AU2021107230A4

AU2021107230A4 - A Device for Monitoring Animal Welfare

Info

Publication number: AU2021107230A4
Application number: AU2021107230A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Mark Fraser-Campin; Joshua Phillips
Original assignee: Elert Ltd
Current assignee: Elert Ltd
Priority date: 2021-08-25
Filing date: 2021-08-25
Publication date: 2021-12-09
Anticipated expiration: 2029-08-25

Abstract

The invention is a monitoring device for an animal, preferably a horse, and has a rigid body that includes a centre portion and opposing arms arising from the centre portion. When worn, the arms and centre portion wrap around a substantial portion of the neck of the animal. The optical sensor is located in one of the arms and contacts the neck to measure the heart rate and transmits this information wirelessly to a remote electronic device such as a lap top or smartphone. The device may include additional sensors to monitor other aspects of the animal's physiological condition and movements. 13 100 l 106b 106a 108b 104a 104b 102 FIGURE 1 1/4

Description

100 l

106b

106a 108b

104a 104b

102

FIGURE 1

1/4

A DEVICE FOR MONITORING ANIMAL WELFARE TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a device for monitoring animal welfare and a method of using same. The invention has particular application for use with horses.

BACKGROUNDART

Animal welfare is an important aspect of animal husbandry, particularly in the horse racing sector, where

there is an increased acknowledgement of the need for humane and considerate treatment of horses.

Being able to monitor aspects of the physiological condition of the horses, such as heart rate, can be

helpful as it can be indicative of potential health problems. For example, an unexpected increase in heart

.0 rate 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.

Devices exist for monitoring and tracking horses, one example of which is that marketed as equinTy TM

(https://equinitvtechnolog.com/). A drawback with the equinlTy T device is that it requires a large strap

to be worn around the girth of the horse; this can be difficult to put on the animal and may also be an

.5 irritant.

Another device for monitoring horses is the Trackener TM (https://www.trackener.com). Similar to the

equinlTy T device, the TrackenerTM is worn about the girth and/or chest of the horse and as such can be

difficult to put on. These types of devices, worn around the girth, tend to only be satisfactory for wearing

by the animal for short periods of time due to the discomfort it causes.

Both the aforementioned devices also require the use of one or more relatively large batteries to power

the device. These are separate to the main body of the device and need to be inserted into pockets

provided to the strap. This can affect the weight distribution and being relatively unrestrained may further

irritate the horse when being used as they may swing back and forth as the animal is in motion.

Furthermore, these devices are constrained by their power demands which can affect their longevity. The

batteries need to be regularly replaced if the animal is to be monitored consistently for extended periods

of time.

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 are 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 New Zealand or in any other country.

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.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing

description which is given by way of example only.

.0 OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide a device to be worn by an animal, such as a horse, for monitoring

the welfare of said animal.

Alternatively, it is an object of the invention to provide a device that monitors the heart rate of a horse.

Alternatively, it is an object of the invention to provide a device that monitors the heart rate of a horse

.5 and other aspects of its physiological condition and/or movement of said horse.

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

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

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a device to be worn by an animal for

monitoring its welfare, wherein the device includes:

a body, wherein the body includes

a centre portion and two opposing end portions, and wherein the centre portion is configured to

contact a surface of the neck of the animal;

a pair of substantially opposing arms extending from the respective end portions of the body,

wherein each of the pair of opposing arms has a face that is configured to contact a surface of the

neck of the animal, and wherein the face of one or both of the substantially opposing arms

includes an optical sensor.

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, may be readily envisaged by a person skilled in the art.

The invention is a monitoring device for a horse and measures the heart rate of the animal through the

use of an optical sensor. The device may include additional sensors to monitor other aspects of the

animal's physiological condition and movements.

The body includes a centre portion and opposing arms arising from the centre portion. It will be

understood that the arms each have a first end connected or part of the centre portion and a free end.

In exemplary embodiments, the centre portion and opposing arms collectively form a structure with a

profile that is substantially U- or V-shaped. It will be appreciated that the interior portion of the profile .0 forms a recess into which the neck of the horse is located in use.

One of the advantages of the invention is its placement around the neck of the animal. This is more

comfortable for long term wear, and to the animal, is similar to wearing bridle straps.

The centre portion and opposing arms should be understood to have an outer face and an inner face. It

will be appreciated that in use, the inner face contacts the neck of the horse in use.

.5 Preferably, the centre portion and opposing arms of the body are a rigid structure, moulded or otherwise

formed from a durable material such as plastics material. Non limiting examples of suitable plastics materials from which the centre portion are formed include high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyvinyl

chloride (PVC), thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA), acrylonitrile

butadiene styrene (ABS), or carbon fibre. Other materials may be used as will be readily recognized by a person skilled in the art.

Preferably, the centre portion and opposing arms are substantially hollow so as to provide an interior

portion for the operating paraphernalia of the device.

Preferably, the centre portion and opposing arms are provided with interlocking features to couple and

uncouple the respective components of the body. Non limiting Examples of such interlocking features

include complementary screw threads, snap-lock fittings or the like as will be readily apparent to a person

skilled in the art. The use of such interlocking features may simplify manufacture and assembly of the

device, and also permit access to the interior portion, in which operating paraphernalia may be located.

In some embodiments, the opposing arms may be connected to the centre portion in such a way that they

are biased 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. It may also help ensure the appropriate placement of the optical sensor in use. In alternative embodiments, the free ends of the opposing arms may be provided with fittings or structures to facilitate the use of a fastening means.

In one example, the free ends of the opposing arms may be provided with apertures or the like through

which a strap and buckle may pass. In use, this substantially closes the U- or V-shaped profile of the body.

In another 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.

The inner face of at least one of the arms is provided with the optical sensor.

The optical sensor should be understood to mean a sensor that converts light rays into electronic signals.

.o In exemplary embodiments the optical sensor is one which is used for photoplethysmography, in which the electronic signal is derived from the use of light to measure changes in the volume of blood at the

area of the body in which the sensor is located.

The optical sensor includes a light-emitting diode and a photodiode. From the difference in luminosity

between light being emitted by the LED and received by the photodiode, the change in volume in the

.5 blood can determined. From high intensity light (indicative of a low volume of blood, i.e. the diastolic

phase of the heart beat) and low intensity light (indicative of a high volume of blood, i.e. the systolic phase of the heart beat), the heart rate can be determined.

The use of an optical sensor in the present invention is advantageous over existing monitoring devices for

horses since it allows for a more accurate measurement and determination of heart rate.

o The optical sensor may be any that is recognized by a skilled addressee as being suitable for use with the

invention. Optical sensors using red, green or infrared LEDs are particularly preferred as these provide the

greatest accuracy. Such sensos may also be used to measure other parameters; for example, they can be

used to measure oxygen levels as well as serving as basic proximity sensors. This latter characteristic may

be helpful in detecting whether the device has been displaced or removed from the horse.

In one non limiting example, the optical sensor may be an integrated heart rate and pulse oximetry

module such as the MAX30102, manufactured by Maxim Integrated T M (www.maximintegrated.com). This

uses a Red/Infra Red LED and is able to measure heart rate and oxygen levels in the blood.

Preferably, the optical sensor is disposed within a housing or similar structure provided to the inner face

of one of the opposing arms. A main portion of the optical sensor may be disposed within the interior of

the arm, with only the lens of the LED visible in the inner face of the arm.

Preferably, the interior portion of the opposing arms and/or centre portion are configured to with one or

more receptacles that receive a power source in the form of one or batteries. As the example optical

sensor mentioned above requires at least 3.1 volts for operation, the battery should be appropriate to this requirement which is sufficient to power the device for an extended period of time before requiring

replacement.

Preferably a battery or batteries are provided to both arms. Not only is this helpful for optimising weight

distribution, it also provides the device with an extended operating life before the batteries need to be

replaced or recharged.

Preferably, the manner in which the batteries are provided to each of the opposing arms and/or to the

.0 centre portion secure the batteries such that they are locked in place. This helps ensure that there is

minimal or no movement of the power source within the device, with no swaying or the like such as may

occur in prior art devices.

The device is provided with one optical sensor. However, in some embodiments the device may be

provided with two or more optical sensors. These may be in one of the opposing arms or alternatively, an

.5 optical sensor may be provided to each of the opposing arms. This may provide the device with some redundancy, in the event of one sensor becoming faulty, but may also help with the accuracy of the device

by allowing the signals detected to be correlated.

The device includes a central processing unit (CPU), microprocessor, or microcontroller, which is

communicative with the optical sensor, either directly or wirelessly. An example of a microcontroller

.o suitable for use with the present invention is the AssetTracker SoM as manufactured by Particle Industries

(www.particle.io).

Preferably, the CPU is configured with an algorithm that analyses the data obtained from the optical sensor and determines a heart rate for the animal. This may be performed in real time or at periodic

intervals, depending on the requirements of the user. Persons skilled in the art will readily appreciate the

steps involved in implementing such an algorithm.

The algorithm may be configured to automatically send alerts when the heart rate falls outside of a

predetermined band. In this scenario,this could be indicative of a potential issue concerningthe condition

of the horse and which may require remedial intervention.

In some embodiments, the algorithm may be inputted with a process for removing background noise that

may affect the collected data. Examples of ways in which the data could be affected is moisture arising from rain, or the presence of excessive hair or dirt at the location where the optical sensor bears against

the neck of the horse.

Preferably, the CPU is communicative or otherwise linked to a wireless transmitter. This allows the heart

rate data to be sent to the smartphone or laptop of the owner or carer of the horse. In this way, the

condition of the horse wearing the device may be monitored. The device may be configured for use with one or more appropriate networks, 3G, 4G and so on, depending on availability.

Preferably, the data is transmitted at periodic intervals rather than continuously. This can help with the

overall longevity of the device. In one non limiting example, the data may be sent at 15-minute intervals.

However, in some embodiments, the device may be set to operate continuously for short periods of time,

for example during training sessions when being worn by a race horse.

In some embodiments, the CPU may also be linked to a wireless receiver such that signals may be send to

.0 the device from a smartphone or lap top computer. For example, the user may opt to refresh the heart

rate signal for 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 some alternative embodiments, the device may be provided with a docking port, such as a Universal

Serial Bus (USB), to allow connection to a handheld electronic device such as a smartphone or lap top

.5 computer. This may allow collected data to be retrieved for inspection and analysis. Preferably, this

docking port is located within the interior of the device and only accessible via removal of one of the

opposing arms so as to limit exposure to inclement conditions.

Preferably the 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 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 as will be apparent to a person skilled in the art.

As already discussed, the use of optical sensors allows for heart rate and blood oxygen levels to be

measure. In some alternative embodiments, the invention may include additional components and/or

sensors to measure or monitor other aspects of the horse's physiological condition and/or movements.

As with the optical sensor, these additional sensors may be communicative with the CPU of the device.

Non limiting examples of such sensors include one or more of the following: temperature, orientation,

location and/or radio-frequency identification (RDID) readers.

In one example, the temperature sensor may be one or more of a thermometer or infrared sensor, integrated into one of the arms or centre portion of the device.

The use of a temperature may allow the device to monitor another physiological parameter of the horse.

For example, the use of a temperature sensor may detect when the temperature of the horse is abnormal, and potentially indicative of a health issue.

In one example, the orientation sensor may be one or more of an accelerometer, magnetometer, or gyro

or tilt-sensors. Accelerometers may be preferred due to being relatively inexpensive when compared to other types of orientation sensors such as magnetometers or gyroscopes. In addition, or alternatively, a

pedometer may be used.

The use of an orientation sensor may allow the device to monitor the posture of the horse, which may be

indicative of potential issues. The CPU may be provided with an algorithm that assesses data obtained

.0 from the sensor and send a signal to the user's smartphone or laptap alerting them to a potential issue.

For example, the use of an orientation sensor may detect when a horse has been laid down for an

unexpectedly long duration.

In one example, the location sensor may be a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver.

Examples of GNSS systems include GPS, GLONASS, Galilieo, and Beidou, all of which may be readily

.5 integrated into the device by a person skilled in the art.

The use of a location sensor may allow the device to monitor the location of the horse. For example, the CPU may be provided with an algorithm configured with locational information establishing a geofence

for the device, and therefore the horse wearing the device. This may send a signal to the user's

smartphone or laptap alerting them when the horse moves outside of the geofence. It also allows the

user to monitor the speed and distance travelled, a useful parameter when training race horses.

Other examples sensors that may be used or otherwise integrated with the device are electrocardiogram

and pressure sensors.

In one example, the device may include a RFID reader which may detect the presence of RDID tags which

have been subcutaneously implanted in the neck area of the animal. Some examples of such RFID tags

include Bio-Therm T M ags, which are manufactured by Destro Fearing (www.destronfearing.com) and able

to provide instantaneous detection of temperature. These RFID tags 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 tags may be used depending on their specifications, performance and availability.

The use of a RFID reader may also serve as a basic proximity sensor; if the device is unable to detect the

RFID tag, it may be indicative of the removal of the device from the animal.

The present invention is advantageous in that it provides the ability to monitor the welfare of a horse,

and in particular, through the use of an optical sensor, its heart rate and send a signal to the owner or

carer of the animal in the event of a potential health issue. It is easily secured about the neck of the horse and the use of the arms provides a means for providing a power source of a sufficient size for prolonged

use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a monitoring device for an animal in .0 accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

Figure 2A is a front view of the embodiment of Figure 1;

Figure 2B is a side view of the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2a;

Figure 3A is a front view of a second embodiment of a monitoring device for an animal in accordance

with an aspect of the present invention;

.s Figure 3B is a side view of the embodiment of Figure 3a; and

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a monitoring device for an animal in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

One 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, 2A and 2B. This embodiment is intended for use with horses

and is worn about the neck.

As can be seen, the monitoring device 100 includes a centre portion 102, which in use corresponds with the underside of the neck of the horse, and opposing arms 104a, 104b extending upwards away from the

centre portion. As will be appreciated, the arms and centre portion of the monitoring device partially

wraps around the neck of the horse in use.

The device 100 is moulded from a suitably durable plastics material, such as high-density polyethylene

(HIDPE) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This is not meant to be limiting; it will be appreciated that as the device

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.

In the illustrated example, the free ends 106a, 106b of the respective opposing arms 104a, 104bare

formed as separate structures that are coupled or otherwise attached to the lower portion of the arms.

These may be secured through the use of snap-lock fittings, clips, or even fasteners (not visible in these views). The removal of the free ends allows access to the interior of the device 100. They may also serve

to provide a means of adapting the device for use with different horses, particularly if they are of different

ages (and therefore size); the free ends may be provided in a range of lengths. As can be seen, the free

ends of the arm are provided with apertures or slots 108a, 108b through which a securing harness (not

shown) may be passed in order to secure the device to the horse. This too may also be used as a way of

adapting the device for use with different horses.

.o In Figure 2A, it can be seen that a housing 110 for the optical sensor is provided to the inside face 112a of

one of the arms 104a. When the device 100 is worn, this inside face bears against the neck of the horse.

The relative position of the housing approximates the location of the major blood vessels and arteries of

the neck. The optical sensors emits light onto these vessels/arteries and by measuring the change in

luminosity as the volume of blood passing therethrough changes in response to the heart rate, the horse's

.5 heart rate can be monitored.

The centre portion 102, as shown in Figure 2B, extends somewhat laterally relative to the vertical plane of the arms 104a, 104b. This allows for greater conformity to the underside of the neck of the horse.

The device 100 includes a source of power in the form of one or more batteries (not visible). These may

be located within the interior of one or both of the arms 104a, 104b and/or alternatively in the centre .0 portion 102. The applicants prefer the use of the arms since this provides for a larger battery and extends

the operational life of the device.

The interior (not visible) of the centre portion 102 includes the CPU or microcontroller and associated

hardware, such as a hard drive and wireless transmitter and receiver. An example of a microcontroller

suitable for use with the invention is the AssetTracker SoM, which includes GNSS functionality. Data

collected from the sensors of the device 100 may be transmitted to an electronic device such as

smartphone or laptop. This may be useful as, depending on the signals received, the algorithm may be

configured to send an alert signal indicative of a potential issue affecting the horse.

It will be appreciated that the device 100 may be provided in a range of configurations depending on the

approximate size of the horse or for other reasons, such as ease of manufacture.

For example, an alternative embodiment 200 of the device is shown in Figures 3A and 3B. In this

embodiment, the centre portion 202 and arms 204a, 204b portion have a more complex profile instead of the simpler profile of the previous embodiment described, which requires less plastics material and simpler moulds to be used in its formation.

The device 200 of Figures 3A and 3B also differ in the point of separation of the free ends of the arms

from the rest of the device. In contrast to the previous embodiment described, the arms are separated

from the centre portion much further down in the area indicated by 206a, 206b, near the point at which

they arise from the centre portion. This arrangement provides some leveraging force when the strap is

used, and optimises the placement of the optical sensor relative to the neck of the horse. It also places

less stress on the connection points of the arms to the centre portion of the device.

Additionally, the inner face 208a, 208b of the arms 204a, 204b show a greater contoured surface, being

.0 relatively narrow closer to the centre portion before diverging away just above the point of connection

206a, 206b of the arms to the centre portion.

Another embodiment 300 of the invention is shown in Figure 4. As with the previous embodiments

described, it includes a centre 302 portion and opposing arms 304a, 304b. These partially wrap around

the neck of the horse in use.

.5 However, in contrast to the devices of Figures 1 to 3b, the arms 304a, 304b depend downwards from the

centre portion 302, which in use corresponds with the upper side of the neck of the horse. The centre potion is configured to approximate a V-shaped profile, which helps to accommodate the mane of the

horse.

The arms 304a, 304b are deliberately configured to include a larger lateral portion 306a, 306b extending .0 rearwards. This increases the surface area of the arms and therefore the potential contact area with the

neck of the horse is also increased. This is conducive for use with additional sensors, optical or otherwise.

It is also useful for embodiments of the invention that include RFID readers as depending on the configuration of the arms, a number of options may be provided for the placement of the RFID reader

such that it is able to be placed proximate the area of the neck into which the RFID tag has subcutaneously

been implanted.

In this embodiment, the inner face 306a, 306b of the respective arms 304a, 304b are formed as plates

held in place through the use of screws or similar mechanical fasteners (not shown) positioned within

apertures (not shown) provided therethrough. Access to the interior of the device 300 is achieved through

the removal of the inner face. It will be appreciated that in this embodiment, the centre portion 302 and

the external faces 308a, 308b of the arms are moulded substantially in one piece.

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.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be

s appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope

thereof as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. A device to be worn by an animal for monitoring its welfare, wherein the device includes:

a body, wherein the body includes

contact a surface of the neck of the animal

includes an optical sensor.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the body includes one or more receptacles for a power source.

3. The device of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the device includes additional sensors that monitor one

or more of the following: temperature; orientation; location.

4. The device of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the device includes a central processing unit.

5. The device of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the device includes a wireless receiver and

transmitter for transmitting data collected from the optical sensor.

106b 2021107230

108b 106a

104b 104a

102

FIGURE 1

1/4

106b 106a

100

112a 2021107230

110

104b 104a

102

FIGURE 2A

106a

108a 100

104a

102

FIGURE 2B

2/4

208b 2021107230

208a

204a 204b

206 206

202

FIGURE 3A

200

204a

202

FIGURE 3B

3/4

308b

302

300 2021107230

304b

306a

306b 304a

308b 306a

FIGURE 4

4/4