A device for monitoring animal welfare and antennae for same

Abstract

The invention is a monitoring device, and a housing and RFID antennae for same, configured to be worn by an animal and which includes an RFID scanner which is arranged to interrogate an RFID implant provided to the animal to retrieve or collect, at the very least, identification data relating the animal. The housing is arranged to contain the RFID antennae, which is a continuous loop or coil, in a three-dimensional form.

Description

[0001] J&W ref: 319984 PCT

[0002] A DEVICE FOR MONITORING ANIMAL WELFARE AND ANTENNAE FOR SAME STATEMENT OF CORRESPONDING APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application is based on Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2025900575, filed on 27 February 2025, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0004] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0005] The present invention relates to a device for use in monitoring animal welfare and a method of using same. The invention has particular application for, but is not limited to, use with horses.

[0006] BACKGROUND ART

[0007] Animal welfare is an important aspect of animal husbandry, and there is an increased acknowledgement of the need for humane and considerate treatment of animals, such as livestock species.

[0008] For example, in the horse racing sector, being able to monitor aspects of the physiological condition of the horses, such as temperature, is helpful as it can be indicative of potential health problems. For example, an unexpected increase in temperature can be indicative of a potential stressor in the horse. Monitoring of certain physiological characteristics, such as gait and stride, can also be helpful in training race horses. Implantable sensors for detecting temperature, respiration, and / or other biometrics of interest are known. In some instances, one or more of these sensors may be included or integrated into a radio frequency identification (RFID) implant in the horse. Such implants may then be interrogated by RFID scanners to retrieve and / or recover the biometric data of interest.

[0009] Interrogation of the RFID implant requires the antennae of the scanner to be in close proximity or physical contact. These scanners may be handheld devices but in some instances, the scanner may be provided to an enclosure, or pathway to an enclosure, such that the horse has to pass it. A drawback with having scanners in a fixed location is that it requires a worker to collect or otherwise corral the horse and direct it towards the scanner in order to interrogate the RFID implant. This may be relatively consuming and a drain on manpower.

[0010] Handheld scanners may also be problematic as their use may be subject to availability and maintenance; for example, their batteries must be kept charged. It also requires the operator to physically come into contact with, or at least be close to, the horse being monitored to interrogate the RFID implant and retrieve the biometric data of interest.J&W ref: 319984 PCT

[0011] Furthermore, these arrangements are not useful in providing biometric data in real time. This may be problematic if a horse were to experience a stressor event after being scanned or when away from the location of, or operator with, the scanner. This may go undetected or only identified later, when the data from the monitoring device has been collected.

[0012] Monitoring devices which are worn by animals and include RFID scanners for interrogating the RFID implant, and then retrieving and transmitting biometric data to a remote handheld electronic device, such as a smartphone or laptop, or to a cloud-based service are known. One such example used in companion animals, such as dogs, is described in United States Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0120154 ('154). However, the effectiveness of such monitoring devices can be compromised by the robustness and orientation of the antennae provided to the RFID scanner.

[0013] Conventional RFID antennae are usually arranged so that they are substantially rigid and flat within the monitoring device. If provided exterior to the monitoring device, the RFID antennae would be vulnerable to damage in the event the portion of the horse bearing the monitoring device makes contact with objects such as a fence post, another horse or even the ground.

[0014] For optimal performance, conventional RFID antennae need to maintain their planar form and orientation, i.e. retain a substantially two-dimensional form, while in use. Any deformation or distortion in its shape can affect the inductance characteristics of the RFID antennae as well the orientation of its reception range. This is a problem in the arrangement of '154, which essentially exists only in a width and depth plane.

[0015] For a stable and secure placement of the monitoring device on a horse, while still not inhibiting its ability to move its head and neck, it is helpful to have it configured with a large collar-type body with a degree of flexibility, for conformity to the horse both when being fitted and being worn. However, this limits the placement of the RFID antennae to regions of the monitoring device that do not undergo any changes, or only has limited changes, in shape such that it maintains its two-dimensional form.

[0016] This then places constraints on the size of the RFID antennae, which in turn affects its performance, particularly in respect of detecting and interrogating the RFID implant that is provided to the animal. Thus, the performance of the RFID may be compromised.

[0017] Careful placement of the monitoring device may be required to ensure that the RFID antennae is in proximity to the RFID implant. This may require the person putting the monitoring device on the animal to have knowledge of the precise placement of the RFID implant, which may not always be practical in, for example, a horse racing or training environment where multiple people may be working with the horse. In some instances, close inspection may be required to visually detect the RFID implant, which is timeJ&W ref: 319984 PCT

[0018] consuming and requires the person to restrain the animal while doing so. Depending on the size and domestication of the animal being monitored, this may be impractical in some scenarios.

[0019] Furthermore, existing arrangements, such as 754 have relatively low profile collars, so as to minimise distortion of the RFID antennae as the animal moves. This then requires large boxes or housings to carry the ancillary equipment, such as batteries, sensors, and transmission equipment, which may cause discomfort for the animal and affect its natural behaviour.

[0020] A solution to the aforementioned problems is desired.

[0021] All references, including any patents or patent applications that may be cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications may be referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia, New Zealand, or any other country.

[0022] Throughout this specification, the word "comprise", or variations thereof such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

[0023] Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.

[0024] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0025] It is an object of the invention to provide a device to be worn by an animal, such as a horse, for interrogating an RFID implant provided to said animal.

[0026] Alternatively, it is an object of the invention to provide a device that detects and / or monitors biometric data relating to the health / welfare of a horse and which is retrieved from an RFID implant provided to said animal.

[0027] Alternatively, it is an object of the invention to provide a device that detects and / or monitors location / movement of a horse while also detecting and / or monitoring biometric data relating to the horse and which retrieved from an RFID implant provided to the animal.J&W ref: 319984 PCT

[0028] Alternatively, it is an object of the invention to provide a device that wirelessly transmits biometric data and / or locational / movement data for a horse.

[0029] Alternatively, it is an object of the invention to provide a device that wirelessly transmits biometric data and / or locational / movement data for a horse in real time.

[0030] Alternatively, it is an object of the invention to provide a device that with an RFID antennae configuration optimised for interrogation of an RFID implant provided to a horse.

[0031] Alternatively, it is an object of the invention to provide a device that with an RFID antennae configuration that can at least partially conform to the shape of a portion of the body of the horse.

[0032] Alternatively, it is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems.

[0033] At the very least, it is an object of the present invention to at least provide the public with a useful choice.

[0034] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0035] According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a monitoring device to be worn by an animal for monitoring its welfare, wherein the monitoring device includes:

[0036] a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) scanner configured and arranged to interrogate an RFID implant subcutaneously provided to the animal;

[0037] a housing including a pair of substantially opposing arms; and

[0038] an RFID antennae, wherein the RFID antennae is connected or otherwise communicative with the RFID scanner;

[0039] the monitoring device characterised in that

[0040] each arm has an upper end and a lower end and wherein the upper end of each arm is configured to have a forward limb and a rearward limb, and wherein the opposing arms are linked at their respective forward and rearward limbs by a living hinge and define an opening therebetween to receive a portion of the animal's body, and wherein the RFID antennae is located in and positioned to run through the respective forward and rearward limbs of the upper ends of the opposing arms in a continuous loop.

[0041] According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a housing for a monitoring device to be worn by an animal for monitoring its welfare, wherein the housing includes:

[0042] a pair of substantially opposing arms; andJ&W ref: 319984 PCT

[0043] an RFID antennae;

[0044] the housing characterised in that

[0045] each arm has an upper end and a lower end and wherein the upper end of each arm is configured to have a forward limb and a rearward limb, and wherein the opposing arms are linked at their respective forward and rearward limbs by a living hinge and define an opening therebetween to receive a portion of the animal's body and wherein the RFID antennae is located in and positioned to run through the respective forward and rearward limbs of the upper ends of the opposing arms in a continuous loop.

[0046] According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided an RFID antennae when used in a housing for a monitoring device to be worn by an animal for monitoring its welfare substantially as described above, wherein the RFID antennae is a continuous loop or coil having a three-dimensional form. The invention is a monitoring device, and a housing and RFID antennae for same, configured to be worn by an animal and which includes an RFID scanner which is arranged to interrogate an RFID implant provided to the animal to retrieve or collect, at the very least, identification data relating the animal. In some examples, the RFID implant, and / or the housing, includes sensors that detect / monitor biometrics and / or location / movement of the animal. This information may be indicative of the animal's physiological condition.

[0047] In exemplary embodiments of the invention, the animal is a horse and reference to this effect shall be made throughout the remainder of the present specification. However, this is not meant to be limiting and the use of the invention with other animal species, for example livestock such as cows or companion animals such as dogs, may be readily envisaged by a person skilled in the art.

[0048] The horse will be understood to have been subcutaneously, i.e. beneath the dermal layer of the horse, with an RFID implant with identification data relevant to the animal. The RFID is usually provided to the neck region of the horse but may be provided to a limb or another part of its body.

[0049] In non-limiting examples, the identification data may include an unique number that distinguishes the horse from other horses, and / or genealogical information. Persons skilled in the art will readily select an off-the-shelf or bespoke RFID implant suitable for their needs. For example, RFID implants which operate at frequencies between 125kHz and 134.22 kHz are commonly used in horses and livestock species although some are able to operate outside of this range.J&W ref: 319984 PCT

[0050] In some examples, the RFID implant may include one or more sensors that detect / monitor biometric data and / or location / movement data from the animal.

[0051] Non-limiting examples of sensors that detect / monitor biometric data may include an electrocardiogram sensor, pressure sensor, and temperature sensor.

[0052] Non-limiting examples of biometric data that may be of interest include heart rate, respiration rate, and body temperature.

[0053] Non-limiting examples of sensors that detect / monitor location / movement data may include Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) sensors or Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) sensors, pedometer, magnometer, accelerometer, gyroscopes and tilt sensors.

[0054] Non-limiting examples of location / movement data that may be of interest include the geographical coordinates or physical location of the animal, orientation (upright / lying down), speed, and gait.

[0055] The monitoring device includes a RFID scanner configured to interrogate the RFID implant provided to the horse and retrieve data from same. In examples, the RFID scanner is part of a RFID module. In some of these examples, the RFID scanner may be removable from the monitoring device for inspection, repair and / or replacement but in other examples, it may be permanently secured to the monitoring device. The use of a RFID scanner may also serve as a basic proximity sensor; if the monitoring device is unable to detect the RFID implant, it may be indicative that the monitoring device has been removed from the horse.

[0056] The monitoring device includes a controller module. This should be understood to be a central processing unit, microcontroller or microprocessor which is programed to coordinate the retrieval and collection of data from the RFID implant via the RFID scanner and wirelessly transmit same to a remote location, which may be a smartphone, laptop, work station or cloud-based service. If the RFID implant is provided with or communicative with sensors, data from these sensors may also be wirelessly transmitted.

[0057] In some examples, the controller module may perform analysis of the data and send an alert signal to the user when anomalies which may be indicative of health or other issues. Persons skilled in the art will readily identify hardware for the controller module. Hardware suitable for use with the controller module of the present invention may be readily sourced off the shelf, but bespoke hardware suitable for use in the controller module may be envisaged by persons skilled in the art.

[0058] In some examples, the controller module may be communicative with one or more sensors that detect / monitor one or more of biometric / location / movement data and which are integrated into the monitoring device. It will be understood that these sensors are separate from those of the RFID implant.J&W ref: 319984 PCT

[0059] Persons skilled in the art will readily identify sensors suitable for use in the invention. Non-limiting examples of sensors may include an electrocardiogram sensor, pressure sensor, and temperature sensor, pedometer, magnometer, accelerometer, gyroscopes, tilt sensors, GPS sensors or GNSS sensors.

[0060] In some examples, the controller module may be communicative or otherwise linked to a communications module.

[0061] The communications module should be understood to be or include a cellular and / or satellite modem which is configured to transmit data over local cellular networks or low-orbit satellites. Persons skilled in the art will readily identify modems suitable for use in the invention.

[0062] The communication module may be configured for use with one or more appropriate cellular or satellite networks, 3G, 4G, 5G, operators of Low Earth Orbit satellites such as Starlink, and so on, depending on availability.

[0063] In some examples, the data may be transmitted at periodic intervals. This can help with the overall longevity of the device. In one non-limiting example, the data may be sent at 15-minute intervals. In other examples, the device maybe set to operate continuously for short periods of time, for example during training sessions when being worn by a race horse.

[0064] In some examples, the communication module may be provided with a wireless receiver such that signals may be sent to the device from a smartphone, lap top computer or work station, or via a cloud-based service. For example, the user may opt to refresh the heart rate signal for greater or lesser accuracy; this may be particularly useful when the device has been set with a relatively low frequency of transmission of data; for example, 30 minutes. In another example, the user may switch between periodic transmission of data and continuous transmission of data.

[0065] In some examples the monitoring device includes a power module. This should be understood to be a power source in the form of one or more batteries. Persons skilled in the art will readily identify a battery or batteries suitable for use in the invention. The battery should be appropriate for powering the device for an extended period of time before requiring replacement and / or recharging.

[0066] In some examples, the power module of the monitoring device includes a means of recharging the batteries. This may be direct, with cables running from a power source, such as mains power or a generator, to the device and connected via appropriate ports. These ports are preferably provided to the interior of the monitoring device to minimise the possibility that detritus and dirt may contaminate them. In alternative embodiments, the recharging of the batteries may be contactless using appropriate technology, such asJ&W ref: 319984 PCT

[0067] solar panels provided to the external surfaces of the monitoring device, as will be apparent to a person skilled in the art.

[0068] In some examples, the power module may be communicative with the control module, which may be programmed to coordinate transmission of data relating to power usage, battery levels, and so on to a smartphone, lap top computer or work station, or to a cloud-based service.

[0069] The monitoring device includes a housing. This should be understood to be a structure that contains the RFID scanner and, if present, other modules of the monitoring device such as the controller module, the communications module, and so on.

[0070] Preferably the housing is generally arranged to form a structure that is worn about at least a portion of the neck of the horse in use; RFID implants are typically inserted at the horse's neck region. However, in some examples, the housing may be arranged such that it also partially overlaps the head of the horse, in a manner similar to a horse bridle. In further examples the housing may be adapted to be worn about other areas of the body which an RFID implant may be inserted, for example, the region corresponding to the brisket of the horse or a limb of the horse.

[0071] The housing includes a pair of opposing arms, wherein each arm has an upper end and a lower end. Reference to upper and lower should be understood to be in the context of when the monitoring device is worn by the horse about its neck. In this scenario, upper favours the superior side of the horse and lower favours the inferior side of the horse.

[0072] The upper end of each arm has a forward limb (i.e. favouring the front / head of the horse) and a rearward limb (i.e. favouring the rear / hindquarters of the horse). The respective limbs are spatially separated from each other and in some examples, create a recess / opening therebetween.

[0073] The forward and rearward limbs of the respective arms meet at their apex to form a living hinge, such that the arms may be moved towards and away from each other as required, such that the monitoring device may, to at least an extent, be deformed such that it follows the contours of the region of the horse about which it is worn. From this it will be understood that at least the apex is formed as a flexible structure. In preferred examples, the respective forward and rearward limbs are formed as a flexible structure.

[0074] The flexibility of the respective forward and rearward limbs is derived from the use of an appropriate polymer, such as a blend of rubber and plastics material, for forming at least this part of the housing. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate suitable materials for use in forming the living hinge of the housing.J&W ref: 319984 PCT

[0075] Preferably, the opposing arms of the housing may be spatially separated from each other along the length dimension of the housing, such that an open space may be defined between them. It will be understood that, in use, a portion of the body of the horse is received within this open space.

[0076] Preferably, the opposing arms with their respective forward and rearward limbs collectively form a structure with a profilethat is substantially an inverted U- or V-shape. It will be appreciated that in preferred examples the inner face of the profile forms a recess into which the neck of the horse is located with the forward and rearward limbs contacting the nape of the neck (i.e. the region of the mane of the horse). However, in other examples, it may be a limb or other portion of the body that is located into the profile of the housing. When used with horses, and where it is present on the housing, the recess / opening provided between the forward and rearward limbs of the respective arms provide some space or clearance of the hair of the mane. In other examples, the respective limbs may be arranged as described but the space between them may be covered or otherwise filled in by a membrane or similar structure.

[0077] It will be further appreciated that the aforementioned profile has a contoured three-dimensional shape, having a length dimension, a width dimension, and a depth dimension which, because of the use of a living hinge, may undergo some degree of deformation as the monitoring device deforms in use.

[0078] The housing includes an RFID antennae which is communicative or otherwise linked with the RFID scanner of the monitoring device.

[0079] The RFID antennae is of a suitably inductive material for detection of an RFID implant. Preferably the material is a copper or aluminium alloy. However, persons skilled in the art will recognise and adapt other materials that may be suitable for use as an RFID antennae.

[0080] The RFID antennae is a continuous loop of wire, forming a circuit that extends through the upper ends of the respective arms and the forward limb and rearward limb. It then should be understood that the RFID antennae has three dimensions, i.e. a length dimension, a width dimension, and a depth dimension, which collectively form a contoured, three-dimensional shape that may undergo some degree of deformation as the monitoring device deforms in use.

[0081] In some examples, the RFID antennae is embedded within a groove or channel running about the upper end of each arm and their respective forward limbs and rearward limbs. In other examples, the antennae may be overmoulded into the groove or channel. In further examples, the RFID antennae may simply be placed upon a first layer of the upper end of each arm and their respective forward limbs and rearward limbs and a second layer overmoulded or otherwise applied to the first layer, thereby sandwiching the RFID antennae between the two layers.J&W ref: 319984 PCT

[0082] In some examples, one or both of the arms may include recesses, compartments or other structures which are configured to receive or otherwise provide space for the various modules of the device.

[0083] In some examples, the exterior sides of the arms, i.e. the sides that do not contact the animal in use, may be configured with recesses or other structures that receive solar panels, as a means for recharging any batteries that power the monitoring device.

[0084] In some examples, the opposing arms may be configured in such a way that they are biased or otherwise slightly urged towards each other. This may apply gentle pressure to the neck of the horse and help secure the device in place without requiring additional fastening means.

[0085] In some examples, the lower ends of the opposing arms may be provided with fittings or structures to facilitate the use of a fastening means.

[0086] In some examples, the lower ends of the opposing arms may be provided with apertures or the like through which a fastening means in the form or a strap and buckle or similar may pass. In use, this substantially closes the inverted U- or V-shaped profile of the body, securing the monitoring device to the animal. In one example, the free ends of the arms may be provided with a stud or protrusion that is complementary to a hook or similar fastener provided to a strap or buckle. Persons skilled in the art will readily envisage other fastening means suitable for use with the present invention.

[0087] In some examples, the monitoring device may also be provided with a docking port, such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB), to allow a hard-wired connection to a handheld electronic device such as a smartphone or lap top computer. This may allow collected data to be retrieved for inspection and analysis in the event wireless transmission is not available. In these examples, this docking port is located within the interior of the device and only accessible via removal of a cover so as to limit exposure to inclement conditions. The present invention is advantageous in that it provides a monitoring device with the ability to monitor the welfare of a horse and, in particular, reliably interrogate a subcutaneous RFID implant provided to the animal. The configuration of the housing of the monitoring device is such that it allows a relatively large RFID antennae to be used, thereby increasing the ease in which a subcutaneous RFID implant may be detected. The monitoring device is easily secured about the neck of the horse.

[0088] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0089] Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:J&W ref: 319984 PCT

[0090] ure 1 is an external perspective view of one embodiment of a monitoring device for an animal in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

[0091] Iqure 2 is a front view of the embodiment of Figure 1 ; and

[0092] is a top view of the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2;

[0093] BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0094] An embodiment of the invention in the form of a monitoring device (generally indicated by arrow 100) for use with animals is depicted in Figures 1 to 3.

[0095] The illustrated embodiment of the monitoring device 100 is intended to be worn about the neck of a horse. It will be understood that RFID implants (not shown) are typically inserted subcutaneously to the horse's neck, typically on its upper surfaces near or proximate the nape (which bears the mane of the horse), hence the monitoring device interrogates the RFID implant in use. In its most basic form, the RFID implant includes an identifier that is unique to the horse, but in some instances may also include basic sensors, to monitor and collect biometric data relating to, for example, temperature and location.

[0096] Some non-limiting examples of such RFID implants include Bio-Thermo™ tags, which are manufactured by Destron Fearing and able to provide instantaneous detection of temperature.

[0097]

[0098] These RFID implants may provide a means of not only identifying the animal but monitoring its temperature as well. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that other RFID implants or tags may be used depending on their specifications, performance and availability.

[0099] The monitoring device 100 includes a variety of electronic hardware modules, including a RFID scanner (not visible) configured to detect and interrogate, via a RFID antennae (not visible in Figure 1), the RFID implant (not shown) provided to the horse. The operation of the RFID scanner, and related sensors, is coordinated by a control module (not visible), which is configured to sense aspects of the horse's physiology and movement and transmit data relating to same to a remote electronic device, such as a smartphone or laptop computer, or to a cloud-based service, via a communications module (not visible). This is advantageous since it allows a user to monitor the health, wellbeing and movements of the horse without having to be in close contact or proximity to the animal. However, it should be noted that in its most basic form, not shown here, the monitoring device may only comprise of the RFID scanner.

[0100] The monitoring device 100 is shown in Figure 1 (and Figures 2 and 3) generally as it would be orientated in use, when the horse (not shown) is standing upright. It is configured and otherwise arranged to have aJ&W ref: 319984 PCT

[0101] relatively low profile to minimise the risk that it may be caught on structures such as posts, fences and natural obstacles such as tree branches and so on.

[0102] As can be seen, the monitoring device 100 includes a housing 102 with opposing arms 102A, 102B which are linked at their respective upper ends 104A, 104B via forward limbs 106A, 106B (which are orientated towards the front of the horse in use) and rearward limbs 108A, 108B (which are orientated towards the rear of the horse in use). Collectively, and as best seen in Figure 2, the opposing arms define an opening O or space in which the neck of the horse is located in use.

[0103] As shown in Figure 1, the housing of the monitoring device has a depth dimension D, a length dimension L, and a width dimension W transverse to the length dimension. It will become apparent from the following discussion that the housing of the monitoring device is specifically configured for optimisation of the detection of RFID implants that may be provided to the horse.

[0104] Between the respective upper ends 104A, 104B and their forward limbs 106A, 106B and rearward limbs 108A, 108B an opening 110 is formed. In use, this opening 110 exposes a portion of the upper surfaces of the neck of the horse (not shown) and may provide clearance for the mane of the animal. Alternatively, depending on the configuration of the housing and the animal species with which the monitoring device is to be used, it may provide clearance for the ears or other extremities of the animal. A further advantage of the opening is that it reduces the amount of material required to form the housing 102 of the monitoring device 100.

[0105] The housing 102 of the monitoring device 100 is moulded, at least partially, from a suitably durable and somewhat flexible plastics material, such as thermoplastic polyurethane, polyethylene terephthalate glycol, or high performance nylon. This allows the housing, particularly at the junction between the forward limbs 106A, 106B and the junction between the rearward limbs 108A, 108B which forms the living hinge of the housing, to undergo a degree of deformation such that it can conform to the shape and contours of the neck of the horse.

[0106] A heavy-duty elastomeric material may alternatively be used to form the housing 102. However, this is not meant to be limiting; it will be appreciated that as the monitoring device 100 may be exposed to inclement weather and to heavy contact, such as when the horse wearing the device rubs its neck on a post or similar structure, it needs to be as robust as possible. In light of this a person skilled in the art will readily identify other materials that may be used to form the housing of the monitoring device.

[0107] The housing 102 may be moulded from two or more components which are brought together during assembly and secured with appropriate bonding techniques. For example, the housing may be formed fromJ&W ref: 319984 PCT

[0108] an outer shell, which forms the outward facing side of the monitoring device 100 and an inner shell, which is the side that comes into contact with the horse when being worn. As such the inner shell may be relatively low-profile when compared to the outer shell. Of course, this arrangement may be reversed such that the inner shell forms the bulk of the housing. In some instances, the outer shell may be little more than panels covering the access to the various modules of the monitoring device.

[0109] In some instances, the forward limbs 106A, 106B and rearward limbs 108A, 108B, and thus the living hinges LH, may be provided entirely to one of the inner and outer shell. In these cases, it may be that different materials could be used to form the respective inner and outer shell of the housing.

[0110] During the moulding process to form the housing, the arms 102A, 102B are formed with recesses, compartments or structures which receive the RFID scanner and various electronic modules (not visible) of the monitoring device. This may include a controller module, a communications module which is communicative with a cellular modem and transmits collected identification data, biometric data and / or movement / location data, a power module, and sensors (not visible).

[0111] The sensors (not visible) used in the monitoring device 100 may depend on the biometric / location / movement data that is of interest and persons skilled in the art will readily identify appropriate sensors for their requirements. For example, heart rate is an important physiological parameter which can be indicative of potential health problems / issues. As such, optical sensors or electrocardiogram sensors may be used to monitor heart rate. The sensors may also, or alternatively, provide location and / or movement data. For example, tilt sensors may be used to monitor gait and orientation (whether the horse is standing or lying down). A GPS sensor may be used to provide location information.

[0112] The external, outward facing surface of the housing 102 may be formed with a low-profile recess which receives a solar panel, identified in Figure 1 as SP, in use. This provides a means for recharging the power module (not visible) which is integrated into the arms 102A, 102B of the monitoring device.

[0113] The various modules and sensors are arranged within the arms 102A, 102B of the monitoring device with a view to optimising its weight distribution. This is preferred so as to not unduly distress the horse and / or affect its natural behaviours.

[0114] Referring specifically now to Figure 2, which shows a front view of the monitoring device 100, it will be seen that the forward limbs 106A, 106B have a reduced thickness relative to the arms 102A, 102B. It will be appreciated that the arms need to have sufficient space to receive the hardware of the RFID scanner (not visible), controller module (not visible), communications module (not visible) and so on.J&W ref: 319984 PCT

[0115] At their apex, the forward limbs 106A, 106B (and, although not visible here, the rearward limbs) serve as a living hinge LH such that the respective arms 102A, 102B may be brought closer together or further apart, depending on the size of the horse to which the monitoring device 100 is fitted.

[0116] The housing 102 may be configured to have an inherent bias or load at certain points of the respective arms 102A, 102B and / or forward limbs 106A, 106B and / or rearward limbs (not visible in Figure 2 but 108A, 108B in Figures 1 and 3). For example, the region proximate the upper ends 104A, 104B of the arms may formed such that they are urged towards the opposing arm. This serves to apply a degree of gripping force which assists in the monitoring device conforming about the neck of the horse, even as it moves.

[0117] Just visible in Figure 2 are slots 112A, 112B, provided to the lower ends 114A, 114B of the arms 102A, 102B. In use, these receive an adjustable strap / securing harness (not shown) which allows the user to secure the monitoring device 100 to the horse (not shown). This too may also be used as a way of adapting the device for use with different horses.

[0118] For safety, the adjustable strap / securing harness (not shown) may be anchored at one end by a connector (116 in Figure 1). This is engineered to disconnect in the event of a predetermined force being applied to the adjustable strap / securing harness. This means in the event that the horse wearing the monitoring device 100 snags it on a structure such as a post and it becomes temporarily trapped, with sufficient force the connector will disconnect, allowing the horse to free itself. In some instances, the controller module (not visible) of the monitoring device may have sent an alert signal to the user once the RFID scanner (not visible) was unable to interrogate the RFID implant. The monitoring device may then be retrieved at a later time and refitted to the horse.

[0119] Best seen in Figure 3, the opening 110 is shown as being somewhat of an oval shape in plan view although other configurations may be envisaged depending on the size and shape of the intended animal species with which the invention is to be used.

[0120] In some examples, not shown here, the opening 110 defined by the respective forward limbs 106A, 106B and the rearward limbs 108A, 108B may be covered by a thin membrane or similar. This membrane may be composed of leather or alternatively, "pleather", a material having a fabric base which has been coated with plastics material, such as polyurethane. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate other materials suitable for use in covering the opening. In some instances, the membrane may simply be part of the outer layer of the housing; as such, this may form a shallow oval shaped recess on the underside of the membrane.

[0121] The shape and configuration of the housing about the upper ends 104A, 104B of the arms 102A, 102B and the respective forward limbs 106A, 106B and rearward limbs 108A, 108B is an important aspect of theJ&W ref: 319984 PCT

[0122] invention, intended to maximise the area available forthe placement of the RFID antennae, shown in dashed lines 118 in Figures 2 and 3, of the RFID scanner of the monitoring device 100. This means that accurate placement of the monitoring device, relative to the RFID implant, may not be required. It can also improve scanning performance since this orientates the magnetic field of the antennae, substantially laterally of the animal wearing the housing, rather than axially, i.e. along the length of the animal. This is more conducive to detection.

[0123] The RFID antennae 118 is a coil or loop of wire of copper, aluminium or other appropriate alloy with desired inductivity properties and which is embedded or otherwise located in an appropriately moulded groove or channel (not visible), provided to either the inner face (contacting the horse's neck) or the exterior face of the housing 102 and circumscribing the opening 110 defined by the upper ends 104A, 104B of the arms 102A, 102B and their respective forward / rearward limbs 106A-108B. In some examples not shown here, the RFID antennae may be in the form of a thin tape-like sheet of material.

[0124] The RFID antennae 118 spans the living hinges LH defined by the respective forward 106A, 106B and rearward limbs 108A, 108B and extends inferiorly towards the upper ends 104A, 104B of the arms 102A, 102B in a continuous loop. As such, the RFID antennae has a distinct three-dimensional structure, having depth, width and length dimensions. This allows it to better follow the contour of the housing 102 of the monitoring device 100, even as it flexes about the living hinge, i.e. about the depth dimension D and width dimension W, in order to conform to the body of the horse. It can also follow the contour of the housing as it flexes about the length dimension L in the event of the horse turning or otherwise moving its head. This is particularly advantageous since this configuration is more conducive to efficient and continuous detection of the RFID implant provided to the horse (not shown) than a two-dimensional structure.

[0125] As noted previously RFID implants are typically subcutaneously inserted beneath the skin of the neck, at the side or towards the nape (bearing the horse's mane). While it is preferable that the RFID implants are implanted in the same region of the neck for each horse, in practice this is not always possible, depending on the degree of domestication of the horse or the skill of the person inserting the RFID implant. The configuration of the RFID antennae 118 of the present invention 100, being relatively large, across all dimensions, compared to conventional arrangements, means that precise alignment with the RFID implant may not be required in order to achieve a successful interrogation by the RFID scanner.

[0126] Furthermore, the interrogation of the RFID implant is less likely to be compromised by the deformation of the RFID antennae 118 as it, and the housing 102 of the monitoring device 100, conforms to the shape of the body of the horse. This is due to its three-dimensional form.J&W ref: 319984 PCT

[0127] It will be appreciated that the monitoring device 100 may be provided in a range of sizes, depending on the approximate age of the horse to which it is not be fitted, or for other reasons, such as ease of manufacture and / or assembly.

[0128] Although reference is made throughout the above discussion to the invention being used with horses, it will be appreciated that with suitable modifications to take into account different body sizes and shapes, the monitoring device may be used with other animal species, for example livestock such as cows or companion animals such as dogs, which are also often provided with subcutaneous RFID implants for identification or biometric purposes.

[0129] The invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements, characteristics and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of said parts, elements, characteristics or features.

[0130] Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be included within the scope of the present claims.

Claims

J&W ref: 319984 PCTCLAIMS1. A monitoring device to be worn by an animal for monitoring its welfare, wherein the monitoring device includes:a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) scanner configured and arranged to interrogate an RFID implant subcutaneously provided to the animal;a housing including a pair of substantially opposing arms; andan RFID antennae, wherein the RFID antennae is connected or otherwise communicative with the RFID scanner;the monitoring device characterised in thateach arm has an upper end and a lower end and wherein the upper end of each arm is configured to have a forward limb and a rearward limb, and wherein the opposing arms are linked at their respective forward and rearward limbs by a living hinge and define an opening therebetween to receive a portion of the animal's body, and wherein the RFID antennae is located in and positioned to run through the respective forward and rearward limbs of the upper ends of the opposing arms in a continuous loop.

2. The monitoring device as claimed in claim 1, wherein:the opposing arms with their respective forward and rearward limbs collectively form a structure with a profile that is substantially an inverted U- or V-shape; and / orthe opposing arms are configured in such a way that they are biased or otherwise slightly urged towards each other.

3. The monitoring device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the RFID antennae is embedded within a groove or channel running about the upper end of each arm and their respective forward limbs and rearward limbs.

4. The monitoring device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the antennae is overmoulded into the groove or channel.

5. The monitoring device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the forward limb and rearward limb are spatially separated from each other therefore defining an opening therebetween.

6. The monitoring device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the opening is covered by a membrane.

7. The monitoring device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the lower ends of the opposing arms are provided with fittings or structures to facilitate the use of a fastening means.

8. The monitoring device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein one or both of the arms are provided with recesses, compartments or other structures which are configured to receive or otherwise provide space for one or more modules of the monitoring device.J&W ref: 319984 PCT9. The monitoring device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the monitoring device includes a controller module and / or a power module.

10. The monitoring device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the controller module is configured to be communicative with the RFID scanner.

11. The monitoring device as claimed in claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the controller module is configured to be communicative with one or more sensors that detect / monitor one or more of the animal's biometric / location / movement data, wherein the sensors are integrated into the monitoring device.

12. The monitoring device as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the controller module is configured to be communicative or otherwise linked to a communications module integrated into the monitoring device.

13. A housing for a monitoring device to be worn by an animal for monitoring its welfare, wherein the housing includes:a pair of substantially opposing arms; andan RFID antennae;the housing characterised in thateach arm has an upper end and a lower end and wherein the upper end of each arm is configured to have a forward limb and a rearward limb, and wherein the opposing arms are linked at their respective forward and rearward limbs by a living hinge and define an opening therebetween to receive a portion of the animal's body, and wherein the RFID antennae is located in and positioned to run through the respective forward and rearward limbs of the upper ends of the opposing arms in a continuous loop.

14. The housing as claimed in claim 13, wherein:the opposing arms with their respective forward and rearward limbs collectively form a structure with a profile that is substantially an inverted U- or V-shape; and / orthe opposing arms are configured in such a way that they are biased or otherwise slightly urged towards each other.

15. The housing as claimed in claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the RFID antennae is embedded within a groove or channel running about the upper end of each arm and their respective forward limbs and rearward limbs.

16. The housing as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the forward limb and rearward limb are spatially separated from each other therefore defining an opening therebetween.J&W ref: 319984 PCT17. The housing as claimed in claim 16, wherein the opening is covered by a membrane.

18. The housing as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein:the lower ends of the opposing arms are provided with fittings or structures to facilitate the use of a fastening means; and / orone or both of the arms are provided with recesses, compartments or other structures which are configured to receive or otherwise provide space for one or more modules of the monitoring device.

19. An RFID antennae when used in a housing for a monitoring device to be worn by an animal for monitoring its welfare as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 18, wherein the RFID antennae is a continuous loop or coil having a three-dimensional form.

20. The RFID antennae as claimed in claim 19, wherein the RFID antennae is comprised of an inductive material suitable for detection of an RFID implant provided to the animal.

Images