System and device for relaying wireless messages

Abstract

An animal wearable device and system therefor to virtually fence, track and / or guide animals. Where the wearable device is configured to utilise multiple communication protocols to increase transmission probability and speed from a received message from a control apparatus. Where the first protocol is a long range, low noise protocol such as LoRa, and the second protocol which the device rebroadcasts is faster, and shorter range than the first protocol, such as FSK or an IEEE 802.15.4 standard.

Description

[0001] SYSTEM AND DEVICE FOR RELAYING WIRELESS MESSAGES

[0002] The present invention relates to a system of wireless communication including both LoRaWAN® and FSK modulation between nodes. More particularly it relates to a system of wearable animal smart devices which are configured to receive a message from a LoRaWAN gateway and to re-broadcast the message via FSK to other nodes that didn’t receive the LoRaWAN message.

[0003] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Guiding animals, in particular animals such as beef or dairy cattle between two locations, or restraining said animals within an area, using a device 400 that is capable of administering a stimulus and controlled from a remote location, is known. An example of this technology is described in the PCT application WO2019180623A1 by Halter USA Inc. This technology utilises some form of long-range communication protocol to communicate with the device 400. An issue with some aspects of this technology is that if communication to the collars from a remote location is lost or broken, then one or more devices 400 will not receive a message.

[0005] “Routing in LoRa for smart cities: A gossip study” in Future Generation Computer Systems, Volume 136 by Alfonso Osorio, Maria Calle, Jose Soto, John E. Candelo-Becerra discusses wireless communications for loT in smart cities may be affected by Non-Line-of-Sight (NLOS) propagation conditions due to obstacles such as buildings, trees, and others. LoRaWAN technology broadcasts information through several kilometres in one hop, from a source node to a gateway. This paper presents a LoRa implementation of MACGSP6, a Gossip-based routing algorithm, to improve communications in a LoRaWAN network where all nodes have NLOS conditions. This implementation may be particularly slow when attempting to get downloads and uploads to and from nodes as quickly as possible.

[0006] US20230086838A discloses a system for virtual management of livestock including a server computer, a primary collar, and a plurality of secondary collars. The primary collar is worn by a primary livestock animal and communicates with the server computer via a remote wireless gateway. The plurality of secondary collars communicate wirelessly with one another and with the primary collar via an ad hoc wireless mesh network. Each of the secondary collars is worn by secondary livestock animals. The primary collar receives the virtual boundary data from the server computer, transmits it to the plurality of secondary collars via the wireless mesh network.

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide a system and device which overcomes or at least partially ameliorates some of the abovementioned disadvantages or which at least provides the public with a useful choice.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In a first aspect, the invention broadly relates to a system comprising: o a plurality of remote mobile devices, each comprising one or more mobile communication components and a controller operable to selectively operate the one or more communication components on at least a first and a second communication channel; and o a control apparatus configured to communicate data with one or more of the mobile devices on the first communication channel; wherein the controller of each mobile communication device is configured to: o control operation of the one or more communication components on the first channel; o control operation of the one or more communication components on the second channel to communicate data payloads with one or more other mobile devices; and o elicit a first communication channel health status based on a wireless data exchange test, wherein the status is determined healthy for a test passed, and the status is determined unhealthy for a test failed; o based on a healthy determination, control the operation of one or more of:

[0010] • the second channel to communicate data received from the control apparatus on the first channel; and

[0011] • the first channel to communicate data received on the second channel; and o based on an unhealthy determination, control the operation of the second channel to communicate data with one or more other mobile devices.

[0012] In another aspect, the invention broadly relates to a method of operating a plurality of mobile communication devices, each comprising one or more mobile communication components each comprising a controller operable to selectively operate the one or more communication components on a first or second communication channel, the first communication channel configured to communicate data with a control apparatus; wherein the method comprises operating the controller to execute the steps of: controlling operation of the one or more communication components on the first channel; controlling operation of the one or more communication components on the second channel to communicate data payloads with one or more other remote mobile communication devices; determining a first communication channel health status based on a wireless data exchange test, the status being healthy for a test passed, and unhealthy for a test failed; based on a healthy determination, one or more of: controlling operation of the second channel to communicate data received from the control apparatus on the first channel, controlling operation of the first channel to communicate data received on the second channel; and based on an unhealthy determination: controlling operation of the second channel to communicate data with one or more other mobile communication devices.

[0013] In another aspect, the invention broadly relates to a system comprising a plurality of remote mobile devices, each comprising one or more mobile communication components and a mobile device controller configured to selectively operate the one or more mobile communication components to operate: o a first communication channel to communicate data payloads from a control apparatus to the plurality of mobile devices; and o a second communication channel operating to communicate data payloads between mobile devices; dependent on a mobile device’s determined health, wherein the controller determines a mobile device is o healthy if the one or more mobile communication components passes a wireless data exchange test with a control apparatus configured to communicate data on a first communication channel; and o unhealthy if the one more mobile communication components fails the test with the control apparatus, wherein the controller is further configured to selectively operate the one or more mobile communication components of the device to o communicate received data payloads on the alternative channel to which they were received if a mobile device is determined to be healthy; and o communicate data payloads on the second communication channel if a mobile device is determined to be unhealthy.

[0014] Wherein the below embodiments relate to one or more of the above aspects.

[0015] In one embodiment, the controller is further configured to selectively operate the one or more mobile communication components in at least one selected from o a download mode to

[0016] • receive a first data payload from the control apparatus on the first communication channel and broadcast a repeat of said first data payload as a second data payload on a second communication channel, if the mobile device is determined as healthy; and

[0017] • receive said second data payload sent on the second communication channel, if the mobile device is determined as unhealthy; and o an upload mode to

[0018] • broadcast a third data payload on a second communication channel if the mobile device is determined as unhealthy; and

[0019] • receive said third data payload on the second communication channel and broadcast a repeat of said third data payload as a fourth data payload on the first communication channel if the mobile device is determined as healthy.

[0020] In one embodiment, the data payloads sent on the second communication channel are characterised by having a broadcast duration less than the broadcast duration of data payloads sent on the first communication channel.

[0021] In one embodiment, the system comprises a server computer configured to receive data from the data payloads from the control apparatus.

[0022] In one embodiment, the system comprises the control apparatus, the control apparatus comprising a communications component configured to transceive said data payloads on a first communication channel with one or more of the plurality of mobile devices.

[0023] In one embodiment, the o the first data payload has a first data payload duration sent during a first time period; o the second data payload has a second data payload duration sent during a second time period; o the third data payload has a third data payload duration sent during a third time period; and o the fourth data payload has a fourth data payload duration sent during a fourth time period.

[0024] In one embodiment, the control apparatus is configured to broadcast the first data payload having the first broadcast duration on the first communication channel

[0025] In one embodiment, the total time period of the first time period and second time period combined is less than or equal to 5 seconds, 4, seconds, 3 seconds, 2 seconds, or 1 second.

[0026] In one embodiment, the first communication channel is LoRa.

[0027] In one embodiment, the communications component is configured to broadcast on the first communication channel at a bitrate of less than 100 kbps on the first communication channel. In one embodiment, the communications component is configured to broadcast on the first communication channel at a bitrate between 0.3 kbps and 30 kbps on the first communication channel. In one embodiment, the communications component is configured to broadcast and / or receive the data payload(s) over the first communication channel further than the how far the control apparatus is configured to broadcast the data payload(s) on the second communication channel.

[0028] In one embodiment, the communications component is configured to broadcast on the first communication channel in the 915 to 928 MHz range.

[0029] In one embodiment, the control apparatus is configured to broadcast the data payload(s) on the first communication channel under 600ms.

[0030] In one embodiment, the control apparatus is configured to broadcast the data payload(s) on the first communication channel between 100 and 600ms, preferably around 500ms.

[0031] In one embodiment, the control apparatus is configured to broadcast the first data payload on the first communication channel as a multicast message.

[0032] In one embodiment, the control apparatus is configured to broadcast a subsequent first data payload on the first communication channel within a time period from the first data payload.

[0033] In one embodiment, the time period between the start of sending the first data payload and the start of sending the subsequent first data payload on the first communication channel is less than 5, 4, 3, 2, or seconds, and preferably around 1 second.

[0034] In one embodiment, the control apparatus is configured to broadcast the first data payload on the first communication channel over 1 kilometre.

[0035] In one embodiment, the control apparatus is located over 600 metres, over 800 metres, over 1 kilometre, or over 2.5 kilometres away from the mobile device.

[0036] In one embodiment, the second communication channel has a bitrate over 100 kbps

[0037] In one embodiment, the one or more mobile communications components are configured to broadcast the second payload on the second communication channel with one selected from o a protocol based on the IEEE 802.15.4 standard; o Zigbee; o WirelessHART; o Thread; o Matter; o FSK (frequency key shifting); o OOK (on-off keying); o a protocol based on the IEEE 802.15.1 standard; and o BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy).

[0038] In one embodiment, the mobile device controller is configured to instruct the one or more mobile communications components to broadcast data payload(s) on the second communication channel with a broadcast duration less than 100ms.

[0039] In one embodiment, the mobile device controller is configured to instruct the one or more mobile communications components to broadcast the data payload(s) on the second communication channel with a broadcast duration less than 20ms.

[0040] In one embodiment, the one or more mobile communications components are configured to broadcast payloads on the first communication channel: o further than payloads on the second communication channel; o slower than payloads on the second communication channel; o with a longer broadcast duration than on the second communication channel; and / or o with a different communication component than on the second communication channel. In one embodiment, the mobile device controller is configured to instruct the one or more mobile communications components to broadcast the data payload(s) on the second communication channel with a broadcast duration between than 5 and 20ms.

[0041] In one embodiment, the first and second communication channel operate in the same frequency range. In one embodiment, the mobile device controller is configured to instruct the one or more mobile communications components to broadcast the second data payload on the second communication channel within the second time period adjacent to and following the first time period. In one embodiment, the mobile device controller is configured to instruct the one or more mobile communications components to broadcast the fourth data payload on the first communication channel within a fourth time period adjacent to and following a third time period.

[0042] In one embodiment, the one or more mobile communications components are configured to broadcast the data payload(s) on the second communication channel a distance of at least 4 times less than the control apparatus is configured to broadcast the data payload(s) on the first communication channel. In one embodiment, the data exchange test is passed if the one or more mobile communication components communicate with the control apparatus over the first communication channel, and fails if the one or more mobile communication components can’t communicate with the control apparatus over the first communication channel.

[0043] In one embodiment, the data exchange test is passed if the one or more mobile communication components receive from and / or broadcast to, a payload, with the control apparatus over the first communication channel.

[0044] In one embodiment, the receiving and / or broadcasting of said payload is verified by a checksum.

[0045] In one embodiment, the data exchange test:

[0046] • is passed and a mobile device determined as healthy if one or more of the following occur: o a data payload is received from the control apparatus; o a data payload is received from the control apparatus recently, or during a defined time period; o a first data payload is received during a first broadcast duration; o a data payload comprising an acknowledgement to a request message sent from the mobile device; or o a predefined number of, or percent of expected, data payloads from the control apparatus have been received in a recent time period; and / or o is failed and a mobile device determined as unhealthy if one or more of the following occur:

[0047] • the data exchange test is not passed; o a data payload is not received from the control apparatus; o a data payload is not received from the control apparatus recently, or during a defined time period; o a first data payload is not received during a first broadcast duration; or o a predefined number of, or percent of expected, data payloads from the control apparatus have not been received in a recent time period.

[0048] In one embodiment, if the mobile device controller receives the first data payload it is configured to select whether or not to broadcast the second data payload (‘selection to send’) on the second communication channel.

[0049] In one embodiment, the mobile device controller is configured to base a selection to send the second data payload on a called random function.

[0050] In one embodiment, the mobile device controller is configured to base the selection to rebroadcast a data payload received on the first communication channel on the second communication channel based on a called random function.

[0051] In one embodiment, the mobile device controller of a mobile device broadcasting on the second communication channel is configured to broadcast the data payload on the second communication channel with one slot selected from a plurality of slots.

[0052] In one embodiment, a slot is defined as a time period at a defined time.

[0053] In one embodiment, the mobile device controller of a device receiving data payloads on the second communication channel is configured to listen for data payloads on the second communication channel during the cumulative time period of plurality of slots.

[0054] In one embodiment, each slot is back to back with each other.

[0055] In one embodiment, the mobile device controller is configured to define the plurality of slots as comprising 10 - 100 slots, preferably 40 slots.

[0056] In one embodiment, a slot is defined with a time period between 2 and 200ms, preferably 10ms.

[0057] In one embodiment, a slot has a slightly longer time period than the respective data payload broadcast duration to be sent within the slot.

[0058] In one embodiment, the mobile device controller is configured to determine o if the mobile device is healthy during the download mode, then configured to instruct the one or more mobile communications components to broadcast the second data payload within a slot, o if the mobile device is unhealthy during the upload mode, then configured to instruct the one or more mobile communications components to broadcast the third data payload within a slot.

[0059] In one embodiment, the controller is configured to randomise what slot the data payloads are sent on.

[0060] In one embodiment, the mobile device controller is configured to call a random function to select one slot from the plurality of slots broadcast in. where the system comprises a plurality of healthy mobile devices each configured to call a random function to select one slot from the plurality of slots broadcast in.

[0061] In one embodiment, the mobile device controller is configured to determine the mobile device is healthy in the upload mode, then to receive (turn on the one or more mobile communications components and listen on the second communication channel) one or more third data payloads from one or more mobile devices and subsequently select one or more third data payloads to rebroadcast as a fourth data payload on the first communication channel.

[0062] In one embodiment, the selection of the one or more third data payloads to rebroadcast as a fourth data payload is configured to be selected by the mobile device controller by a called random function.

[0063] In one embodiment, the selection of the one or more third data payloads to rebroadcast as a fourth data payload is selected by the mobile device controller by a weighted function.

[0064] In one embodiment, the weighted function is weighted by one or more selected from o an age of the data payload; o a size of data payload; o an urgency status of data payload; o critical information or the type of information in the data payload; o the battery status of the device which sent the data payload; and o the proximity of the mobile device which sent the data payload.

[0065] In one embodiment, the selection of the one or more third data payloads to rebroadcast as a fourth data payload is selected by the mobile device controller by a combination of a called random function and the weighted function weighted towards data payloads which are older.

[0066] In one embodiment, the controller is configured to select the one or more third data payloads to rebroadcast if a maximum data payload threshold is reached.

[0067] In one embodiment, a healthy mobile device is configured to store and rebroadcast up to 50, 20, 10, 5, or 4 third data payloads within the fourth data payload.

[0068] In one embodiment, the one or more mobile communications components have a power draw whilst o receiving of between 5 and 45 mW, and preferably around 25mW; and o broadcasting of between 1000 and 2000mW, and preferably around 1500mW.

[0069] In one embodiment, the one or more mobile communications components are turned off to save power when they are not being used.

[0070] In one embodiment, the one or more mobile communications components are turned off when they are not broadcasting.

[0071] In one embodiment, the one or more mobile communications components are turned on during the periods of time when they are required to be broadcasting. In one embodiment, the one or more mobile communications components are turned on during the periods of time when they are required to be broadcasting, plus additional time either side of the broadcasting and transmission period.

[0072] In one embodiment, the mobile device controller is configured to turn on the one or more mobile communications components for a time between 100 and 1000 ms, preferably for 500ms to receive a data payload on the first communication channel.

[0073] In one embodiment, the mobile device controller is configured to turn on the one or more mobile communications components for a time between 100 and 1000 ms, preferably for 300ms to broadcast a data payload on the first communication channel.

[0074] In one embodiment, the mobile device controller is configured to turn on the one or more mobile communications components for a time between 2 and 100ms, preferably for 7ms to broadcast a data payload on the second communication channel.

[0075] In one embodiment, the mobile device controller is configured to turn on the one or more mobile communications components for a time between 100 and 1000 ms, preferably for 400ms to receive a data payload on the second communication channel.

[0076] In one embodiment, in an upload mode the controller is configured to turn on the one or more mobile communications components for a time between 10ms and 20 sec, preferably for between 10ms and 13ms to send a data payload on the first communication channel.

[0077] In one embodiment, the one or more mobile communications components have a duty cycle less than 30, 20, 15, 12, 10, or 7% per minute.

[0078] In one embodiment, the one or more mobile communications components have a duty cycle less than 30, 20, 15, 12, 10, or 7% per day.

[0079] In one embodiment, the download time for a data payload communication from the control apparatus to be received by a mobile device, healthy or unhealthy, is less than 20, 15, 10, 3, 2, and preferably less than 1 second.

[0080] In one embodiment, the upload time for a data payload communication from a mobile device, healthy or unhealthy, to the control apparatus is less than 60, 30, 20, 10, and 1 second.

[0081] In one embodiment, the one or more mobile communications components are a LoRaWAN module.

[0082] In one embodiment, the one or more mobile communications components comprise a secondary communication module.

[0083] In one embodiment, the secondary communication module is one able to broadcast a data payload based on one selected from; o Zigbee; o WirelessHART; o Thread; o Matter; o FSK (frequency key shifting); o OOK (on-off keying); o a protocol based on the IEEE 802.15.4 standard; o a protocol based on the IEEE 802.15.1 standard; and o BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy).

[0084] In one embodiment, the control apparatus is a local device located on land near the plurality of mobile devices.

[0085] In one embodiment, the control apparatus is a satellite or cell tower.

[0086] In one embodiment, the first communication channel is a cellular network, or satellite based radio.

[0087] In one embodiment, the mobile device is a wearable device comprising a stimulus apparatus configured to apply stimulus dependent on the animal guidance information to a wearer of the wearable device to provide geographical control of the device.

[0088] In one embodiment, the mobile device is in the form of a collar to be worn by an animal. In one embodiment, the system comprises at least two mobile devices, a first mobile device and second mobile device.

[0089] In one embodiment, mobile devices successfully communicate with each other within 1 km, and preferably within 400, 300, or 200 metres.

[0090] In one embodiment, the mobile devices comprise an adequate signal to noise ratio on the second communication channel up to 1 km, and preferably up to 400, 300, or 200 metres.

[0091] In one embodiment, the first mobile device is located within 1 km, and preferably within 400, 300, or 200 metres of the second mobile device.

[0092] In one embodiment, the system comprises a plurality of mobile devices, preferably more than 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, or 1000 devices.

[0093] In one embodiment, at least two of the mobile devices are located within less than a kilometre of each other.

[0094] In one embodiment, the mobile device of the plurality of mobile devices is located at least 1 kilometre from a mobile device.

[0095] In one embodiment, the mobile devices are ambulatory.

[0096] In one embodiment, the plurality of mobile devices are substantially identical to each other, and preferably have the same communications capabilities.

[0097] In one embodiment, the plurality of mobile devices each have the same type of mobile communications components.

[0098] In one embodiment, the one or more mobile communications components are configured to send the fourth data payload as a unicast message to the control apparatus.

[0099] In one embodiment, the first data payload comprises one or more of virtual boundary data, animal guidance commands, and acknowledgements of prior third data payloads received by the control apparatus,

[0100] In one embodiment, the third data payload comprises information relating to one or more of recorded sensor data relating to one or more of animal movement, location, health, biometrics, and reproduction; or acknowledgements or prior received data payloads.

[0101] In one embodiment, data payload refers to one or more of the first, second, third, and fourth data payload.

[0102] In one embodiment, the data payload is encrypted.

[0103] In one embodiment, the data payload rebroadcast (e.g the second and third data payload) stays encrypted.

[0104] In one embodiment, data payloads sent between different protocols are required to be re-encrypted to be rebroadcast on a different protocol.

[0105] In one embodiment, data payloads sent between LoRa and FSK remain encrypted.

[0106] In another aspect, the invention broadly relates to a method of operating a mobile device configured to communicate data payloads with a plurality of mobile devices on alternative channels, and operating a control apparatus comprising a communications component configured to communicate a data payload on a first communication channel with one or more of the plurality of mobile devices; the plurality of mobile devices each comprising one or more mobile communication components and a mobile device controller configured to selectively broadcast and receive data on at least the first communication channel and a second communication channel, the method comprising: o providing a control apparatus operating the plurality of mobile devices to receive the data payload on the first communication channel; o identifying one or more of the plurality of mobile devices as healthy based on they receiving the data payload on the first communication channel and unhealthy if not; o selectively operating the one or more mobile communication components of one or more identified healthy mobile devices to communicate received data payloads on the alternative channel to which they were received; and o communicating data payloads from one or more unhealthy mobile devices on the second communication channel.

[0107] In one embodiment, the received data payload from the control apparatus is a first data payload.

[0108] In one embodiment, the first data payload is broadcast by the control apparatus to be received by all mobile devices.

[0109] In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of o operating the identified one or more healthy devices to broadcast a second data payload within a second, reduced, broadcast duration compared to the first data payload, by the second communication channel, the second data payload comprising data from the first data payload; and then o operating one or more other unhealthy devices to listen for and receive the second data payload on the second communication channel.

[0110] In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of o operating the identified one or more unhealthy devices to broadcast a third data payload within a third, reduced, broadcast duration compared to the first data payload by the second communication channel; and then o operating the one or more healthy devices to: i. listen for and receive the third data payload on the second communication channel;

[0111] II. broadcast a fourth data payload by the first communication channel, the fourth data payload comprising data from the third data payload.

[0112] In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of o selectively operating the one or more mobile communication components in at least one selected from i. a download mode to

[0113] • receive a first data payload from the control apparatus on the first communication channel and broadcast a repeat of said first data payload as a second data payload on a second communication channel, if the mobile device is determined as healthy; and

[0114] • receive said second data payload sent on the second communication channel, if the mobile device is determined as unhealthy; and

[0115] II. an upload mode to

[0116] • broadcast a third data payload on a second communication channel if the mobile device is determined as unhealthy; and

[0117] • receive said third data payload on the second communication channel and broadcast a repeat of said third data payload as a fourth data payload on the first communication channel if the mobile device is determined as healthy.

[0118] In one embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of: receiving, with one or more mobile devices, the at least part of the first data payload, wherein the first data payload comprises animal guidance information; and controlling one or more of the plurality of mobile devices which received at least part of the first data payload based on the received animal guidance information.

[0119] In one embodiment, the method comprises the step of performing a data exchange test which is passed if the one or more mobile communication components communicate with the control apparatus over the first communication channel, and failed if the one or more mobile communication components can’t communicate with the control apparatus over the first communication channel.

[0120] In one embodiment, where the method comprises the step of performing a data exchange test which: o is passed for a healthy mobile device if one or more of the following occur: i. a data payload is received from the control apparatus;

[0121] II. a data payload is received from the control apparatus recently, or during a defined time period; ill. a first data payload is received during a first broadcast duration; iv. a data payload comprising an acknowledgement to a request message sent from the mobile device; or v. a predefined number of, or percent of expected, data payloads from the control apparatus have been received in a recent time period; and / or o is failed for an unhealthy mobile device if one or more of the following occur: i. a data payload is not received from the control apparatus;

[0122] II. a data payload is not received from the control apparatus recently, or during a defined time period; ill. a first data payload is not received during a first broadcast duration; or iv. a predefined number of, or percent of expected, data payloads from the control apparatus have not been received in a recent time period.

[0123] In one embodiment, the method comprises the step of a healthy mobile device: selecting, via the controller, whether or not to broadcast the second data payload (‘selection to send’) on the second communication channel.

[0124] In one embodiment, the mobile device controller is configured to base a selection to broadcast the second data payload on a called random function.

[0125] In one embodiment, the method comprises the step of broadcasting one or more of: o the second data payload on the second communication channel; o the third data payload on the second communication channel; and o the fourth data payload on the first communication channel; in one of a plurality of slots.

[0126] In one embodiment, the method comprises the step of selecting one of the plurality of slots.

[0127] In one embodiment, the step of selecting one of the plurality of slots is based on a called random function.

[0128] In one embodiment, the step of selecting one of the plurality of slots is based on a weighted random function.

[0129] In one embodiment, the weighted random function is weighted on the age of the data payload.

[0130] In another aspect, the invention broadly relates to a method of operating a system comprising the steps of: distributing an amorphic mob radio receiver sensitivity field by geographical control of a plurality of mobile devices within a virtual boundary; and one or more selected from a download step comprising: o broadcasting a first data payload to the plurality of devices on a first communication channel from outside of the receiver sensitivity field; o receiving with at least a first one first mobile device, the first data payload; and o broadcasting from the first at least one first mobile device, at least part of the first data payload as a second data payload into at least part of the receiver sensitivity field on a second communication channel; and an upload step comprising: o broadcasting with at least one mobile device which didn’t receive the first data payload, a third data payload into at least part of the receiver sensitivity field on the second communication channel; o receiving with at least one mobile device which received a first data payload the third data pay load; and o broadcasting from the at least one mobile device which received a first data payload at least part of the third data payload as a fourth data payload on the first communication channel outside the receiver sensitivity field.

[0131] In one embodiment, the radio receiver sensitivity field is formed by the second communication channel.

[0132] In one embodiment, a control apparatus is configured to send the first data payload, and receive the fourth data payload.

[0133] In one embodiment, the sensitivity field extends up to 400, 200, or 100 metres between mobile devices.

[0134] In one embodiment, the sensitivity field is configured to communicate data payloads on the second communication channel a distance of at least 4 times less than the control apparatus is configured to communicate data payloads on the first communication channel.

[0135] In one embodiment, the mobile device comprises a controller, and one or more mobile communication components.

[0136] In one embodiment, the method comprises the step of determining, via the controller, if a mobile device is o healthy if the one or more mobile communication components passes a wireless data exchange test with the control apparatus; and o unhealthy if the one more mobile communication components fails the test with the control apparatus,

[0137] In one embodiment, the data exchange test: o is passed for a healthy mobile device if one or more of the following occur: i. a data payload is received from the control apparatus; ii. a data payload is received from the control apparatus recently, or during a defined time period; ill. a first data payload is received during a first broadcast duration; iv. a data payload comprising an acknowledgement to a request message sent from the mobile device; or v. a predefined number of, or percent of expected, data payloads from the control apparatus have been received in a recent time period; and / or o is failed for an unhealthy mobile device if one or more of the following occur: i. a data payload is not received from the control apparatus;

[0138] II. a data payload is not received from the control apparatus recently, or during a defined time period; ill. a first data payload is not received during a first broadcast duration; or iv. a predefined number of, or percent of expected, data payloads from the control apparatus have not been received in a recent time period.

[0139] In one embodiment, the method comprises the step of selectively operating, via the controller, the one or more mobile communication components to o communicate received data payloads on the alternative channel to which they were received if a mobile device is determined to be healthy; and o communicate data payloads on the second communication channel if a mobile device is determined to be unhealthy.

[0140] In another aspect the invention broadly relates to a system comprising a. a control apparatus comprising a communications component configured to receive data payloads on a first communication channel, b. three or more mobile devices each comprising a mobile communication component and a mobile device controller configured to:

[0141] • selectively operate the mobile communication component to receive or broadcast data on a second communication channel; and broadcast said data on the first communication channel; • determine if the mobile device can’t communicate with the control apparatus, then broadcast a third data payload on the second communication channel; and

[0142] • determine if the mobile device can communicate with the control apparatus, then a) listen for and receive third data payloads on the second communication channel from like mobile devices, and b) broadcast at least the received third data payload on the first communication channel as a fourth data payload.

[0143] In one embodiment, the above reference embodiments relate to the above aspect.

[0144] In another aspect the invention broadly relates to a mobile device comprising one or more mobile communication components and a mobile device controller configured to: a. selectively operate the one or more mobile communication components to broadcast and / or receive data on a first communication channel and a second communication channel; b. determine a first data payload is received during a first broadcast duration, then broadcast a second data payload during a second time period by the second communication channel, the second data payload comprising data from the first data payload; c. determine the first data payload is not received during the first time period, then operate the one or more mobile communication components to the second communication channel to receive the second data payload during a second time period on the second communication channel to; and wherein the second data payload is characterised by a second broadcast duration less than the first broadcast duration.

[0145] In one embodiment, the mobile device controller is further configured to o determine one or more data payloads are not received on the first communication channel, then operate the one or more mobile communication components to the second communication channel to broadcast a third data payload during a third time period; o determine one or more data payloads are received on the first communication channel, then operate the one or more mobile communication components to the second communication channel to receive the third data payload, then operate the one or more mobile communication components to the first communication channel to broadcast the a fourth data payload comprising data from the third data payload.

[0146] In another aspect the invention relates to a method of operating a system configured to transceive data payloads with a plurality of mobile devices, the system comprising: a control apparatus comprising a communications component configured to transceive a data payload on a first communication channel with one or more of the plurality of mobile devices; the plurality of mobile devices each comprising one or more mobile communication components and a device controller configured to selectively broadcast and receive data on at least the first communication channel and a second communication channel; the method comprising: o operating the plurality of mobile devices to receive the first data payload on the first communication channel during the first duration; o identifying one or more devices as healthy if they pass a wireless data exchange test and unhealthy if not, operating the identified one or more healthy devices to: o broadcast a second data payload within a second, reduced, broadcast duration by the second communication channel, the second data payload comprising data from the first data payload; then operating one or more other unhealthy devices to: o listen for and receive the second data payload on the second communication channel; and o broadcast a third data payload within a third, reduced, broadcast duration by the second communication channel; and then operating the one or more healthy devices to: o listen for and receive the third data payload on the second communication channel; o broadcast a fourth data payload by the first communication channel, the fourth data payload comprising data from the third data payload.

[0147] In another aspect, the invention broadly relates to a system comprising a system comprising a control apparatus configured to broadcast a first data payload having a first broadcast duration on a first communication channel; and one or more mobile devices comprising a communications component configured to receive the first data payload on the first communication channel and to broadcast and receive a second data payload on a second communication channel, the second data payload having a second broadcast duration and comprising at least a portion of the same information relating to the first data payload, wherein the first broadcast duration is longer than the second broadcast duration; and a mobile device controller configured to selectively operate the communications component between a primary state and a secondary state, the mobile device controller selecting the: primary state if during a predefined first time period the communications component receives the first data payload, the communications component configured in the primary state to broadcast the second data payload within a second time period subsequent the first time period; and secondary state if the communications component does not receive the first data payload, the communications component configured in the secondary state to listen for, and receive, the second data payload subsequent the first time.

[0148] In another aspect the invention broadly consists in a mobile device comprising a. a communications component configured to receive a first data payload having a first broadcast duration on a first communication channel and to broadcast and receive a second data payload on a second communication channel, the second data payload having a second broadcast duration and comprising data from at least a portion of the same information relating to the first data payload, wherein the first broadcast duration is longer than the second broadcast duration; b. a mobile device controller configured to selectively operate the communications component between a primary state and a secondary state, the mobile device controller selecting the:

[0149] I. primary state if during a predefined first time period the communications component receives the first data payload, the communications component configured in the primary state to broadcast the second data payload at a second time period subsequent the first time period; and ii. secondary state if during said first time period the communications component does not receive the first data payload, the communications component configured in the secondary state to listen for, and receive, the second data payload.

[0150] In another aspect the invention broadly consists in a system comprising: a. a control apparatus comprising a communications component configured to broadcast on a first communication channel a first data payload characterised by a first broadcast duration; b. one or more mobile devices each comprising one or more mobile communication components and a mobile device controller configured to:

[0151] I. selectively operate the one or more mobile communication components to receive data on the first communication channel and broadcast or receive data on the second communication channel; ii. determine the first data payload is received during a first time period , then broadcast a second data payload within a second broadcast duration by the second communication channel, the second data payload comprising data from the first data payload; ill. determine the first data payload is not received during a first time period, then operate the one or more mobile communication components to receive the second data payload within a second broadcast duration on the second communication channel to; and wherein the second data payload is characterised by the second broadcast duration less than the first broadcast duration.

[0152] In another aspect the invention broadly consists in a mobile device comprising one or more mobile communication components and a mobile device controller configured to: a. selectively operate the one or more mobile communication components to broadcast and / or receive data on a first communication channel and a second communication channel; b. determine a first data payload received during a first broadcast duration, then broadcast a second data payload during a second time period by the second communication channel, the second data payload comprising data from the first data payload; c. determine the first data payload is not received during the first time period, then operate the one or more mobile communication components to second communication channel to receive the second data payload during a second time period on the second communication channel to; and wherein the second data payload is characterised by a second broadcast duration less than the first broadcast duration.

[0153] In one embodiment, there is a control apparatus is configured to broadcast the first data payload having the first broadcast duration on the first communication channel

[0154] In one embodiment, the below embodiments relate to any one of the above embodiments.

[0155] In one embodiment, the total time period of the first period and second time period combined is less than or equal to 5 seconds, 4, seconds, 3 seconds, 2 seconds, or 1 second.

[0156] In one embodiment, the control apparatus is a radio.

[0157] In one embodiment, the control apparatus is a radio gateway.

[0158] In one embodiment, the control apparatus is fixed geographically.

[0159] In one embodiment, the control apparatus is part of a satellite. the control apparatus configured to broadcast the first data payload via LoRa.

[0160] In one embodiment, the first communication channel has a slower bitrate than the second communication channel.

[0161] In one embodiment, the communications component is configured to broadcast the first data payload at a bitrate of less than 200 kbps on the first communication channel. In one embodiment, the first communication channel has a bitrate less than 200 kbps, and / or less than 100kbps.

[0162] In one embodiment, the communications component is configured to broadcast the first data payload at a bitrate of less than 100 kbps on the first communication channel.

[0163] In one embodiment, the first communication channel has a bitrate between 0.3 kbps and 30 kbps.

[0164] In one embodiment, the communications component is configured to broadcast the first data payload at a bitrate between 0.3 kbps and 30 kbps on the first communication channel.

[0165] In one embodiment, the first communication channel has a longer broadcast distance than the second communication channel.

[0166] In one embodiment, the communications component is configured to broadcast the first data payload over the first communication channel further than the how far the control apparatus is configured to transmit the first data payload on the second communication channel.

[0167] In one embodiment, the first communication channel operates in the 915 to 928 MHz range.

[0168] In one embodiment, the communications component is configured to broadcast the first data payload in the 915 to 928 MHz range.

[0169] In one embodiment, the first communication channel operates on the local LoRaWAN standard frequency range.

[0170] In one embodiment, the control apparatus is configured to broadcast the first data payload on the first communication channel under 600ms.

[0171] In one embodiment, the control apparatus is configured to broadcast the first data payload on the first communication channel in a first air time between 100 and 600ms, preferably around 500ms.

[0172] In one embodiment, the control apparatus is configured to broadcast the first data payload on the first communication channel as a multicast message.

[0173] In one embodiment, the one or more mobile communications components are configured to receive the multicast message.

[0174] In one embodiment, the control apparatus is configured to broadcast a subsequent first data payload on the first communication channel within a time period from the first data payload.

[0175] In one embodiment, the time period between the start of sending the first data payload and the start of sending the subsequent first data payload on the first communication channel is less than 5, 4, 3, 2, or seconds, and preferably around 1 second.

[0176] In one embodiment, the control apparatus is configured to broadcast multicast animal guidance commands as a first data payload.

[0177] In one embodiment, the control apparatus is configured to broadcast multicast acknowledgements as the subsequent first data payload.

[0178] In one embodiment, the first data payload on the first communication channel and subsequent first data payload on the second communication channel is described as a frame.

[0179] In one embodiment, the subsequent first data payload is described as a recast.

[0180] In one embodiment, the frame is less than 3, preferably 2, or preferably 1 second long.

[0181] In one embodiment, there are two or more frames.

[0182] In one embodiment, the control apparatus is configured to listen for upload payloads via LoRa on the first communication channel sent from the one or more mobile devices during an upload period..

[0183] In one embodiment, the upload period is after a frame, preferably after two frames.

[0184] In one embodiment, the upload period is between 1 second and 1 minute.

[0185] In one embodiment, the upload period is 15 seconds.

[0186] In one embodiment, the communications component is configured to broadcast the first data payload via LoRa on the first communication channel.

[0187] In one embodiment, the mobile device controller is configured to modulate and broadcast the first data payload on the first communication channel via the things network (TTN)..

[0188] In one embodiment, the control apparatus is configured to broadcast the first data payload on the first communication channel over 1 kilometre. In one embodiment, the control apparatus is located over 600 metres, over 800 metres, over 1 kilometre, or over 2.5 kilometres away from the mobile device.

[0189] In one embodiment, the one or more mobile communications components are configured to broadcast the second payload on the second communication channel with a protocol based on one or more of:

[0190] • the IEEE 802.15.4 standard;

[0191] • Zigbee;

[0192] • WirelessHART;

[0193] • Thread;

[0194] • Matter;

[0195] • FSK (frequency key shifting);

[0196] • OOK (on-off keying);

[0197] • a protocol based on the IEEE 802.15.1 standard; and

[0198] • BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy).

[0199] In one embodiment, the second communication channel has a bitrate over 100 kbps

[0200] In one embodiment, the one or more mobile communications components have a bitrate over 200kbps.. In one embodiment, the one or more mobile communications components have a broadcast power between +18 and +30dBm, and preferably around +27dBm.

[0201] In one embodiment, the mobile device controller is configured to instruct the one or more mobile communications components to broadcast the second payload on the second communication channel with a broadcast duration less than 100ms.

[0202] In one embodiment, the mobile device controller is configured to instruct the one or more mobile communications components to broadcast the second payload on the second communication channel with a broadcast duration less than 20ms.

[0203] In one embodiment, the mobile device controller is configured to instruct the one or more mobile communications components to broadcast the second payload on the second communication channel with a broadcast duration between than 5 and 20ms.

[0204] In one embodiment, the first and second communication channels operate in the same frequency range. In one embodiment, the mobile device controller is configured to instruct the one or more mobile communications components to broadcast the second payload on the second communication channel within the second time period adjacent to and following the first time period.

[0205] In one embodiment, the second payload sent by the one or more mobile communications components contains substantially the same data as the immediately prior received payload sent by the control apparatus..

[0206] In one embodiment, the one or more mobile communications components is configured to broadcast the second payload on the second communication channel up to 400 metres.

[0207] In one embodiment, the one or more mobile communications components is configured to broadcast the second payload on the second communication channel up to 200 metres.

[0208] In one embodiment, the one or more mobile communications components is configured to broadcast the second payload on the second communication channel up to 100 metres.

[0209] In one embodiment, the one or more mobile communications components is configured to broadcast the second payload on the second communication channel a distance of at least 4 times less than the control apparatus is configured to broadcast the first payload on the first communication channel. In one embodiment, the control apparatus is configured to broadcast the first payload on the first communication channel a distance of at least 4 times more than the one or more mobile communications components is configured to broadcast the second payload on the second communication channel.

[0210] In one embodiment, if the mobile device controller receives the first data payload it is configured to select whether or not to broadcast the second payload (‘selection to send’) on the second communication channel. In one embodiment, the mobile device controller is configured to base the selection to broadcast the second data payload on a called random function.

[0211] In one embodiment, the mobile device controller is configured to call the random function with a specified probability output.

[0212] In one embodiment, the mobile device controller is configured to base a selection to broadcast the second data payload on one or more of:

[0213] • the mobile device’s proximity to other mobile devices;

[0214] • the mobile device’s proximity to the control apparatus;

[0215] • the strength of the received first payload on the first communication channel; and

[0216] • the mobile device’s battery power surplus.

[0217] In one embodiment, the mobile device controller is configured to receive or determine the time periods and / or time of one or more slots after the first data payload is received, within which to broadcast the second data payload.

[0218] In one embodiment, the mobile device controller is configured to receive or determine the second broadcast time period between the end time of a first data payload received on the first communication channel and the start time of the subsequent payload received on the first communication channel.

[0219] In one embodiment, the mobile device controller is configured to receive or determine when the second broadcast time period will occur.

[0220] In one embodiment, the mobile device controller is configured to determine or receive a number of slots within the second broadcast time period.

[0221] In one embodiment, the number of slots is equal to the second broadcast time period divided by the second payload broadcast duration.

[0222] In one embodiment, the approximate length of the slot is determined by the controller 470 as the second payload broadcast duration plus a buffer period.

[0223] In one embodiment, the mobile device controller, if it determines the one or more mobile communication components receives the first payload, is configured to instruct the one or more mobile communications components to broadcast the second data payload within a slot.

[0224] In one embodiment, the mobile device controller, if it determines the one or more mobile communication components receives the first payload, is configured to instruct the one or more mobile communications components to broadcast the second data payload in a slot selected at random.

[0225] In one embodiment, there are between 10 and 30 slots within the second broadcast time period.

[0226] In one embodiment, the second broadcast time period is less than 1 second, and preferably around half a second.

[0227] In one embodiment, the mobile device controller is configured to increase the probability of the selection to broadcast with each chronologically subsequent slot.

[0228] In one embodiment, the mobile device controller is configured to stop selection to broadcast during a second broadcast time period once the mobile device controller has instructed the one or more mobile communications components to broadcast a payload on the second communication channel during the same second broadcast time period.

[0229] In one embodiment, the one or more mobile communications components are configured to Listen Before Talk (LBT).

[0230] In one embodiment, the radio gateway comprises a server backend system and radio communications gateway.

[0231] In one embodiment, the mobile device has access to a finite amount of energy.

[0232] In one embodiment, the mobile device is powered by batteries.

[0233] In one embodiment, the mobile device batteries are charged by solar panels.

[0234] In one embodiment, the radio gateway is powered by batteries.

[0235] In one embodiment, the batteries are charged by solar panels.

[0236] In one embodiment, the radio gateway has access to a finite amount of energy. In one embodiment, the radio gateway communicates on a third communication channel directly or indirectly to the internet.

[0237] In one embodiment, the third communication channel is a protocol operating under the IEEE 802.11x standard.

[0238] In one embodiment, the third communication channel operates on the 2.4 and / or 5GHz frequencies.

[0239] In one embodiment, the one or more mobile communications components is one or more communication modules.

[0240] In one embodiment, the one or more mobile communications components are a LoRaWAN module.

[0241] In one embodiment, the LoRaWAN module comprises FSK capabilities. in one embodiment, the one or more mobile communications components comprise a secondary communication module.

[0242] In one embodiment, the secondary communication module is one able to broadcast a payload based on one selected from;

[0243] • a protocol based on the IEEE 802.15.4 standard;

[0244] • Zigbee;

[0245] • WirelessHART;

[0246] • Thread;

[0247] • Matter;

[0248] • FSK (frequency key shifting);

[0249] • OOK (on-off keying);

[0250] • a protocol based on the IEEE 802.15.1 standard; and

[0251] • BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy).

[0252] In one embodiment, the payload relates to animal guidance data.

[0253] In one embodiment, the mobile devices are worn by animals.

[0254] In one embodiment, the mobile devices collars worn by animals.

[0255] In one embodiment, the mobile device(s) is or are configured to virtually fence the animals.

[0256] In one embodiment, the mobile comprises one or more electronic devices configured to operate at least one function of the wearable device.

[0257] In one embodiment, the electronic devices comprise one or more of: a GPS, an IMU, a light, a sound source, memory components, one or more stimulus devices configured to deliver animal guidance commands, one or more stimulus devices, solar panels, and a battery.

[0258] In one embodiment, the mobile devices are collars.

[0259] In one embodiment, the animal guidance information affects a function comprising one or more of: disabling collars) from applying stimulus to the animal;

[0260] • enabling collars) so they can apply a stimulus to the animal;

[0261] • cancelling a break (virtual fence) boundary;

[0262] • setting a break (virtual fence) boundary;

[0263] • shifting the animal or herd of animals, via applying one or more stimuli to one or more animals wearing the collars;

[0264] • storing future breaks (virtual fences) for the herd or animal to be shifted to;

[0265] • drafting the animal from the herd;

[0266] • enabling data recording;

[0267] • disabling data recording;

[0268] • turning off the collar;

[0269] • turning on the collar;

[0270] • lighting an LED on the collar;

[0271] • playing a sound or particular stimulus on the collar;

[0272] • requesting upload from the collar of particular animal behaviour data;

[0273] • requesting recording by the collar of particular animal behaviour data;

[0274] • applying power saving modes so the collar uses less power; • firmware updates or changes to the control function or operation of any electronic devices housed or comprised by the wearable device; and / or

[0275] • bit masking information.

[0276] In one embodiment, the system comprises at least two mobile devices, a first mobile device and second mobile device.

[0277] In one embodiment, the first mobile device is located within 1 km, and preferably within 400, 300, or 200 metres of the second mobile device.

[0278] In one embodiment, the system comprises a plurality of mobile devices, preferably more than 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, or 1000 devices.

[0279] In one embodiment, the plurality of mobile devices are located within less than a kilometre of each other.

[0280] In another aspect the invention broadly consists in a method of operating a system comprising: a control apparatus comprising a communications component configured to broadcast on a first communication channel a first data payload characterised by a first broadcast duration; a plurality of mobile devices each comprising one or more mobile communication components and a device controller configured to selectively broadcast and receive data on at least the first communication channel and a second communication channel; the method comprising: operating the plurality of mobile devices to receive the first data payload on the first communication channel during the first duration; identifying one or more devices have received the first data payload, then operating the identified one or more devices to: broadcast a second data payload within a second, reduced, broadcast duration by the second communication channel, the second data payload comprising data from the first data payload; and operating one or more other devices to: listen for the second data payload on the second communication channel.

[0281] In another aspect the invention broadly consists in a method of operating a system comprising: a control apparatus comprising a communications component configured to broadcast on a first communication channel a first data payload characterised by a first broadcast duration; a plurality of mobile devices each comprising one or more mobile communication components and a device controller configured to selectively broadcast and receive data on at least the first communication channel and a second communication channel; the method comprising: operating a first mobile device to receive the first data payload on the first communication channel during a first time period; operating the first mobile device to broadcast a second data payload within a second, reduced, broadcast duration by the second communication channel, the second data payload comprising data from the first data payload; operating a second mobile device to receive the second data payload on the second communication channel during a second time period.

[0282] In another aspect the invention broadly consists in a method of operating a system comprising the steps of: distributing an amorphic mob radio receiver sensitivity field by geographical control of a plurality of mobile devices within a virtual boundary; broadcasting a first data payload into at least part of the receiver sensitivity field on a first communication channel; receiving with at least a first mobile device, the first data payload; and broadcasting from the first mobile device, at least part of the first data payload on a second communication channel.

[0283] In one embodiment, the mobile device is a wearable device comprising a stimulus apparatus configured to apply stimulus to the wearer to provide geographical control of the device.

[0284] In one embodiment, the mobile device is in the form of a collar to be worn by an animal.

[0285] In one embodiment, the radio receiver sensitivity field is formed by the second communication channel. In one embodiment, the method further comprises: receiving, with one or more devices, the at least part of the first data payload, wherein the first data payload comprises animal guidance information; and controlling the one or more devices which received at least part of the first data payload based on the received animal guidance information.

[0286] In one embodiment, the animal guidance information is as described in the above aspects of the invention.

[0287] In one embodiment, the wearable device is as described in any aspect of the invention.

[0288] Wherein any of the above embodiments may relate to any aspect.

[0289] Other aspects of the invention may become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0290] In this specification where reference has been made to patent specifications, other external documents, or other sources of information, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the invention. Unless specifically stated otherwise, a reference to such external documents is not to be construed as an admission that such documents, or such sources of information, in any jurisdiction, are prior art, or form part of the common general knowledge in the art.

[0291] It is acknowledged that the term “comprise” may, under varying jurisdictions, be attributed with either an exclusive or an inclusive meaning. For the purpose of this specification, and unless otherwise noted, the term ‘comprise’ shall have an inclusive meaning, allowing for inclusion of not only the listed components or elements, but also other non-specified components or elements. The terms ‘comprises’ or ’comprised’ or ‘comprising’ have a similar meaning when used in relation to the system or to one or more steps in a method or process.

[0292] The term “broadcast” as used herein refers to the dissemination of information, data, signals, or content to a wide audience, typically through electromagnetic waves, satellite signals, or other communication channels. It encompasses the act of transmitting information to multiple recipients simultaneously, without specific targeting or individualised delivery, however in some embodiments also the act of transmitting information or data to specific recipients. While the term “broadcast” is employed throughout this specification, it is understood that other synonymous terms, such as “transmit,” “send,” or “communicate” may be used interchangeably to describe similar communication processes. The intention is to encompass all methods of widespread information distribution, regardless of the specific terminology employed.

[0293] As used hereinbefore and hereinafter, the term “and / or” means “and” or “or”, or both.

[0294] As used hereinbefore and hereinafter, “(s)” following a noun means the plural and / or singular forms of the noun.

[0295] When used in the claims and unless stated otherwise, the word ‘for’ is to be interpreted to mean only ‘suitable for’, and not for example, specifically ‘adapted’ or ’configured’ for the purpose that is stated. For the purpose of this specification, where method steps are described in sequence, the sequence does not necessarily mean that the steps are to be chronologically ordered in that sequence, unless there is no other logical manner of interpreting the sequence.

[0296] The entire disclosures of all applications, patents and publications, cited above and below, if any, are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0297] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0298] Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example only and with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0299] Figure 1 : shows a schematic of the possible communications network between a device on an animal and the user or processor.

[0300] Figure 2: shows a flow diagram of information between the backend and the device.

[0301] Figure 3: shows a perspective view of the device on an animal.

[0302] Figure 4: shows a schematic timeline diagram of a first device receiving a first communication channel (FCC) payload (Figure 4A) and forwarding the payload on a second communication channel (SCC) to be received by a second device (Figure 4B). Figure 40 shows a schematic communication representation of communication between a control apparatus and said first device, and the first device subsequently forwarding to a second device.

[0303] Figure 5: shows a schematic diagram of a control apparatus communicating with multiple devices and multiple devices attempting to forward (Figure 5A), devices 2 and 3 receiving the same communication (Figure 5B), and a fourth device (Figure 50) receiving communication from another device. Figure 5D shows a schematic communication representation of communication between a control apparatus and multiple devices, and two devices subsequent forwarding to devices 2, 3 and 4.

[0304] Figure 6: shows a schematic diagram of particular (but not exclusive) electronics devices of the wearable device which are functionally required by some embodiments discussed herein.

[0305] Figure 7: shows a frequency spectrum chart showing a first payload and second payloads being communicated between a control apparatus and two mobile devices.

[0306] Figure 8: shows a timeline including time periods of the broadcasting and receiving of payloads.

[0307] Figure 9: shows an example where a control apparatus broadcasts a data payload from a base station to a radio reception field of a mob of wearable devices.

[0308] Figure 10 shows a timeline of control actions for the mobile devices including the first broadcast duration for the first payload, and the second, shorter, broadcast duration for the second payload.

[0309] Figure 11 : shows an example where a control apparatus broadcasts a data payload from a base station to a radio reception field of a mob of wearable devices.

[0310] Figure 12: shows a schematic communication representation of communication between an unhealthy mobile device to a healthy mobile device, the healthy mobile device forwarding the payload from the unhealthy mobile device to a control apparatus. Figure 13: shows a schematic communication representation of communication between multiple unhealthy and healthy mobile devices and a control apparatus.

[0311] Figure 14: shows a decision tree for a controller, with detail on turning on and off transceivers.

[0312] Figure 15: shows a decision tree for controllers of a healthy and unhealthy mobile device, with detail on sending payloads between the devices.

[0313] Figure 16A: shows an unhealthy device in download mode determining it is unhealthy and broadcasting its payload on the second communication channel, and Figure 16B shows a healthy device in a download mode determining it is healthy and listening for and receiving the broadcast on the second communication channel.

[0314] Figure 17: shows a schematic diagram of the system in both a download and upload mode.

[0315] Figure 18: shows a schematic diagram of a decision tree for a mobile device controller.

[0316] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0317] With reference to the above drawings, in which similar features are generally indicated by similar numerals, Figure 40 and 12 shows a system 1 according to one aspect of the invention. Where system 1 comprises a control apparatus 620 configured to communicate a payload with a remote node such as mobile device 420, and vice versa. Where a remote node such as a mobile device is any suitable electronic device that is mobile, or at least detached from a centralised control apparatus such that it is mobile, and preferably operates wirelessly with respect to the control apparatus, and is not necessarily related to the telephonic mobile device. Further, in some embodiments, the mobile device 421 is configured to forward the payload to one or more like mobile devices 422 as shown in Figure 5D. Control apparatus 620 may be a radio gateway and the mobile device may be a wearable device 421 or similar. In the figures, a mobile device referenced as 400, and a mobile device that forwards on a payload, aka a ‘healthy’ device status, or device within reception of the radio gateway, is referenced as 421 , and a mobile device that receives a forwarded payload, aka an ‘unhealthy’ device status is referenced as 422.

[0318] System 1 as shown in Figure 2, may be integrated with a larger system 2, as shown in Figure 1. System 1 may comprise a backend 500 and front end 200, as well as further periphery devices utilised by system 1 , such as GPS, cell towers, etc. In one example, system 2 is an animal guidance system and comprises a wearable device 400 configured to be worn by an animal 10. Such an animal 10 may be any of dogs, pets, dairy cows, beef animals, bovine, goat, bos, bos taurus, bison, sheep, bull, lama or any other animal that is desired to be tracked, communicated with, virtually fenced, contained, moved, shifted, drafted, monitored, and / or ‘guided’ etc. The animal 10 may form part of a herd, mob or group of animals where one or more animals 10 in the herd wear a device 400. In this specification, the wearable device is implemented as a collar, e.g. for placement around the neck of an animal. Many placements and appropriate implementations are possible and the most suitable location will be dependent on the particular animal and environment for use. The device 400 in general is configured to guide animals to a target location, or guide and contain animals within a virtual boundary or fence, such as a virtual paddock or zone according to a command, which is sent via the payload. The payload may comprise animal guidance commands, acknowledgments to devices of a received upload, etc. To guide the animal the device 400 uses a stimulus device 460, which comprises one or more of the following: speakers 461 ; electrodes 462; and vibrator 463. The stimulus can be applied to directionally guide the animal 10. Introduction

[0319] In a broad aspect the invention relates to hardware and a method for mobile, ambulatory, or hyper mobile devices to pass on, forward, or rebroadcast ‘long range’ first data payloads received from a control apparatus on a first communication channel (FCC). This first aspect, which may be called gossip, or a download mode, comprising passing payloads ‘down’ from the control apparatus to the mobile devices and backchat or upload mode, comprises the aspect of passing payloads ‘up’ from the mobile devices to the control apparatus. Generally, this is referred to as communication. These two aspects may be considered separate inventions, but may also be combined as a system and one single invention. Figures 4 - 8 show examples of the download mode, and figures 12-16 shows examples of the upload mode. Figures 17 and 18 show examples of a device controller acting in both or either the upload and download mode.

[0320] Mobile devices which are considered to be ‘healthy’ will communicate, e.g. rebroadcast, data payloads they receive on one channel on the alternate channel. Le in a download mode, a healthy mobile drive is configured to receive data payloads on the first communication channel and communicate said data payload on the second communication channel. In the upload mode, a healthy mobile device status means the device is configured to receive data payloads on the second communication channel and communicate said data payload on the first communication channel. Whereas an unhealthy mobile device status means the device is configured to at least merely receive data payloads on the second communication channel in download mode, or send data payloads on the second communication channel.

[0321] In one embodiment, the term unhealthy means the chances of the mobile device successfully sending an upload to the control apparatus is low, and healthy means the chances of the mobile device successfully sending an upload to the control apparatus is higher. The health status therefore represents the likelihood of successful transmission, and may be determined by various tests, such as those based on communication success, signal to noise ratio or similar. Some of these are described in further detail below.

[0322] Broadly, for the download mode, the mobile devices are configured to listen for first data payloads on the first communication channel, and if the first data payload is received, to communicate the first data payloads as a second data payload via the alternate second communication channel (SCC). If the mobile devices don’t receive the first data payloads on the first communication channel they are configured to instead listen on the second communication channel to receive the second data payload.

[0323] Broadly, for the upload mode the mobile devices are configured to listen for data payloads on the first communication channel - or to determine if they are healthy or unhealthy. If a mobile device determines it is unhealthy, it will communicate its upload as a third data payload on the second communication channel, and a healthy mobile device is configured to listen for and receive the third payload on the second communication channel. Subsequently, the healthy mobile device is configured to communicate the third data payload as a fourth data payload on the first communication channel with the objective of being received by the control apparatus. Thus, the unhealthy mobile device with no reception with the control apparatus, is able to send its payload via a healthy mobile device which does have reception with the control apparatus.

[0324] To determine the health status of the mobile device, the mobile device controller will perform a test to thereby elicit a determination indicative of the health of the communication channel. The health test may be implemented in a variety of ways, such as a data exchange test. The controller is therefore configured to elicit a first communication channel health status based on the wireless data exchange test. The data exchange testis implemented to ascertain which mobile device should communicate with the control apparatus directly and which mobile device should communicate via other mobile devices to the control apparatus. A pass (healthy mobile device status) in the test is typically a successful communication, past or present, with the control apparatus (healthy mobile device) and a fail (unhealthy mobile device) in the test is failure in communication with the control apparatus (unhealthy mobile device status). Typically most communication protocols have some configuration of built in success metrics for a successful delivery of a payload, for example a checksum or similar. A checksum is a value computed from the data within a packet. It serves as a simple integrity check to detect errors during transmission. A response signalling a successful message transmission may be sent from the receiving device or apparatus based on a successful checksum or other measure of data accuracy. Alternatively, a payload merely received by the mobile device is a sufficient indication for the device controller to determine a healthy status.

[0325] It should be noted that in some embodiments the first data payload may be used for a data exchange test, and said first data payload may be rebroadcast. However, any payload received from the control apparatus may be used for the data exchange text, and the data payload received may differ from that which is to be rebroadcast. Further, for the upload mode, a healthy device may be determined by any particular payload received from the control apparatus. The upload mode and download may be used entirely separately and distinctly. However they share common characteristics.

[0326] In one embodiment, the controller determines a mobile device status is healthy if the one or more mobile communication components passes a wireless data exchange test with a control apparatus configured to communicate data on a first communication channel; and unhealthy if the one more mobile communication components fails the test with the control apparatus.

[0327] In one embodiment, a pass in the test is if one or more of the following occur: a data payload is received from the control apparatus; a data payload is received from the control apparatus recently, or during a defined time period; a first data payload is received during a first broadcast duration; a data payload comprising an acknowledgement to a request message sent from the mobile device; or a predefined number of, or percent of expected, data payloads from the control apparatus have been received in a recent time period. The data payloads are assumed to have good integrity and have passed a checksum of some implementation.

[0328] In one embodiment, a fail in the test is if one or more of the following occur; a data payload is not received from the control apparatus; a data payload is not received from the control apparatus recently, or during a defined time period; a first data payload is not received during a first broadcast duration; a data payload fails a checksum or similar, or a predefined number of, or percent of expected, data payloads from the control apparatus have not been received in a recent time period. Where a data payload not being received may comprise the data payload being partially received, or received but with no integrity, i.e a failed checksum or similar.

[0329] The first and second data payload may comprise one or more of virtual boundary data, animal guidance commands, and acknowledgements of prior third data payloads received by the control apparatus,

[0330] The third data payload may include information comprising data collected by sensors on the mobile device. Such as movement data, location data, heat data, image data, biological data, acknowledgement messages regarding previously received messages, etc. As such, the fourth data payload may comprise the same information as the third data payload. Further, the fourth data payload may also comprise information collected from or relating to the current mobile device, as well as information of the mobile devices which sent the third data payloads.

[0331] A schematic of downloads and uploads between the control apparatus, a healthy mobile device and an unhealthy mobile device is shown in Figure 17. This is a simplified schematic that is not to scale with respect to time along the X axis. For both upload and downloads, the invention is particularly useful where devices are relatively close together when compared to the distance from the control apparatus and the mobile devices, as well as in situations where the devices often move around relative to each other (e.g they are ambulatory in nature due to the ambulatory nature of the animal they may be attached) which makes other communications methods difficult or less reliable.

[0332] Effectively in a first aspect, for both the download mode and the upload mode, the system relates to hardware and a method to utilise multiple communication protocols (channels) to increase transmission probability and transmission speed from a received message from a control apparatus such as a radio gateway to a mobile device, and in the second aspect - back again. Where the first communication channel is a long range, low noise protocol such as LoRa, and the second communication channel has a faster rebroadcast duration and shorter range than the first communication channel, such as FSK or an IEEE 802.15.4 standard.

[0333] One potential advantage of this approach is that many payloads can be broadcasted to many devices reliably in a short period of time. For example, a relatively long payload may be sent on the first channel. Compared to the second communication channel, the first communication channel may have a much longer transmission distance, as well as be less susceptible to noise and errors. However the trade off is that the first payload takes longer to broadcast. Practically, in one embodiment where the present system is implemented in a virtual fencing environment, one or more wearable devices are able to be a long way away from the control apparatus yet still receive messages reliably on the first communication channel. This allows a system for a farm or environment to have fewer control apparatus to provide communication coverage to the mobile devices on the farm. However, not all payloads on the first communication channel may always be received by a mobile device, and vice versa, for a number of reasons. This means one or more mobile devices, or the control apparatus, will not receive the payload until the next payload is sent, so not all mobile devices will receive the same payload, or multiple attempts are required to send the same payload, this takes more time, and is not desirable where timeliness and reliability are essential. Another advantage is that devices which are not able to send or receive their payloads directly to the control apparatus are able to do so by leveraging healthy mobile devices.

[0334] In the present example, the mobile devices are typically worn by livestock, and the livestock are typically located close to each other in a ‘mob’, with many, preferably each, animal in the mob wearing a device.

[0335] For the download mode, the mob of mobile devices are most frequently sent the same payload, as the same command is generally wanted to be sent to all animals in one mob. In one embodiment, the first payload is sent as a multicast message. Due the proximity of the animals within the mob to each other and the same command desired to be sent to all devices in the same mob, one or more mobile devices which received the first payload can forward it as a second payload via a second communication channel, over a shorter distance and hence over a much shorter time by using a faster transmission speed. The mobile devices which didn’t receive the first payload are configured to listen for the second payload. As such, all mobile devices are able to receive the payload in a short period of time.

[0336] For the upload mode, the devices in one embodiment may be sending information relating to one or more selected from; their location, acknowledgement of previously received messages directly or indirectly received from the control apparatus, status data, movement data, etc. The data may be an aggregation of data recorded since the data was last broadcast directly or indirectly to the control apparatus, or at least, had been acknowledged as being received by the control apparatus.

[0337] The system has a particular advantage where there are many mobile devices in close proximity to each other and are a long distance (compared to the device to device distance) from the control apparatus. Moreover, in systems where mobile devices operate with limited electrical power— such as small batteries or limited power supply - such as those with small solar panels— minimising power consumption becomes crucial. One effective strategy for achieving this goal is to activate the receivers and transceivers of the first communication channel and second communication channel only when necessary. Embodiments facilitate an advantage of only requiring turning on the receivers and transceivers for very short periods of time whilst they are being used, instead of leaving them on.

[0338] Other systems, such as mesh systems may utilise network graphs to ensure messages are sent successfully. When a mesh system is set up, the nodes may collaborate to form a network graph or similar. Initially, nodes discover each other and share information about their presence and capabilities. They then organise into a self-healing mesh, adapting when a node fails or moves. Nodes communicate rapidly to update each other on network changes, device movements, and signal quality. Some nodes act as backhaul links, distributing data load for optimal performance. The mesh continuously evaluates paths, recalculating as nodes move or new devices join. If a node fails or faces interference, the mesh re-routes traffic for uninterrupted connectivity. Mesh systems such as the one described are not feasible for super low power devices, as many messages must be sent, and receivers and transceivers may have to be turned on for long periods of time. Further, while mesh networks may be able to provide resilience and coverage, they inherently introduce additional latency due to multiple hops. Balancing mobility, coverage, and latency is a trade-off.

[0339] For at least ease of description, the time periods of the broadcasting and receiving of payloads for the download mode will now be broadly discussed and are depicted in Figure 8. The control apparatus is configured to broadcast a first payload having a first broadcast duration within, or starting within a first broadcast time period. Concurrently, one or more mobile devices are configured to have a first listening time period, in which they are configured to listen for the first broadcast. Subsequent to the first listening period, the devices which received the first payload are configured to send a second payload, having a second broadcast duration, within or starting within a second broadcast time period. Further, the same naming convention can be used for the upload mode, where the third and fourth time periods are used instead of the first and second time periods.

[0340] Figure 9 and 11 illustrates an example where a control apparatus broadcasts a data payload from a base station 620 to a radio reception field 704 formed on the second communication channel of a mob of wearable devices, however an obstacle blocks the transmission from reaching some of the devices. The obstacle also prevents the uploads of some of the devices to the control apparatus 620. The wearable device which receives the data payload is configured to rebroadcast at least part of the broadcast according to control strategies described with reference to various embodiments. As the radio reception field is a summation of the reception field of of multiple wearable devices in the mob, and the devices worn by animals will change location, it follows that the radio reception field is amorphic and devices forming the field may be partly blocked from receiving data from or broadcasting to the base station by geographical features, obstacles, or other signal attenuating factors at any time. The radio reception field is defined, in simple terms, as whether or not a receiver of a mobile device is capable of successfully receiving or sending data on the second communication channel. The reception field defining ’in range’ devices may therefore be defined by a threshold signal to noise ratio or similarly appropriate measure of the communication protocol in use. In particular, area 705 shows the transmission energy field from the control apparatus 620, and an object, such as a tree 707, casting a shadow due to blocking part of the transmitted energy field. Area 706 shows the reception field 705 of the first communication channel where the transmission energy is above the SNR threshold of device 400 required to successfully receive a signal. Area 704 shows the second communication channel’s reception field as determined by antenna gain (substantially omni-directional in such an example), receiver sensitivity and the local noise floor. Figure 9 shows a few examples of devices 400 being in range for the first communication channel but its second communication channel not being in range of another device 400. Figure 9 also shows a device 421 being in range of the first communication channel, as well its second communication channel being in range of another device 421 . A third example shows the second device 421 passing the second payload through to another device 421 .

[0341] For the download mode, the devices which are determined by their local controller to be unhealthy are configured to listen for the second payload on the second communication channel during a second listening period. The total time period comprising the first and second broadcast time period may be described as a frame. The listening periods may overlap with one another. For example, if the mobile device does not receive or start receiving the first payload, then it may be configured to immediately or shortly thereafter start listening on the second communication channel. An example of this is shown in Figures 5B and 50. For example, the devices 400 may be configured to start listening 50-100ms before the listening time to ensure the communications package 410 is ready to listen at the broadcast time period, to allow for delays in turning on and off components of the communications package, and / or in case there's any time drift. A listening period may also be a period where a device is listening to receive a payload on the communication channel. However, if a device starts to receive a payload, it may stop listening for any other broadcasts on the communication channel, and focus only on receiving said payload. In the meantime, the other communication channel may start listening for other broadcasted payloads. As such, the first broadcasting duration may extend out of the first listening period into the second listening period. An example of this is shown in Figure 8.

[0342] For both upload and downloads, it is possible to be flexible in when to start listening for broadcasts, and when to start broadcasting broadcasts, and that the variance in overlap if any may differ whilst still staying within the scope of the invention.

[0343] Where system 1 is implemented in a virtual fencing implementation, a requirement is that all devices receive the first payload quickly, and / or all devices are able to upload their payloads quickly. The faster that all devices can receive a payload, the faster a user can send a command to the devices. For example, if a user wants to guide animals wearing the mobile device out a virtual paddock, ideally all devices need to have received the payload which comprises the command to leave the paddock. If some devices get the command and the respective animals start leaving the virtual paddock, then other animals whose device hasn’t got the command may try to leave too, but the device will try to prevent them. It is optimal for all devices to have a mob-level command before the command is executed. The faster all devices can get the payload, the faster the command can be implemented.

[0344] In some use cases, there may be many devices, for example the system 1 comprises a plurality of mobile devices, preferably more than 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, or 1000 devices. In use cases where there are many devices, it is more likely that there is a device that will not receive the first payload, and as such it becomes more important for the devices that do receive the first payload to forward it.

[0345] In one embodiment, the first payload has a longer broadcast duration than the second payload duration. The shorter broadcast duration of the second payload has many benefits, some of which will be discussed. Firstly, it allows more first payloads to be sent more often, as the time period to forward the second payload is shorter. This is because payloads on different communication channels should not be broadcast at the same time as in one embodiment a mobile device cannot listen on more than one channel at one time, or if it can, there is a chance payloads will not be received correctly. Secondly, where there are multiple mobile devices, the more mobile devices that broadcast the second broadcast the more likely that the mobile devices that are listening will receive the second payload. There is a desire for multiple mobile devices to broadcast, so the shorter broadcast durations the more likely messages will not interfere with each other and the more devices can send in the second broadcast time period. Opportunities for organising when the second payload is broadcast with the second broadcast time period will be discussed later.

[0346] Hardware

[0347] In one embodiment, the control apparatus is a radio, or radio gateway. In one aspect the control apparatus is fixed geographically, such as a radio tower, or base station 620. Alternatively, the apparatus 620 is a moveable, such as a satellite or the like. The base station 620 may also comprise one or more peripheral components for operation, such as a controller 624, power source 625, infrastructure, a communications component 621 , and memory 616. The communication component 621 is configured to communicate at least with one or mobile devices 400 via transmitter 622 as shown in Figure 2. Further, the communication component 621 may comprise a receiver 623 to communicate at least with one or mobile devices 400. The communication component 621 may also be configured for, or comprises electronics, to communicate with a local hub, the internet connection, cell, etc. In some embodiments, the base stations 620 can send and receive information to cell towers 630 or satellites 640 to the internet to store data stored on a remote server, such as cloud server 510 - i.e a backend 500, or a local hub 650. One preferred form of a base station 620 comprises a low spread spectrum low- frequency RF transmitter within the communications package. For example, as part of a LoRa transmission protocol system as will be explained herein.

[0348] Figure 3 is an exemplary depiction of a wearable device (collar) 400 worn by a cow 10. In one example, the wearable device 400 is designed to be worn on the body of a user or animal and is equipped with straps 401 that enable it to be attached securely to various parts of the body such as the wrist, ankle, neck or waist. The device 400 in other examples is integrated, or is, a personal hand held device, tracker or the like. The device 400 comprises a housing for numerous electronic components which perform or assist operation functions. The housing houses numerous electronic components which perform or assist operation functions. The straps 401 provide secure attachment for the device, while the housing ensures its protection. Solar panels 403 are incorporated to harness solar energy for charging. The communications package 410 includes a receiver configured to communicate with the control apparatus communications component 621 for receiving payloads over broadcasts on the two communication channels. The memory component 430 stores data and information. The optional sensor package 440 consists of a movement sensor 441 and a location sensor 442 for monitoring physical activity and location. The power source / battery 450 supplies energy to the device. The optional stimulus device 460 incorporates speakers 461 , electrodes, and vibrators for delivering sensory stimuli. Finally, the device controller 470 manages and controls the overall functionality of the device.

[0349] First Communication Channel

[0350] The communications component 621 is configured to broadcast the first data payload at a bitrate of less than 200 kbps, and / or less than 100 kbps on the first communication channel (FCC). In one embodiment, the communications component is configured to broadcast data payloads at a bitrate between 0.3 kbps and 30 kbps on the first communication channel. Wider channel bandwidth allows for higher data rates but may come at the cost of reduced range. This is because wider bandwidth signals are more susceptible to attenuation and interference, limiting their effective range. Higher data rates require a higher SNR for reliable communication. As the transmission distance increases, the received signal strength decreases due to path loss and interference. To maintain a certain data rate at longer ranges, more robust modulation schemes or error correction may be required which can increase the required SNR. Therefore, a lower bitrate allows a trade off speed for efficient data transmission without compromising the quality of the payload transmission. Further it may enable the communication component to send the data payload over a long distance with minimal interference and power consumption. In one embodiment, the bitrate of the first communication channel broadcast is lower than the second communication channel broadcast. However, depending on the communication protocols being used this may vary. If a communication protocol adds more data to payload, for example, headers, footers, error data, or other instructions, the bitrate may differ because a different amount of data is being sent. All things being equal, if the same data is being broadcasted, then the first communication channel broadcast generally has a lower bitrate than the second broadcast.

[0351] LoRa

[0352] In one embodiment, the first communication channel operates in the 915 to 928 MHz range and the communications component is configured to broadcast the data payload on the first communication channel in the 915 to 928 MHz range. In one embodiment, the first communication channel operates on the local LoRa WAN standard frequency range. It is envisaged other long-range communication protocols may be used, such as LpWAN, WiFi, WiMAX, SigFox, LTE-M, DASH7, IEEE 802.11ah, CC430, NB-lot etc.

[0353] LoRa has a low bit rate, ranging from 0.3 kbps to 27 kbps, depending on the spreading factor and bandwidth settings. The settings may be defined depending on the application such as the environment of the transmission, including desired transmission distance and data rates. The LoRa protocol allows long distance, reliable and relatively error free communication.

[0354] LoRa (from "long-range") is the physical proprietary radio modulation technique used for communication between a locally situated control apparatus 620 and the devices 400. LoRa is based on spreadspectrum modulation techniques derived from chirp spread spectrum (CSS) technology. LoRaWAN defines the software communication protocol and system architecture. LoRaWAN is a media access control (MAC) protocol for wide area networks.

[0355] The LoRaWAN network uses a centralised entity, called a gateway or transceiver 620. LoRaWAN is based on a single-hop star topology. Where the gateway 620 sends information packets to one or more devices 400. In one example of this, the devices 400 are smart wearable devices carried by animals. Likewise, the device 400 in some embodiments is able to communicate uploads for LoRaWAN to the gateway 620.

[0356] Internet of Things use cases, such as, smart cities, smart farms, agriculture, forestry, wildlife tracking etc often require spanning large areas. Sometimes tens, to hundreds, to thousands, of sensor devices are deployed to support such use cases.

[0357] Typically, an loT use case comprises severely resource-constrained devices - such as the device 400 and / or control apparatus 620. Whereas the device 400 and / or control apparatus 620 is constrained by power constraints, as it relies on solar power and a battery. Due to the power constraints, some other established long-range technologies may not be usable. LoRa offers long coverage, and reliability and can be used at very low power.

[0358] LoRaWAN is built as a star-of-stars topology, where the devices 400 located in the defined area are able to send packets (data, information) to the control apparatus 620, and vice versa, which is then responsible for forwarding those packages to the backend.

[0359] In some embodiments, the control apparatus 620, also known as a gateway 620, is a Kona Macro loT Gateway from Tektelic Communications. The Kona Macro loT Gateway is targeted at network sites that dictate a small form factor, however it has a relatively large power consumption.

[0360] Rak Wireless is a company that produces various types of transceivers for loT applications. Their transceivers are designed to be low-power, low-cost, and reliable, making them ideal for a wide range of loT applications. Some of the popular transceivers produced by Rak Wireless include the RAK811 , RAK4200, and RAK4600. These are also able to be used as the gateway 620. Rak Wireless gateways generally use lower power then the Kona Macro.

[0361] The gateway 620 can communicate with the device(s) 400 as well as the backend 500. The power consumption of the Kona Macro loT Gateway from Tektelic Communications can vary depending on the mode of operation and usage scenario.

[0362] In one embodiment, when broadcasting either on the first communication channel or second communication channel frequencies, the one or more communications components consume approximately 1550 milliwatts (mW). However, when these components are turned on to receive payloads, their power usage drops to around 27 mW. It is important to note that the actual power consumption can vary based on component settings, type, and brand.

[0363] To optimise power efficiency, these communications components are only activated when necessary, for instance, during broadcasting or receiving tasks. During other times, they remain turned off. Therefore, keeping payload durations short is crucial to minimise overall power consumption.

[0364] In some embodiments it might be necessary for the one or more communications components to remain active for a longer duration than the actual broadcast or receive time. This ensures that if there is any delay in turning the components on or off, they will still be in the desired state during the intended operational period. The specific lag time will depend on various factors related to the communications components, as well as any system latency. The broadcast duration times stated herein are an example of the payload durations, without the lag times before and after.

[0365] The invention can be used in many industries where there are radio transceivers that are solar powered or have limited battery life, and the devices often move around. For example, it can be used in agriculture to track the movements of animals and to guide them to specific locations within a field. It can also be used in forestry to track the movements of wildlife or monitor forest fires. In addition, it can be used in logistics to track the location of goods or vehicles as they move through the supply chain. Further, the nodes could be attached to a hiker's backpack, or be within an IPERB, and use GPS to track their location and communicate with rescue teams in the event of an emergency. Similarly, the device could be attached to birds or sea creatures to track their movements and gather research data where the radio transceivers are often in remote locations, such as in mountains, or on buoys, and require power to be saved. Nodes may comprise asset tracking devices, wearables, smartphones, drones, smart vehicles, or environmental sensors.

[0366] In one example, where the control apparatus 620 utilises LoRa, the device 400 comprises a 860 to 930 MHz RF Front-End device from Skyworks to receive the broadcasts. In particular, the device 400 comprises a SKY66420-11 . The SKY66420-11 is a high-performance, highly integrated RF front-end device designed for LPWAN - supporting LoRa®, SigFox and other unlicensed band technologies.

[0367] Distance

[0368] Transmission distance is a measure of how far a signal can travel before it becomes too weak or distorted to be decoded. It depends on several factors, such as broadcast or transmit power, antenna gain, path loss, interference and noise.

[0369] In one embodiment, the control apparatus 160 is configured to broadcast the first payload a relatively longer distance compared to the broadcasting between devices 400 on the second communication channel. In one embodiment, the control apparatus is located over 600 metres, over 800 metres, over 1 kilometre, or over 2.5 kilometres away from the mobile device and is configured to broadcast the first payload over said distance. In one embodiment, the communications component is configured to broadcast the first data payload over the first communication channel further than how far the control apparatus is configured to broadcast the first data payload on the second communication channel.

[0370] To broadcast the first payload over the aforementioned distances the control apparatus 620 is configured with predetermined settings for optimum range, noise and efficiency. Those skilled in the art of long range communications will be able to determine the optimal settings. For the purposes of illustrating embodiments, the control apparatus 620 is to be considered “long range”, meaning that the usable range of wireless communications of the first communication channel is further than that of the second communication channel.

[0371] Time

[0372] The Things Network (TTN) is a global collaborative Internet of Things ecosystem that creates networks, devices, and solutions using LoRaWAN. TTN runs a crowdsourced, open, and decentralised LoRaWAN network. The Things Stack is LoRaWAN® Network Server that caters to the needs of LoRaWAN deployments. The control apparatus is configured to run TTN.

[0373] For good response time for the devices, it is preferred to send the first payload as often as possible to device 400. This ensures the devices have up to date instructions / commands, and ensures the user gets as fast as possible response time or similar depending on the use case.

[0374] For security reasons, it is recommended to use a unique identifier in each payload to ensure that it is not duplicated, meaning the same payloads on the first communication channel are not rebroadcast over and over again. Additionally, sending the same payload repeatedly, or allowing the end device to receive and handle the same payload multiple times, can make it easier for an attacker to intercept and replay the message, which can lead to security vulnerabilities.

[0375] For download mode, to utilise the first payload broadcast frequency to the devices, it is desired for the devices to be configured to broadcast the second payload in the ‘dead-air time’ or the second broadcast time period, between the first payloads as shown in Figure 8. Where the second broadcast time period is a time period directly subsequent the first broadcast time period which defines the time period where the first payload is broadcast.

[0376] For ease of description, the total time period between the first and second broadcast time periods, or time between the start of the sending the first payloads, may be described as a frame. In a first aspect, the control apparatus and device may be configured as sending and receiving a single frame. However in other embodiments, the apparatus and device are configured to repeat frames subsequently after one another. For example, after the second broadcast time period, another first broadcast time period begins.

[0377] In one aspect, there may be multiple frames, followed by an upload period where the devices 400 are configured to act in the upload mode and broadcast messages to the control apparatus, directly or indirectly via a healthy advice to the control apparatus. The uploads may comprise acknowledgements of the device 400 successfully receiving the payload, from either the first or second communication channel. The upload time period may vary depending on application, for example it may be between 1 second and 1 hour. However, in one embodiment, the upload time period is around 15, or 60 seconds. The system 1 may be configured to implement the upload period after 1 frame, or multiple frames. In some instances, a frame comprises two first data payloads and subsequent second time periods. In a further specific embodiment, the controller is configured for 4 frames in a minute, with an upload mode only occurring in every 4th frame. For the broadcast time periods, and listening time periods, there may be overlap between them, or periods of time given to allow for the devices and control apparatus to start listening or broadcasting. As such, the broadcast and listen periods may not necessarily need to be chronologically subsequent to each other. If for example, the device 422 determines it has not received or started to receive a first payload during a first broadcast time period, then it may switch to listening on the second communication channel, before the end of the first broadcast time period. An example of this is shown in Figures 5B and 50.

[0378] Airtime, or broadcast duration, is a measure of how long it takes to send a message over the air. It depends on the bitrate and the payload size. LoRa has a longer airtime than FSK, because it has a lower bitrate and uses more symbols to encode data.

[0379] The first broadcast duration is the time it takes for the control apparatus to broadcast the first payload. The first broadcast duration may occur within, or at least start broadcasting within the first broadcast time period. In some embodiments, the first broadcast duration extends into the second broadcast time period. The control apparatus is configured to broadcast the first data payload on the first communication channel in one example, in under 600ms. In another aspect, the control apparatus is configured to broadcast the first data payload on the first communication channel in a first broadcast time period between 100ms and 10 seconds, preferably less than 1 second however, and more preferably around 500ms. Having a first broadcast duration less than the time period before the control apparatus is able to send another first payload will allow for ‘dead air’ time between sending the first payloads, and hence this dead air time can be utilised for rebroadcasting the first payload on the second communication channel. In one embodiment, the control apparatus is configured to send a payload on the first communication channel no more than once a second. Hence if the first broadcast duration can be kept under a second (or at least less than the time before the next frame starts, or next first payload broadcast), then there is dead air which can be utilised by the devices to rebroadcast / forward the payload, without interfering with airtime that could be used for first communication channel.

[0380] In a specific embodiment, the broadcast duration for a payload on the first communication channel is 300 milliseconds (ms). Consequently, the one or more communication components remain active for approximately 500 ms to receive the payload on the first communication channel, accounting for any lag time around the 300 ms payload duration. However, the broadcast duration may vary but generally be longer in duration than the broadcast durations sent on the second communication channel.

[0381] LoRaWAN devices can be classified into three types: Class A, Class B and Class C. Class A devices are typically battery-powered and only open receive windows after sending an upload message. Class B devices are similar to Class A, but also open extra receive windows at scheduled times. Class C devices are always listening, except when sending an upload message.

[0382] To send and receive messages efficiently and reliably, The mobile devices 400 and control apparatus 620 need to synchronise their clocks together, and optionally with the backend 500. This is because the listening and broadcast windows are very short (usually 1 or 2 seconds). If the device’s 400 clock is not accurate, it may miss the payload.

[0383] One way to synchronise the device 400 clock is to use GPS, which provides precise time information. However, GPS may not be available on some devices, or reliable in some environments, or the device’s GPS driver may become faulty, or turned off to save power. In that case, the device can use other methods to get the current time from the network server or the gateway. One method is to send a command from the device to the gateway 620, and wait for the gateway 620 to reply with the current time in one of the receive windows. This can provide a fairly accurate time (in one embodiment, ~40ms) for the device to receive payloads, including multicast payloads.

[0384] Another method is to use the broadcast time of the multicast payloads as a reference. Multicast messages are sent by the gateway to multiple devices at once, and they include the exact time they are sent over the air. The device 400 can use this time to adjust its clock and achieve a high accuracy (in one embodiment, ~5ms).

[0385] In one embodiment, the control apparatus is configured to broadcast the first data payload on the first communication channel as a multicast message. Multicast messages are a way to send data to multiple devices simultaneously. In a multicast transmission, a single message is sent to multiple devices that have subscribed to the same multicast group. Protocols such as LoRa may also be used to send multicast messages. The LoRaWAN specification defines an application layer messaging package over LoRaWAN that permits programming a multicast distribution window, along with security credentials, into a group of end-devices 400, in one embodiment temporarily enabling Class B or Class C and reverting them to their original operation.

[0386] In one embodiment, the payload on the first communication channel is an acknowledgement message to one or more devices confirming receipt of upload messages from one or more devices to the control apparatus. The control apparatus is configured to broadcast multicast animal guidance commands as a first data payload, and further configured to broadcast multicast acknowledgements as a subsequent data payload on the first communication channel.

[0387] In a preferred embodiment, the system 1 is configured to communicate at least one frame related to a command, and a second frame related to a multicast acknowledge from a prior frame, followed by a period of time for uploads by the devices 400 to the control apparatus. A number of frames may be described as a superframe. For example, a superframe may comprise of a first frame to send a command, a second frame as an acknowledgment, a third frame as an upload period. A super frame may have any combination of frames.

[0388] In one embodiment, the control apparatus 620 comprises a server backend system and radio communications gateway. The control apparatus 620 in one aspect is powered by batteries, which may be charged by solar power, and as such, the control apparatus 620 has a finite supply of energy. Hence the control apparatus 620 must be efficient with power use.

[0389] The control apparatus 620 is configured to communicate with the backend 500. The communication with the backend may be directly or indirectly on a third communication channel. The third communication channel is a protocol operating under the IEEE 802.11x standard. The third communication channel may operate on the 2.4 and / or 5GHz frequencies.

[0390] Second Communication channel

[0391] The mobile device 400 comprises a controller 470 configured to operate the communications package 410 to listen for and receive, and / or broadcast payloads on the first communication channel. For the download mode, a first payload is received during the first broadcast time period, and for the upload mode, a fourth payload is broadcast on the first communication channel. The communications package comprises one or communications components to listen and / or broadcast on the first and second communication channels.

[0392] In the download mode if the controller 470 determines the first payload was received (or is healthy), the controller 470 is configured to selectively operate the communications package 410 to rebroadcast the first payload as a second payload on the second communication channel during the second broadcast time period. In one embodiment, the payload sent by the one or more mobile communications components contains substantially the same data as the immediately prior received payload sent by the control apparatus. In the download mode, e.g for the download mode, the controller 470 is configured to determine if the first payload has not been received or started to be received during the first broadcast time period, or the mobile device is unhealthy, then the controller 470 is configured to selectively operate the communications package 410 to listen for and receive the second payload being broadcast on the second communication channel during the second broadcast time period.

[0393] In the upload mode, if the controller 470 determines the mobile device is unhealthy it is configured to selectively operate the communications package 410 to broadcast the third data payload on the second communication channel. If the controller 470 determines the mobile device is healthy, the controller is configured to selectively operate the communications package 410 to receive the third data payload on the second communication channel, and selectively operate the communications package 410 to send the third data payload as a fourth data payload on the first communication channel.

[0394] Protocols

[0395] The communications package 410, i.e the one or more mobile communications components, are configured to broadcast the payloads on the second communication channel with one selected from: a protocol based on the IEEE 802.15.4 standard; Zigbee; WirelessHART; Thread; Matter; FSK (frequency key shifting); OOK (on-off keying); a protocol based on the IEEE 802.15.1 standard; and BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy).

[0396] The IEEE 802.15.4 standard is a technical standard that defines the operation of a low-rate wireless personal area network (LR-WPAN). It specifies the physical layer and media access control for LR- WPANs. The standard is the basis for several wireless protocols, such as Zigbee, 6L0WPAN, Thread, and Matter, that provide low-cost, low-power, and low-data-rate connectivity for devices with limited battery consumption requirements.

[0397] Some modulation protocols that are similar to IEEE 802.15.4 are as follows. Zigbee is an IEEE 802.15.4- based specification for a suite of high-level communication protocols used to create personal area networks with small, low-power digital radios, such as for home automation, medical device data collection, and other low-power low-bandwidth needs, designed for small scale projects which need wireless connection. WirelessHART is a wireless sensor networking technology based on the Highway Addressable Remote Transducer Protocol (HART). It uses IEEE 802.15.4 as the physical layer and adds a self-organising mesh network layer and a security layer. Thread is an IPv6-based mesh networking protocol designed for low-power devices in the home automation, security, and health care domains. It uses IEEE 802.15.4 as the physical layer and 6L0WPAN as the adaptation layer. Matter is a connectivity standard for smart home devices that aims to provide interoperability, security, and reliability across different ecosystems. It uses IEEE 802.15.4 as one of the supported physical layers, along with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Low Energy. In one embodiment, the one or more mobile communications components may be components to operate the herein mentioned protocols. In one embodiment, the communications component is a LoRaWAN module. Further, the LoRaWAN module may comprise FSK capabilities. Alternatively, the device 400 comprises two components, a LoRaWAN module and an FSK module. An example module is shown in Figure 6.

[0398] FSK

[0399] FSK stands for frequency-shift keying, which is a way of encoding digital information on a carrier signal by changing its frequency. To get high bitrate, low airtime communication, a transceiver that can support high frequency bands and fast modulation schemes may be used. The size of the data packets and the error correction codes can be optimised for transmission speed and reliability. The bitrate of the broadcast on the second communication channel depends on the protocol used. In one embodiment, The second communication channel has a bitrate over 100 kbps, or over 200kbps.

[0400] The FSK bit rate may be adjusted depending on the use case. It may be adjusted dynamically, or set prior. The bitrate is chosen for how it would affect range, e.g. higher bitrate will mean less range. Most radios have a maximum RF bandwidth so frequency deviation must be balanced with bitrate to find a combination that balances range and bitrate but fits within that max bandwidth.

[0401] Adjusting these parameters can help optimise the FSK system for a desired bitrate in a given communication environment. Having a fast bitrate typically ensures a short broadcast duration. As such, it allows the payload to be broadcast quickly - e.g. have a short broadcast duration.

[0402] The mobile device controller is configured to instruct the one or more mobile communications components to broadcast payloads on the second communication channel with a broadcast duration less than 200ms, 100ms, or 20ms. The mobile device controller is configured to instruct the one or more mobile communications components to broadcast the payload on the second communication channel with a broadcast duration between 5 and 20ms. Various settings such as the bitrate, payload data, broadcast distance, broadcast power, protocol settings may be adjusted to optimise for at least broadcast duration.

[0403] In one embodiment, broadcasting a payload on the second communication channel requires around a 7 ms broadcast duration. As such the one or more communication components are only turned on for around 7 - 10ms. If slotting is employed, for a 7ms payload duration a 10 ms slot may be used. For example, in a specific scenario with 40 slots at 10ms each, the one or more communication components are turned on for 400 ms to receive the payloads on the second communication channel.

[0404] Where the invention is utilised in a virtual fencing implementation, the broadcast distance may be adjusted for the use case. For example, if the devices are smart wearables for cattle in mobs, then the broadcast distance may be optimised for a typical distance a mob may be spread apart, the number of cattle in the mob I the number of mobile devices, the size of a paddock, break, or farm etc. In other use cases, such as remote sensing and environmental data, the distances, broadcast duration may be different.

[0405] In one embodiment, the one or more mobile communications components are configured to broadcast the payload on the second communication channel up to 2000, 1000, 900, 800, 700, 600, 500, 400, 300, 200, or 100 metres.

[0406] The one or more mobile communications components are configured to broadcast the payload on the second communication channel a distance of at least an order of magnitude less than the control apparatus is configured to broadcast the payload on the first communication channel. The multiple may be any of 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3 or 2. In a virtual fencing implementation, the multiple may be 4.

[0407] In one embodiment, the system comprises at least two mobile devices, a first mobile device and second mobile device. Wherein the first mobile device is located within 1 km, and preferably within 400, 300, 100, or 100 metres of the second mobile device or a plurality of devices. The system 1 may comprise a plurality of mobile devices 400, and the plurality of mobile devices are located within less than a kilometre of each other. The distance between devices may dictate what communication protocol to use for the second communication channel. For example, use of a lower transmission frequency may extend range, or selection of a different frequency based on spectral noise floor determinations.

[0408] The relationship between broadcast power and Frequency Shift Keying modulation is characterised by the need to balance power requirements for effective communication while avoiding excessive interference and signal distortion. Broadcast power in FSK affects several aspects of the communication system, such as range, signal strength, and interference. In one embodiment, the device is configured to broadcast at +20dBm. However, various broadcast powers may be selected. The broadcast power can be adjusted depending on how far the devices are from each other, as well as avoiding broadcasting to devices that are not meant to be receiving the commands. Broadcast power in FSK is a parameter that may directly impact the range, signal strength, interference, power efficiency, compliance with regulations, and modulation quality of the communication system. Engineers and operators must carefully consider and adjust broadcast power to achieve reliable and efficient communication while adhering to regulatory constraints and minimising interference with other systems.

[0409] Selection to Send

[0410] In one embodiment, in the download mode where the system 1 comprises a plurality of devices 400, each device which receives the first payload 701 has a controller configured to select whether or not to broadcast the payload 702 (‘selection to send’) on the second communication channel. The selection to send may also be implemented in the upload mode, where mobile devices which have a healthy status, select whether they are to communicate payloads up to the control apparatus.

[0411] The mobile device controller is configured to selectively rebroadcast the data payloads on the first communication channel (in the upload mode) or the second communication channel (in the download mode) based on at least one of: a. The mobile device’s proximity to other mobile devices. This may be determined by the controller 470 sharing locations of its device to the nearby devices, or vice versa, and comparing locations to one or more thresholds. Alternatively, the locations or proximity may be determined by communications methods, such as the strength of received broadcasts such as an RSSI or a link quality metric. b. The mobile device’s proximity to the control apparatus. This may be determined by the controller 470 sharing locations of its to the control apparatus, or vice versa, and comparing locations to one or more thresholds. Alternatively, the location or proximity may be determined by communications methods, such as the strength of received broadcasts such as an RSSI or a link quality metric. c. The broadcast strength of the received payload on the first communication channel, determined from data such as an RSSI or a link quality metric. Stronger broadcast strengths may mean a more reliable payload was received and thus should be prioritised to rebroadcast. d. The mobile device’s battery power surplus. Where battery power needs to be conserved, only devices with a higher batter power should use battery power rebroadcasting payloads. There may be a predetermined threshold of battery power where the controller will select to broadcast or not. The threshold may change spending on the season, or amount of available sun - where solar charged, or recent charging rates, etc. The threshold may be determined by a central hub, or backend 500, which has received all of the battery statuses of the devices 400, and as such is able to set a battery threshold, or select the top percent of devices with the most power available. e. Message sent reliability. The central hub, or backend 50, may determine which devices most often broadcast the most reliable (e.g low error, fast broadcast duration etc) payloads, and select those devices to broadcast payloads in the future. Slotting

[0412] In an alternative or additional embodiment, where system 1 comprises a plurality of devices 400, each device 421 which receives the first payload 701 , or is healthy, is configured to broadcast the first download payload 702, or upload payload on the second communication channel. Where there are many devices, there is a chance that the broadcasts may interfere with each other, leading to a reduced chance of the payload being successfully received by the listening mobile device . Each device may be configured to broadcast its payload 702 within a time period or ‘slot’. This reduces the chance of broadcasts 702 interfering with each other. A schematic of download slotting is shown in Figure 5A. Preferably, each slot is organised chronologically back to back with each other. Other terms such as time slotting, or time slots are synonymous with slotting. Slotting can be seen schematically in Figure 5A, with multiple payloads being sent from many healthy devices in many slots in 5a, and successful payloads 702 shown to be received in Figure 5B and 5C. Figure 17 also shows examples of the transmitting mobile devices sending their payloads in slots in the second, third and fourth period.

[0413] Slotting may be used for both download and upload mode. In the upload mode the payloads broadcast from the device are broadcast in predefined slots. The one or more communications components are turned on to send during these slots. For the devices receiving the broadcast, the controller is configured to turn on the one or more communications components during all of the slots, so the one or more communications components are able to receive the payloads from multiple other mobile devices across multiple slots. In one embodiment, the mobile device controller of a device receiving data payloads on the second communication channel is configured to listen for payloads on the second communication channel during the cumulative time period of plurality of slots. The mobile device controller is configured to determine if the mobile device is healthy during the download mode, then configured to instruct the one or more mobile communications components to broadcast the second data payload within a slot, if the mobile device is unhealthy during the upload mode, then configured to instruct the one or more mobile communications components to broadcast the third data payload within a slot.

[0414] In the download mode the mobile device controller is configured to receive or determine the second broadcast time period. Within the second broadcast time period the controller 470 is configured to receive or determine a slot where it will broadcast the second payload on the second communication channel. Likewise, for the upload mode, the mobile device controller is configured to receive or determine a third broadcast time period. Within the third broadcast time period the controller 470 is configured to receive or determine a slot where it will broadcast the third payload on the second communication channel.

[0415] In other embodiments, the controller 470 is configured to receive or determine a plurality of slots, preferably chronologically aligned and subsequent to each other, where the device 421 can broadcast on the second communication channel within one of the slots.

[0416] Preferably every mobile device has the slots programmed to be at the same time. A time reference may be provided, for example, by GPS clock data.

[0417] In some embodiments, the controller 470 may receive the slot time, or the plurality of slots, from the backend 500, or may determine the slot time, or the plurality of slots, by determining when the first payload finished (or end of first broadcast time period) for downloads, or for uploads - when the second communication channel download slots have finished, or further - other dead air not being used, and determining how many predefined length slots will fit in the free space. For example, for the download mode, the free space is the time between the second broadcast time period and before the next first broadcast time period, or any other period where there are no broadcasts being sent or received. In other embodiments, the slot time, or the plurality of slots, are not based on payload times, but are based on the absolute time, or for example the Coordinated Universal Time. For example, at the first 0.5 seconds past the start of a minute of the UTC, the slots start for the download mode. This may occur multiple times per minute, for example at 0.5 sec, 1.5 sec, 15.5 sec, 16.5 sec past the minute and so forth. For the upload mode, the slots may start every 2 sec, 17sec etc. The number of downloads and uploads may vary depending on the determined embodiment.

[0418] For the upload mode, slotting may also be used for the healthy collars to communicate their payloads on the first communication channel to the control apparatus, for example in the fourth period as shown in Figure 17. The cumulative time of the number of slots may be much larger. For example, if there are 1000 collars trying to upload their data payloads, there may be over 1000 slots. In some embodiments, the upload to the control apparatus slots are not randomised, but each mobile device has its own slot within which to send its payload. This increases the chances of a successful uplink, however the tradeoff is a much longer fourth period.

[0419] In one embodiment, the mobile device controller is configured to receive or determine the second broadcast time period between the end time of a first data payload received on the first communication channel and the start time of the subsequent payload received on the first communication channel.

[0420] In one embodiment, the number of slots is equal to the second broadcast time period divided by the approximate length of the second communication channel payload broadcast duration. In one embodiment, the approximate length of the slot is determined by the controller 470 as the second payload broadcast duration plus a buffer period.

[0421] The controller 470 is further configured to receive or determine which slot it will broadcast the second payload in if there are multiple slots to choose from. There are many methods of choosing which slot each device will choose to send its payload in, a few of which will be described herein.

[0422] The controller 470, if it determines the mobile device needs to broadcast its payload on the second communication channel, is configured to broadcast the payload within a slot of a plurality of slots.

[0423] In one embodiment, in the download mode, the controller 470 is configured to determine if the mobile device is healthy, and is further configured to instruct the one or more mobile communications components to broadcast the second data payload in a slot selected at random. Once the controller 470 has determined it is healthy and has received the first payload 701 , it then calls a random function. The controller 470 is configured to base the selection to broadcast the second data payload on the called random function, and / or configured to select which slot to broadcast the second data payload on the called random function. In a further embodiment, controller 470 is configured to call a random function with a specified probability output, such that with time, the likelihood of a device broadcasting becomes higher or lower. This reduces the number of devices sending in particular slot towards the start of or end of the second broadcast time period. In one embodiment, the mobile device controller is configured to increase the probability of the selection to broadcast with each chronologically subsequent slot.

[0424] Likewise, for the upload mode, the controller 470 is configured to determine if the mobile device is unhealthy and is further configured to instruct the one or more mobile communications components to broadcast the third data payload in a slot selected at random. Once the controller 470 has determined it is unhealthy and needs to send a data payload, it then calls a random function to select what slot during a third time period to send its data payload in. In one embodiment, there is no selection to send in the upload mode for a healthy collar, in other embodiments a healthy collar will have selection to send. In a further embodiment, a healthy collar in the upload mode will need to select what payload(s) it sends to the control apparatus. Figure 5A shows many devices 421 broadcasting second payloads 702 in slots 703. However, where there are many devices, there may be many slots with many payloads 702 being sent in the same slot. This may lead to interference of the broadcasts, and hence the devices 422 not receiving the second payload. However, with randomising what device broadcasts in what slot, there will be a chance that in some slots only one device is broadcasting, this allows the second payload to be broadcast without interference from other devices.

[0425] The shorter the second broadcast duration, the more slots there can be in the second broadcast time period, and thus the higher likelihood of the second payload being broadcast and received by the device 422 which didn’t receive the first payload. In one embodiment, there are between 10 and 40 slots within the second broadcast time period, however this number may differ hugely depending on the number of devices, the broadcast duration, and the second broadcast time period.

[0426] In one embodiment, the second and third broadcast time periods are less than 10, 5, or 1 second, and preferably around half a second. In one embodiment, the second and third broadcast time periods are equal, similar, more, or less than the first broadcast time period. Preferably, the second broadcast time period is equal or similar in length to the first broadcast time period.

[0427] Selection of the third payloads to send as fourth data payload

[0428] Further, in the upload mode, once a healthy mobile device has received a plurality of payloads from one or more other mobile devices, it may be desired to select what payloads to rebroadcast to the control apparatus. This may be desired if there are too many third payloads to be sent with a fourth payload, for example if the payload size is too large. In one embodiment, the controller 470 is configured to select one or more third data payloads to rebroadcast as a fourth data payload on the first communication channel. Wherein the selection of the one or more third data payloads to rebroadcast as a fourth data payload is configured to be selected by the mobile device controller by a called random function. For example, in a system with many (one or more) healthy mobile devices and many unhealthy devices, there are many payloads to be rebroadcast. Due to the many healthy mobile devices potentially receiving the same payload, but not communicating with each other, then randomising what payloads to rebroadcast is an efficient way to avoid mobile devices rebroadcasting the same payloads, or not rebroadcasting the same payloads. Randomization works due to the huge number of payloads and mobile devices. Compared to if the mobile devices selected payloads to be sent via another characteristic, such as size. Then for example, a smaller payload may never be rebroadcast.

[0429] Further, in one embodiment, the selection of the one or more third data payloads to rebroadcast as a fourth data payload is selected by the mobile device controller by a weighted function. The weighted function may be weighted by one or more selected from an age of the payload; a size of payload; an urgency status of payload; critical information or the type of information in the payload; the battery status of the device which sent the payload; and the proximity of the mobile device which sent the payload. In a preferred embodiment, the selection of the one or more third data payloads to rebroadcast as a fourth data payload is selected by the mobile device controller by a combination of a called random function and the weighted function weighted towards payloads which are older. E.g they relate to data which was taken earlier than other payloads. The controller may be configured to sort payloads dependent on the weighted function, then select a portion of the sorted payloads to send. In other embodiments, the controller is configured to randomise the received third payloads based on the called random function, then select a portion of the sorted payloads, and weight them based the weighted function (e.g age of payload) and send a portion of the payloads more heavily weighted than others. In other embodiments the controller is configured to use a weighted random function to sort the payloads (e.g in a list), and select a portion of the payloads towards one end of the sorted payloads, for example, the more heavily weighted end of the sorted payload list. In one embodiment, the one or more mobile communications components are configured to Listen Before Talk (LBT).

[0430] Figure 17 shows the operating time for the control apparatus, an unhealthy mobile device, and a healthy mobile device. The schematic further shows the operating times split into transmission and receiving periods, of both the first communication channel (in this example LoRa) and the second communication channel (in this example FSK). The schematic shows the download mode as the first and second periods, and the upload mode as the third and fourth periods. A skilled person in the art will realise the upload mode may come before the download mode. Further, these time periods or modes may be repeated, i.e repetition of first period then second period, then first period then second period again. The third and fourth period may overlap and take precedence over the first and second period. E.g The download mode may occur twice every 15 seconds, and the upload mode may occur once every 62 seconds. Figure 17 further shows examples of the TX FSK, and TX LoRa having multiple slots within which a data payload (shaded box) is communicated. Figure 17 is not shown to time scale. Further, Figure 17 does not show overlaps, nor lag times for turning on and off transceivers etc. The download mode shows a multicast download being sent during the first period, and not being received by an unhealthy collar, and being received by a healthy collar. The second period shows the healthy collar communicating this payload to the unhealthy collar on the alternative communication channel, in this example, FSK.

[0431] The mobile device controller is configured to turn on the one or more mobile communications components for specific durations. For receiving a payload on the first communication channel, the preferred time range is between 100 and 1000 milliseconds, with a preference for 500 milliseconds. And similarly, to broadcast a payload on the first communication channel.

[0432] Moving to the second communication channel, the mobile device controller is configured to operate the communications components for a brief period, specifically to them on for between 2 and 100 milliseconds, and in one embodiment, for around 7 milliseconds, to broadcast a payload. Additionally, for receiving a payload on the second communication channel, the time on is longer, as the one or more mobile communications components need to listen for longer periods as the time the payload is sent will differ depending on what payload is successfully received from what slot. The preferred time range is between 100 and 1000 milliseconds, with a preference for 400 milliseconds for the download mode. In the upload mode, the controller adjusts the activation time: it turns on the communications components for a duration between 10 milliseconds and 20 seconds, with a preference for a narrower range of 10 to 13 seconds, specifically for receiving payloads on the second channel.

[0433] These times may be expressed as a duty cycle, i.e the time spent on compared to the time spent off. This could be expressed over a minute’s communication, or could be expanded across a day. For example, one or more mobile communications components exhibit a duty cycle: less than 30%, 20%, 15%, 12%, 10%, or 7% per minute. Similarly, the duty cycle per day may be the same, if the 1 minute communication programme repeats every minute, or may be different per day if the 1 minute pattern doesn’t repeat every minute. In one embodiment, the download mode repeats twice every 15 seconds, and the upload mode repeats once every minute.

[0434] The download time for a payload communication from the control apparatus to a mobile device (whether healthy or unhealthy) is less than 20, 15, 10, 3, 2, and preferably less than 1 second. Conversely, the upload time for a payload communication from a mobile device to the control apparatus is less than 60, 30, 20, 10, and 1 second. Methodologies

[0435] The above described functions are implemented by a combination of processing devices within the system, including a processing device of the base station 620, and a processing device of one or more wearable devices. In one exemplary embodiment, in a download mode, there is a control apparatus comprising a communications component configured to broadcast on a first communication channel a first data payload characterised by a first broadcast duration. In this example, there are also a plurality of mobile devices each comprising one or more mobile communication components and a device controller configured to selectively broadcast and receive data on at least the first communication channel and a second communication channel. The processing devices (controllers) are operated to perform the desired functions of the system, which according to one embodiment are: o operating the plurality of mobile devices to receive the first data payload on the first communication channel during the first duration; and o identifying one or more healthy devices. In this way, each wearable device controller determines whether or not that the first data payload has been received during the window of time predetermined to receive this transmission. The determination of receipt or nonreceipt of the payload, or a healthy or unhealthy status, is instructive of the next configuration and operation of the wearable device. For example, when a wearable device determines the first data payload is received, the device controller is configured to then rebroadcast at least some of that received information based on the next predetermined time window for retransmission as described above.

[0436] In one exemplary embodiment, a healthy wearable device is configured to: o broadcast a second data payload within a second, reduced, broadcast duration by the second communication channel, the second data payload comprising data from the first data payload.

[0437] For those wearable devices which determine nonreceipt of a data payload in the predetermined broadcast time period, those devices are then configured to listen for the second data payload on the second communication channel.

[0438] In another example, e.g. a download mode, there is a control apparatus in the system comprising a communications component configured to broadcast on a first communication channel a first data payload characterised by a first broadcast duration, and a plurality of mobile devices each comprising one or more mobile communication components and a device controller configured to selectively broadcast and receive data on at least the first communication channel and a second communication channel.

[0439] The processing devices (controllers) are operated to perform the desired functions of the system, which according to one embodiment are:

[0440] • operating a first mobile device to receive the first data payload on the first communication channel during a first time period;

[0441] • operating the first mobile device to broadcast a second data payload within a second, reduced, broadcast duration by the second communication channel, the second data payload comprising data from the first data payload;

[0442] • operating a second mobile device to receive the second data payload on the second communication channel during a second time period.

[0443] In another example, e.g an upload mode, there is a plurality of mobile devices each comprising one or more mobile communication components and a device controller configured to broadcast and receive a third data payload defined by a third duration at on least the second communication channel, and one or more mobile communication components configured to send a fourth data payload on the first communication channel, and a control apparatus in the system comprising a communications component configured to receive data payloads on a first communication channel the fourth data payload. The processing devices (controllers) are operable to perform the desired functions of the system, which according to one embodiment are:

[0444] • operating a first mobile device to send the third data payload with a third broadcast duration, within a selected slot, on the second communication channel during a third time period;

[0445] • operating a second mobile device to receive the third data payload by the second communication channel,

[0446] • operating the second mobile device to send the third data payload as a fourth data payload on the first communication channel during a fourth time period. The fourth data payload comprises data from the third data payload; wherein the broadcast duration of the third payload is much less than the fourth payload duration.

[0447] And optionally,

[0448] • operating the second mobile device to receive multiple third data payloads from multiple first mobile devices,

[0449] • operating the second mobile device to select which third data payloads to rebroadcast as the fourth data payload.

[0450] In another exemplary method, the control components of the system are configured for distributing an amorphic mob radio receiver sensitivity field by geographical control of a plurality of mobile devices within a virtual boundary. As mentioned above, the mobile devices are often part of an animal guidance system operated to guide animals in a geographic area. Accordingly, the guidance system controls the location of the mobile devices and therefore controls the distribution of the radio receiver sensitivity field within that geographical location. The sensitivity field is affected by environmental parameters, geographic features, and based on the semi-random movements of the animals who wear the devices within that environment and geography. The sensitivity field is therefore amorphic and may change significantly based on environmental and geographic features, and the location of those devices relative to the base station 620. In one embodiment, the receiver sensitivity field is formed by the mobile devices second communication channel and associated mobile communications components. Accordingly, in a download mode the exemplary method further comprises broadcasting a first data payload into at least part of the receiver sensitivity field on a first communication channel. The first payload from the gateway being broadcast from beyond the range of the second communication channel radio sensitivity field. In this way, the transmission from the base station 620 is likely to intercept the receiver sensitivity field, such as shown in Figures 9 and 11 , and therefore provides a likelihood that at least one mobile device will receive the first data payload. Once the first data payload is received by a device within the receiver sensitivity field, the first data payload may be broadcast by said device on the second communication channel within the radio sensitivity field. That is, that the methodology will include receiving with at least a first mobile device, the first data payload. As described above, in some embodiments, a mobile device which receives the first data payload is configured to rebroadcast at least some of that data on a second communication channel such that one or more other mobile devices in proximity have a likelihood of receiving the data. The methodology therefore includes broadcasting from the first mobile device, at least part of the first data payload on a second communication channel. In some embodiments, the methodology further includes receiving, with one or more devices, the at least part of the first data payload, wherein the first data payload comprises animal guidance information; and controlling the one or more devices which received at least part of the first data payload based on the received animal guidance information. The base station 620 is therefore able to relay guidance information to a mobile device which does not have a receiver capable of receiving the signal directly from the base station 620. Likewise, in the reverse, in an upload mode, the exemplary method further comprises broadcasting a third data payload on the second communication channel into the sensitivity field, and mobile devices which are healthy, i.e may have received the first data payload or similar with the control apparatus, are configured to receive and rebroadcast the third data payload as a fourth data payload outside, or beyond the range of the radio sensitivity field, to the control apparatus. In some embodiments, a device which has received the first data payload is configured to rebroadcast at least part of that payload in a repeated and cyclic manner. For example, once the second time period is completed, the first time period and functions within it are recommenced.

[0451] Figure 10 shows a timeline of control actions for the mobile devices including the first broadcast duration for the first payload, and the second, shorter, broadcast duration for the second payload.

[0452] Where download modes and uploads are referenced, they are used to describe part of a programme or controller operation, or distinct portions of time of a programme configured to run across one or more mobile devices, control apparatus, and a server. In some embodiments the invention or programme only consists of an upload mode, and vice versa, only a download mode. In other embodiments, the programme consists of both an upload and a download mode. In one embodiment, there may not be a designated upload or download mode, but these are descriptive of a period of time where controllers and control apparatus are configured to operate in a particular way. For example, the first and second time periods are described as the download mode, and the third and fourth time periods are described as the upload mode.

[0453] Further where reference to third and fourth aspects, such as third and fourth data payloads, third and fourth time period etc, it should be understood they may be separate and distinct from first and second aspects, such as first and second data payloads, first and second time period etc.

[0454] COLLAR DETAILS

[0455] In some examples, the wearable device comprises animal guidance components as are detailed elsewhere in this specification. The guidance components are fundamentally operable to receive guidance commands, and based on those commands, enable, adjust, or disable operation of one or more stimulus output components, such as the stimulus device 460, at one or more intensity levels to guide animals according to the guidance command.

[0456] The collar may comprise one or more speakers, and preferably two speakers, each speaker configured to apply a sound to each left and right ear of an animal. Where the controller in one example is configured to send a control command to instruct the stimulus device to output a stimulus, such as a sound. To directionally control the animal, to for example, guide the animal back inside the zone, or to the target. The animal tends to move away from the stimulus, and as such a stimulus applied to be felt by the left side of the animal will tend to guide an animal to head towards the right.

[0457] In an example of a preferred example, there may be two speakers, the first speaker may be on the left hand side and is adapted to be to be positioned more proximal the left ear of the animal and a second speaker may be on the right hand side and is adapted to be positioned more proximal the right ear of the animal. Both the speakers may be capable of broadcasting sound independently and in concert with the other. Instead of having speakers on two sides, it may be possible that the collar 400 only comprises a speaker on one side, or in the centre position of the collar 400.

[0458] In this example of a preferred example, it is shown that there are two vibrators, the first vibrator is on the left hand side and the second vibrator is on the right hand side. Both the vibrators are capable of vibrating independently and in concert with the other. Instead of having vibrators on two sides, it may be possible that the collar 400 only comprises vibrator on one side, or in the centre position of the collar 400. There may be electrode(s) able to contact the neck of the animal if the collar is secured around the neck of the animal to provide an electrical current or shock to the animal. The first electrode may be on the left hand side and the second electrode may be on the right hand side. Both the electrodes are capable of providing an electrical current or shock to the animal independently and in concert with the other.

[0459] Instead of having electrodes on two sides, it may be possible that the collar only comprises electrode(s) on one side, or in the centre position of the collar.

[0460] It may be possible that the collar comprises either speaker(s), vibrator(s) or electrode(s). It may also be possible that the collar comprises either speakers) and vibrator(s), or speakers) and electrode(s), or vibrator(s) and electrode(s).

[0461] The first stimulus may be in the form of a sound that is varied in intensity, volume and / or frequency, and / or the vibration that is varied in form of strength and / or frequency. For example, the volume and / or frequency of the sound and / or strength and / or frequency of the vibration may be lower initially and gradually begin to increase. The increase in intensity may be based on the urgency in which a response from the animal is desired. If the animal is getting further away from the virtual fenced area, the sound and / or shock intensity may be higher than if the animal was closer to the virtual fenced area.

[0462] The stimulus intensity may be determined by applying sound intensity (SI) between 0% to 100% using the equation SL= PiX + |32a + p3t where, Pi, p2and p3are gains (distance gain, heading gain, and time gain, respectively) which are tuned or adjusted per cow, x is the distance to the target location, to the boundary, from the boundary, from a position, or from a path t is the elapsed time since the animal has left the zone, or left the virtual fenced area, or had it’s heading of the path or course, or left the path or course a is delta heading from the target heading, or heading away from the boundary, path, or position.

[0463] If Sl= 1 , then a further stimulus may be applied. In one example, the controller is configured to apply a second stimulus, such as a shock, if the intensity of the first stimulus reaches a predefined maximum, e.g Sl=1 .

[0464] In a further embodiment, only portions of the SL equation are used, for example any combination of x, t, and a. Such as x and t, t and a, a and x, or x, t, a alone. Any one of the gains may be removed or added depending on the use case. For example SL= p2a + p3t, SL= PiX + p3t , and SL= PiX + p2a.

[0465] The intensity may be a frequency of the application of sound, i.e the rate of beeping. An increased intensity may be increasing the duty cycle of the application of the sound, like a parking sensor used by a car.

[0466] In order to receive commands, the wearable device is in communication with one or more other devices including other devices in the group and / or a central hub such as a backend server described elsewhere in this specification. The most practical channel of communication is by wireless methods as are described elsewhere in this specification. Therefore, in some examples the system comprises a wireless mesh comprising a wireless transceiver component in a central hub and / or a wireless transceiver component in each device in the group of wearable devices such that the device is configured to broadcast to and receive data from devices in the group of devices and / or the central hub. To coordinate the transmission of guidance commands to one or more wearable devices the controller 470 is operable to receive and process data, and make control determinations for provision to one or more of the wearable devices. Implementation of the controller is discussed elsewhere in this specification, however it should be noted that the controller comprises a processor, or multiple processors, and any function of the controller may be implemented on one or more of the processors. For example, each wearable device would have a processor, and the central hub has a processor. The controller may be implemented by one of these processors, or a combination of these processes in order to implement the features of the invention.

[0467] The controller is therefore one of a component of the central hub, is one or more of the wearable devices in the group of wearable devices, and / or is a distributed controller comprising one or more components of the one or more of the wearable devices in the group of wearable devices and / or a distributed controller comprising components of the the one or more of the wearable devices and the central hub . Figure 5: shows a diagram of information flow between hardware components of the system 3. As discussed, the controller comprises any one or more controllers of the system including those of the backend 500 and the device 400.

[0468] In some examples, the controller is further configured to communicate guidance commands to each wearable device in the group of wearable devices operable to enable, adjust or disable one or more stimulus output components. For example, where it is determined that further stimulus applications to an animal may be detrimental to desired guidance control, the stimulus output may be disabled. It should be noted that in such circumstances, the wearable device would ordinarily be outputting one or more stimulus types based on predetermined guidance criteria as is discussed in detail elsewhere. A control determination to adjust or disable the stimulus output is to be understood as a control with a higher status in a hierarchy of controls, therefore overriding any existing control. In some examples, adjusting the stimulus output comprises changing the intensity of a stimulus type, or changing the stimulus type to one or more other stimuli deemed to be of lesser persuasion in a guidance context.

[0469] The wearable device 400 utilises technology by the company HALTER® and is further described in patent publications WO2019180624 and WO2019180623. The HALTER® technology is capable of restraining an animal in a paddock defined by a virtual boundary, as well as being able to shift the animal from one location to another such as from a paddock to a milking shed. The wearable device 400 achieves this via administering audible signals to the left and / or right ears of the animal 10, and / or in combination with administering vibration and / or electrical stimulus to the animal 10, directionally or otherwise.

[0470] The herein described animal guidance functions are provided by a control system which may herein be referred to as operations of a controller, which in some examples may be the same controller 470 and / or backend controller 530. The controller is implemented by one or more computing devices which form the architecture of a system configured to perform desired functions. Reference to “controller” may refer to one or more electronic devices that are configured to directly or indirectly communicate with, or over, one or more networks. A computing device may be a mobile device. As an example, a mobile device may include a smart wearable device such as a wearable animal collar (or “collar”), a cellular phone, IOT capable device, smartphone, a portable computer, such as watches, glasses, lenses, clothing, and / or the like, and / or other like devices. In other non-limiting examples, the computing device may be a desktop computer or other non-mobile computer. Furthermore, the term “computer” may refer to any computing device that includes the necessary components to receive, process, and output data, and normally includes a display, a processor, a memory, an input device, and a network interface.

[0471] Any or a selection of computing devices is configured to communicate with any other computing device as desired, where the terms "communication" and "communicate" may refer to the reception, receipt, transmission, transfer, provision, and / or the like of information, such as data, signals, messages, instructions, commands, and / or the like. For one controller, such as a device, a system, a component of a device or system, combinations thereof, and / or the like to be in communication with another controller means that the one controller is able to directly or indirectly receive information from and / or broadcast information to the other controller. This may refer to a direct or indirect connection that is wired and / or wireless in nature. Additionally, two controllers may be in communication with each other even though the information broadcasted may be modified, processed, relayed, and / or routed between the first and second controller. For example, a first controller may be in communication with a second controller even though the first unit passively receives information and does not actively broadcast information to the second unit. As another example, a first controller may be in communication with a second controller and at least one intermediary controller, where a third controller is located between the first controller and the second controller, processes information received from the first controller and communicates the processed information to the second controller. In some non-limiting examples, data or information may refer to a network packet such as a data packet, and / or the like that includes data. It will be appreciated that numerous other arrangements are possible.

[0472] Further, in some examples, there is a central or master controller which may be referred to as a server, or generally as ‘the controller’. The term server or controller may refer to or include one or more processors or computing devices, storage devices, or similar computer arrangements that are operated by or facilitate communication and processing for multiple parties in a network environment, although it will be appreciated that communication may be facilitated over one or more public or private network environments and that various other arrangements are possible. Further, multiple computers such as servers or other computerised devices, directly or indirectly communicating in the network environment may constitute the controller such as a computing device configured for central service control.

[0473] Reference to “a server” or “a processor,”, or “a controller” as used herein, are intended to be functionally equivalent and may refer to a previously-recited server / processor / controller that is recited as performing a previous step or function, a different server and / or processor, and / or a combination of servers and / or processors, and refer to general implementations of processors which form the functional elements of the controller. For example, a first server and / or a first processor that is recited as performing a first step or function may refer to the same or different server and / or a processor recited as performing a second step or function. Further, reference to a server or processor may refer to a group of servers or group of processors, each configured to perform a task. Such tasks may include processes or algorithms which are undertaken by one or more servers of processors. Tasks undertaken by any one or more processors, such as by an on-collar and / or off-collar processor, are therefore to be understood as tasks undertaken collectively by the controller or control system.

[0474] Examples of this disclosure include reference to cloud computing, implementation of the teachings recited herein are not limited to a cloud computing environment. Rather, examples of the invention are capable of being implemented in conjunction with any other type of computing environment now known or later developed. Cloud computing is a model of service delivery for enabling convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g. networks, network bandwidth, servers, processing, memory, storage, applications, virtual machines, and services) that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or interaction with a provider of the service. Some examples are private clouds where the cloud infrastructure is operated solely for an organisation. Other examples are community clouds, where cloud infrastructure is shared by several organisations and supports a specific community that has shared concerns such as security requirements, policy, or compliance considerations. The community cloud may be managed by the organisations or a third party and may exist on-premises or off-premises. In some examples, a public cloud infrastructure is made available to the general public or a large industry group and is owned by an organisation selling cloud services. A cloud computing environment is service-oriented with a focus on statelessness, low coupling, modularity, and semantic interoperability. At the heart of cloud computing is an infrastructure comprising a network of interconnected devices. The cloud computing models may be managed by the organisation or a third party and may exist on-premises or off-premises. One applicable implementation model for the present disclosure is by Software as a Service (SaaS). SaaS is the capability provided to the consumer to use the provider's applications running on a cloud infrastructure. The applications are accessible from various client devices through a client interface such as a web browser. The consumer does not typically manage or control the underlying cloud infrastructure including network, servers, operating systems, storage, or even individual application capabilities.

[0475] Control infrastructure

[0476] Figure 1 is one example of a general communication system infrastructure diagram incorporating the features of the invention in an example where a device 400 in a field is being monitored and optionally controlled. In this specification, geographical control of sensors, stimulus apparatus, or animals is performed with a device 400 or wearable device 400. In one example, the wearable device 400 further operates to output stimuli that operate to guide an animal. Guidance of an animal is conducted with animal guidance information, and such information may include geographical boundary information, geographical target information and control operations, including stimuli output, which elicit movement of an animal to the target location, and many other animal guidance controls.

[0477] In one embodiment, the animal guidance information affects a function, or the payload data is, comprising one or more of:

[0478] • disabling collars) from applying stimulus to the animal;

[0479] • enabling collars) so they can apply a stimulus to the animal;

[0480] • cancelling a break (virtual fence) boundary;

[0481] • setting a break (virtual fence) boundary;

[0482] • shifting the animal or herd of animals, via applying one or more stimuli to one or more animals wearing the collars;

[0483] • storing future breaks (virtual fences) for the herd or animal to be shifted to;

[0484] • drafting the animal from the herd;

[0485] • enabling data recording;

[0486] • disabling data recording;

[0487] • turning off the collar;

[0488] • turning on the collar;

[0489] • lighting an LED on the collar;

[0490] • playing a sound or particular stimulus on the collar;

[0491] • requesting upload from the collar of particular animal behaviour data;

[0492] • requesting recording by the collar of particular animal behaviour data;

[0493] • applying power saving modes so the collar uses less power;

[0494] • firmware updates or changes to the control function or operation of any electronic devices housed or comprised by the wearable device;

[0495] • acknowledgment messages;

[0496] • time synchronisation data; and / or

[0497] • bit masking information.

[0498] In this relatively simple example, a user 202 tracks the position of a cow 10 within a particular portion of the field and if deemed necessary or desirable, outputs guidance information which may cause the application of a desired form of stimulus to the cow to thereby elicit a behavioural response from the animal, such as guiding the animal to a new location. The user 202 may use a software application (such as a mobile app) on mobile device 201 or PC, which includes, or can receive data from the internet. This software application, as well as any processors or server utilities in communication with the mobile device or PC, may be referred to as the “backend” 500. Again, the backend 500 may be anything that communicates with the device 400, that is not on the device end. However, in most applications, the backend represents a computing device that is immobile. A server and / or the PC 520 and / or the person’s 202 user device 201 may, in some examples, be referred to as a first or primary transmission device operating a first transmission protocol to communicate with the wearable device 400.

[0499] The wearable device 400 is capable of detecting signals originating from one or more of GPS satellites 610, base stations 620 of the first communication protocol, short-range communications devices as discussed further below, and one or more cell towers 630, user devices 201 including short-range communication signals such as Bluetooth.

[0500] By connecting with the Internet 640 via WiFi, Bluetooth, or cellular transmissions such as 3G, 4G, LTE and others, the software application may access the data stored on the remote server, such as cloud server 510. The data contained in the cloud server 510 can also be accessed by a processor of a computing device, such as a PC 520, via a connection through the Internet 640.

[0501] The PC 520 or a user device (such as mobile device 201) comprises a user interface and / or server, and for some examples, is configured to perform a control action on the basis of a control command. Preferably, the processors of the control system are operatively connected to or are part of a user device such as a smartphone, PDA, PC, laptop or any other suitable user device.

[0502] The device 400 may communicate directly with the front end 200 or via the backend 500 to the front end.

[0503] The user 202 may monitor the result of the comparison performed by a processor that is either part of, or is operatively connected to the device 400, on a screen of the mobile device 201 , and depending upon the result of the comparison, the user 202 may send an appropriate control command including animal guidance information or any variable relating to the performance of the device controller / processor. The control command may then be received by the device processor which will then determine, according to the control command received, whether a control action is required. If the collar processor determines from a control command that no stimulus is to be applied to the animal 10, then no control signal will be broadcasted or sent to the stimulus device of the collar 400. However, if the controller determines from a control command that a stimulus (such as a sound and / or vibration and / or an electric shock) is to be applied to the animal 10, then a control signal will be sent to the stimulus device to administer the appropriate stimulus to the animal 10.

[0504] In one example, the device 400 comprises a sensor package 440. The sensor package comprises a position sensing system, or interface with a position sensing system that acts to locate animals and locations of interest within a consistent geographical frame of reference. The position sensing system operates to provide animal position data. The position sensing system further operates to provide a reference to any one or more locations. The position sensing system further operates to provide a relative frame of reference to the animal position data and the one or more locations. Preferably, the position sensing system comprises at least a movement sensor 441 (such as an IMU) and location sensor 442 (such as GPS). In one example, the position data comprises data derived from an animal location sensor and / or an animal position sensor, and the position data comprises one or more of animal location data, animal heading data, animal speed data, and animal angular position data.. In preferred examples, the controller 470 is configured to receive or determine location information as described above, including the one or more locations of interest. The location information may be in the form of coordinate data. In some examples, the position sensing system is a local positioning system (LPS) or GPS. Each of the local or global positioning systems include one or more transmitter components that output location reference data, and a receiver component that receives the location reference data and determines a location of the receiver component relative to the reference data. For example, LPS transmitters may include one or more beacons such as cellular base stations, Wi-Fi access points, and radio broadcast towers to compute the position of the receiver / sensor.

[0505] Locating position information of an object with a GPS position sensor is previously known in the art and calculation of a position is performed by precisely timing the signals sent by GPS satellites high above the Earth. Each satellite may continually broadcast messages that may include the time the message was broadcasted, precise orbital information (the ephemeris), the general system health, and rough orbits of all GPS satellites (the almanac). The GPS sensor / receiver may use the messages it receives to determine the transit time of each message and compute the distance to each satellite. These distances along with the satellite locations may be used with the possible aid of trilateration, depending on which algorithm is used, to compute the position of the receiver / sensor, and therefore the animal attached to the receiver / sensor.

[0506] In preferred examples, animal position data is derived from a positioning system receiver attached to a collar worn by an animal and is configured to communicate LPS or GPS data to the controller to thereby indicate the animal position data.

[0507] In some examples, the controller is configured to determine the location of each animal wearing a collar. In such examples, the controller is configured to receive position data from a position sensing receiver located on each collar. For a herd of animals, the controller may thereby determine the location of each animal wearing a collar which includes a position sensing receiver. In some examples, the controller is configured to receive position data pertaining to one or more locations of interest within the geographical frame of reference. In some examples, the controller is configured to determine if a control action is required based on a comparison of at least one received position with other position data. The position data may include longitude, latitude, altitude, and / or horizontal position or coordinate data pertaining to the animal or other locations of interest.

[0508] Collar Hardware

[0509] Guidance information is operable to direct an animal to, or contain an animal within a desired location. Guidance information may also include information derived from sensors on the wearable device 400 which are then communicated to the controller 530 for application in further determinations. Guidance information or commands, may also include other data which may be communicated between the controller 530 and / or a wearable device 400, including control outputs which may direct particular operation of any one or more electronic devices of the wearable device, or changes to any software stored for execution on the wearable device.The guidance information may include the commands, messages, stimuli information, geographical target locations for the animals to be guided to, virtual fencing I hold in zone information defining a containment zone for an animal to be guided within, and / or pathway data indicating a path an animal is to be guided along. The guidance information may include or be based on animal data including animal activity of location data, historic animal location data, and future or desired animal location data. Any one or more of the depicted information devices may be communicated between the server and wearable device according to desired guidance functions of the system.

[0510] The wearable device may further comprise one or more antennae that operate to communicate radio signals to and from the device. A GPS antenna may also be integrated with the antennae of any one or more of the communications devices. For example, the antennae may comprise separate elements tuned for particular radio communication frequencies, or may have broadband or multiband elements such as combining GPS receiver with wireless network communication into a single package, and or for short-range communications.

[0511] In some examples, animal movement data is derived from the GPS signal. For example, a heading and speed can be derived from changing GPS coordinates; or acceleration data can be derived from changing GPS coordinates and thereby used to determine a change in speed and displacement. In some examples, the wearable device 400 contains an IMU configured to directly sense, for example, movement and heading data. Any number of IMU sensors may also be contained on the wearable device 400 for providing animal guidance data. Any combination of GPS and IMU-derived position and location data may be used by the controller as part of the deployment of guidance data or determinations of guidance data.

[0512] Power for the electronic devices of the wearable device 400 is provided by a battery, preferably rechargeable. The battery is typically supported by a charging circuit and renewable energy source such as a solar panel. Particular operations to mitigate power consumption are discussed further below. Preferably the battery is rechargeable. Preferably the recharging power is provided by a solar or wireless power transfer device. However, in some examples, the battery is intended to be recharged by removal of the collar from the animal and connected to a source of charging power.

[0513] In preferred forms, the Communications Package 410 comprises a communications device or is a radio transceiver or uses a radio signal in order to report the status of the device (status data) and / or to update a new area boundary, receive new instructions, receive commands, and / or other parameters such as the communication of other sensor data.

[0514] The communications device 410 is configured to communicate to at least the controller 530.

[0515] Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to elements or integers having known equivalents, then such equivalents are included as if they were individually set forth.

[0516] Although the invention has been described by way of example and with reference to particular examples, it is to be understood that modifications and / or improvements may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

[0517] Reference Numerals

[0518] Animal 10 Cloud server 510

[0519] PC 520

[0520] System Controller 530

[0521] System 1 (Control Apparatus + Collar)

[0522] System 2 (Device + Local Network) Communications Network 600

[0523] Full System 3 (Frontend, Backend, GPS satellites 610

[0524] Device) Gateway / towers 620 communications package 621

[0525] Front End 200 transmitter 622 user device 201 receiver 623 user 202 controller 624 memory 626

[0526] Wearable device 400 power source 625 straps 401 cell towers 630 housing 402 Internet / satellite internet 640 solar panels 403 local hub 650

[0527] Master 421 FCC Payload 701

[0528] Slave 422 SCC Payload 702

[0529] Slot 703

[0530] Communications Package 410 Area 704 shows the second communication

[0531] Receiver 415 channel’s reception field as determined by memory component 430 antenna gain

[0532] Sensor Package 440

[0533] Movement Sensor 441 area 705 shows the transmission energy field

[0534] Location Sensor GPS 442 from the control apparatus 620 power source / battery 450 stimulus devices Area 706 shows the first communication speakers 461 channel’s reception field 705 transmission electrode 462 energy above an SNR threshold of device

[0535] Controller 470 Tree 707

[0536] Backend 500

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A system comprising: o a plurality of remote mobile devices, each comprising one or more mobile communication components and a controller operable to selectively operate the one or more communication components on at least a first and a second communication channel; and o a control apparatus configured to communicate data with one or more of the mobile devices on the first communication channel; wherein the controller of each mobile communication device is configured to: o control operation of the one or more communication components on the first channel; o control operation of the one or more communication components on the second channel to communicate data payloads with one or more other mobile devices; and o elicit a first communication channel health status based on a wireless data exchange test, wherein the status is determined healthy for a test passed, and the status is determined unhealthy for a test failed; o based on a healthy determination, control the operation of one or more of:• the second channel to communicate data received from the control apparatus on the first channel; and• the first channel to communicate data received on the second channel; and o based on an unhealthy determination, control the operation of the second channel to communicate data with one or more other mobile devices.

2. The system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the controller is further configured to selectively operate the one or more mobile communication components in at least one selected from o a download mode to• receive a first data payload from the control apparatus on the first communication channel and broadcast a repeat of said first data payload as a second data payload on the second communication channel, if the mobile device is determined as healthy; and• receive said second data payload sent on the second communication channel, if the mobile device is determined as unhealthy; and o an upload mode to• broadcast a third data payload on the second communication channel if the mobile device is determined as unhealthy; and• receive said third data payload on the second communication channel and broadcast a repeat of said third data payload as a fourth data payload on the first communication channel if the mobile device is determined as healthy.

3. The system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the data payloads sent on the second communication channel are characterised by having a broadcast duration less than the broadcast duration of data payloads sent on the first communication channel.

4. The system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the system comprises the control apparatus, the control apparatus comprising a communications component configured to transceive said data payloads on a first communication channel with one or more of the plurality of mobile devices.

5. The system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first communication channel is LoRa.

6. The system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the communications component is configured to broadcast on the first communication channel at a bitrate of less than 100 kbps on the first communication channel.

7. The system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the communications component is configured to broadcast and / or receive the data payload(s) over the first communication channel further than the how far the communications component is configured to broadcast the data payload(s) on the second communication channel.

8. The system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control apparatus is configured to broadcast the data payload(s) on the first communication channel under 600 milliseconds.

9. The system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control apparatus is configured to broadcast the first data payload on the first communication channel over 1 kilometre.

10. The system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control apparatus is located over 600 metres, over 800 metres, over 1 kilometre, or over 2.5 kilometres away from the mobile device.11 . The system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second communication channel has a bitrate over 100 kbps.

12. The system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more mobile communications components are configured to broadcast the second data payload on the second communication channel with one selected from o a protocol based on the IEEE 802.15.4 standard; o Zigbee; o WirelessHART; o Thread; o Matter; o FSK (frequency key shifting); o OOK (on-off keying); o a protocol based on the IEEE 802.15.1 standard; and o BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy).

13. The system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mobile device controller is configured to instruct the one or more mobile communications components to broadcast the data payload(s) on the second communication channel with a broadcast duration between than 5 and 20ms.

14. The system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more mobile communications components are configured to broadcast the data payload(s) on the second communication channel a distance of at least 4 times less than the control apparatus is configured to broadcast the data payload(s) on the first communication channel.

15. The system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the data exchange test is passed if the one or more mobile communication components communicate with the control apparatus over the first communication channel, and fails if the one or more mobile communication components can’t communicate with the control apparatus over the first communication channel.

16. The system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the data exchange test is passed if the one or more mobile communication components receive from and / or broadcast to, a payload, with the control apparatus over the first communication channel.

17. The system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein if the mobile device controller receives the data payload from the control apparatus it is configured to select whether or not to broadcast the second data payload (‘selection to send’) on the second communication channel.

18. The system as claimed in claim 17, wherein the mobile device controller is configured to base a selection to send the second data payload on a called random function.

19. The system as claimed in the preceding claims, wherein the mobile device controller of a mobiledevice broadcasting on the second communication channel is configured to broadcast the data payload on the second communication channel with one slot selected from a plurality of slots.

20. The system as claimed in claim 19, wherein a slot is defined as a time period at a defined time.21 . The system as claimed in claim 19 or 20, wherein the mobile device controller of a device receiving data payloads on the second communication channel is configured to listen for data payloads on the second communication channel during the cumulative time period of the plurality of slots.

22. The system as claimed in claim 19, wherein the mobile device controller is configured to define the plurality of slots as comprising 10 - 100 slots, preferably 40 slots.

23. The system as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein a slot is defined with a time period between 2 and 200ms, preferably 10ms.

24. The system as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 23, wherein the mobile device controller is configured to determine o if the mobile device is healthy during the download mode, then configured to instruct the one or more mobile communications components to broadcast the second data payload within a slot, o if the mobile device is unhealthy during the upload mode, then configured to instruct the one or more mobile communications components to broadcast the third data payload within a slot.

25. The system as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 24, wherein the mobile device controller is configured to call a random function to select one slot from the plurality of slots broadcast in.

26. The system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mobile device controller is configured to determine the mobile device is healthy in the upload mode, then to receive (turn on the one or more mobile communications components and listen on the second communication channel) for one or more third data payloads from one or more mobile devices and subsequently select one or more third data payloads to rebroadcast as a fourth data payload on the first communication channel.

27. The system as claimed in claim 26, wherein the selection of the one or more third data payloads to rebroadcast as the fourth data payload is configured to be selected by the mobile device controller by a called random function.

28. The system as claimed in claim 27, wherein the selection of the one or more third data payloads to rebroadcast as the fourth data payload is selected by the mobile device controller by a weighted function.

29. The system as claimed in claim 27, wherein the selection of the one or more third data payloads to rebroadcast as the fourth data payload is selected by the mobile device controller by a combination of a called random function and the weighted function weighted towards data payloads which are older.

30. The system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more mobile communications components have a power draw whilst o receiving of between 5 and 45 mW, and preferably around 25mW; and o broadcasting of between 1000 and 2000mW, and preferably around 1500mW.31 . The system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mobile device controller is configured to turn on the one or more mobile communications components for a time between 100 and 1000 ms, preferably for 500ms to receive a data payload on the first communication channel.

32. The system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mobile device controller is configured to turn on the one or more mobile communications components for a time between 100 and 1000 ms, preferably for 300ms to broadcast a data payload on the first communication channel.

33. The system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mobile device controlleris configured to turn on the one or more mobile communications components for a time between 2 and 100ms, preferably for 7ms to broadcast a data payload on the second communication channel.

34. The system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mobile device controller is configured to turn on the one or more mobile communications components for a time between 100 and 1000 ms, preferably for 400ms to receive a data payload on the second communication channel.

35. The system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mobile device is a wearable device comprising a stimulus apparatus configured to apply stimulus, dependent on received animal guidance information in the data payload, to a wearer of the wearable device to provide operational geographical control of the device.

36. The system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the system comprises at least two mobile devices, a first mobile device and second mobile device.

37. The system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mobile devices comprise an adequate signal to noise ratio on the second communication channel up to 1 km, and preferably up to 400, 300, or 200 metres.

38. The system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the system comprises a plurality of mobile devices, preferably more than 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, or 1000 devices.

39. The system as claimed in claim 38, wherein the plurality of mobile devices each have the same type of mobile communications components.

40. The system claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first data payload comprises one or more of virtual boundary data, animal guidance commands, and acknowledgements of prior third data payloads received by the control apparatus.41 . The claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the third data payload comprises information relating to one or more of recorded sensor data relating to one or more of animal movement, location, health, biometrics, and reproduction; or acknowledgements or prior received data payloads.

42. A method of operating a mobile device configured to communicate data payloads with a plurality of mobile devices on alternative channels, and operating a control apparatus comprising a communications component configured to communicate a data payload on a first communication channel with one or more of the plurality of mobile devices; the plurality of mobile devices each comprising one or more mobile communication components and a mobile device controller configured to selectively broadcast and receive data on at least the first communication channel and a second communication channel, the method comprising: o providing a control apparatus operating the plurality of mobile devices to receive the data payload on the first communication channel; o identifying one or more of the plurality of mobile devices as healthy based on they receiving the data payload on the first communication channel and unhealthy if not; o selectively operating the one or more mobile communication components of one or more identified healthy mobile devices to communicate received data payloads on the alternative channel to which they were received; and o communicating data payloads from one or more unhealthy mobile devices on the second communication channel.

43. The method as claimed in claim 42, wherein the received data payload from the control apparatus is a first data payload.

44. The method as claimed in claim 43, wherein the method comprises the steps of o operating the identified one or more healthy devices to broadcast a second data payload within a second, reduced, broadcast duration compared to the first datapayload, by the second communication channel, the second data payload comprising data from the first data payload; and o operating one or more other unhealthy devices to listen for and receive the second data payload on the second communication channel.

45. The method as claimed in claim 43 or 44, wherein the method comprises the steps of o operating the identified one or more unhealthy devices to broadcast a third data payload within a third, reduced, broadcast duration compared to the first data payload duration, by the second communication channel; and o operating the one or more healthy devices to: i. listen for and receive the third data payload on the second communication channel; and ii. broadcast a fourth data payload by the first communication channel, the fourth data payload comprising data from the third data payload.

46. The method as claimed in any one of claims 42 to 45, wherein the method further comprises the steps of: receiving, with one or more mobile devices, the at least part of the first data payload, wherein the first data payload comprises animal guidance information; and controlling one or more of the plurality of mobile devices which received at least part of the first data payload based on the received animal guidance information.

47. The method as claimed in any one of claims 42 to 46, wherein the method comprises the step of performing a data exchange test which is passed if the one or more mobile communication components communicate with the control apparatus over the first communication channel, and failed if the one or more mobile communication components can’t communicate with the control apparatus over the first communication channel.

48. The method as claimed in any one of claims 42 to 47, wherein the method comprises the steps of o selectively operating the one or more mobile communication components in at least one selected from i. a download mode to• receive the first data payload from the control apparatus on the first communication channel and broadcast a repeat of said first data payload as a second data payload on the second communication channel, if the mobile device is determined as healthy; and• receive said second data payload sent on the second communication channel, if the mobile device is determined as unhealthy; and ii. an upload mode to• broadcast a third data payload on the second communication channel if the mobile device is determined as unhealthy; and• receive said third data payload on the second communication channel and broadcast a repeat of said third data payload as a fourth data payload on the first communication channel if the mobile device is determined as healthy.

49. The method as claimed in claim 48, wherein the method comprises the step of a healthy mobile device: selecting, via the mobile device controller, whether or not to broadcast the second data payload (‘selection to send’) on the second communication channel.

50. The method as claimed in claim 49, wherein the mobile device controller is configured to base a selection to broadcast the second data payload on a called random function.51 . The method as claimed in claim 45, wherein the method comprises the step of broadcasting one or more of: o the second data payload on the second communication channel; o the third data payload on the second communication channel; and o the fourth data payload on the first communication channel;in one of a plurality of slots.

52. The method as claimed in any one of claims 42 to 51 , wherein the method comprises the step of selecting one of the plurality of slots.

53. The method as claimed in claim 52, wherein the step of selecting one of the plurality of slots is based on a called random function.

54. The method as claimed in claim 52 or 53, wherein the step of selecting one of the plurality of slots is based on a weighted random function.

55. The method as claimed in claim 54, wherein the weighted random function is weighted on the age of the data payload.

56. A method of operating a system comprising the steps of: distributing an amorphic mob radio receiver sensitivity field by geographical control of a plurality of mobile devices within a virtual boundary; and one or more selected from a download step and an upload step, the download step comprising: o operating a control apparatus to broadcast a first data payload to the plurality of devices on a first communication channel from beyond the range of the receiver sensitivity field defined by a second communication channel; o receiving with at least a first one first mobile device, the first data payload on the first communication channel; and o broadcasting from the first at least one first mobile device, at least part of the first data payload as a second data payload into at least part of the receiver sensitivity field on the second communication channel; and the upload step comprising: o broadcasting with at least one mobile device which didn’t receive the first data payload, a third data payload into at least part of the receiver sensitivity field on the second communication channel; o receiving with at least one mobile device which received a first data payload the third data pay load; and o broadcasting from the at least one mobile device which received a first data payload at least part of the third data payload as a fourth data payload on the first communication channel beyond the range of the receiver sensitivity field.

57. The method as claimed in claim 56, wherein the radio receiver sensitivity field is formed by the second communication channel.

58. The method as claimed in claims 56 or 57, wherein a control apparatus is configured to broadcast the first data payload, and receive the fourth data payload.

59. The method as claimed in any one of claims 56 to 58, wherein the mobile device comprises a controller, and one or more mobile communication components.

60. The method as claimed in claim 59, wherein the method comprises the step of determining, via the controller, if a mobile device is o healthy based on the one or more mobile communication components passing a wireless data exchange test with the control apparatus; and o unhealthy based on the one more mobile communication components failing the test with the control apparatus.61 . The method as claimed in claim 60, wherein the data exchange test: o is passed and a mobile device determined as healthy if one or more of the following occur:I. a data payload is received from the control apparatus;II. a data payload is received from the control apparatus recently, or during a defined time period; ill. a first data payload is received during a first broadcast duration;iv. a data payload comprising an acknowledgement to a request message sent from the mobile device; or v. a predefined number of, or percent of expected, data payloads from the control apparatus have been received in a recent time period; and / or o is failed and a mobile device determined as unhealthy if one or more of the following occur: i. the data exchange test is not passed;II. a data payload is not received from the control apparatus; ill. a data payload is not received from the control apparatus recently, or during a defined time period; iv. a first data payload is not received during a first broadcast duration; or v. a predefined number of, or percent of expected, data payloads from the control apparatus have not been received in a recent time period.

62. The method as claimed in any of of claims 59 to 61 , wherein the method comprises the step of selectively operating, via the controller, the one or more mobile communication components to o communicate received data payloads on the alternative channel to which they were received if a mobile device is determined to be healthy; and o communicate data payloads on the second communication channel if a mobile device is determined to be unhealthy; o a control apparatus comprising a communications component configured to receive data payloads on a first communication channel; o three or more mobile devices each comprising a mobile communication component and a mobile device controller configured to:• selectively operate the mobile communication component to receive or broadcast data on a second communication channel; and broadcast said data on the first communication channel;• determine if the mobile device can’t communicate with the control apparatus, then broadcast a third data payload on the second communication channel; and• determine if the mobile device can communicate with the control apparatus then a. listen for and receive third data payloads on the second communication channel from like mobile devices; and b. broadcast at least the received third data payload on the first communication channel as a fourth data payload.

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