Probe apparatus for measuring at least one state variable of the organism of a livestock animal

Abstract

The invention relates to a probe apparatus (1) for measuring at least one state variable of the organism of a livestock animal (2) and for identifying the livestock animal (2), wherein the probe apparatus (1) can be arranged in the gastro-intestinal tract (3) of the livestock animal (2) and comprises at least the following components arranged in or on a housing (4): - at least one sensor element (51, 52) for measuring at least one physical parameter in the gastro-intestinal tract (3) of the livestock animal (2); - at least one internal communication device (8) for wirelessly receiving and transmitting information; and - at least one internal processor unit (5), which is designed to evaluate the signals detected by the sensor element (51, 52) and is connected to the at least one sensor element (51, 52) for this purpose, and is connected to the internal communication device (8) for transferring the data derived from said signals and for actuation, wherein the internal processor unit (5) comprises a data store (6) on which at least one configuration file (7) can be stored.

Description

[0001] PROBE DEVICE FOR MEASURING AT LEAST ONE STATE QUANTITY OF THE

[0002] ORGANISM OF A FARM ANIMAL

[0003] The invention relates to a probe device (or bolus) for measuring at least one state variable of the organism of a farm animal and for identifying the farm animal, wherein the probe device can be arranged in the gastrointestinal tract of the farm animal and has at least the following components arranged in or on a housing:

[0004] - at least one sensor element for measuring at least one physical parameter in the gastrointestinal tract of the farm animal,

[0005] - at least one internal communication device for wirelessly receiving and transmitting information, and

[0006] - at least one internal computing unit which is configured to evaluate the signals detected by the sensor element and is connected to the at least one sensor element for this purpose and is connected to the internal communication device for transmitting the data derived therefrom and for controlling the same, wherein the internal computing unit has a data memory on which at least one configuration file can be stored.

[0007] For example, AT 509255 A1 discloses a measuring device for measuring at least one state variable of the organism of a farm animal. This measuring device can be arranged in the gastrointestinal tract of the farm animal and has a housing with components intended for the measurement. Furthermore, documents AT 515872 A1 and AT 521597 A4 each disclose a method and a system for measuring state data or a state variable in livestock farming.

[0008] Due to digitalization, various types of electronic devices are increasingly being used in livestock farming. One example is the radio-based identification of livestock, e.g., in milking parlors or automatic feeders. The details of implementation have been regulated by standards since the 1990s. ISO 11784 defines a uniform bit structure for the identification signals emitted by corresponding transponders, while ISO 11785 specifies the technical concept by which a transponder is activated and how it transmits information to a transceiver. To ensure continued use of systems acquired before the ISO standard came into force, ISO 11785 proposes in "Annex A" that the transceiver units be equipped with slots for modules of existing technologies so that these can continue to be used.Each transmitter / receiver unit is therefore dedicated to a specific type of identification transponder. Suppliers therefore typically market identification systems in which transponders, which are attached to the feet, neck, or ears of livestock, for example, and stationary transmitter / receiver units are coordinated and sold together. A well-known solution in the state of the art, particularly for the contactless identification of objects and living beings, is RFID technology. RFID stands for "radio frequency identification." Such a system comprises an RFID transponder (hereinafter also referred to as an RFID unit or tag) and an associated reading device (hereinafter also referred to as a reader or RFID reader). The RFID transponder essentially consists of an integrated circuit or chip and an antenna and can be active or passive.In the passive version, the transponder does not have its own power supply, but is operated via the electromagnetic energy that is transmitted, for example, by the reader when the information stored on the transponder is to be read.

[0009] Digitalization is also increasingly supporting the monitoring of health and performance data of individual farm animals. Individual animals are also equipped with sensors, which are controlled and read using associated transmitter / receiver units, which are usually stationary in barns or pastures. Collar or rumen sensors, for example, are commonly used in this regard. While these measures can improve and simplify herd management, they also increase the complexity on farms: A multitude of systems must be installed, operated, and maintained. At the same time, farm animals are equipped with multiple transponders and sensors, which is also complex, error-prone, and detrimental to animal welfare.

[0010] One way to simplify operations and processes is to combine multiple functions in a single transponder. For example, with such a combined transponder, a health sensor for measuring a farm animal's physiological parameters could also be used for animal identification. However, this creates new problems, as health data and animal identification are read via different transmitter / receiver units. Many farms already have corresponding systems installed and in use. If new sensors are deployed and not all farm animals are equipped with the transponders suitable for the transmitter / receiver units, complete herd management is no longer possible.

[0011] An object of the invention is therefore to provide a probe device which overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art.

[0012] This object is achieved with a probe device of the type mentioned at the outset, in which, according to the invention, the information that can be sent by the internal communication device comprises both identification data for identifying a farm animal and user data for transmitting information regarding the condition of the farm animal, wherein the internal communication device has at least one RFID unit with an RFID transmitter for wirelessly sending the identification data and at least one user data communication unit for wirelessly receiving and sending user data, wherein the RFID unit has a recognition device that is set up to recognize a near field of an external communication device and, depending on the presence of the near field, causes the identification data to be sent by the RFID transmitter, wherein the RFID unit is designed to be configurable in that it is prepared toto define a communication protocol depending on a configuration file stored in the data memory and to encode and send the identification data accordingly.

[0013] The probe device according to the invention is highly compatible with existing systems and, thanks to its configurability, is also prepared for future adaptation. RFID communication can, but does not have to, be used exclusively for animal identification; however, the amount of information that can be transmitted using RFID is very limited for technical reasons. It can be provided that identification data is only sent if the near field is detected, in order to keep the power consumption of the RFID transmitter to a minimum. The payload data is, in particular, data about the respective farm animal. In addition, configuration data can of course also be transmitted, with which the probe device can be configured. The configuration data can be transmitted like payload data; in particular, it can be designed as part of the payload data. For the sending and / or receiving of the configuration data orA configuration file derived from this can be used by the internal communication unit, in particular the payload data communication unit. The near field can be detected by a passively operated receiving antenna of the detection device. The near field is, for example, 2 meters, but can be adjustable. If, for example, an access barrier to a milking station were to open upon detection of a cow, the detectable field, i.e., the near field, should not extend too far. The RFID unit with the RFID transmitter operates in the near field through inductive coupling. A maximum reading range can be specified by the design of an RFID reader antenna.The near field of the external communication device can therefore also be described as the area surrounding the external communication device in which the RFID communication with the RFID unit of the probe device functions, whereby the spatial extent depends on the transmission power of the external communication device, the sensitivity of the probe device and the ambient conditions. The probe device can check for the presence of the near field, i.e., the location in the near field, and react accordingly, for example by sending the aforementioned identification data. At any given time, exactly one communication protocol is in operation, even if several communication protocols are preconfigured and could be used optionally. In the internal processing unit, data can be derived from the signals of the sensor elements that correspond to state variables of the organism of the farm animal, in particular a cow.This data can be transmitted as payload data and / or the said payload data can be derived and transmitted based on it.

[0014] In particular, it can be provided that the RFID unit is prepared for the application of an FDX communication protocol and wherein the RFID unit is further configured to carry out the application of the FDX communication protocol depending on the configuration file.

[0015] Furthermore, the RFID unit can be configured to use an HDX communication protocol, and the RFID unit can also be configured to implement the HDX communication protocol depending on the configuration file. This means that the FDX or HDX communication protocols can be used selectively, depending on the configuration file, to encode and transmit the identification data.

[0016] The FDX protocol is a full-duplex protocol. This is well-known to those skilled in the art. Data can be transmitted in both directions simultaneously. The reader's field is continuously switched on. The tag responds by applying a load to the field (amplitude modulation).

[0017] The HDX protocol is a half-duplex protocol. This means that data can flow alternately, but not simultaneously, in both directions. The reader's field is activated in pulses and then deactivated for a few milliseconds, for example. The pulses are intended to supply passive tags with energy. During this time, the tags can respond. The frequency shift keying (FSK) is typically used (0 to 134 kHz, 1 to 124 kHz).

[0018] In particular, the RFID unit can be designed to be programmable, allowing the RFID unit to be assigned a communication protocol that is not preconfigured, and enabling the RFID unit to use it based on the configuration file. For this purpose, a bootloader can be provided, for example, that offers the option of a firmware update. Proprietary communication protocols can thus be subsequently installed, for example. In addition, the RFID unit can also be prepared for the use of proprietary systems by adopting and applying proprietary specifications.

[0019] Furthermore, it can be provided that the RFID transmitter of the RFID unit is an active RFID transmitter. For example, the RFID transmitter and / or the RFID unit have their own power supply or are connected to such a power supply via a wired connection. For example, the RFID unit can be connected to a power supply of the probe device. Alternatively, a passive RFID transmitter is also conceivable. A passive RFID transmitter does not have its own power supply or is not directly connected to one. An active RFID transmitter has a higher transmission power and thus a greater range. The passive RFID transmitter, on the other hand, does not have its own power supply but reacts to an electromagnetic field that can be supplied to the RFID transmitter from outside. The amount of energy that can be stored in the probe device depends on the provided power supply device and can, for example,be determined by the capacity of a rechargeable battery or a battery that comprises the probe device.

[0020] In particular, it can be provided that the transmission power and thus the range of the active RFID transmitter can be adjusted depending on a configuration file stored in the data memory. This can be the configuration file already mentioned or an additional file. With active support, it is sufficient if the receiver is simply sufficiently sensitive, since the transmission signal can be actively amplified.

[0021] Furthermore, the transmission power of the active RFID transmitter can be adjusted within a power range of 10% to 100% of the maximum transmission power of the RFID transmitter. The adjustment can be made in steps with a predefined step size. For example, steps of x% can be provided, where the value x can be between 1 and 10. The value x can also be specified externally depending on the sensitivity of an external receiver.

[0022] In particular, it can be provided that the detection device of the RFID unit has an adjustable sensitivity so that the signal strength of the near field of an external communication device required for detection can be adjusted. This function can be combined with the aforementioned variable transmission power or used independently. For example, it is also possible to keep the transmission power constant and simply optimize the near-field detection by selecting a suitable sensitivity so that the RFID unit does not send the identification data too early or too frequently, thus minimizing power consumption. In addition, it can also be prevented that the identification data is not sent too late. For example, it can be provided that the active RFID transmitter is activated when the device reaches a certain proximity to the near-field transmitter. The reading range can be adjustable by adjusting the reception sensitivity.This setting can be done via cloud, for example.

[0023] Furthermore, the RFID unit can be configured to transmit and receive data in a frequency band between 115 kHz and 145 kHz, both for detecting the near field of an external communication device and for transmitting the identification data via the active RFID transmitter. This means that the antennas are configured to transmit and receive signals in this wavelength range. The information is modulated onto the carrier signals accordingly within the available frequency band. For animal detection, this typically occurs in the range of 130 kHz.

[0024] In particular, it can be provided that the internal processing unit is further configured to grant access to the data memory depending on the data received by the internal communication device, so that a stored configuration file can be modified or replaced with a new configuration file depending on the received data, so that the transmission and / or reception behavior of the internal communication device can be changed. This can involve a variation of the performance, sensitivities, or even the protocols.

[0025] Furthermore, it can be provided that the payload data communication unit is configured to send and receive data within a frequency band between 400 MHz and 1 GHz, wherein the actually used frequency can be selected from at least three frequencies that are at least 10% apart. The step size can be x% of the frequency bandwidth, where x can be selected such that, for example, a step size of 200 kHz is possible. Alternatively, x can be a number with a value between 0.01 and 1. It can be specified depending on the configuration file.

[0026] Furthermore, it can be provided that the user data, in addition to the information regarding the condition of the farm animal, includes configuration data with which the probe device can be configured. The configuration data can be received by the internal communication device, in particular by the user data communication unit, whereby a configuration file can be created using the configuration data, which can be transmitted to the internal processing unit via the internal communication device, in particular stored on the data memory.

[0027] Furthermore, the invention relates to a recognition system for identifying a farm animal, comprising a probe device according to the invention, and at least one RFID-capable external communication device for wirelessly exchanging identification data with the internal communication device, wherein the external communication device is configured to transmit an RFID signal at least into a near field of the external communication device, and the internal communication device is configured to passively receive the RFID signal transmitted by the external communication device within the near field of the latter and, in response thereto, to emit an identification signal comprising identification data of a farm animal via the RFID transmitter, which can be detected by the external communication device and enable identification of the farm animal in question.

[0028] The identification signal is preferably sent exactly once per duty cycle, with the duration of the duty cycle being adjustable and ranging from 0.1 seconds to a maximum of 60 seconds. This allows for energy savings.

[0029] Furthermore, it can be provided that the recognition system has at least one RFID-capable intermediate communication device which is configured to transmit an RFID signal at least into a near field of the intermediate communication device, and the internal communication device is configured to passively receive the RFID signal transmitted by the intermediate communication device within the near field of the intermediate communication device and, in response thereto, to emit an identification signal comprising identification data of a farm animal via the RFID transmitter, which identification data can be detected by the intermediate communication device and enable identification of the farm animal in question, wherein the intermediate communication device is in turn configured for wireless communication with the external communication device and, in this case, preferably behaves in the same way as the internal communication device with respect to the intermediate communication device.

[0030] Communication device behaves.

[0031] The intermediary communication device acts like an "RFID repeater." This means that antennas set up as needed can read the transmitted data via a reader, which can also be controlled, and forward the read ID to the actual reader of the external communication device. This can work, for example, via an RFID tag that is connected to the RFID reader and from which the information about which ID is to be forwarded to the actual reader is received. The read ID of the probe device can be passed on directly, or a lookup table can be stored in the reader. A read ID of an official ear tag ID can be passed on for this purpose. It is also conceivable that an RFID communication protocol according to HDX or FDX is not necessarily used, but that the data is only encoded with HDX or FDX when it is passed on to the external communication device.

[0032] Furthermore, the invention relates to a monitoring system for measuring at least one state variable of the organism of a farm animal, comprising a probe device according to the invention, and an external computing unit which is configured for wireless communication with the probe device, wherein user data acquired by the probe device can be acquired by the external computing unit, wherein the external computing unit is additionally configured to access the data memory of the internal computing unit for changing the configuration file or for uploading a new configuration file to this data memory.

[0033] Furthermore, it can be provided that the external computing unit has an interface for connection to the Internet in order to be controlled online by external devices and / or by cloud data and / or to exchange data.

[0034] Of course, a complete detection system is also conceivable, i.e., one that comprises a detection system and a monitoring system, whereby the probe device of the detection system can also be used as a probe device for the monitoring system. Preferably, the detection system contains a plurality of farm animals, each equipped with a probe device and thus capable of being detected by the detection system, the monitoring system, or the detection system.

[0035] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating a probe device according to the invention, the method comprising the following steps: a) defining a communication protocol of the RFID unit depending on a configuration file stored in the data memory of the internal processing unit of the probe device; b) upon detection of a near field of an external communication device, encoding the identification data according to the defined communication protocol; c) transmitting the identification data by the RFID transmitter of the RFID unit.

[0036] In particular, it can be provided that the transmission of the identification data in step c) by the RFID transmitter takes place passively, preferably by means of inductive coupling with the near field.

[0037] Furthermore, it can be provided that the identification data in step c) is actively sent by the RFID transmitter.

[0038] In particular, it can be provided that the transmission power of the active RFID transmitter is set depending on the configuration file.

[0039] Furthermore, it can be provided that in a step aO) carried out before step a), the configuration file in the data memory is changed or replaced by a new configuration file received via the internal communication device of the probe device, preferably via the payload data communication unit.

[0040] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, which is illustrated in the figures.

[0041] Fig. 1 shows a cow as an exemplary farm animal and the arrangement of a probe device according to the invention in its gastrointestinal tract,

[0042] Fig. 2 is a schematic side view of the probe device according to Fig. 1,

[0043] Fig. 3 is a schematic, partially transparent view of the probe device according to Figs. 1 and 2,

[0044] Fig. 4 shows a detailed representation of the probe device and elements interacting with it as part of a detection and monitoring system according to the invention, and

[0045] Fig. 5 shows a recognition system having at least one RFID-capable intermediate communication device. In the following figures, unless otherwise indicated, identical reference numerals denote identical features.

[0046] Fig. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a cow 2, wherein the cow 2 is mentioned here only as a possible example of a farm animal, in particular a ruminant farm animal, into whose gastrointestinal tract 3 a probe device 1 according to the exemplary embodiment of the invention can be inserted. Other suitable farm animals would be, for example, sheep, goats, or even wild ruminants such as red deer. Each farm animal can be assigned an individual ID, which can be recorded via identification data Fd. The probe device 1 can thereby receive both this identification data M and useful data I. n capture and communicate.

[0047] The feed ingested and chewed by cow 2 enters its gastrointestinal tract 3, for example, the rumen or the reticulum. From the reticulum, the ingested feed is transported to the rumen on the one hand, and back to the mouth of cow 2 for rumination on the other. By measuring state variables of the organism of cow 2 or the contents of the gastrointestinal tract 3, possible effects or conclusions about the animal's health can be determined. If the pH value is too low, for example, dangerous rumen acidosis can occur; changes in heart rate, rumen motility, rumination, and movement activity can, for example, allow conclusions to be drawn about the presence of milk fever. The probe device 1 is therefore placed in the animal's gastrointestinal tract 3 in order to determine state variables of the animal's organism by measuring physical parameters.In particular, good results can be achieved if the probe device 1 is permanently in a final position in the reticulum. This data can be stored as payload data I. n be transferred.

[0048] Fig. 2 shows a schematic side view of the probe device 1. It can be seen that the probe device has a housing 4 with a first closure element 41 and a second closure element 42.

[0049] Fig. 3 shows a schematic, partially transparent view of an embodiment of the probe device 1: Arranged within the housing 4 are a first 51 and a second sensor element 52 for measuring physical parameters, which detect corresponding signals in the gastrointestinal tract 3 of the farm animal 2, a cow in the illustrated embodiment. The first sensor element 51 can be an acceleration sensor. The first sensor element 51 is arranged within the housing 4 and protected thereby. Of course, several sensor elements can also be provided which are arranged within the housing. These sensors are also referred to as internal sensors. Alternatively or additionally, a second sensor element 52 can also be provided which is arranged externally of the housing 4 or protrudes outwards through it in order to come into direct contact with the stomach contents of a farm animal. This is useful, for example, when measuring the pH value.Of course, several such sensors can also be provided, which can come into direct contact with the stomach contents. Such sensors can also be referred to as external sensors. The first and / or the second sensor could also be designed as a temperature sensor or include a temperature sensor. In addition to or instead of this, other sensors can also be used, e.g. those for measuring further physical parameters such as temperature, pH, density, pressure, conductivity, sound, optical properties, the concentration or amount of oxygen, CO2, ammonia, glucose, volatile fatty acids, acetate, propionate, butyrate and lactate or sensors for measuring heart rate.

[0050] The sensor elements 51, 52 are connected, for example, to an internal processing unit 5 that serves to control the probe device 1. The internal processing unit 5 is designed, for example, as a correspondingly programmed microprocessor. The internal processing unit 5 controls and processes the data from the sensor elements 51, 52. In other words, this means that in the internal processing unit 5, data is derived from the signals of the sensor elements 51, 52 that correspond to state variables of the organism of the farm animal 2, in particular a cow. This data can be used as user data I n be transmitted or based on this, the said user data I n derived and transferred.

[0051] During operation, the probe device 1 comprises a power supply device (not shown in the figures), e.g., a battery, a rechargeable battery, a (super) capacitor, or a comparable device for storing and releasing electrical energy. The power supply device serves to operate the probe device 1 and the components provided therein. The probe device 1 serves to measure at least one state variable of the organism of a farm animal 2 and to identify the farm animal 2.For this purpose, the probe device 1 can be arranged in the gastrointestinal tract 3 of the farm animal 2 and has at least the following components arranged in or on a housing 4: at least one said sensor element 51, 52 for measuring at least one physical parameter in the gastrointestinal tract 3 of the farm animal 2, at least one internal communication device 8 for wirelessly receiving and transmitting information, and at least one already mentioned internal computing unit 5, which is set up to evaluate the signals detected by the sensor element 51, 52 and for this purpose is connected to the at least one sensor element 51, 52 and for transmitting the data derived therefrom (which are known as user data I. n can be used) and is connected to the internal communication device 8 for control, wherein the internal computing unit 5 has a data memory 6 on which at least one configuration file 7 can be stored.

[0052] The information that can be sent by the internal communication device 8 includes both the said identification data La for identifying a farm animal 2 and user data I n for transmitting information regarding the condition of the farm animal 2, which can be detected, for example, by means of the said sensor elements 51 and 52. In addition, the payload data I n This may be configuration data with which the probe device 1 can be configured, e.g., corresponding configuration files for operating the probe device 1 and its components. Alternatively, the configuration data may also be stored separately from the payload data I n viewed or sent / received, using the same data transmission path and thus the same hardware as for the transmission of the user data I nis used. Using the configuration data, a new configuration file 7 can be created and stored on the data storage 6, which can then be used to specify the communication protocol.

[0053] Fig. 4 shows a detailed representation of the probe device 4 with regard to the communication device 8 and the elements interacting therewith. It can be seen that the internal communication device 8 has at least one RFID unit 8a with an RFID transmitter 8a' for wirelessly transmitting the identification data Fd. Furthermore, it has a nat least one payload data communication unit 8b. The RFID unit 8a has a recognition device 8a" configured to recognize a near field 9' of an external RFID-capable communication device 9 (functioning here - at least partially - as a reading device or RFID reader of the type described above) and, depending on the presence of the near field 9', triggers the transmission of the identification data La by the RFID transmitter 8a'. The RFID unit 8a thus forms the RFID transponder or tag described above and comprises at least the RFID transmitter 8a', the recognition device 8a" with a corresponding receiving antenna, and - depending on whether active or passive - the power supply device or a connection to the power supply of the probe device 1.The RFID unit 8a is designed to be configurable in that it is prepared to define a communication protocol depending on a configuration file 7 stored in the data memory 6 and to encode and transmit the identification data La accordingly.

[0054] It can be provided that the RFID unit 8a is prepared for the use of an FDX communication protocol, and wherein the RFID unit 8a is further configured to implement the application of the FDX communication protocol depending on the configuration file 7. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the RFID unit 8a is prepared for the use of an HDX communication protocol, and wherein the RFID unit 8a is further configured to implement the application of the HDX communication protocol depending on the configuration file 7. Furthermore, it can be provided that the RFID unit 8a is designed to be programmable, so that a communication protocol that is not preconfigured on it can be fed to the RFID unit 8a, and the RFID unit 8a is configured to implement the same depending on the configuration file 7.Those skilled in the art will know that a programmable RFID unit 8a has a processor or another type of control device on which preconfigured communication protocols are located or to which corresponding new communication protocols can be transferred. Changes to the RFID unit 8a in this case come from the internal processing unit 5 of the probe device 1. This internal processing unit 5 is connected to the internal communication device 8, which includes, among other things, the RFID unit 8a, and can thus make changes to the RFID unit 8a. For this purpose, a bootloader can be used, for example, with which changes can be made to the RFID unit 8a. In particular, it can be provided that the RFID transmitter 8a' of the RFID unit 8a is an active RFID transmitter.The transmission power and thus the range of the active RFID transmitter 8a' can be adjustable depending on a configuration file 7 stored in the data memory 6. In detail, the transmission power of the active RFID transmitter 8a' can be adjustable within a power range of 10% to 100% of the maximum transmission power of the RFID transmitter. Furthermore, the detection device 8a" of the RFID unit 8a can have an adjustable sensitivity, so that the signal strength of the near field 9' of an external communication device 9 required for detection can be adjusted.

[0055] It can also be provided that the RFID unit 8a is configured to transmit and receive data in a frequency band between 115 kHz and 145 kHz, both with regard to the detection of a near field 9' of an external communication device 9 and with regard to the transmission of the identification data La by the active RFID transmitter 8a'. Furthermore, it can be provided that the internal processing unit 5 is configured to grant access to the data memory 6 depending on the data received by the internal communication device 8, so that a stored configuration file 7 can be changed depending on the received data or a new configuration file 7 can be replaced, so that the transmission and / or reception behavior of the internal communication device 8 can be changed. Such new configuration data in the form of, for example,a new configuration file 7 as well as information regarding the condition of a farm animal 2 can be used as user data I. n within the meaning of the invention. The payload data I n It can also be communication protocols, in particular proprietary communication protocols, of the RFID unit 8a, whose adjustable sensitivity of the detection device 8a" can enable the detection of the near field 9' of an external communication device 9 or variations in the performance, sensitivities or even other protocols of the probe device 1. This payload I n can be sent and received by the payload data communication unit 8b. In other words, it can be provided that the payload data I nIn addition to the information regarding the condition of the farm animal 2, the data packet may include configuration data with which the probe device 1 can be configured. The configuration data can be received by the internal communication device 8, in particular by the user data communication unit 8b, wherein a configuration file 7 can be created using the configuration data, which can be transmitted via the internal communication device 8 to the internal computing unit 5, in particular can be stored on the data memory 6. Furthermore, it can be provided that the user data communication unit 8b is configured to send and receive data within a frequency band between 400 MHz and 1 GHz, wherein the actually used frequency can be selected from at least three frequencies that are at least 10% apart from one another.

[0056] The probe device 1 forms part of a recognition system 11 and a monitoring system, which will be discussed in more detail below. The recognition system 11 for identifying a farm animal 2 comprises a probe device 1 according to the invention and at least one RFID-capable external communication device 9 for wirelessly exchanging identification data Ed with the internal communication device 8. The external communication device 9 is configured to transmit an RFID signal at least into a near field 9' of the external communication device 9.The internal communication device 8 is configured to passively receive the RFID signal transmitted by the external communication device 9 within the near field 9' thereof and, in response thereto, to emit an identification signal comprising identification data Ed of a farm animal 2 via the RFID transmitter 8a', which identification signal can be detected by the external communication device 9 and enables identification of the farm animal 2 in question.

[0057] With regard to Fig. 5, it should be mentioned that it can be provided that the recognition system 11 has at least one RFID-capable intermediate communication device 9" (in the form of a repeater), which is configured to transmit an RFID signal at least into a near field 9' of the intermediate communication device 9", and the internal communication device 8 is configured to passively receive the RFID signal transmitted by the intermediate communication device 9" within the near field and, in response thereto, to emit an identification signal via the RFID transmitter 8a' comprising identification data l i of a farm animal 2, which can be detected by the intermediate communication device 9" and enable identification of the farm animal 2 in question.wherein the intermediate communication device 9" is in turn configured for wireless communication with the external communication device 9 and preferably behaves like the internal communication device 8 with respect to the intermediate communication device 9'. Furthermore, Fig. 4 shows a monitoring system for measuring at least one state variable of the organism of a farm animal 2, comprising a probe device 1 according to the invention and an external computing unit 10 which is configured for wireless communication with the probe device 1, wherein user data I acquired by the probe device 1, ncan be captured by the external processing unit 10, wherein the external processing unit 10 is additionally configured to access the data memory 6 of the internal processing unit 5 to change the configuration file 7 or to upload a new configuration file 7 to this data memory 6. It can be provided that the external processing unit 10 has an interface for connection to the Internet in order to be controlled online by external devices and / or by cloud data and / or to exchange data.

[0058] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating a probe device 1 according to the invention, wherein the method comprises the following steps: a) defining a communication protocol of the RFID unit 8a as a function of a configuration file 7 stored in the data memory 6 of the internal processing unit 5 of the probe device 1; b) upon detection of a near field 9' of an external communication device 9, encoding the identification data La according to the defined communication protocol; c) transmitting the identification data La by the RFID transmitter 8a' of the RFID unit 8a.

[0059] It goes without saying that all of the device features described above can also form the subject matter of the present method. For example, it can be provided that the identification data La is transmitted passively in step c by the RFID transmitter 8a', preferably by means of inductive coupling with the near field 9'. Alternatively, it can be provided that the identification data La is transmitted actively in step c by the RFID transmitter 8a'. In particular, it can be provided that the transmission power of the active RFID transmitter 8a' is adjusted depending on the configuration file 7. Furthermore, it can be provided that in a step aO carried out before step a, the configuration file 7 in the data memory 6 is changed or replaced by a new configuration file 7 received via the internal communication device 8 of the probe device 1, preferably via the payload data communication unit 8b.The invention is not limited to the embodiments shown, but is defined by the entire scope of the claims. Individual aspects of the invention or the embodiments may also be taken up and combined with one another. Any reference symbols in the claims are exemplary and serve only to facilitate the readability of the claims, without limiting them.

[0060] List of reference symbols (non-limiting)

[0061] 1 probe device

[0062] 2 farm animals

[0063] 3 Gastrointestinal tract

[0064] 4 Housing of the probe device

[0065] 5 internal processing unit

[0066] 6 data storage

[0067] 7 Configuration file

[0068] 41,42 Closure elements

[0069] 51,52 sensor elements (internal, external)

[0070] 8 internal communication facility

[0071] 8a' RFID transmitter

[0072] 8a" Detection device (field detection)

[0073] 8b Payload data communication unit

[0074] 9 external communication device (RFID-capable)

[0075] 9' Nearfield

[0076] 9" intermediate communication device

[0077] 10 external processing unit

[0078] 11 Recognition system lid identification data

[0079] In payload

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. Probe device (1) for measuring at least one state variable of the organism of a farm animal (2) and for identifying the farm animal (2), wherein the probe device (1) can be arranged in the gastrointestinal tract (3) of the farm animal (2) and comprises at least the following components arranged in or on a housing (4): - at least one sensor element (51, 52) for measuring at least one physical parameter in the gastrointestinal tract (3) of the farm animal (2), - at least an internal communication device (8) for wirelessly receiving and sending information, and - at least one internal processing unit (5) which is set up to evaluate the signals detected by the sensor element (51, 52) and is connected to the at least one sensor element (51, 52) for this purpose and is connected to the internal communication device (8) for transmitting the data derived therefrom and for control, wherein the internal processing unit (5) has a data storage device (6) on which at least one configuration file (7) can be stored, characterized in that the information that can be sent by the internal communication device (8) includes both identification data (La) for identifying a farm animal (2) and user data (I). n ) for the transmission of information regarding the condition of the farm animal (2), comprising the internal communication device (8) - for wireless transmission of identification data (I K j) at least one RFID unit (8a) with an RFID transmitter (8a') and - for wirelessly receiving and sending user data (I n ) at least one user data communication unit (8b), wherein the RFID unit (8a) has a detection device (8a") configured to detect a near field (9') of an external communication device (9) and in Depending on the presence of the near field (9'), the RFID transmitter (8a') initiates the transmission of the identification data (La), wherein the RFID unit (8a) is configurable by being prepared to define a communication protocol depending on a configuration file (7) stored in the data memory (6) and to transmit the identification data (I K j) to encode and send accordingly.

2. Probe device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the RFID unit (8a) is prepared for the application of an FDX communication protocol and wherein the RFID unit (8a) is further configured to perform the application of the FDX communication protocol depending on the configuration file (7).

3. Probe device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the RFID unit (8a) is prepared for the application of an HDX communication protocol and wherein the RFID unit (8a) is further configured to perform the application of the HDX communication protocol depending on the configuration file (7).

4. Probe device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the RFID unit (8a) is programmable, so that a communication protocol not preconfigured on the RFID unit (8a) can be fed to it and the RFID unit (8a) is set up to use it depending on the configuration file (7).

5. Probe device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the RFID transmitter (8a') of the RFID unit (8a) is an active RFID transmitter.

6. Probe device (1) according to claim 5, wherein the transmission power and thus the range of the active RFID transmitter (8a') is adjustable depending on a configuration file (7) stored in the data storage (6).

7. Probe device (1) according to claim 6, wherein the transmit power of the active RFID transmitter (8a') is adjustable within a power range of 10% to 100% of the maximum transmit power of the RFID transmitter.

8. Probe device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the detection device (8a") of the RFID unit (8a) has an adjustable sensitivity, such that the signal strength of the near field (9') of an external communication device (9) required for detection is adjustable.

9. Probe device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the RFID unit (8a) is configured to transmit and receive data in a frequency band between 115 kHz and 145 kHz, both with regard to detecting a near field (9') of an external communication device (9) and with regard to sending the identification data (La) by the active RFID transmitter (8a').

10. Probe device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the internal computing unit (5) is further configured to grant access to the data storage (6) depending on the data received by the internal communication device (8), so that a stored configuration file (7) can be modified depending on the received data or a new configuration file (7) can be replaced, so that the sending and / or receiving behavior of the internal communication device (8) can be changed.

11. Probe device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the user data communication unit (8b) is configured to transmit and receive data within a frequency band between 400 MHz and 1 GHz, wherein the frequency actually used is selectable from at least three frequencies that are at least 10% apart.

12. Probe device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the user data (In) comprise, in addition to information regarding the condition of the farm animal (2), configuration data with which the probe device (1) can be configured.

13. Identification system (11) for identifying a farm animal (2), comprising - a probe device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, as well as - at least one RFID-enabled external communication device (9) for wireless exchange of identification data (La) with the internal communication device (8), wherein the external communication device (9) is configured to transmit an RFID signal at least in a near field (9') of the external communication device (9), and the internal communication device (8) is configured to passively receive the RFID signal transmitted by the external communication device (9) within the near field (9') of the external communication device (9) and in response to this, by means of the RFID transmitter (8a'), transmit an identification signal comprising identification data (La) of a farm animal (2) which can be detected by the external communication device (9) and enable identification of the farm animal (2) in question.

14. Recognition system (11) according to claim 13, wherein the recognition system (11) comprises at least one RFID-enabled intermediate communication device (9") configured to transmit an RFID signal at least in a near field (9') of the intermediate communication device (9"), and the internal communication device (8) is configured to passively receive the RFID signal transmitted by the intermediate communication device (9") within the near field (9') of the intermediate communication device (9") and, in response thereto, to transmit an identification signal comprising identification data (La) of a farm animal (2) by means of the RFID transmitter (8a'), which can be detected by the intermediate communication device (9") and enable identification of the farm animal (2) in question.wherein the intermediate communication device (9") is in turn configured for wireless communication with the external communication device (9) and preferably behaves in the same way as the internal communication device (8) with respect to the intermediate communication device (9").

15. Monitoring system for measuring at least one state variable of the organism of a farm animal (2), comprising - a probe device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, as well as - an external computing unit (10) configured for wireless communication with the probe device (1), wherein user data acquired by the probe device (1) (I n ) can be detected by the external computing unit (10), wherein the external The computing unit (10) is also configured to access the data storage (6) of the internal computing unit (5) for modifying the configuration file (7) or for uploading a new configuration file (7) to this data storage (6).

16. Monitoring system according to claim 15, wherein the external computing unit (10) has an interface for connecting to the Internet in order to be controlled online by external devices and / or cloud data and / or to exchange data.

17. Method for operating a probe device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, the method comprising the following steps: a) defining a communication protocol of the RFID unit (8a) depending on a configuration file (7) stored in the data memory (6) of the internal computing unit (5) of the probe device (1); b) upon detection of a near field (9') of an external communication device (9), encoding the identification data (I i) according to the defined communication protocol; c) transmitting the identification data (Ed) by the RFID transmitter (8a') of the RFID unit (8a).

18. Method according to claim 17, wherein the transmission of the identification data (La) in step c) by the RFID transmitter (8a') is passive, preferably by means of inductive coupling with the near field (9').

19. Method according to claim 17, wherein the sending of the identification data (La) in step c) is actively carried out by the RFID transmitter (8a').

20. Method according to claim 19, wherein the transmission power of the active RFID transmitter (8a') is set depending on the configuration file (7).

21. Method according to one of claims 17 to 20, wherein in a step aO) carried out before step a) the configuration file (7) in the data storage (6) is changed or replaced by a new configuration file (7) received via the internal communication device (8) of the probe device (1), preferably via the user data communication unit (8b).

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