPWAN transceiver 88. As noted regarding tag 20, the management system platform 140 can communicate with tag 20 via these local communication channels at a relatively high data rate and relatively low cost compared to using long-range communication channels. However, if the management system platform 140 determines that a suitable Bluetooth or LPWAN connection is unavailable for communication, for example when the livestock 12 to which tag 20 is attached is in an open pasture and far from the management system platform 140 and any local sensors and transceivers 34, the management system platform 140 may choose to communicate with tag 20 via a long-range communication channel (such as via a cellular network of cellular transceiver 86 or via a satellite data network transceiver). Similar to tag 20, the management system platform 140 autonomously selects the fastest and / or lowest-cost communication channel to transmit data, depending on factors such as location, signal strength, and other transmission conditions. As mentioned above, this functionality can save significant costs over time.

[0244] Similarly, the management system platform 140 may first attempt to communicate with the remote computer system 220 via the TCP / IP-HTTP type network interface of the WAN / LAN network interface 156. This communication channel offers greater bandwidth and higher data rates, and is less expensive than long-distance wireless communication channels such as cellular or satellite. The TCP / IP-HTTP type network interface can provide wired and / or wireless communication over long distances via a WAN such as the Internet and / or over short distances via a LAN. However, if a WAN and / or LAN connection is unavailable for some reason, the management system platform 140 may choose to communicate with the remote computer system 220 via a long-distance wireless communication channel (such as the cellular network of the cellular transceiver 154 of the WAN / LAN network interface 156, or the satellite data network of the satellite data transceiver), although the bandwidth and data rates are lower and the cost is higher.

[0245] The management system platform 140 can also communicate remotely with clients via a WAN / LAN network communication channel via a WAN / LAN network interface 156, a cellular communication channel via a cellular network interface 154, or a satellite communication channel via a satellite data network interface. Clients may include, but are not limited to, banks, insurance companies, government agencies, veterinarians, auction participants, and other service subscribers, as further described below.

[0246] 2. Functions, data, and operating procedures

[0247] like Figures 11A to 11E The management system platform 140, as illustrated in the diagram, is adapted and configured to perform various livestock management functions and operations. The management system platform 140 typically follows a logical flow when performing these functions and operations. It should be understood that... Figures 11A to 11E The graphical representations in the document only include some functions and operations that the management system platform 140 can be adapted to and configured to perform, and only provide an example of a possible logical flow for performing such functions and operations. Furthermore, it should be understood that... Figures 11A to 11E The processes shown are inherently logical and are not intended to be interpreted as linear and sequential processes that necessarily require managing all functions, operations, steps, and / or activities of the system platform 140. Instead, multiple functions, operations, steps, and / or activities shown may be executed simultaneously or sequentially in various orders.

[0248] Within box 160, the management system platform 140 can detect, monitor, track, maintain, and respond to various current health-related conditions of each managed individual livestock 12. The management system platform 140 periodically receives data on one or more bodily parameters of each livestock 12, as well as data on one or more activities and behaviors of each livestock 12, from tags 20 attached to the livestock 12. The management system platform 140 can also periodically receive additional data about the livestock 12 directly from one or more local sensors and transceivers 34. The management system platform 140 stores the received data locally in a local data storage device 150 and can also transmit the data to a remote computer system 220. The stored data provides a history of various bodily parameters, activities, and behaviors of the individual livestock 12 over time.

[0249] The management system platform 140 is adapted and configured to process received and stored data to determine whether livestock 12 has a current health-related condition that may require attention. The management system platform 140 may process the data and make determinations in the same or similar manner as the independent tag 20. For example, the management system platform 140 may periodically receive and store data on the relative body temperature, orientation, height, gait, and weight of livestock 12. If the relative body temperature is within the normal range, the orientation and height parameters indicate that livestock 12 is regularly eating, drinking, ruminating, etc., the gait determination indicates that livestock 12 is moving around normally, and / or the weight of livestock 12 is stable or increasing, then the management system platform 140 may be adapted and configured to determine that livestock 12 is healthy. Conversely, if the relative body temperature is abnormally high or low, orientation, altitude, and acceleration parameters indicate that the livestock 12 is not eating, ruminating, or drinking normally, movement indicates that the livestock 12 is immobile or not moving around normally, and / or the livestock 12 is losing weight, then the management system platform 140 can be adapted and configured to determine that the livestock 12 is unhealthy, for example, sick or injured. For example, reduced water intake may indicate some respiratory infection. Similarly, an abnormally high relative body temperature coupled with reduced movement may indicate some other infection.

[0250] If the management system platform 140 determines that livestock 12 has a health-related condition that may require attention, the management system platform 140 may generate and transmit alarms or alerts with the same or similar information as the individual tags 20 in the same or similar manner. For example, the management system platform 140 may transmit alarms and alerts to one or more mobile and / or fixed devices of ranchers, herd managers, owners, etc., via email, text message, or direct device-to-device communication. Alarms or alerts may include information to help identify livestock 12, information about the condition requiring attention, and information about actions to be taken. The management system platform 140 may also transmit alarms or alerts to tags 20 attached to livestock 12 with health-related conditions, so that tags 20 activate LED 64 and / or tone generator 68 to assist ranchers, herd managers, etc., in locating livestock 12 requiring attention, and / or activate stimulators 70 to prompt livestock 12 to move to a desired location, such as a sick pen or ramp. The content of alarms and alerts may vary depending on the conditions that cause the management system platform 140 to generate alarms and alerts.

[0251] The management system platform 140 can also be adapted and configured to generate reports on the current health of individual livestock 12 and / or on the health of a group of livestock 12 in the entire managed herd based on data received and determined from all tags 20 attached to the group or herd.

[0252] In box 162, the management system platform 140 can monitor, track, and maintain data on various characteristics of livestock 12. The management system platform 140 can be adapted and configured to receive characteristic data of each individual livestock 12 as input data. For example, such input data can be input using one or more input devices 146 and may include, but is not limited to, the livestock 12's date of birth, age, sex, breed, color, etc. Such input data may also include characteristic data received from tags 20 attached to the individual livestock 12 and / or from local sensors and transceivers 34 communicating with the tags 20. For example, the management system platform 140 can periodically receive data on certain variable body characteristics (such as weight) of the livestock 12 from tags 20 attached to the livestock 12 and / or from one or more local sensors and transceivers 34 communicating with the tags 20 and one or more scales in the managed area. The management system platform 140 locally stores the input data in memory 144 and / or local data storage device 150, thereby creating a record and history of the characteristics of each individual livestock 12 changing over time. The management system platform 140 can also transmit some or all of the characteristic data to the tag 20 attached to each individual animal 12 and / or the remote computer system 220.

[0253] The management system platform 140 can be adapted and configured to process characteristic data for a variety of purposes. For example, the data can be processed to determine whether livestock 12 currently has any health-related conditions, as described above. The data can also be processed for various market, financial, and demographic purposes. For instance, the management system platform 140 can determine that livestock 12 is ready for slaughter when it reaches a certain age and / or weight. The management system platform can also determine that young livestock 12 is ready for weaning when it reaches a certain age and / or weight. The management system platform can also determine the current market value of individual livestock 12, as well as the group of livestock 12 or the entire herd, based on gross weight and current market prices.

[0254] The management system platform 140 can also be adapted and configured to generate reports containing characteristic information about the managed individual livestock 12 and / or the herd or the entire herd. Ranchers, herd managers, and others can use such reports to identify livestock 12 to be rounded up for slaughter, to identify herd demographics, and such reports can be used for many other livestock management purposes. For example, the report may include a slaughter / kill list compiled by the management system platform 140 based on the performance of the livestock 12 determined according to data provided by tag 20. If a bull does not impregnate a cow or only impregnates a few cows within a certain period, the bull can be placed on the slaughter list. Similarly, if a cow does not become pregnant or gives birth after several estrus cycles, it can also be placed on the slaughter list. The management system platform 140 can be adapted and configured to implement an automated rating system based on such data, enabling producers to easily make such decisions.

[0255] In box 164, the management system platform 140 can monitor, track, and respond to the location, movement, and activity of livestock 12 in the same or similar manner as the individual tags 20. For example, the management system platform 140 can periodically receive and store data and determinations about the location, movement, activity, and behavior of each individual livestock 12 from the tags 20 attached to the livestock 12. The management system platform 140 stores each received data and determination in a local data storage device 150, thereby creating a history of the location, movement, and activity of each livestock 12 over time. The management system platform 140 can also transmit this data and determinations to a remote computer system 220.

[0256] The management system platform 140 can process current and historical data and determine the current and historical location of each livestock 12 relative to assets within the managed area (such as barns, pastures, feedlots, etc., with known location coordinates). The platform can also determine whether livestock 12 has been currently or historically within or outside a geofence boundary, which includes the perimeter of the managed area and / or the boundaries of one or more designated areas within the managed area. Furthermore, the platform can determine the current location and current activities of livestock 12, as well as its past locations at various points in time and its activities at each location and time. This data provides comprehensive location and activity traceability for the managed livestock 12 and can be used for various purposes, including, for example, determining whether livestock 12 was in a disease outbreak area or susceptible to a certain disease during a given period.

[0257] The management system platform 140 can also make further determinations based on the above information. For example, based on the movement and activity history of the livestock 12, the management system platform can determine whether the livestock 12 may have health-related conditions or other physical conditions that may require attention, such as estrus or parturition. If it is determined that the livestock 12 is sick, the management system platform can also track the location and activity of the livestock 12 to determine whether the livestock 12 may have ingested something that caused the illness.

[0258] The management system platform 140 can also be adapted and configured to display the current and historical location of each individual livestock 12 on a display 152 overlaid on a map relative to the managed area and one or more geofences, as described above. This provides a visual representation of the location and activity of each livestock 12 at different points in time.

[0259] The management system platform 140 may also be adapted and configured to generate and transmit alarms and / or alerts in response to determination of the location, movement, and activity of livestock 12. These alarms and / or alerts may be the same as those described above. For example, an alarm or alert may be generated in response to determination that livestock 12 is located outside a geofence boundary (such as the perimeter of a managed area). The alarm or alert may also be sent to a tag 20 attached to livestock 12 to activate a tone generator 68 and / or a stimulator 70, for example, to prompt livestock 12 to stop and / or return.

[0260] The management system platform 140 can also be adapted and configured to generate reports on the current and / or historical location, movement and activity of individual livestock 12 and / or groups of livestock 12 or the entire herd based on data received and determined from all tags 20 attached to the herd.

[0261] In box 166, the management system platform 140 can detect, monitor, track, maintain, and respond to important physical conditions of livestock 12 in the same or similar manner as individual tags 20. Such conditions may include, for example, estrus, mating, farrowing, and weaning times. The management system platform 140 can periodically receive and store data and determinations about physical conditions from tags 20 attached to livestock 12. As described above, such data may include internal body temperature, movement, orientation, height, gait, etc. The management system platform can accept determinations of physical conditions from tags 20 and can individually confirm such conditions by processing the underlying data associated with the physical parameters, activities, and behaviors that made the determinations. The management system platform 140 stores each received data and determination in a local data storage device 150, thereby creating a history of the determined physical conditions of each livestock 12 over time. The management system platform 140 can also transmit this data and determinations to a remote computer system 220.

[0262] The management system platform 140 can also be adapted and configured to generate and transmit alarms and / or alerts in response to a determination of the physical condition of livestock 12. These alarms and / or alerts may be the same as those described above. For example, an alarm or alert may be generated in response to a determination that livestock 12 is in estrus or giving birth. The alarm or alert may also be sent to a tag 20 attached to livestock 12 to activate LED 64, for example, to assist ranchers, herd managers, etc., in locating livestock 12 and providing necessary attention.

[0263] The management system platform 140 can also be adapted and configured to generate reports on the important physical condition of the managed individual livestock 12 and / or the group of livestock 12 or the entire herd based on data received and determined from all tags 20 attached to the herd.

[0264] In box 168, the management system platform 140 can identify, update, and maintain the genetic and pedigree data of livestock 12. For example, the management system platform 140 can periodically receive data and determinations from tags 20 attached to livestock 12, including the estrus status of livestock 12, the distance and angle between livestock 12 and other nearby livestock, the height and orientation of livestock 12 compared to other nearby livestock, and determinations of mating and insemination of livestock 12. The management system platform 140 can accept determinations of physical condition, activity, and behavior from tags 20 and can individually verify these determinations by processing the underlying data. The management system platform 140 can identify mated livestock 12 based on the unique ID of the tag 20 attached to each animal. Subsequent pregnancy can be physically confirmed by ranchers, herd managers, etc., or can be determined by the tag 20 attached to pregnant livestock 12 based on the animal's physical parameters, activity, and behavior, and reported to the management system platform 140. When the pregnant animal 12 subsequently gives birth, a new tag 20 with a unique ID, populated with information, is attached to the newborn foal and entered into the management system platform 140. The management system platform 140 stores the new tag data, along with the tag IDs of the newborn foal and the tag IDs of the father and mother animals, in a local data storage device 150. The tag ID of the newborn foal is also stored along with the tag IDs and data of both the father and mother animals. This creates a genetic and pedigree link or tree for each animal 12. The management system platform 140 also stores the data and determinations received from the tags 20 in the local data storage device 150, thereby creating a history of estrus, mating, pregnancy, and farrowing events or occurrences of the animal 12 over time. The management system platform 140 can also transmit any or all of the described data and determinations to a remote computer system 220.

[0265] The management system platform 140 can also be adapted and configured to generate reports for individual livestock 12, including their estrus, mating, pregnancy, and farrowing history, as well as their genetics and pedigree. The management system platform can also aggregate such data for all livestock 12 in a managed herd and generate similar reports for that herd. Such reports enable ranchers, herd managers, owners, and others to determine the mating demographics, productivity, and other relevant information for the entire herd.

[0266] In box 170, the management system platform 140 can monitor and manage the use of designated grazing areas within a managed area by a group or the entire herd of managed livestock 12. For example, as described above, the management system platform 140 may include mapping software or other means to define one or more designated areas within the managed area, including one or more designated grazing areas, and may define these designated areas with one or more geofence boundaries. Also as described above, the management system platform 140 periodically receives and stores data and determinations regarding the location, movement, activity, and behavior of each individual livestock 12 from tags 20 attached to the livestock 12.

[0267] The management system platform 140 can identify livestock 12 located within the boundary coordinates of each designated grazing area at any given time, determine the amount of time they spend grazing there, and apply a predetermined consumption rate value to estimate forage consumption. The predetermined consumption rate can be a value input to the management system platform 140 and stored in memory 144 and / or local data storage device 150. For example, a consumption rate of approximately 2% to 4% of the livestock 12's body weight per day might be suitable for cattle.

[0268] Carrying capacity and grazing limit values ​​can also be entered into the management system platform 140 and stored in the memory 144 and / or local data storage device 150 for each designated grazing area. For example, the carrying capacity value can be the estimated tons of dry forage contained in a designated grazing area at 100% carrying capacity. The grazing limit value can be a percentage of the full carrying capacity value, such as 20%.

[0269] The management system platform 140 can be configured and adapted to periodically determine the amount of forage consumed in a designated grazing area based on current and stored livestock 12 location and activity data, and deduct that amount to obtain a remaining carrying capacity value. If the designated grazing area is re-grazed after the carrying capacity is restored, the consumed forage will be deducted from the carrying capacity value; if the designated grazing area has been previously grazed, it will be deducted from the previous value of the remaining carrying capacity.

[0270] When the management system platform 140 determines that the remaining carrying capacity is equal to or less than the grazing limit, it can generate an alarm or alert that is substantially the same as the one described above, to remind ranchers, herd managers, owners, etc., to move livestock 12 to prevent overgrazing and potential damage to the designated area. These alarms or alerts can also instruct the tags 20 attached to the livestock 12 in the designated area to activate tone generators 68 and / or stimulators 70 to prompt the livestock 12 to leave the designated area.

[0271] The management system platform 140 can also be adapted and configured to generate reports containing information on the carrying capacity, remaining carrying capacity, consumption rate, and grazing restrictions of a designated grazing area. Ranchers, herd managers, owners, and others can use such information to develop plans for the location, relocation, grazing, and provision of additional feed for livestock 12.

[0272] As described above, the management system platform 140 can also be adapted and configured to display a representation of the livestock 12 on the display 152 as an overlay on a map of the managed area, including designated grazing areas. This can visually show the situation where the livestock 12 gathers in one or more designated grazing areas at different times, which may also help ranchers and others manage the livestock 12 and the designated grazing areas.

[0273] In box 172, the management system platform 140 can monitor and maintain the health and medical history of each animal 12. The management system platform 140 is adapted and configured to receive health and medical-related data of each managed animal 12 as input. This input data may include data from one or more external sources. Such external sources may include, but are not limited to, veterinarians, animal hospitals, pharmacies, medical supply sources, etc. Input data from external sources may include, but are not limited to, vaccination and medication records; treatments given, such as deworming and pest control; examinations; diagnoses and prognoses; veterinary visits, etc. This data may also include future scheduled or non-scheduled vaccinations, medications, treatments, appointments, etc. This input data may also include health-related conditions and other physical conditions detected and / or determined by tags 20 attached to the animal 12. Health-related data from tags 20 may include, but are not limited to, determinations of illness and injury. Physical condition data from tags 20 may include, but are not limited to, determinations of estrus, mating, farrowing, etc.

[0274] The management system platform 140 stores input data in the memory 144 and / or the local data storage device 150. The management system platform 140 may also transmit some or all of the input data of an individual animal 12 to the tag 20 attached to the animal 12 for storage and / or use by the tag 20 locally on the animal 12.

[0275] The management system platform 140 can also be adapted and configured to generate and transmit alarms and alerts. These alarms and alerts can be the same as those described above, for example, sent in the form of text messages or emails to one or more mobile and / or fixed devices of ranchers, herd managers, etc. For example, the management system platform 140 can be configured to send an alarm or alert after a period of time following vaccination or medication and before the next dose time. Similarly, the management system platform 140 can send an alarm or alert when it detects that a scheduled or due date for vaccination or medication has been reached or is approaching. The alarm or alert may also include information identifying the livestock 12 and information about the vaccine or medication to be administered. The alarm or alert may also include commands to activate LED 64 and / or tone generator 68 on the tag 20 attached to the livestock 12 to assist ranchers, herd managers, etc., in locating the livestock 12.

[0276] The management system platform 140 can also be adapted and configured to generate reports containing some or all of the data and information about the health and medical history of individual livestock 12. Ranchers, herd managers, and others can use such reports to easily determine the frequency and timing of estrus, mating, farrowing, abortion, illness, etc., in livestock 12. These reports can also be used to easily determine all vaccinations, medications, treatments, etc., that have been or will be administered to individual livestock 12.

[0277] The management system platform 140 can also aggregate data and information from a group of livestock 12 or the entire managed herd and generate reports for that group or herd. For example, herd-level reports may include data on which livestock 12 received specific vaccinations or medications and which did not. Ranchers, herd managers, and others can use this information to schedule necessary medical care, estimate and arrange medical expenses, manage medical supply inventory, and so on.

[0278] In box 174, the management system platform 140 can monitor, track, update, and maintain data about a selected herd of livestock 12 or the entire managed herd. Such herd data may include, for example, but not limited to, location(s), head count, demographics, etc. The management system platform 140 is adapted and configured to aggregate and process data and information received as input data from one or more input devices 146 described herein, one or more external sources, tags 20 attached to individual livestock 12, and local sensors and transceivers 34, in order to generate herd data.

[0279] For example, the management system platform 140 can aggregate and process location data of all livestock 12 in a group or herd, received periodically from tags 20 attached to the livestock 12, and determine the current and historical movement and location of the group or herd within the managed area over time. This information can be used for various purposes, including but not limited to controlling the spread of disease and managing the use of consumable resources such as pasture.

[0280] The management system platform 140 can also aggregate and process individual livestock 12 characteristics and other data, and determine herd-level demographics. Such data may include, for example, but not limited to, age, sex, breed, weight, etc. Herd-level demographics may include, for example, but not limited to, current and historical (a) the total number of managed livestock 12; (b) the number of livestock 12 in various age and weight ranges; (c) the number of male and female livestock 12, including the number of each type of livestock of reproductive age; (d) the number of new livestock 12 born within a period of time; (e) the number of livestock 12 of each breed within the managed herd, etc. This information can be used for various purposes, including but not limited to determining and managing the productivity of managed herds, determining the current and historical value trends of managed herds, and estimating the current and future costs and historical cost trends of managed herds.

[0281] The management system platform 140 can store livestock data in a memory 144 and / or a local data storage device 150, and can transmit some or all of the data to a remote computer system 220. The management system platform 140 can also generate reports containing some or all of the livestock data.

[0282] In boxes 176 and 184, the management platform system can detect, monitor, and respond to external events and / or conditions that may affect the health or well-being of the managed livestock 12. As described above and shown in box 176, the management system platform 140 periodically receives data and determinations from tags 20 attached to each livestock 12 regarding certain detected or identified external conditions (such as nearby predators, gunshots, vehicle engines, and / or theft) that may pose a risk to the livestock 12. Similarly, as described above and shown in box 184, the management system platform 184 periodically receives data and determinations from tags 20 regarding weather and / or meteorological conditions that may pose a risk. The management system platform 140 stores this data and determinations in memory 144 and / or local data storage device 150. The management system platform 140 can accept risk determinations from tags 20 and can independently determine and / or validate these risk determinations by processing underlying data.

[0283] The management system platform 140 is adapted and configured to generate and transmit alarms and / or alerts in response to the detection or determination of such conditions or events. When a single tag 20 detects or determines such a condition or event, these alarms and / or alerts may be substantially the same as those described above, such as sending emails, text messages, etc., to one or more mobile and / or fixed devices to alert ranchers, herd managers, etc., to take appropriate action, such as intervention to eliminate the threatening condition or move the livestock 12 to another location. These alarms or alerts may also include commands to the tag 20 attached to the livestock 12 in danger to activate the microphone 66 and / or camera 72 to obtain additional audio and / or video information to confirm the danger, activate the tone generator 68 and / or stimulator 70 to attempt to prompt the livestock 12 to move or scare away the danger source, and / or activate the LED 64 to assist ranchers, herd managers, etc., in locating the livestock 12 and providing necessary attention.

[0284] In box 178, the management system platform 140 can create and manage external access interfaces and control access to the livestock management system 10 by one or more external users. For example, the management system platform 140 may be adapted and configured to provide external access to ranchers or herd managers, ranch workers, owners, veterinarians, online auction and / or veterinary service participants, bank or (multiple) other financial service users, (multiple) insurance companies, government agencies, and other users selected by the system administrator to authorize access to some or all of the system's data and functions.

[0285] The external access interface may include login / password access security, and the management system platform 140 may be configured to restrict access to specific data, information, and functions of the management system platform 140 to users only. For example, ranchers and / or owners may have access to complete data, information, and functions of the management system platform 140 regarding livestock 12 belonging to them, but not to complete data, information, and functions regarding livestock 12 belonging to other ranchers or owners. In contrast, herd managers may only have access to most information and functions related to the livestock 12 under their responsibility, but not to certain financial information, and ranch workers may only have access to certain data, information, and functions related to the livestock 12 and consumable assets under their responsibility, such as grazing or ranch usage and restrictions, feed and water usage and levels, etc., but with limited access. Similarly, veterinarians may be limited to accessing health and medical-related data and information, banks may be limited to accessing livestock characteristics and demographic information related to financial value, and auction participants may be limited to accessing health and physical characteristics data and information of the specific livestock 12 being auctioned.

[0286] The management system platform 140 can also be configured to allow different users to edit or update different data. Ranchers or owners may be permitted to edit or update any information in the system regarding their livestock 12. Herd managers may be permitted to update most information in the system related to the livestock 12 under their care, but not financial or ownership data. Ranch workers may be limited to updating certain data and information related to management aspects directly under their responsibility, such as replenishment levels of consumable assets, vaccination and medication records, etc. Similarly, veterinarians may be limited to updating health and medical-related data and information, and bank or auction participants may not be permitted to edit or update any information.

[0287] The management system platform 140 can also be configured to operate as a remote or cloud-based service provider platform for users. For example, the management system platform 140 can provide remote online auction services. Users wishing to participate in the auction to buy or sell livestock 12 can register and be charged a one-time or ongoing subscription fee. The management system platform 140 allows participating sellers to identify the livestock 12 for sale, as well as the terms and conditions of the sale. The management system platform 140 allows auction participants to view certain health and physical characteristics data, ownership and location information, etc., of the livestock 12 for sale. The management system platform 140 allows participating buyers to submit bids and participating sellers to accept or reject bids.

[0288] After the sale is completed, the management system platform 140 may provide or transmit some or all of the data and information of the livestock 12 sold in the system to the buyer. For example, current and historical physical characteristics, as well as current and historical health and physical condition data, may be transmitted. Such data may include vaccination history, distress / disease alerts and reports, age, number of litters, abortions, etc. Ownership chains and current and historical location data, such as the identification and location of the ranch where the livestock 12 is located, may also be transmitted. Genetic chains and / or pedigree information may also be transmitted. Transmitting some or all of such data to the buyer may depend on whether the seller agrees to publish the information and / or pays an additional fee, as such information may have additional value to the buyer and subsequent end consumers; that is, knowing the origin of the retail beef from multiple ranches, pedigrees, and locations may be valuable to some consumers.

[0289] The management system platform 140 can also be configured to provide remote online veterinary services, allowing users to contact and communicate with veterinarians, and / or allowing veterinarians to access data and information about livestock 12 owned by their clients. For example, the veterinarian may be an employee of a ranch or other organization operating the management system platform 140, or may be independently contracted by that organization and may communicate with users of the management system platform 140 who have paid a one-time or ongoing subscription fee. Users can log in to the management system platform 140 and contact the veterinarian when they observe abnormalities in the health-related conditions or other physical conditions of livestock 12, or when they receive health-related alerts or alarms, to raise questions and identify problems and potential solutions. Alternatively, veterinarians may pay an ongoing subscription fee to log in as a user and access certain health-related data, physical parameter data, activity and behavior data, location data, and / or other data about livestock 12 owned by their clients to assist in diagnosing the condition of livestock 12 and providing treatment recommendations.

[0290] Within box 180, the management system platform 140 can track, monitor, and manage consumable inventory (in addition to managing designated grazing areas as described above). For example, the management system platform 140 can manage consumables, including but not limited to feed, hay, water, vaccine dosages, drug dosages, deworming and insecticides, artificial insemination tubes, etc.

[0291] For feed, hay, water, and similar consumable resources, the management system platform 140 can periodically receive and store data and determinations regarding the location and activities (e.g., feeding and drinking) of the livestock 12 from tags 20 attached to each individual livestock 12. The management system platform 140 can also receive data and information about livestock 12 accessing these resources from local sensors and transceivers 34 located at or near the feed, water, hay, and similar consumable resources. The management system platform 140 can process this data and information in a manner similar to that described above regarding grazing area management in order to monitor and manage the inventory of consumable resources.

[0292] For example, for each individual and / or different consumable resource, a predetermined carrying capacity value and a predetermined limit value can be input into the management system platform 140 via input device 146 and stored in memory 144 and / or local data storage device 150. Similarly, a predetermined consumption rate value can be input and stored. For example, the carrying capacity value can be the number of pounds or tons of feed, hay, etc., or the number of gallons of water when the consumable resource reaches 100% carrying capacity. The limit value can be a percentage of the carrying capacity value, such as 20% of the full carrying capacity. The consumption rate value may be the same for all livestock 12 or may be different for each livestock 12, and can be determined as, for example, a percentage of the livestock 12's body weight per day, hour, or other time period, such as 2% of body weight per day.

[0293] The management system platform 140 can determine when livestock 12 appears at consumable resources, whether it is consuming consumable resources, and for how long based on location and activity data periodically received for each tag 20. The management system platform 140 can determine the amount of consumable resources consumed by an individual livestock 12 based on the consumption time and a predetermined consumption rate value. The management system platform 140 can aggregate the consumption of consumable resources by all livestock 12 that are currently consuming resources to obtain a total consumption value. The management system platform 140 can subtract the total consumption value from the carrying capacity value to obtain a remaining carrying capacity value, and store the remaining carrying capacity value in the memory 144 and / or local data storage device 150. If the consumable resource reaches full carrying capacity, the total consumption value is subtracted from the carrying capacity value; and if the consumable resource was previously partially consumed, the total consumption value is subtracted from the previous value of the remaining carrying capacity.

[0294] When the management system platform 140 determines that the remaining carrying capacity is equal to or less than the limit, it can generate an alarm or alert that is essentially the same as the one described above, to remind ranchers, herd managers, owners, etc., to replenish supplies. This alarm or alert can also provide information to replenish supplies inventory when necessary.

[0295] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the local sensor and transceiver 34 can be positioned to directly determine when the consumable resource has reached a limit and to generate and transmit an alarm or alert. For example, a water source can be equipped with a water level sensor (e.g., a float switch, a capacitive sensor, etc.) configured to detect when the water level reaches a limit. When the water level reaches the limit, the sensor and transceiver 34 can automatically generate an alarm. If necessary, the consumable resource can also be automatically replenished, for example, by opening a filling valve or similar means.

[0296] For other types of consumables, such as vaccine dosages, drug dosages, deworming and insecticidal drugs, artificial insemination tubes, etc., as described above, the management system platform 140 can receive the initial inventory value and predetermined limit value of each individual and / or different consumable as input data via one or more input devices 146, and can store these values ​​in the memory 144 and / or local data storage device 150. As described above, the input devices 146 may include, for example, one or more barcode and / or QR scanners or readers. The local sensor and transceiver 34 may also include RFID scanners or readers, etc. Each consumable in the inventory can be marked or identified using a barcode, QR code, or RFID chip to indicate the type and unit quantity of the consumable. When retrieving consumables from the inventory, the person retrieving the consumable can scan them using a barcode, QR code, or RFID scanner or reader. The management system platform 140 can be configured to receive scanner data as input, deduct an appropriate number of units from the initial inventory value or remaining inventory value (if consumables of the same type were previously removed from the inventory), and store the new remaining inventory value in memory 144 and / or local data storage device 150. Alternatively, a person retrieving consumables from the inventory can manually input the retrieval information using a keyboard or other type of input device 146.

[0297] In any case, the management system platform 140 can determine when the remaining inventory value reaches the limit and can generate and transmit an alert or alarm. This alert or alarm can be the same as those described above, for example, sent to the mobile and / or fixed devices of ranchers, herd managers, etc., in the form of text messages, email messages, etc. The alert or alarm may also include information on reordering and replenishing specific consumable inventory.

[0298] The management system platform 140 can also be adapted and configured to generate reports containing information about consumable resource inventory. Ranchers, herd managers, owners, etc., can use the information in these reports to manage inventory, reorder and replenish inventory as needed, track consumable usage, plan and budget consumable costs, etc.

[0299] In box 182, the management system platform 140 monitors, tracks, updates, and maintains various financial data and information regarding individual livestock 12, herds of livestock 12, and / or the entire managed herd. Financial data and information may include, for example, but not limited to, current and historical market values ​​of individuals and herds, current and historical market prices, and cost data. Cost data may include, but is not limited to, current costs, historical costs, and projected future costs. Cost data may also include costs related to consumables and resources (such as feed, hay, medicine, etc.), medical costs, machinery and equipment costs, labor costs, debt servicing and interest costs, etc.

[0300] The management system platform 140 can receive financial data as input data via one or more of the input devices 146 and store the data in the memory 144 and / or the local data storage device 150. The management system platform can be configured to manually receive updates to some financial data items from time to time via the input devices 146 and can automatically update other financial data items in response. For example, a new beef market price can be manually entered via the input devices 146 to update the previous market price. In response, the management system platform 140 can automatically recalculate and update the market value of the managed individual livestock 12 and / or groups or herds based on the current weight of the livestock 12 stored in the system and the updated current beef market value. The management system platform 140 can store both the original and updated values, enabling the system to maintain a history of such financial data and values.

[0301] Similarly, the management system platform 140 can receive manual updates to various cost items from time to time, such as manual updates to the costs of various consumable resources, labor, debt services, etc. The management system platform 140 can be configured to allocate the total costs associated with the managed herd to each individual livestock 12 by year, slaughter time, or some other method. In response to updated individual cost items, the management system platform 140 can automatically recalculate the costs attributable to each individual livestock 12 and can store the original and updated individual cost items, as well as the original and updated cost values ​​per head of livestock 12, to maintain historical records. Alternatively, all financial data items and their updates can be manually entered and / or recalculated.

[0302] The management system platform 140 can be configured to generate reports on financial data and information. These reports may include financial data and information about individual livestock 12 as well as about groups of livestock 12 or the entire managed herd. These reports may include historical market value data, current market value data, and projected market value data based on each livestock 12 and the herd, as well as historical cost data, current cost data, and projected cost data. Based on such information, owners, ranchers, herd managers, etc., can determine the actual and expected profitability of individual livestock 12 and the herd. Therefore, owners, etc., can make informed management decisions, including but not limited to whether to retain or sell certain livestock 12, whether to make or postpone certain purchases and investments, and whether to make other changes to the herd portfolio.

[0303] The management system platform 140 can also be configured to generate alarms and alerts in response to financial data or conditions. These alarms and alerts can be the same as those described above. For example, when the current market price reaches a predetermined level, the management system platform 140 can generate an alarm or alert suggesting that owners, ranchers, etc., buy or sell certain livestock 12.

[0304] In box 186, the management system platform 140 tracks and maintains historical ownership and location data for each individual livestock 12. The management system platform 140 can receive ownership and location data as input data via input device 146 and can store it in memory 144 and / or local data storage device 150. This historical ownership data may include, but is not limited to, each owner's(s) name(s),(s) address(s),(s) location(s), and ownership date and interests. Historical location data may include, but is not limited to, the name, address, and location of each pasture or other facility where the livestock 12 is located, and the date the livestock 12 appeared there.

[0305] The management system platform 140 can transmit some or all of the historical ownership and location data of each animal 12 to the tag 20 attached to the animal 12 for local storage and use. For example, data can be transmitted to the tag 20 when it is first populated with data and added to the system. Thereafter, updates can be transmitted remotely to the tag 20 from time to time, as described herein.

[0306] The management system platform 140 can also generate reports that include some or all of the historical ownership and location data of individual livestock 12 and groups of livestock 12 or the entire managed herd. As described above, under certain conditions, some or all of such data can be transferred to the buyer and new owner of the livestock 12. In the event of an outbreak of infectious disease at a location where the livestock 12 has been present or has been in contact with, such data can also be used to identify, isolate, quarantine, and / or quarantine the livestock 12.

[0307] In box 188, the management system platform 140 manages tag 20 and monitors, tracks, and responds to conditions of tag 20. For the management of tag 20, among other things, the management system platform 140 can add new tags 20 to the system, remove tags 20 from the system, populate tags 20 with some or all of the livestock-related data described herein, and provision for the operation of tags 20. Tag 20 can be added to the system when a new animal 12 is born or otherwise joins the managed herd. For example, tag 20 can be added to the system by assigning a unique tag ID, associating the unique tag ID with the unique asset number of the animal 12 to which tag 20 is to be attached, and storing the tag ID and asset number along with some or all of the livestock data in a local data storage device 150. For example, as described herein, livestock data may include characteristic data (e.g., sex, species, breed, date of birth, age), ownership and location history data, health and medical history data, physical condition history data, genetic chain and pedigree data, and any other data about the animal 12. Tag 20 can be removed from the system when livestock 12 dies, is sold, or otherwise leaves the managed herd. The tag 20 can be removed from the system by deleting the information of tag 20 from local data storage device 150 and removing tag 20 from livestock 12.

[0308] By bringing tag 20 close to management system platform 140 (which, as described herein, may be wholly or partially hosted on a mobile device) and pairing via Bluetooth or another RF link, the tag can be populated with its unique tag ID, associated unique asset number, and livestock data before being attached to livestock 12. Once paired, this data is transmitted to tag 20 and stored in tag 20's memory 50 and / or 60. Tag 20 is pre-configured to operate in the same manner within livestock management system 10, where all data, settings, and parameters required for configuring various communication interfaces (e.g., cellular, LPWAN) and for tag 20 to operate in the field as described herein are transmitted to and stored in tag 20.

[0309] In a similar manner, the tag 20, previously associated with and attached to livestock 12, can be removed, reassigned to another livestock 12, and attached to that other livestock. The management system platform 140 can delete the old livestock asset number and old livestock data stored along with the unique ID of the tag 20 from its memory and local data storage device, and overwrite it with the livestock asset number and livestock data of the new livestock 12 to which the tag 20 is to be associated. The tag 20 is paired with the management system platform 140 via Bluetooth or another RF link, and is refilled and re-preset with the asset number, data, settings, parameters, etc., associated with the new livestock 12, overwriting the asset number, data, settings, etc., associated with the old livestock 12. The tag 20 can then be attached to the new livestock 12.

[0310] For monitoring, tracking, and responding to the conditions of tag 20, the management system platform 140 can be configured to monitor and track the operating conditions, diagnostic conditions, external conditions, and other conditions of each tag 20, and generate and transmit alarms or alerts in response to the monitored conditions. The management system platform 140 can monitor tag conditions by examining condition-related data periodically received from the tag 20 and / or by communicating with the tag 20 and requesting certain condition-related data as needed. Monitored conditions may include, for example, but not limited to, energy levels (e.g., solar energy levels), power levels (e.g., battery charge or supercapacitor charge levels), signal strength levels, diagnostic results, self-test results, ambient temperature, humidity, etc.

[0311] The management system platform 140 can be configured to generate and transmit alarms or alerts when it determines that monitored conditions indicate a need for attention (e.g., maintenance, repair, replacement, etc.). For example, the management system platform can be configured to generate an alarm or alert when it determines that battery-related or energy storage-related operating conditions indicate a low remaining lifespan of the battery or energy storage. Similarly, the management system platform can generate an alarm or alert when it determines that diagnostic or self-test results identify a fault in a communication interface or embedded memory. This alarm or alert can be the same as those described above, such as a text message or email sent to one or more mobile devices of a rancher, and can identify tag 20, its location, the conditions that triggered the alarm or alert, and information about one or more potential solutions. For example, the alarm or alert may include a suggestion to remove and replace or repair tag 20. The alarm or alert may also include commands to take action on tag 20, such as activating LED 64 and / or tone generator 68 to assist ranchers, herd managers, etc., in locating tag 20.

[0312] 3. Logical Data Structure

[0313] As described in the preceding sections, the management system platform 140 can arrange the data, information, and determinations it receives and / or generates into one or more logical data structures, wherein related data, information, and determinations are logically grouped for storage and access from memory 144 and / or local data storage device 150. For example, in Figures 14A to 14C The document illustrates one possible logical data structure 190. However, it is conceivable and should be understood that many other different data structures may be used, and any and all such data structures consistent with the objectives, functions, and operations of the management system platform 140 as described herein are intended to be included within the scope of the description of the example embodiments.

[0314] Logical data structure 190 may include a permanent or semi-permanent portion of portion 122 of logical data structure 120, similar to label 20, but used for data and information concerning the system platform 140. As described above, the system platform 140 may be wholly or partially replicated and / or distributed and hosted on many different devices, including one or more mobile devices. Accordingly, the permanent or semi-permanent portion may include data and information about a specific instance of the system platform 140 intended to be maintained permanently or semi-permanently. Such data and information may include, for example, but not limited to, a unique platform ID and multiple encryption keys for encrypted communication with the specific instance of the platform.

[0315] The logical data structure 190 may further include a tag data portion 192 having multiple records of data, information, and determinations received periodically by the management system platform 140 from the tag 20 and / or local sensors and transceivers 34 over time. Each set of data, information, and / or determinations received at a given time can be considered a logical record of tag data. Each logical tag data record may include any or all data, information, and / or determinations that the tag 20 and / or local sensors / transceivers 34 may generate and transmit to the management system platform 140, as described herein. Each logical record may include multiple fields.

[0316] For example, a field labeled "Tag ID" may include identification data about the data, information, and identified tag 20 and / or local sensor / transceiver 34 included in the generated record. This identification data may include, but is not limited to, the unique ID and location of tag 20 and / or sensor / transceiver 34. A field labeled "Date / Time" may have the date and time when tag 20 and / or local sensor / transceiver 34 generated the data, information, and / or identified data.

[0317] Figure 14AThe field labeled “Tag Data” may include data on livestock location, orientation, direction of travel, movement, altitude, and body temperature; external data, such as weather and meteorological data; audio and video data; tag operation data and conditions; and any other data that tag 20 can receive, acquire, and transmit. The field labeled “Other Sensor Data” may include any data that local sensors / transceivers 34 can transmit, including but not limited to the weight of livestock 12. The field labeled “Determine Activity” may include determinations of feeding, drinking, rumination, resting, mating, and any other determinations that the tag can make and transmit. The field labeled “Determine Condition” may include determinations that tag 20 can make and transmit regarding livestock 12’s illness, injury, estrus, pregnancy, farrowing, and any other physical condition. The field labeled “Nearby Tags” may include data on the relative position and angle of tag 20, which is generated when data, information, and / or determinations are generated. Alternatively, this data may also be included in the “Tag Data” field.

[0318] Logical data structure 190 may also include a genetic / pedigree data section 194, which comprises multiple records, each containing data about the genetic lineage and family pedigree of each animal 12. Each record may include multiple fields. For example, the record may include fields for the tag ID and associated asset number for animal 12, fields for the tag ID and animal asset number for the parents of animal 12, a field for the date of birth, and fields for sex and any other animal characteristics that may be required. The genetic lineage and family pedigree of animal 12 can be determined by finding associated records based on the tag IDs of the parents, identifying each of the parent tag IDs, finding associated records based on these IDs, and so on.

[0319] Logical data structure 190 may also include grazing area management sections 196 and 198, which include multiple records regarding one or more designated grazing areas, and multiple records for each designated grazing area regarding the use of the livestock 12 in that grazing area, as described in the preceding sections. Each designated grazing area record may include multiple fields. These fields may include, but are not limited to, fields for identifying data about the grazing area (e.g., “Grazing Area #1”) and fields for identifying and / or defining the boundaries of the designated grazing area. Each such record may also have fields including predetermined values ​​for determining the use of the designated grazing area, such as total area, carrying capacity, and grazing restrictions described in the preceding sections.

[0320] Each grazing area usage record is associated with a designated grazing area record. Grazing area usage records are generated at different times by the management system platform 140 based on livestock location and activity data generated and transmitted by tag 20, as described in the preceding sections. Each grazing area usage record may include multiple fields, including, for example, fields for the data and time used to make the record, fields for the number of livestock 12 detected within the designated grazing area, fields for the estimated consumption rate of livestock 12, and fields for the calculated remaining carrying capacity, which may also be calculated in the manner described in the preceding sections.

[0321] Logical data structure 190 may also include a medical / physical condition data section 200, which includes multiple records of medical and health-related data and physical conditions of livestock 12. Each record may include any health-related conditions and data, as well as other physical conditions and data, determined and / or received by tag 20 and / or management system platform 140, as described in the preceding sections. Each record may include multiple fields, including, for example, fields for identifying the livestock 12 to which the remaining data in the record belongs, such as tag ID and livestock asset number. Each record may also include fields for indicators or descriptions of medical data or physical conditions. For example, medical and health-related data indicators may include vaccinations, medications, etc. Physical condition indicators may include illness, injury, estrus, pregnancy, miscarriage, farrowing, etc. Additional fields may include more detailed information, such as fields including additional descriptions of medical and health-related data and physical conditions, and fields for dosage, duration, start and stop dates, additional information, etc. The set of records for each tag ID and / or livestock asset number can provide a medical, health, and physical condition history for each livestock 12.

[0322] Logical data structure 190 may also include an event and external event section 202, which includes multiple records containing information about external events and conditions concerning livestock 12. Each record may include any event and / or external condition data and determinations received or determined and transmitted by tag 20 and / or management system platform 140, as described in the preceding sections. Each record may include multiple fields, including, for example, fields for identifying the livestock 12 to which the remaining data in the record belongs, such as tag ID and livestock asset number. Each record may also include fields for indicators or descriptions of events or external conditions detected or determined by tag 20. Indicators and descriptions may include, for example, predators, gunshots, vehicles, theft, etc. Additional fields may include additional information, such as fields for the date, time, and location of the event or external condition. Fields for additional information may also be included. For example, additional information may include handling information such as recovery, loss, injury, etc., and / or additional descriptive information such as wolves, red trucks, etc. The set of records for each tag ID and / or livestock asset number can provide a history of events and external conditions for each livestock 12.

[0323] Logical data structure 190 may also include a consumables section 204, which includes multiple records and fields containing information about the usage and inventory of consumables and / or assets (such as feed, hay, medical supplies, medicines, vaccines, artificial insemination tubes, and any other consumables to be monitored, tracked, and managed). For example, multiple primary records may each include a field labeled "Feed / Consumable ID" for identifying and / or describing data of the consumable asset. Multiple secondary records may be associated with each primary record. Each secondary record may include multiple fields, such as fields for the location of the identified consumable asset, the intended carrying capacity, and the intended usage limit. Multiple tertiary records may be associated with each secondary record. Each tertiary record may include multiple fields, such as fields for the data and time at which the record was made, fields for measuring or determining the consumption rate of consumables, and fields for the remaining carrying capacity or consumable inventory, both of which may be determined as described in the preceding sections. If necessary, tertiary records may also include fields for estimating when the consumable limit will be reached, which can be determined based on the consumption rate and the remaining carrying capacity value.

[0324] The logical data structure 190 may also include an ownership / location data section 206, which includes multiple records, each of which includes information about the ownership and location history of the livestock 12.

[0325] Each record may include multiple fields. For example, the record may include fields for the tag ID and associated asset number for livestock 12, a field for the date of the record, and fields for current owner data, the date of transfer to the current owner, previous owner data, current location data, previous location data, and the date of transfer to the current location. As described in the preceding sections, current and previous owner data may include name, address, location, ownership, and any other data required. Similarly, current and previous location data may include location name (e.g., ranch name), GPS coordinates, and any other data required. The collection of records with the generic tag ID field provides a history and chain of ownership and location for livestock 12.

[0326] The logical data structure 190 may also include a tag condition section 208, which includes multiple records containing data and information about the conditions of each tag 20. Each time a tag 20 transmits condition data to the management system platform 140, it can be considered a logical record of tag data. Each record may include multiple fields containing any or all data and information about the internal and external conditions of the tag 20 described in the preceding sections, including operating conditions, diagnostic conditions, self-test conditions, and external environmental conditions. For example, the record may include fields for the tag ID and associated asset number for the livestock 12, fields for the date and time of recording, fields for the location of the tag 20 when transmitting condition data, and multiple fields for various conditions. Such fields may include, for example, fields for battery level, fields for communication signal strength or level, fields for ambient temperature, fields for ambient humidity, and fields for any other desired conditions.

[0327] F. Remote computer system

[0328] Remote computer system 220 may consist of any computing and / or storage site capable of transmitting (e.g., receiving and / or sending), processing, and / or storing data. Remote computer system 220 may consist of one or more server computers, cloud-based computers, mainframe computers, personal computers, virtual computers, or other computer systems. Remote computer system 220 may be capable of transmitting data and information via one or more of the IP and / or telecommunications networks identified herein. It is understood that communication between remote computer system 220, management system platform 140, and tag 20 may require one or more modems, transceivers, or other communication devices (including devices similar to those described in the preceding sections regarding tag 20 and management system platform 140).

[0329] The remote computer system 220 may and preferably also include one or more displays (e.g., screens or monitors), one or more fixed or portable hard disk drives or solid-state drives, one or more communication interfaces (e.g., network or telecommunications interfaces), and one or more keyboards. The remote computer system 220 may also include a portable printer and / or scanner, either as a whole or separately.

[0330] The remote computer system 220 will include one or more central processing units (CPUs), such as one or more microprocessors, a memory bus, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), a peripheral bus, and a keyboard controller. These buses may be integrated into a single bus or may be separate buses. The CPU may be a general-purpose digital processor that controls the operation of the computer. The CPU may be a single-chip processor or implemented using multiple components. Using instructions retrieved from memory, the CPU controls the reception and manipulation of input data and the output and display of data on output devices. The CPU utilizes the memory bus to access RAM and ROM. The CPU uses RAM as a general-purpose storage area and temporary storage, and RAM may also be used to store input data and processed data. ROM may be used to store instructions or program code that the CPU executes, as well as other data intended for permanent or semi-permanent storage. The peripheral bus is used to access the input, output, and storage devices used by the remote computer system 220. In the described embodiments, these devices may include one or more displays (e.g., screens or monitors), printers, hard disk drives or solid-state drives, and communication interfaces (e.g., IP networks, cellular networks, LPWAN). The keyboard controller receives input from the keyboard and sends the decoded symbol of each keystroke to the central processing unit via a bus. The user uses the keyboard to input commands and other instructions to the remote computer system 220. The remote computer system 220 may also include other types of user input devices. For example, the user can manipulate a pointer on the display of the remote computer system 220 using a pointing device such as a computer mouse, trackball, stylus, or tablet computer to make user selections. The display may be an output device that displays images of data provided by the central processing unit via the peripheral bus or by other components in the remote computer system 220. The display may also be an input device, such as a touchscreen that receives selection information from the user and transmits it to the central processing unit. The printer device provides an image on the surface of paper or another non-transient medium when operating as a printer. The one or more hard disk drives and / or solid-state drives can be used to store various types of data, including large amounts of data generated and transmitted by the tag 20 and the management system platform 140. The central processing unit operates with the operating system to execute computer code and generate and use data. The computer code and data may reside in RAM, ROM, or on a hard disk drive or solid-state drive. Computer code and data may also reside on removable and / or portable program media, and may be loaded or installed onto a remote computer system 220 when needed. Removable program media include, for example, CD-ROMs, PC-CARDs, USB drives, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes.These communication interfaces are used to send and receive data over one or more networks, which can be connected to other devices and / or computer systems, such as tag 20, local sensors and transceivers 34, and management system platform 140. These communication interfaces may include interface cards or similar devices and appropriate software implemented by the central processing unit or a separate communication processor to connect remote computer system 220 to existing networks and transmit data according to standard data communication and network protocols.

[0331] Remote computer system 220 may be a standalone computer system or may be part of management system platform 140. Remote computer system 220 may also be located wholly or partially in the same location as or relatively close to management system platform 140, or wholly or partially in a location relatively far from management system platform 140. For example, where remote computer system 220 is not incorporated as part of management system platform 140, it may be located in the same room or adjacent to management system platform 140 and may be connected to management system platform 140 via a LAN network connection as described herein. Alternatively, remote computer system 220 may be located digitally or several miles away from management system platform 140 and tag 20 and may be connected to management system platform 140 and tag 20 via WAN, cellular, satellite, LPWAN, and / or other communication connections as described herein. Accordingly, the term “remote” in connection with remote computer system means, at least where remote computer system is not incorporated as part of management system platform 140, that distinguishes the remote computer system and its functions from management system platform 140, and does not necessarily refer to the physical distance between the remote computer system and management system platform 140.

[0332] The remote computer system 220 is preferably capable of receiving, storing, and processing any and all aggregated data received and acquired by multiple tags 20 attached to managed livestock 12. Such data may include, but is not limited to, the location, orientation, ground movement, direction of travel, altitude, and internal body temperature of the livestock 12, the position and angle of the livestock 12 relative to other nearby livestock 12, and any other livestock-related data described herein. The remote computer system 220 is also preferably capable of receiving, storing, and processing any and all aggregated determinations made by the tags 20 regarding livestock activity, behavior, health-related conditions, and other physical conditions. Such determinations may include, but are not limited to, feeding, drinking, rumination, resting, walking, estrus, ovulation, mating, pregnancy, farrowing, illness, injury, various external events and conditions, and any other determinations described herein. Furthermore, the remote computer system 220 is preferably capable not only of receiving, storing, and processing aggregated data and determining tags 20 attached to livestock 12 in managed herds, but also of receiving, storing, and processing aggregated data and determining tags 20 attached to livestock 12 in multiple different managed herds located at the same or different locations and managed by the same or different ranchers, herd managers, owners, etc.

[0333] The remote computer system 220 preferably includes suitable machine learning, AI model(s) and / or other detection algorithm(s) creation and development tools to create, develop, train, and update one or more AI models and / or other detection algorithms using a large amount of aggregated data and determinations received from all tags 20. Various programs, applications, codes, and other tools are known for this purpose. Preferably, the remote computer system 220 is capable of and used to create, develop, train, and update one or more machine learning and / or AI models and / or other detection algorithms to predict and / or determine the activities of livestock 12 based on selected data about livestock 12. As an example, one or more models or detection algorithms can be created to predict and / or determine whether livestock 12 is eating, drinking, ruminating, resting, or moving based on data including location, orientation, height, and movement data. Similarly, the remote computer system 220 is preferably capable of and used to create, develop, train, and update one or more machine learning, AI models, and / or other detection algorithms to predict and / or determine the health-related conditions or other physical conditions of livestock 12 based on selected data and selected determinations about the activities of livestock 12. As an example, one or more models or other detection algorithms can be created to predict and / or determine whether livestock 12 is sick, injured, in estrus, ovulating, mating, pregnant, or giving birth based on selected data (e.g., internal body temperature, weight, location, relative position and angle with nearby herd members, orientation, height, and movement) and based on selected activities (e.g., eating, drinking, walking).

[0334] Once one or more models and / or detection algorithms are created, developed, and trained in or by the remote computer system 220, these models and / or detection algorithms can be directly or via the management system platform 140 transmitted to each tag 20, embedded in the tag 20, and applied to data and determinations as described in the preceding sections during tag 20 operation. When the tag 20 receives and acquires additional data and makes additional determinations using these models and / or detection algorithms, this additional data and determinations can be directly or via the management system platform 140 as described in the preceding sections transmitted to the remote computer system 220. Known machine learning tools, modeling tools, and / or other tools can be applied in the remote computer system 220 to historical additional data and determinations, as well as new additional data and determinations, to create new models or other detection algorithms and / or update existing models and / or other detection algorithms. For example, the values ​​of certain weighting parameters or other parameters of existing models and / or other detection algorithms can be adjusted to provide statistically more accurate predictions and / or determinations based on existing and new data. The new and / or updated models and / or other detection algorithms and / or parameters are then fed to the label 20 as described herein to supplement, replace, or update the existing models and / or other detection algorithms embedded therein. In this way, the predictions and determinations made by the label 20 can become more accurate over time.

[0335] G. Exemplary Telecommunication Network

[0336] In addition to the various communication channels and networks identified above in conjunction with the livestock management system 10, the livestock management system 10 can be used with any telecommunications network capable of transmitting data, including voice data and other types of electronic data. Examples of telecommunications networks suitable for the livestock management system 10 include, but are not limited to, global computer networks (e.g., the Internet), wireless networks, cellular networks, satellite communication networks, wired communication networks (via wired modems), microwave communication networks, local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), low-power wide area networks (LPWANs), campus networks (CANs), metropolitan area networks (MANs), and home area networks (HANs). The livestock management system 10 can communicate simultaneously via a single telecommunications network or multiple telecommunications networks. Electronic devices can communicate using various protocols, such as, but not limited to, HTTP, SMTP, FTP, and Wireless Application Protocol (WAP). The livestock management system 10 can be implemented on various wireless networks, such as, but not limited to, 3G, 4G, LTE, CDPD, CDMA, GSM, PDC, PHS, TDMA, FLEX, REFLEX, IDEN, TETRA, DECT, DATATAC, and MOBITEX. The livestock management system 10 can also be used with online services and internet service providers.

[0337] The Internet is an exemplary telecommunications network used in the livestock management system 10. The Internet consists of a global computer network with multiple computer systems communicating with each other worldwide. These computer systems are able to transmit various types of data to each other via the Internet. Communication between these computer systems can be achieved through various methods, such as, but not limited to, wireless, Ethernet, cable, direct connection, telephone line, and satellite.

[0338] H. (Multiple) mobile devices

[0339] As described above, all or part of the management system platform 140 can be hosted on one or more mobile devices. These mobile devices can consist of any type of computer used to implement various aspects of the livestock management system 10. For example, in addition to the types of mobile devices described in the preceding sections, these mobile devices can also consist of any conventional computer system, provided that the computer system is portable. As another example, these mobile devices can be portable personal computers (e.g., based on…). Computers, IBM-based computers or compatible computers) or tablet computers (e.g., These mobile devices may also consist of a variety of other electronic devices capable of sending, receiving and processing electronic data, including but not limited to smartphones, mobile phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), mobile electronic devices, handheld wireless devices, two-way wireless devices, communicators, video viewing units, portable televisions, portable television receivers, portable cable television receivers, pagers, communication equipment and digital satellite receiver units.

[0340] I. Operation of the Preferred Embodiment

[0341] In describing examples of the use of embodiments of the livestock management system 10 described herein, it is assumed that any programs, applications, algorithms, models, etc., required to perform the operation and functions of the system as described herein have been created in a conventional manner and using conventional coding and development tools known to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, it is assumed that certain necessary permanent or semi-permanent data and information have been created and / or exist. Such data may include, for example, the name and definition of the managed area, designated grazing areas and other areas within the managed area, and the surrounding geographic fence boundaries of the managed area and designated areas within the managed area. Such data may also include, for example, the unique asset number of each managed livestock 12; configuration data of the various communication interfaces described; predetermined carrying capacity and limit data for grazing areas and consumables; report format data; existing data regarding livestock health-related conditions and physical condition, ownership and location history, etc.; pre-existing data regarding current consumable inventory; existing data regarding future scheduled or non-scheduled vaccinations and / or medications, veterinary visits and / or appointments, etc.; and configuration data for external system access interfaces, etc. It is understood that the above list of data and information is not exclusive or restrictive.

[0342] In use, pre-existing or created data and information can be stored in the local data storage device 150 of the management system platform 140, for example, according to one or more of the logical data structures 190 described herein. Any pre-existing or created data related to an individual animal 12 is stored together with the corresponding unique tag ID and unique asset number of the animal 12, as described herein. Each tag 20 to be attached to the animal 12 is then populated and pre-configured for use in the system. Each tag 20 is brought close to the management system platform 140 and paired via Bluetooth or other RF link. The tag 20 is populated with the necessary data and information by transferring such data and information from the management system platform 140 to the tag 20 and storing it in the memory 50, 60 of the tag 20. Similarly, the operation of each tag 20 in the system is pre-configured by transferring all necessary programs, applications, algorithms, models, etc., and all necessary configuration data to the tag 20 and storing it in the memory 50, 60.

[0343] Once filled and pre-loaded, the tag 20 is physically attached to the corresponding livestock 12 in a manner as described herein. Furthermore, any sensors 32 to be implanted and / or attached to the livestock 12 to provide body parameters or other data are implanted and / or attached to the livestock 12 in a known manner and are spaced apart from the tag 20 described herein.

[0344] Subsequently, tag 20, management system platform 140, and remote computer system 220 operate to perform the various functions and operations described herein for each of them and to communicate with each other as described herein. Over time, new tags 20 can be added to the system and attached to livestock 12 that have recently joined the managed herd in the manner described herein. Similarly, tags 20 attached to livestock 12 in the managed herd can be removed from livestock 12 and deleted from the system, or replaced with another tag 20, also as described herein.

[0345] As time progresses, the model used to determine livestock activity, behavior, health, and other physical conditions is updated as tag 20 transmits additional data, information, and determinations to management system platform 140 and / or remote computer system 220. As described herein, transmitting the model to tag 20 allows tag 20 to make more accurate determinations of livestock activity, behavior, and conditions over time.

[0346] Any and all directions of travel are used for convenience only and are not restrictive. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Although specific terminology is used herein, it is used only in a general and descriptive sense and not for limiting purposes. To the extent permitted by applicable laws and regulations, the entire contents of any publications, patent applications, patents, and other references that may be mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference.

[0347] The data structures and code described in this specific embodiment are typically stored on a computer-readable storage medium, which can be any device or medium capable of storing code and / or data for use by a computer system. This includes, but is not limited to, magnetic storage devices and optical storage devices, such as disk drives, magnetic tapes, optical discs (CDs), digital video discs (DVDs), and computer instruction signals (with or without a modulated carrier wave) embodied in a transmission medium. For example, the transmission medium may include telecommunications networks such as the Internet.

[0348] The above description, with reference to block diagrams and flowcharts of systems, methods, apparatuses, and / or computer program products according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, describes at least one embodiment of a livestock management system 10. It should be understood that one or more blocks in these block diagrams and flowcharts, as well as combinations of blocks in these block diagrams and flowcharts, can be implemented, respectively, by computer-executable program instructions. Similarly, according to some embodiments, some blocks in these block diagrams and flowcharts may not necessarily need to be executed in the presented order, or may not need to be executed at all. These computer-executable program instructions can be loaded onto a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a particular machine, such that the instructions, which execute on the computer, processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing one or more functions specified in one or more blocks of the flowchart. These computer program instructions can also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can instruct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to operate in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of writing including instruction means for implementing one or more functions specified in one or more blocks of the flowchart. As an example, an embodiment may provide a computer program product including a computer-usable medium embodying computer-readable program code or program instructions adapted to be executed to implement one or more functions specified in one or more blocks of a flowchart. These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational elements or steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus, thereby producing a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions, which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus, provide elements or steps for implementing the functions specified in one or more blocks of the flowchart. Accordingly, the blocks in these block diagrams and flowcharts support combinations of means for performing the specified functions, combinations of elements or steps for performing the specified functions, and program instruction means for performing the specified functions. It should also be understood that each block in these block diagrams and flowcharts, and combinations of blocks in these block diagrams and flowcharts, may be implemented by a hardware-based dedicated computer system or a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions that performs the specified functions, elements, or steps.

[0349] This invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential attributes; therefore, it is intended that this embodiment be regarded in all respects as illustrative rather than restrictive. Many modifications and other embodiments of the livestock management system 10 will arise in those skilled in the art upon benefiting from the teachings presented in the foregoing description and associated drawings. Therefore, it should be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. While similar or equivalent methods and materials to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of the livestock management system 10, suitable methods and materials are described above. Therefore, the livestock management system 10 is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the broadest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A system for monitoring livestock, the system comprising: At least two tags, each of which can be attached to one animal in a group of animals, each tag including: A sensor that senses bodily parameters about the animal to which the tag is attached; A processor configured to receive or process information from the sensor about the animal to which the tag is attached; A memory, adapted to store data about the animal to which the tag is attached, as well as data received from other tags; and A communication interface suitable for wireless communication between the tag and other devices; One of the at least two tags includes a best tag that is in optimal condition for data transmission, wherein the best tag generates and stores an aggregated dataset about the animal to which it is attached, and data about other animals in the group, wherein data from other animals in the group is transmitted to the best tag via a communication interface of tags attached to multiple animals in the group; and A remote computer system configured to communicate with the at least two tags via a communication interface for each tag; The remote computer system is adapted to receive the aggregated dataset sent by the optimal label.

2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, This aggregated dataset includes location data for multiple individual animals, along with corresponding time data for each location.

3. The system as described in claim 2, wherein, Each tag further includes a GNSS receiver, and the location data includes the location of each tag as determined by the GNSS receiver.

4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The at least two tags include multiple tags within each other's wireless communication range, and these multiple tags are adapted to communicate with each other.

5. The system as described in claim 4, wherein, The optimal tag is within the wireless communication range of the transceiver configured for bidirectional communication with the remote computer system.

6. The system of claim 4, wherein, Determining which tags are within each other's wireless communication range is based on the signal strength between these tags.

7. The system of claim 4, wherein, Each tag further includes a GNSS receiver, and wherein determining which tags are within each other's wireless communication range is achieved by using location data of the plurality of tags determined by the GNSS receiver.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein, The at least two tags include a plurality of tags within each other's wireless communication range, and wherein at least one of the plurality of tags is within the wireless range of a local sensor, the plurality of tags comprising a dynamic local mesh network; The local sensor is adapted to wirelessly transmit data between one or more tags and the remote computer system.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein, The local sensor is located within a managed geographic area.

10. The system of claim 8, wherein, The local sensor includes a transceiver adapted to receive the aggregated dataset from the optimal label and send the aggregated dataset to the remote computer system.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein, The at least two labels are suitable for determining when to transmit the aggregated dataset to the remote computer system.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein, The timing of transmitting the aggregated dataset is determined based on time and date.

13. The system of claim 11, wherein, The timing of transmitting the aggregated dataset is determined based on atmospheric conditions.

14. The system of claim 11, wherein, The timing of transmitting the aggregated dataset is determined based on signal conditions.

15. The system of claim 11, wherein, The timing of transmitting the aggregated dataset is determined based on the livestock condition.

16. The system of claim 1, wherein, This aggregated dataset includes data related to the health of each animal in the group.

17. A system for monitoring livestock, the system comprising: At least two tags, each of which can be attached to one animal in a group of animals, each tag including: A sensor that senses bodily parameters about the animal to which the tag is attached; A processor configured to receive or process information from the sensor about the animal to which the tag is attached; A GNSS receiver operatively connected to the processor; A memory, adapted to store data about the animal to which the tag is attached, as well as data received from other tags; and A communication interface suitable for wireless communication between the tag and other devices; One of the at least two tags includes a best tag that is in optimal condition for data transmission, wherein the best tag generates and stores an aggregated dataset about the animal to which it is attached, and data about other animals in the group, wherein data from other animals in the group is transmitted to the best tag via a communication interface of tags attached to multiple animals in the group; and A transceiver configured to communicate bidirectionally with the at least two tags via the communication interface of each tag; The transceiver wirelessly receives the aggregated dataset from the best label.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein, This transceiver is suitable for bidirectional communication with a remote computer system.

19. The system of claim 17, wherein, This transceiver is suitable for bidirectional communication with the management system platform.

20. The system of claim 17, wherein, The aggregated dataset includes location data for multiple individual animals within the group, along with corresponding time data, where the location data includes the location of each tag determined by the GNSS receiver.

21. A system for monitoring livestock, the system comprising: At least two tags, each of which can be attached to one animal in a group of animals, each tag including: A sensor that senses bodily parameters about the animal to which the tag is attached; A processor configured to receive or process information from the sensor about the animal to which the tag is attached; A GNSS receiver operatively coupled to the processor; A memory, adapted to store data about the animal to which the tag is attached, as well as data received from other tags; and A communication interface suitable for wireless communication between the tag and other devices; The at least two tags include multiple tags within each other's wireless communication range, and the multiple tags include a dynamic mesh network; The location of each animal is determined by the GNSS receiver; One of the at least two tags includes a best tag that is in the best condition for transmitting data, wherein the best tag generates and stores in memory an aggregated dataset about the health and location of the animal to which it is attached, as well as data about the health and location of other animals in the group; Among them, data from animals in this group of animals is conditionally transmitted to the optimal tag via the communication interface of the tag attached to the animal in this group of animals; The determination of when to transmit the aggregated dataset is based on signal conditions; and A transceiver configured to communicate bidirectionally with the communication interface of each tag, wherein the transceiver wirelessly receives the aggregated dataset from the best tag; The transceiver is suitable for bidirectional communication with the management system platform; and The transceiver is suitable for bidirectional communication with a remote computer system.

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