Wireless Data Acquisition Apparatus for Livestock with Triggered Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data acquisition and transmission apparatus for roaming animals, such as cows, face high power consumption issues during wireless data transmission, leading to frequent battery replacement or recharging, and lack the ability to record data when wireless communication is inoperative.
Innovation Solution
A data acquisition and transmission apparatus with a switchable wireless data communications system that can change between an operative and inoperative condition, using a trigger receiver to conserve power by only activating when necessary, allowing data to be stored and transmitted efficiently, and featuring a trigger transmitter to initiate data transfer at convenient times or locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If wireless data communications apparatus operates continuously to transmit data, then data transmission capability is improved, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless data communications apparatus operates periodically rather than continuously. It switches between an operative condition (transmitting data) and an inoperative condition (consuming minimal power). A trigger receiver activates the apparatus only when a trigger signal is received, enabling periodic data transmission while significantly reducing overall power consumption of the battery-powered mobile apparatus.
2Productivity
If wireless data communications apparatus is kept in operative condition for frequent data transmission, then data transmission frequency is improved, but battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic operation by maintaining the wireless communications apparatus in an inoperative state most of the time and activating it only periodically when triggered. This allows data transmission to occur at needed frequencies while the apparatus consumes minimal power during inactive periods, thereby extending battery life.
Solution Approach 2:
Data is acquired and stored in advance by the data acquisition apparatus while the wireless communications apparatus remains inoperative. When a trigger signal is received, the pre-stored data is transmitted in a single operative phase, eliminating the need for continuous or frequent transmission operations.
3Loss of information
If multiple mobile apparatus transmit data simultaneously, then data collection completeness is improved, but power consumption and communication conflicts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and transmits data in discrete, separate operations rather than continuous simultaneous transmission. Each mobile apparatus waits for its specific trigger signal before transmitting its stored data, allowing complete data collection from multiple sources while avoiding the power consumption and communication conflicts of simultaneous transmission.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to data acquisition and transmission apparatus 10. The data acquisition and transmission apparatus comprises mobile apparatus 22 that is configured to be attached to a beast 20. The mobile apparatus 22 comprises: data acquisition apparatus that configured to acquire and store data; and wireless data communications apparatus, which is switchable between an operative condition, in which stored data is transmitted wirelessly, and an inoperative condition. The mobile apparatus 22 also comprises a trigger receiver configured to change the wireless data communications apparatus from the inoperative condition to the operative condition in dependence upon a trigger signal.