WO1990003070A1

WO1990003070A1 - Identification system

Info

Publication number: WO1990003070A1
Application number: PCT/NO1989/000094
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jon-Asle RØYSET; Lars Gunnar Nesseth
Original assignee: Universal Tracking Systems Ltd. A/S
Priority date: 1988-09-16
Filing date: 1989-09-15
Publication date: 1990-03-22
Also published as: NO884144L; NO884144D0; IS3507A7

Abstract

In connection with an identification system for one or more living individuals, there is used a programmable receiver, programming and transmitter chip, for example a micro chip, the programming being effected by supply of structured energy without touching the chip. The programmed information may comprise information which is permanently stored and information which is replaceable and can be read by means of a special reading unit. Preferably, the combination chip is encapsulated in a synthetic material which is adapted to the current field of application, for example located under the skin/hide of a fish in connection with the monitoring of pelagic fish or breeding fish. Preferably the system is connected to a data bank for allowing storage and sorting of historical accounts about each individual, groups of individuals and the influences to which the individuals have been subjected.

Description

IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to an identification system.

Generally the present identification system finds appli¬ cation in connection with any organic individual for there¬ by in various connections to provide documentation, ad¬ ministration, automation and tracing of each individual or groups thereof.

It is to be understood that the present identification system can find application within so-called closed or controlled environments , for example breeding pens or similar, wherein the separate individuals, here the fish, is collected within a limited area. However, it is to be understood that the identification system also finds application in connection with pelagic areas, wherein the identification of individuals in the marine environ¬ ment may be of substantial importance for the catching circles and/or the research circles associated with these areas. Further, it is to be understood that the present identification system also finds application in connection with other biologic environments whether these are at sea or at land.

Prior art.

In connecton with the marking of fish, there is previous¬ ly used a system wherein a tape is operated into the eye of the fish, this tape also comprising an identification which can be read by visual inspection, or by means of special instruments .

A disadvantage enfaced with such tape which is operated into the cornea of the fish, is the removal of the fish from its natural environment for the "reading" thereof, and the tape itself can not output any signal which can be registered across larger distances. Further, from the car industry it is known to use battery operated electronic circuits in connection with for ex¬ ample alarm facilities or burglary warning, the battery driven electronic circuit being influenced by various outer signals, for example shaking, strong sound signals or interruption of certain secutity circuits. However, such battery driven circuits requires a great volume, and will in practice not be used in connection with fish breeding, in which it is desired to monitor fry of a size as small as approximately 1,5-3,5 cm.

GB 2 165 723 discloses an animal identification device comprising a transponder in the form of a unique elec¬ tronically coded bolus which fits inside the animal's reticulum. The transponder is battery driven and the signals generated from the transponder identifies the number of the animal in question, and the design is based around the technology already being used in the compatible radio alarm application. The transmitter in the bolus will at predetermined intervals or in re¬ sponse to an interrogator signal, transmit information in the form of a binary code, and the signal has to pass through the tissue of the animal in question.

However, no instructions are given for updating the bolus containing the electronic circuitry with informa¬ tion pertaining to the life cycle of the animal in question.

GB 2 034 558 discloses an identification system for mobile objects, and in particular to a system for electronically identifying dairy cows and other live stock.

A passive transponder is attached to, or inplanted in, the animal, the transponder being triggered when the animal passes through an archway of energized coils . When thus triggered, the transponder transmits a unique code to a receiver which identifies the animal. Apart from this triggering function, no two-way communication has been suggested, which means that the transponder is not adapted to have its stored information replaced or expanded in response to pertinant information relating to the life cycle of the animal in question, or a group of such ani¬ mals .

GB 1 353 778 relates to a method of marking and subsequently localizing, identifying and recording physical objects, and to an electronic marking device for use in carrying out this method.

The prior art according to GB 1 353 778 finds application within a multitude of fields of reseach, industry, trade and other activities of practical nature, especially auto¬ matic sorting of mail and parcels, automatic production control, stock control and accounting, automatic checking and recording of sales in self-service shops, automatic reading, sorting an registration of documents of any kind including reading, sorting, totalling registration of money bills, cheques and other means of payment, auto¬ matic reading and registering of credit cards, identity cards and other forms of personal legitimation certifi¬ cates .

This prior art is compared with an "electronic combina¬ tion lock" , wherein prefabricated sets of associated marking circuits correspond to the fabricated blanks for mechanical keys, while the employment of the electromag- netic coding fields corresponds to the individual filing of each key, and the employed electromagentic searching and receiving equipment corresponds to the mechanical combination lock which can only be opened by means of a correctly filed key .

Although it is indicated that the electronic marking circuits according to this prior art, may comprise a considerable additional amount of information which can be further processed in electronic processing equip¬ ment, this prior art does not disclose a two-way commu- nication system which can effectively be used in a fish breeding plant.

Brief disclosure of the invention.

The object of the present invention is to provide an identification system which is not hampered by the above discussed problems, but which finds application in a plurality of biological environments. Further, an ob¬ ject of the invention is to provide an identification system which in a simple manner collects information about the individuals to be monitored, and wherein the processing of this information can be effected in a distinct, selective and/or batch related manner.

These objects are achieved in an identification system for living individuals, which according to the invention is characterized in that it comprises a combined receiv¬ er, programming and transmitter means which is implanted in the individual in question.

Preferably, the combined means comprises a chip including electronic circuitry which is activated by the supply of structured energy, for example ultra sound, micro¬ waves, light etc.

In connection with fish which is breeded in pens or vessels it may be appropriate, that the combined means upon receipt of the structured energy may be permanent¬ ly programmed, for example with data identifying the individual or fish in question.

Alternatively, for example in connection with pelagic activity, it may be appropriate that the combined means may be programmed for the addition, possibly modifica¬ tion of special information. It is to be understood that the combined means may be en¬ capsulated in a medium which is tissue acceptable, and should possibly be shaped such that it can be implemented in the individual by means of for example injection.

To more easily identifying the individuals implanted with a chip, the system may comprise a combined trans¬ mitter/ reader means which is adapted for both trans¬ mission of structured energy and receipt of energy which is generated in the combined means implanted in the individual, i.e. an echo energy resulting from the energy transmitted from the transmitter / reader means .

Most appropriately, the transmitter/reader means may communicate with a processing unit which further proces¬ ses the received information for the transfer thereof to a data base, the processing unit being adapted to cater for the protocol-interface between the various units of equipment.

The processing unit and the data base preferably com¬ prise a storage for each individual which is to be identified and registered, for example associated with a readable identification code, there being supplied to the storage further information about the life cycles of the individual and its treatment, for example genealogical table, breeding environment, stimulations, medications etc.

The processing unit and the data base may be programmed in connection with various searching criteria to sort the information in said data base, for example in re¬ lation to groups of individuals having a similar historical background, for example for each individual or possibly each breeding unit (vessel, pen etc.) , the system possibly comprising access code in form of pass¬ word preventing unauthorized access and/or manupulation of data in the system, the system possibly also compris¬ ing a lock which only allows additions and not deletion of information. Especially in connection with fish breeding, the receiver, programming and transmitter means or the so-called chip, may be located under the skin of a fish, especially in the aera behind the eye, and especially in such a manner that the encapsulated means is easely visible through av transparent skin portion.

In a system which is adapted to a plurality of pans or vessels into which the fish may be passed and retracted, there may appropriately in the^" connections between the pens be arranged 'a transmitter/reader means for updating and/or reading identification and/or supplemental data for each fish or groups of fish, and each fish may de¬ pending on its data and possibly further measuring and weighing be sorted out to special groups which are passed on to individual pens for batch influence by medication, growth stimulation feeding etc.

In connection with fish breeding it may be appropriate to emplant the chip in a fish when this has a size of approximately 1,5 - 3,5 cm, at which point of time each fish is allocated an individual identification code which is kept unchanged under its total life. This individual identifying code can be stored in a data bank together with further data regarding growth conditions, etc. , for thereby during the complete life¬ time of each fish there may be retrieved historical account about each fish, groups of fish and plant re¬ lated influences, and upon slaughtering of the fish an"informative label" may be printed out for each fish or groups thereof.

In connection with a monitored plant it is appropriate that the system comprises sensors for sensing the para¬ meters influencing the environment of the fish, for ex¬ ample valve control, temperature, CO-measurement, pump operation, pH-value etc., as well as means for supplying feed, medicine , antibiotica, etc. However, the present identification system may also find application in pelagic fish observations, each fish then carrying a remotely programmable chip which by the supply of structured energy is adapted to have its information carrier updated with further data, for example the point of time when the fish was trapped in fishing gears. Such a system may be provided on board a fishing or re¬ search vessel in which the fish may pass a corresponding transmitter/reader means, whereafter the fish may be released for later being trapped by other vessels in the same or other waters.

Preferably, the various data banks may be connected to a modem for remote control and remote monitoring, and for national and/or international exchange of data re¬ lating to pens, pelagic catching, animal life and other biological environments, which may be of great interest not only for the local control of fish pens, but also in a global perspective as regards an extended and more accurate review of the various biological enviro- ments.

Brief description of the drawings.

In the following the invention will be further disclosed with reference to the appended drawings.

Figur 1 is a combined flow and block diagram illustrating schematically the structure of a combined receiver, pro¬ gramming, and sender chip according to the present in¬ vention.

Figur 2 illustrates diagrammatically an instrument for implanting the combination, especially in connection with fish.

Figur 3 is a compound layout diagram which for the sake of survey may be split into subordinate Figures, namely:

Figure 3a - illustrating the principle of a registra¬ tion/reading central,

Figure 3b - illustrating the system applied to fry and larger fish,

Figure 3c - illustrating the system applied to various pens,

Figure 3d - illustrating the system applied in con¬ nection with reading of environment parameters, Figure 3e - illustrating the system used in connec¬ tion with data plant and modem.

Figure 4 is a principle diagram illustrating the system applied in connection with a plurality of pens or vessels, wherein,by means of the system, is effected a variable selection of fish.

Detailed description of embodiments.

Figure 1 which is a combined flow and block diagram illu¬ strates diagrammatically the structure of a combined re¬ ceiver, programming and transmitter means which consti¬ tutes an important feature of the present identification system. Here, reference numeral 1 designates the means itself or the chip which is so adapted that it can be influenced to be a received means, a programmable ele¬ ment as well as a transmitter means. In other words, the combined means comprises a chip which comprises a receiver unit 2 which is adapted to receive structured energy without touching the chip 1, the structured ener¬ gy for example being constituted by micro waves,, ultra sound, light etc., depending on what is appropriate for the environment in which the chip is to operate. As source for such structures energy is illustrated by a transmitter means 5a. In addition to the receiver unit 2, the programmable micro chip comprises a pro¬ gramming unit 3 which by appropriate conversion of the structured energy is adapted to be programmed either permanently, which can be advantageously in connection with fish breeding in which it is desired to have in¬ formation about where each individual or fish is pre¬ sent, or it may be adapted for reprogramming, which might be advantageous in connection with pelagic in¬ vestigations of individuals which reside in such en- vironmants.

In addition to the mentioned units, the micro-chip 1 comprises a transmitter unit 4 which for example may be an electronic transmitter circuit which under the in¬ fluence of the structured energy transmits electromag¬ netic waves on a suitable frequency band, for thereby establishing two-way communication between the micro- chip and an appropriate transmitter/reader means 5 which is adapted to the micro-chip 1, and which accord¬ ingly is adapted for both transmission of structured energy and for receiving energy which is generated in the combined means implanted in an individual.

In Figure 1 the transmitter means 5a may be used for programming alone, and may then transmit structured energy 6a on a first frequency, the structured energy then comprising an identification code or "identifica- tion number" which is generated in an information center in a data base. The coded and modulated energy 6a is. received by the receiver unit 2, and will in a converter unit 2a therein be converted for example to a digital series or parallel signal having appropriate control, check and parity bits, which in a first decision cir¬ cuit 2b is checked whether the receiver signal comprises programming parameters or not. If it is confirmed that the received signal is a programming signal, the program¬ ming unit 3 will be opened and enabled via the block 3a which effects the programming itself after certain criteria, and transfers the result to an information storage 3b.

The transmitter/reader means 5 may appropriately transmit structured energy 7a on another frequency than the struc¬ tured energy 6a from the transmitter means 5a which pre¬ ferably is only used for programming, such that the trans- mitted energy from the transmitter/receiver means 5 in a more safe manner is interpreted as only a reading sig¬ nal, for thereby avoiding the risk of faulty programming.

The structured energy 7a from the transmitter/receiver means 5a will by the converter unit 2a in the receiver unit 2 be converted to a suitable reading signal, which by the first deciβion circuit 2b will not be interpreted as a programming signal, and will therefore be passed on to a second decision circuit 2c. Upon the condition yes in the circuit 2c, the information storage 3b will be opened for reading out information, and this informa¬ tion will after appropriate conversion be sent out in codet form via the transmitter unit 4, i.e. transmitted as structured energy which is provided as a kind of echo energy, i.e. initiated and generated by the received structured energy.

By using the first transmitter 5a with a first frequency of structured energy and separate codes for programming data, and by using a second transmitter in the combined transmitter/reader means 5 in which the transmission takes place on another frequency and with other codes for reading, there is achieved a minimum risk for for faulty programming and/or reprogramming. Besides, all the energy for the transmitter 5a can be used for pro¬ gramming.

If the received structured energy which is "received" by the receiver unit 2 does not meet the requirements for programming signal or parameter signal, then the signals will be interpreted as noise or faulty signal, and terminate any attempt to program or read. It is to be understood that the micro-chip 1 of the sample embodiment of Figure 1 should be encapsulated in a medium which is tissue favourable, and which possibly has such a shape that it can be inserted in the individual to be identified, for example by injection.

In Figure 2 there is diagrammatcally illustrated an in¬ jection instrument 20 which can comprise a magazine 21 filled with a plurality of micro-chips 22. The instru¬ ment is further equipped with a piston 23 influencing the chips coming from the magazine 20 for thereby in¬ serting one chip by one into the individual 24 which is to be marked by means of such a chip. In Figure 2 the instrument 20 is equipped with a pointed end por¬ tion 25 which can be tricked under the skin or the hide of the individual 24, which contributes to the fixing of the instrument in relation to the individual and for providing an opening for the insertion of a chip 22a at a desired location. If so desired, there may be inserted more than one marking element or chip.

It is to be understood that such an injection instru¬ ment may have other shapes than what is indicated in Figure 2, which illustrates a syringe shape. For example, the injection instrument may be provided as a gun which in turn may be equipped with a driving means for "firing" one chip by one into each individual to be marked.

The micro-chip is preferably fitted under the skin or the hide of the individual which is to be marked and the encapsulating material would then permit that the chip is encapsuled into the tissue without preventing the growth of the individual, or otherwise avoiding an exchange of chips during the lifetime of the individual,

In connection with marking of fish, it may be advantage¬ ous to locate an identification chip right behind the eye of the fish, since in this aera there is a relative- ly well transparent zone, and by appropriate choice of colour of the encapsulating material, there may be achieved a rapid and effective visual indication whether the fish has been marked or not.

Besides, the difference in colour of the individual chips may involve the utilization thereof as a colour code, for example for various groups of fish, or fish having a special genealogical table, or fish which has been subjected to special treatment durings its breeding, etc. More than one chip may of course also be used if this is appropriate.

In Figure 3 which is a compound layout diagram and de- vided into several subsidiary Figures, there is in Figure 3a illustrated an individual, here a fish 24a into which is implanted a micro-chip la in the aera behind the eye 25, the chip having a size of approxi¬ mately 1 mm , and a height of size range 0.5-1 mm, the encapsulating material having a colour which is visible through the skin of the fish in the eye area.

In Figure 3a there is also illustrated a marking cen¬ tral 31, the marking of fish, for example in a fish breeding plant, taking place by allocating each fish a "personal number", which has to follow each fish during the lifetime thereof. After the marking has been effected, for example by a one-way or a two-way, communication between the implanted micro-chip la and the transmitter or the transmitter/reader means effect¬ ing the marking, respectively, the fish is passed by a registration/reading plant also comprising a trans¬ mitter/reader means for checking whether the marking has been completed or not.

After the registration/reading has been acknowledged, the marking data will via the latter transmitter/reader means be transferred to a processing unit 41 which further processes the received information for the transfer thereof to a data base. This process unit 41 may be adapted to retain the protocol inter-face between the various equipment units, as this will be explained later in connection with Figure 3d.

In figure 3b there is depicted how a marking of a plura¬ lity of fish will be effected, the fry 51 after hatching and development to a size of approximately 1,5-3,5 cm, for example as by the reference numeral 52, is marked as discussed in connection with Figure 3a. The registration/ reading of the marking data are further transmitted from the marking central via the processing unit to a data base, and therein is established a file for each individual to be identified and registered, and then in the form of for example digital identification code. To this file there may be added further information about the life cycle of the individial and the influ¬ ences thereof, which is illustarted by the reference numeral 53 illustrating a larger fish, and by reference numeral 54 illustrating a so to say adult fish, at least in connection with fish breeding. Via communi¬ cation lines 52a, 53a, 54a there may then for each individual fish via a keyboard 55 be added said further information about each fish, for example genealogical table, breeding environment, stimuli, medication, feed additives etc.

In Figure 3 there is diagrammatically illustrated how the system may be used in connection with a plurality of pens, wherein each fish depending on its data and further measuring and weighing is selected to special groups which are located in individual pens, for ex¬ ample 61, 61b, 61c and 61d, said pens bringing about different breeding conditions, all in dependence of the fish type, climatic conditions, technical instal¬ lations etc.

Since each fish is identified with a code which is stored in a data bank, and since in the register each fish has added further data regarding breeding conditions, etc., it is possible under the lifetime of the fish all the time to retrieve historical accounts regarding each fish, groups of fish and plant influences. The reading of each fish takes place in the same manner as discussed above, i.e. the fish passes by a transmitter/reader means which by means of the transmitted energy activates the implanted micro-chips for this to generate the prepro¬ grammed information. This information is detected by the reader, and the reader sends this information on to the processing unit "which further prosecutes this to¬ gether with further additional information, for example added via the keyboard 55 discussed in connection with Figure 3b, or through the keyboard 55a depicted en Fi- σure 3c.

In Figure 3d there is illustrated a plurality of sensors for sensing the parameters influencing the fish environ¬ ment, especially in connection with such breeding pens, wherein such environment can be influenced. In Figure 3d there is thus as an example illustrated valve control 60, temperature sensing 61, CO-measurement 62, tempera- ture sensing 61, CO-measurment 62, pump operation 63, pH-value 64, etc. which can be supplemented by means fcr for example supply of feed, medication, supply cf anti- ^" biotic, etc.

All these data relating to parameters of the environ¬ mental conditions are supplied to the processing unit 41 which in turn adds these data to the file for each individual's identification code, and then as a part of the historical account for each fish.

At any time it can therefore, from the data base, be re¬ trieved historical account information about individual fish, groups cf fish and the associated influences bv the plant, which means that upon slaughtering cf the fish or the transfer cf fish from one plant to another,there can be printed cut an "informative lable" for each fish or rou s thereof. In Figure 3c illustrating the system used in connection with a data plant, here designated by reference numeral 70 and a possible modem 71 as well as appropriate commu¬ nication equipment 72, there may be effected remote con¬ trol and remote measurement and remote monitoring of one or more plants. It is to be understood that this form of communication is not limited to a local plant or to national interests, but can of course be expanded to international exchange of data relating to fish breeding pens, as this is discussed above. It is also to be understood that such exchange of data can also be effected in connection with marking of other living individuals different from fish, for example individu¬ als or living organisms belonging to any form of ani¬ mal life or other biological environments .

In Figure 4 there is diagrammatically illustrated how the system can be applied in connection with a plurali¬ ty of pens or vessels, wherein in connection with an identification system according to the invention, there may be effected an appropriate selection of the fish on the basis of certain biological criteria.

After the breeding fish has acquired a size of approxima¬ tely 1,5-3,5 cm and the marking has been completed, the growth or other physiological conditions of the individu¬ al tiddler will exhibit large differentiation, for example in dependence of the fry family tree f om which the fish originates. In Figure 4 there is illustrated a marking vessel 80, wherein the tiddlers by means of a suitable trench sy¬ stem is passed from a hatching and development vessel 8a and by a marking transmitter and a combined transmit¬ ter/reader means for marking an registration and associ- ated checking, as this is discussed in connection with Figure 3, see especially Figure 3a. Depending on the rate of growth, the fish will thereafter be sorted in for example three groups, of which group 1 having a high rate of growth is placed in a vessel 81, whereas fish having a mean rate of growth is placed in a breed- ing vessel 82, and fish having a low rate of growth is placed in a breeding vessel 83.

At each of the vessels 81, 82 and 83 there are located for example a portable transmitter/reader means, 5x, 5y and 5z, respectively, and after a certain time the fish inhabiting vessels 81, 82 and 83, respectively, may de¬ pending on the further development and the influence in the respective vessels, be subjected to a further sort- ing to for example four other vessels, 85, 86, 87 and 88, respectively. The selection can here be effected on the basis of continuous rate of growth, or on the basis of the influence effected in the previuous ves¬ sel, or otherwise be dependent on the size, quality, consistency and health condition of the fish.

Since the transmitter/reader means for each vessel communicates with the processing unit and data bank, it is possible at any time to update the file of the development of each fish, and upon shipment to the final user, there may together with this shipment follow an "informative lable" , for example in the form of an information carrier provided as tape, diskette or any other appropriate medium.

In summary, and especially with reference to Figure 3 in total, the present invention provides a programmable micro-chip, the programming being effected by supplying structured energy without touching the chip. The pro¬ grammed information may be stored permanently, and may be read by a special reading device. The micro-chip is preferably encapsulated in a synthetic material which is adapted to the field of application in question. The micro-chip is brought under the hide/ skin of the individual or individuals to be marked, and the encapsulating material must be adapted to the individual for on a time basis to be encapsuled in the tissue of the individual without hampering the growth thereof, or in any other manner result in a displacement during the lifetime of the individual.

As appearing from Figure 3a, it is here diagrammatically illustrated where in the system the micro-chip which is preimplanted in an individual, is supplied with informa¬ tion. This information will via a lesser data buffer be transferred further via a processing unit 41, which processes the supplied data and at the same time commu- nicates with a larger data plant, so that each individual will be allocated a special identification code, and such that the registration is checked after the micro¬ chip has been programmed by means of an energy wave.

The reading will take place approximately in the same manner as the programming, the difference being to the fact that the energy which is transmitted, will activate the micro-chip to output the preprogrammed information. This information is detected by the transmitter/reader means and will be passed on to the processing unit which further processes the information.

In the processing unit 41 there is appropriately instal¬ led a plurality of protocol interface cards which con- stitute the interface towards the various transmitter/ reader means and the various sensor means. It is to be understood that the interface cards should be adapted to handle all forms of standardized norms as regards input/output signal processing and data communication.

A relation data base will thus be used for storing current information about each individual, especially each fish in connection with fish breeding. By tying the individuals identification code (spot information) to the various files in the data base, there may be provided reports regarding genealogical table, breed¬ ing environment, etc, and this information can be printed out or in other ways be presented for anyone wishing this information. By means of various searching criteria, the information in the data base may be sorted, for example on the basis of groups of individuals hav¬ ing equal histrorical accounts, of separate individuals or possibly of vessels or pens.

To enshure that all this information is as correct and

"reliable " as possible, there may be introduced an au¬ tomatic security ssystem in the data base. This may opperate such that anyone having access to the system should have his or her own access code (pass word) which is registered in the data, base each time the person is "logged ,in" on the system. This code can be registered each time the user is logged into the system and adds information. This registration en- ables tracing the point of time of and which informa¬ tion the person has added to the system. There may also be introduced a lock which prevents modification of basic information, which means that the plantwill function as re¬ gards adding information, but not for deleting any information, which should qualify for correct informa¬ tion in the data plant.

The discussed identification system comprising documen¬ tation, administration, automation, monitoring and con- trol of especially fish breeding plants, allows for quality security to be systematized in a more uncompli¬ cated and effective manner. There is today a discussion regarding biology, disease prevention and breeding of various types of fish, and with a starting point in the present system it is possible, even if breeding of edible fish is a biological process, to initiate production control principles which to a certain degree can be found in other process industry.

The present system means that the use of modern data technology renders a larger possibility for collecting, processing and communicating information in a far more efficient manner than previously. The problem has earli¬ er been to identify each fish, which is completely de¬ cisive for achieving a sufficient identification of each individual and the life cycle thereof, or said with other words, between the product and the conditions thereof.

In connection with a system for monitoring a fish breed¬ ing plant, the interfaces between the current network and terminals (control screen) include a dialog between the operating staff on the plant and the process itself. From here the operating staff will retrieve all informa¬ tion about the condition of operation, as well as alarms which might occur, and on the basis of these information effect the necessary procedures required for stabilizing the operation.

It may be appropriate to connect these terminals in a network, for thereby achieving the flexibility as re¬ gards the location thereof, it then being required only one cable for each panel. These panels must necessari¬ ly be of such a type that they can withstand the environ¬ ment which here is in question, for example water resist¬ ance in connection with breeding environments , and the panels should also be simple to operate.

Preferably, a monitoring station could be provided, which presents all necessary plant operation data. This can for example comprise a screen based graphic system presenting the operation as process pictures (process diagrams/float diagrams) . The operator can here for example see pictures of pipe systems, diagram of which valves and pumps are in operation, as well as have a survey of the CO- and pH-contents of the water circu¬ lating in the system. From the monitoring station, it is also possible to influence the process by means cf simple commands. The retrieved data will also re¬ present current information about the data base for further utilization of historical accounts of the fish in the plant. In addition to having a pass word for access to the data system, there should also be introduced a physical access control for the persons entering the area of the breeding plant, especially as regards sanitary conditions. In this connection there should be introduced cleaning ports, for the operating staff entering the breeding area or the control rom, at the same time as the access for each per¬ son should be registered, such that a possible detrimen¬ tal cause of action can be traced back to the persons who were present at the time of damage and then operated the system. This may be of great omportance as regards in¬ surance cases in connection with indemnity and charge reductions.

By using a unique identification number for each indivi¬ dual, this could require much data power and large stor¬ age capacity, but a code system based on the definition of place and span of time for the residence of an indi¬ vidual or an object, connected to a data base with in¬ formation about the current parameters for the residenti¬ al area, will involve a new method for information aqui- sition and treatment.

In principle this may be realized in various manners.

For each environment in which the individual resides, the chip is programmed with a code including time and place. At the same time the current parameters of the environment is logged in and stored in a data base. By reading the "travelling pattern" of the individual and by connecting this to the information in the data base, there may be provided a complete historical account of the individual as regards the current para¬ meters.

In a second embodiment the various environments may be allocated a fixed address. By combining this address with a sequential or continuous logging and storing of the parameters of each address, it is possible to readdress the environments, for example in accordance with an accumulating technique, each time new individuals are supplied to the environment in question. In this manner, programming space on the chip is saved, and it will then not be necessary to program the date.

Also in the latter case there may be retrieved a complete historical account of each individual or object.

In connection with a fish breeding plant, each time the fish is selected from one pen or another, the latter pen receiving the fish will be allocated a new address.

This address will be valid as long as no new fish enters the current pen, and as long as fish remains in the pen. Due to logging and storing of desired information in a data base, this data base may be connected to a special fish and the "travelling pattern" thereof in the plant for the documentation of the fish history.

The system will in this manner keep track of how long a fish remains in a particular pen by means of infor¬ mation regarding the travelling pattern thereof. This will be tied up with the creation of a new address, for example the creation date.

Such a coding system will give direct information about the historical account of each individual, and is especially favourable when it is necessary to keep track of a larger quantity of individuals, for example fish, but with reduced data power and storage facili¬ ties .

Claims

P a t e n t c l a i m s

1. Identification system for one or more living indivi- duals, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that it compris¬ es a combined receiver, programming and transmitter means which is implanted into the individual in question.

2. System as claimed in claim 1, c h a r a c t e - r i z e d i n that the combined means comprises a chip with electronic circuits being activated by means of supplied,,structured energy, for example ultra sound, microwaves, light etc.

3. System as claimed in claim 1, c h a r c t e - r i z e d i n that the combined means upon re¬ ceipt of structured energy can be programmed perma¬ nently, for example with data identifying the indivi¬ dual in question, alternatively that the combined means upon receipt of structured energy may be programmed for the addition or possible amendment of spesific infor¬ mation.

4. System as claimed in claim 1, c h a r a c t e - r i z e d i n that the combined means is encapsulated in a medium acceptable for tissue, and which has a shape for facilitating the insertion thereof in an in¬ dividual by injection.

5. System as claimed in claim 1, c h a r a c t e r i ¬ z e d i n that the system comprises a combined trans¬ mitter/reader means adapted for both transmission of structured energy and receipt of energy generated by the combined means implanted in an individual, and then as echo energy based on the energy transmitted from said transmitter/reader means.

6. System as claimed in claim 4, c h a r a c t e ¬ r i z e d i n that the transmitter/reader means communicates with a processing unit for further process¬ ing of the received information for passing on this in¬ formation to a data base, the processing unit being adapted to maintain the protocol interface between various equipment units, and that the processing unit and the data base comprises files for each indi¬ vidual to be identified and registered, for example as a readable identification code, said files being further provided with information about each indivi¬ dual, for example life cycle and influences, genea¬ logical table, breeding environment, stimulations, medication, etc.

7. System as claimed in claim 5, c h a r a c t e ¬ r i z e d i n that the processing unit and the data base are programmed for various searching cri- terias to sort information in the data base, for ex¬ ample as regards groups of individuals having similar historical account, for example for each individual or possibly each breeding boundary (vessel, pen etc.) , and that the system possibly comprises access code in¬ cluding a pass word preventing unauthorized access and/or amendment of the system data, and that the system possibly comprises a lock which only permits addition and no arising of information.

8. System as claimed in claim 1, especially in con¬ nection with the breeding of fish, c h a r a c t e - r i z e d i n that it comprises a combined receiver, programming and transmitter means which is located un¬ der the skin of a fish, especially in the area behind the eye, and especially in such a manner that the encap¬ sulated combination means is usually visible through a transparent skin zone.

9. System as claimed in claim 7, c h a r a c t e ¬ r i z e d i n that it comprises a plurality of pens and/or vessels which the fish can be brought into and out of, said fish passing a transmitter/reader means for updating and/or reading of identification and/or addi¬ tional data and that each fish in dependence of its data and possible further measuring and weighing is _c sorted out to special groups which are placed in se¬ lected pens for batch influence by medication, breeding environment, feeding etc.

10. System as claimed in claim 8, c h a r a c t e - 0 r i z e d i n that the combination chip is implated in the fish when this is approximately 1,5 - 3,5 cm, at which point of time each fish is aloted and individu¬ al identification code which is retained during its to¬ tal life cycle, and that this individual identifying code is stored in a data bank together with further da¬ ta regarding breeding conditions, etc. , for thereby during the complete lifetime of the fish historical accounts can be retrieved continuously about each fish, groups of fish and plant influences, and that 0 upon delivery to the end user or by slaughtering the fish, there is printed out a "informative lable" for each fish or groups thereof.

11. System as claimed in claim 9, c h a r a c t e - 5 r i z e d i n that it comprises sensors for sensing the parameters influencing the environment of the fish, for example valve control, temperature, CO-measurement, pump operation, pH-value etc., as well as means for sup¬ ply of feed, medicine, antibiotica etc. 0

12. System as claimed in claim 1, especially for pelagic fish observation, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that each fish carries a remotely controllable combination chip which is adapted by supply of structured energy to 5 be updated with additional data, for example when being trapped in a fishing gear, there being on the fishing or research vessel installed corresponding transmitter/ reader means.

13. System as claimed in claim 11, c h a r a c t e ¬ r i z e d i n that the various data banks can be connected to a modem for remote control and remote supervision, and for national and/or international ex¬ change for data regarding pens, pelagic catching, ani¬ mal life or other biological environments.

14. System as claimed in claim 1, c h a r a c t e - - r i z e d i n that the combined means (1) implanted into an individual, comprises a selective receiver unit (2, 2a) which is adapted to differenciate between two or more energy frequences (6a, 7a) , and comprises decision circuits (2b, 2e) which can differenciate be¬ tween program parameters (2b) and/or reading parameters (2c) in the received signals, said decision circuits (2b, 2e) deciding the implementation of programming, reading and/or retransmission of energy.

15. System as claimed in claim 1, c h a r a c t e ¬ r i z e d i n that there is used a coding system based on the definition of place and time span for the residence of an individual or an object, said coding system being associated with a data base to- gether with information about the current parameters of the residential area.

16. System as claimed in claim 14, c h a r a c t e ¬ r i z e d i n that for each environment in which an individual resides said chip is programmed with a code including time and place, at the same time as the cur¬ rent parameters of the environment are stored in a da¬ ta base, so as to allow the reading of the "travelling pattern" of an individual for thereby retrieving a com- plete historical account for each individual as regards the current parameters .

17. System as claimed in claim 14, c h a r a c t e ¬ r i z e d i that the various environments are giv¬ en a fixed address, and that a continuous logging and storing of the parameters of each address is taking place, for thereby allowing readdressing of the environments, for example in accordance with an accumulating technique each time new individuals are supplied to the environment, for thereby saving a programming space on the chip since this programming eliminates the programming of date.