Distributed Animal Control Devices for Virtual Fencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing virtual fencing systems for animals rely on a central controller for determining animal location and applying stimuli, which limits their effectiveness due to factors like GPS satellite range and transmitter location, and do not allow for independent operation without a central unit.
Innovation Solution
A system where control devices fitted to animals communicate with each other to determine distance and movement, generating trigger signals for stimulus application based on predetermined thresholds, allowing for local monitoring and control without a central controller, and incorporating additional sensors and data storage for more complex behavioral analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a central controller is used to determine animal location and apply stimuli, then the system can coordinate control across multiple animals, but the system becomes dependent on GPS satellite range and transmitter location limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized control system into distributed autonomous control devices, with each device independently determining its own location via GPS and making control decisions locally. This segmentation eliminates the single point of failure represented by the central controller while maintaining coordinated control across the herd through individual device autonomy.
Solution Approach 2:
Each control device is equipped with its own GPS receiver, processor, and stimulus application capability, enabling it to independently determine its location, compare it with virtual fence boundaries, and apply stimuli without requiring continuous communication with a central controller. This self-service approach resolves the dependency on central infrastructure.
2Measurement precision
If GPS satellite network is used for location determination, then animal location can be tracked, but the system is limited by satellite range and signal availability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces wireless communication as an intermediary system that enables control devices to exchange location data and boundary information with each other and with a central system when available. This intermediary layer allows the system to function with enhanced adaptability by combining GPS data with relative position calculations from peer devices, extending operational capability beyond pure GPS dependence.
3Measurement precision
If virtual boundaries are defined using buried wires or fixed transmitters, then precise boundary detection is possible, but the system infrastructure becomes complex and location-dependent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical infrastructure of buried wires and fixed transmitters with electronic/software-based virtual boundaries stored in the control devices. Each device contains boundary coordinate data and independently calculates whether it has crossed a boundary based on its GPS position, eliminating the need for physical infrastructure while maintaining precise boundary detection capability.
4Ease of operation
If stimulus application is controlled by a central transmitter, then coordinated control across animals is achieved, but the system requires constant communication infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control where each device independently adjusts its behavior based on real-time GPS position relative to virtual boundaries and relative positions to other animals. This dynamic, decentralized decision-making replaces static centralized control, allowing coordination to emerge from individual device interactions rather than central orchestration.
Data Source
AI summary
The system for controlling and monitoring animals, the system including control devices that are able to be fitted to the animals and arranged for communication with one another. Each control device is capable of determining the position of an animal relative to a second animal as well as the distance between animals and the relative movement of animals fitted with the control device. The system of control devices also includes a stimulus device that allows stimuli to be applied to an animal or animals based on the relative position, movement and/or distance of the respective animals to one another.