WO2000057692A1

WO2000057692A1 - Apparatus and method for controlling animal movement

Info

Publication number: WO2000057692A1
Application number: PCT/AU2000/000247
Authority: WO
Inventors: Robert Rabih Rouda; Royden James William Lake; John Chisnall Moore
Original assignee: Chief Executive Officer Of The Department Of Agriculture; The Land And Water Resources Research And Development Corporation; Secretary, Department Of Environment And Heritage
Priority date: 1999-03-25
Filing date: 2000-03-24
Publication date: 2000-10-05
Also published as: AUPP944299A0; NZ514513A

Abstract

An apparatus for controlling animal movement comprising a transmitter (34) and a control device (10) arranged to be carried by an animal (17). The control device (10) has a receiver, a processor and a stimulus generator to generate and administer a stimulus to an animal. A transceiver (36) may be provided whereby the strength of the signal (46) emitted by the transmitter (34) can be adjusted. The apparatus may be used to confine animals to a first selected area (I) and/or to exclude animals from a second selected area (E). In the latter case, two transmitters (34) may be provided, and one of the selected areas may be moveable relative to the other.

Description

TITLE

"Apparatus and Method for Controlling Animal Movement"

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for controlling animal movement.

The invention may be used with livestock. However, the invention is not limited thereto and may be used with any animals that are capable of being trained so that they will respond to the present invention.

Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

BACKGROUND ART

Uncontrolled animal movement can be detrimental to the owner of the animals and the environment in a number of ways. One of these is the possibility that the animal may stray from designated areas and become lost. In agricultural areas, where the animals concerned are livestock, a lost animal results in lost income for the owner until that animal can be recovered. In some instances the cost of recovering the animal may exceed the potential income the owner would receive from the animal, thus making recovery an infeasible option.

Another problem associated with uncontrolled animal movement is the provision of natural feedstock. With animals being allowed to roam free, the animals are likely to feed at a number of separate locations. These locations may be remote from each other. If this situation occurs over a substantial period of time the rejuvenation of natural feedstock within the area in which the animals roam may become severely disrupted. In turn, this may result in a decrease in the total

Substitute Sheet Rule 26) RO/AU natural feedstock available within the area. Supplemental feedstock then needs to be provided at additional cost to the owner. Farms and other agricultural enterprises are particularly prone to this problem.

A further problem associated with uncontrolled animal movement occurs in riverine areas. Riverine areas prone to periodic flood damage are environmentally fragile. The introduction of another element, such as a grazing animal, into the ecology of a riverine area may cause a shift in the environmental balance of the area. One example of how this shift in balance may manifest itself is in the erosion of the river or creek beds. In the process of the animal drinking from the river or creek its weight is placed squarely on the bank of the river or creek. If this bank area is so fragile that it cannot adequately support such weight, erosion of the bank is advanced. Further, continuous drinking by a number of such animals can destroy or inhibit the soil bonding agents, such as vegetation, again advancing the erosion process.

In the past, a solution to these problems has been to fence off the riverine or other prohibited area. However, in the case of very large areas, providing and maintaining boundary fencing can be an extremely costly undertaking. Additionally, the provision of boundary fencing does not solve the problem of degradation of natural feedstock. In order for natural feedstock to rejuvenate respite must be given from the animals concerned. Thus, there needs to be a way of preventing the animals from returning to the area they have just moved from. This usually results in internal fencing arrangements that facilitate the formation of paddocks. (The animals use each paddock for a set period of time before being rotated to the next paddock.) In turn, this increases the cost of providing and maintaining fences.

In view of such disadvantages associated with conventional fencing systems to control animal movement, some forms of fenceless systems have been developed.

The present invention provides, further developments in relation to fenceless systems for controlling animal movement. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for controlling animal movement comprising

transmitter means for transmitting a signal,

a control device arranged to be carried by an animal, said control device comprising

receiver means for receiving said signal,

processor means for assessing said signal received by said receiver means to determine whether the animal has entered a prohibited zone and a stimulus is to be administered to the animal, whereupon said processor means sends a signal to said stimulus generator means,

stimulus generator means for generating and administering a stimulus to the animal upon receiving a signal from said processor means, and

transceiver means for receiving said signal transmitted by said transmitter means and for sending a return signal to said transmitter means,

wherein, said transmitter means is able to receive said return signal and adjust the intensity of said signal transmitted by said transmitter means dependent upon said return signal.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for controlling animal movement comprising

transmitter means for transmitting a first signal and a second signal,

a control device arranged to be carried by an animal, said control device comprising receiver means for receiving the first and second signals,

memory store means to store a first set of stored signal strength values and a second set of stored signal strength values,

processor means for assessing the strengths of the first and second signals received by said receiver means to determine whether the animal has entered a prohibited zone adjacent a boundary of a first or second selected area and thereby determine whether a stimulus is to be administered to the animal, said first selected area being an area to which it is desired to confine movement of the animal and said second selected area being an area from which it is desired to exclude movement of the animal, and

stimulus generator means for generating and administering a stimulus to the animal upon receiving a signal from said processor means,

wherein said processor means is arranged to send said signal to said stimulus generator means if the strength of said first signal received is within said first set of stored signal strength values or the strength of said second signal received is within said second set of stored signal strength values.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for controlling animal movement comprising

transmitter means for transmitting a signal,

receiver means for receiving said signal,

processor means for assessing said signal received by said receiver means to determine whether the animal has entered a prohibited zone adjacent a boundary of a selected area and thereby determine whether a stimulus is to be administered to the animal, and

stimulus generator means for generating a stimulus upon receiving a signal from said processor means,

wherein said transmitter means is mobile such that it is movable from one location to another location to thereby move said boundary of a said selected area to which it is desired to confine movement of the animal or a said selected area from which it is desired to exclude movement of the animal to thereby alter the area over which the animal is free to move.

Preferably, said control device is provided with a housing to contain said receiver means, processor means and stimulus generator means, said housing forming shaft means and a pair of housing portions, and said shaft means extending between said housing portions, wherein electrode means is provided to administer a said stimulus to said animal, said electrode means arranged to extend into the nostrils of the animal.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided an animal movement control device arranged to be carried by an animal and receive a signal from a transmitter, said animal movement control device comprising

a housing containing

receiver means for receiving a said signal,

processor means for assessing the strength of said signal received by said receiver means and comparing it with stored signal strength values and

stimulus generator means for generating and administering a stimulus to said animal upon receiving a signal from said processor means, and

said housing forming shaft means and a pair of housing portions, said shaft means extending between said housing portions, wherein electrode means is provided to administer a said stimulus to said animal, said electrode means arranged to extend into the nostrils of said animal, such that, in use, upon said processor means comparing said signal received by said receiver means with said stored signal strength values and determining that it is within a range of stored signal strength values, said processor means sends a signal to said stimulus generator means which generates and administers a said stimulus to said animal.

Preferably, the apparatuses in accordance with the second and third aspects of the present invention are provided with the transceiver means of the apparatus in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention.

Preferably, the apparatuses in accordance with the first and second aspects of the present invention are provided with the mobile transmitter means of the apparatus in accordance with the third aspect of the present invention.

Preferably, the apparatuses in accordance with the first and third aspects of the present invention are provided with the memory store means of the apparatus in accordance with the aspect of the present invention.

Furthermore, the control device of the apparatuses in accordance with the first, second and third aspects of the present invention may be of the same structure as the animal movement control device in accordance with the fourth aspect of the present invention.

In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of controlling animal movement comprising

transmitting a signal from at least a first location,

receiving said signal at the location of an animal,

comparing the strength of said signal received with stored signal strength values, determining whether the strength of said signal received is within a set of stored signal strength values,

generating and administering a stimulus to the animal if the strength of said signal received is within the set of stored signal strength values, and

receiving said signal at at least one location,

sending a return signal from said at least one location to said first location, and

adjusting the intensity of said signal transmitted dependent upon said return signal.

In accordance with one preferred arrangement, said method further comprises assessing the strength of said signal received at said at least one location, comparing the strength of said signal received at said at least one location with a stored reference signal value and sending said return signal if the strength of said signal received at said at least one location differs from said stored reference signal value by a selected amount.

In accordance with a second preferred arrangement, said method further comprises:

receiving said return signal at said first location,

comparing the strength of said return signal received at said first location with a stored reference signal value,

adjusting the intensity of said signal transmitted if the strength of said return signal received at said first location differs from said stored reference signal value by a selected amount.

Preferably, said at least one location is substantially at a boundary of a prohibited zone adjacent a first selected area to which it is desired to confine movement of said animal or a second selected area from which it is desired to exclude movement of the animal.

Preferably, said at least one location is substantially at a boundary beyond which it is desired to prevent animal movement.

Preferably, said at least one location is proximate said at least first location.

Preferably, said at least one location is provided beyond a boundary beyond which it is desired to prevent movement of the animal.

In accordance with a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of controlling animal movement comprising

determining a first selected area to which it is desired to confine movement of an animal,

determining a second selected area from which it is desired to exclude movement of the animal,

transmitting a first signal and a second signal from at least a first location,

receiving said first signal and said second signal at the location of an animal,

assessing the strengths of the first and second signals received at said location of said animal,

comparing the strength of said first signal received with a first set of stored signal strength values,

comparing the strength of said second signal received with a second set of stored signal strength values, determining whether the strength of said first signal received is within said first set of stored signal strength values to thereby determine whether the animal has moved into a prohibited zone adjacent a boundary of said first selected area,

determining whether the strength of said second signal received is within said second set of stored signal strength values to thereby determine whether the animal has moved into a prohibited zone adjacent a boundary of said second selected area,

generating a stimulus and administering said stimulus to said animal if the strength of said first signal received is within said first set of stored signal strength values or the strength of said second signal received is within said second set of stored signal strength values,

the nature of the stimulus generated and administered to the animal being determined by the strength of the first and second signals received.

In accordance with a seventh aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of controlling animal movement comprising

transmitting a signal from at least a first location,

receiving said signal at the location of an animal,

comparing the strength of said signal received with stored signal strength values,

determining whether the strength of said signal received is within a set of stored signal strength values,

moving said at least first location to at least another location to thereby move the boundary of an area to which it is desired to confine movement of the animal or an area from which it is desired to exclude movement of the animal to thereby alter the area over which the animal is free to move.

Preferably, the methods in accordance with the sixth and seventh aspects of the present invention also comprise the features of the method in accordance with the fifth aspect of the present invention.

Preferably, the methods in accordance with the fifth and sixth aspects of the present invention also comprise the features of the method in accordance with the seventh aspect of the present invention.

Preferably, the methods in accordance with the fifth and seventh aspects of the present invention also comprise the features of the method in accordance with the sixth aspect of the present invention.

Preferably, said methods further comprise assessing whether the strength of said signal received passes a threshold level and analyzing the strength of said signal received prior to comparing the strength of said signal received with stored signal strength values.

Preferably, said methods further comprise transmitting a first signal from a first location and transmitting a second signal from a second location.

Preferably, said methods further comprise determining whether the strength of said signal received is within a first set of stored signal strength values, and generating and administering a stimulus to the animal from a first set of stimuli if the strength of said signal received is within said first set of stored signal strength values.

Preferably, said methods further comprise determining whether the strength of said signal received is within a second set of signal strength values, and generating and administering a stimulus to the animal from a second set of stimuli with the strength of said signal received is within said second set of stored signal strength values. Preferably, said methods of controlling animal movement further comprise

counting the number of stimuli generated and administered to the animal in a selected time period, and

preventing further stimuli from being generated and administered to the animal if the number of said stimuli previously generated and administered to said animal in said selected time period equals or exceeds a selected number.

Preferably, said methods of controlling animal movement further comprise

counting the number of stimuli from a selected set of stimuli generated and administered to the animal in a selected time period, and

preventing further stimuli from said selected set of stimuli from being generated and administered to the animal if the number of said stimuli from said selected set of stimuli generated and administered to said animal in said selected time period equals or exceeds a selected number.

Preferably, said methods further comprise preventing further stimuli from being generated and administered to the animal only after the animal enters an stays within a selected prohibited zone.

Preferably, said methods of controlling animal movement further comprise:

in the event that further stimuli are prevented from being generated and administered to the animal, recommencing the ability for stimuli to be generated and administered to the animal upon the animal returning to a selected location or area.

Preferably, said at least first location is mobile and said methods further comprise directing the animals along a selected path using a navigation system. Preferably, said methods further comprise varying the intensity of a said signal transmitted from said at least first location.

Preferably, said methods further comprise including encoded information in the said signal transmitted from said at least first location.

Preferably, where first and second selected areas are provided, said methods further comprise maintaining the location of one said selected area stationary and moving said location of the other said selected area relative to said first selected area to thereby alter the area over which the animal is free to move.

Preferably, said processor means comprises a signal strength analyzer and a comparator, said signal strength analyzer arranged to be in data communication with said comparator and a threshold analyzer of said control device, wherein said threshold analyzer assesses whether the strength of said signal received by said receiver means passes a threshold level, said signal strength analyzer analyzes the strength of said signal received by said receiver means and said comparator compares the strength of said signal received by said receiver means with at least one set of stored signal strength values to determine whether a stimulus is to be administered to the animal.

Preferably, said shaft is arranged to extend through the nasal cartilage of the animal such that said animal control device is contained substantially within the nostrils of said animal.

Preferably, said transceiver means is arranged to be located substantially at a boundary beyond which it is desired to prevent movement of the animal.

Alternatively, said transceiver means is arranged to be located substantially proximate said transmitter means.

As a further alternative, said transceiver means is arranged to be provided beyond a boundary beyond which it is desired to prevent movement of the animal. Preferably, said transmitter means comprises two or more transmitters to transmit a signal.

Preferably, said transmitter means comprises first transmitter means to transmit a said first signal and a second transmitter means to transmit a said second signal.

Preferably, said transmitter means comprises a substantially continuous length member.

Preferably, said substantially continuous length member is provided at or above ground level.

Preferably, said continuous length member is provided above ground level at a height to allow unimpeded passage of animals and vehicles.

Preferably, repeater means is provided at selected locations along said continuous length member to maintain the strength of said signal emitted thereby at a selected level.

Preferably, said continuous length member comprises a transmission line.

Preferably, said transmitter means comprises a lossy transmission wire.

Alternatively, said transmitter means comprises a dipole antenna.

Alternatively said transmitter means comprises a yagi antenna.

In a still further alternative, said transmitter means comprises a phased array transmitter.

Preferably, said transmitter means is mobile.

Preferably, the transmitter means is provided on a mobile vehicle and a navigation system, such as GPS, is provided to enable the animal to be directed along a selected path. Preferably, the nature of said stimulus generated is determined by the strength of said signal received by said receiver means from said transmitter means.

Preferably, said processor means is provided with computational means which counts the number of stimuli generated by said stimulus generator means and is able to prevent said stimulus generator means from generating a stimulus if the number of stimuli previously delivered to a said animal in a selected time period equals or exceeds a selected number.

Preferably, said computational means prevents said stimulus generator means from generating a stimulus only after said animal enters a second set of said prohibited zones.

More preferably, said computational means prevents said stimulus generator means from generating a stimulus only after said animal enters and stays within a selected said prohibited zone.

Preferably, after said stimulus generator means has been prevented from generating and administering a stimulus to the animal, said processor means recommences the ability of the stimulus generator means to generate and administer a stimulus to the animal after the animal returns to a selected location or area.

Preferably, said stimulus generator means comprises an electrical impulse generator arranged to administer an electrical impulse to the animal via said electrode means.

Alternatively, said stimulus generator means comprises an audio-emitting device to emit a sound audible to the animal.

In a further preferred alternative, said stimulus generator means comprises both an audio-emitting device and an electrical impulse generator. Preferably, said sound comprises audible warnings of a single frequency with overtones pitched to the higher end of the audible spectrum of the animal and are emitted as either a low intensity beep at levels of no less than one second for a first warning sound stimulus or as a high intensity beep emitted at no less than 0.1 second intervals for a second warning sound stimulus.

Preferably, said electrical impulses comprise a single high voltage direct current pulse at a voltage sufficient to produce a low level aversive pain in the animal at intervals at at least one second.

Preferably, said electrical impulses comprise a single high voltage direct current pulse at a voltage sufficient to produce a strong aversive reaction in the animal and applied at a rate of at most one shock every 0.1 second.

More preferably, the voltage is sufficient to produce a said strong aversive reaction in the animal and applied at a rate of substantially one shock per second.

Preferably, said receiver means comprises a dipole antenna.

Alternatively, said receiver means comprises a multi-turn loop antenna.

Preferably, said stored signal strength values substantially correspond to respective boundaries of prohibited zones of animal movement.

Preferably, the nature of said stimulus generated by said stimulus generator means corresponds to a successive stored signal strength value reached by the strength of said signal received by said receiver means such that as said animal approaches respective boundaries of successive prohibited zones the strength of said signal received by said receiver means corresponds to said successive stored signal strength values.

Preferably, in the case of said first selected area said successive stored signal strength values are sequentially decreasing. Preferably, in the case of said second selected area said successive stored signal strength values are sequentially increasing.

Preferably, first stimuli are generated by said stimuli generator means upon said animal entering a first set of said prohibited zones and second stimuli are generated by said stimuli generator means upon said animal entering a second set of said prohibited zones.

Preferably, said first stimuli comprise warning sounds and said second stimuli comprise electric impulses.

Preferably, said signal transmitted by said transceiver means includes encoded information.

Preferably, said transmitter means transmits said signal in the high frequency band or short wave band.

More preferably, said transmitter means transmits said signal in the short wave band.

Preferably, said transmitter means is able to vary the intensity of the transmitted signal.

Preferably, said signal transmitted by said transmitter means includes encoded information.

Preferably, when the transmitter means transmit a first and a second signal, these signals are transmitted on two separate carrier waves of different frequencies with each said carrier wave being modulated at a selected sub-frequency.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is a representational block diagram of an embodiment of an animal movement control device in accordance with one aspect of the present invention,

Figure 2 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of an apparatus for controlling animal movement in accordance with a second aspect of the present invention;

Figure 3 is a schematic representation of another embodiment of an apparatus for controlling animal movement in accordance with a second aspect of the present invention;

Figure 4 is a schematic representation of a combination of the first and second embodiments shown in Figures 2 and 3 to contain livestock within a defined region and to exclude the livestock from approaching a riverine area located within the defined region; and

Figure 5a is a flow chart showing the interaction between the transmitter and the animal movement control device in an embodiment of a method of controlling animal movement in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 5b is a flow chart of a feedback loop between a transmitter and a transceiver in an embodiment of a method of controlling animal movement in accordance with the present invention; and

Figure 6 and 7 illustrate first and second embodiments, in schematic form, of combinations of inclusion and exclusion systems.

BEST MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

An embodiment of an animal movement control device 10 in accordance with an aspect of the present invention is shown in Figure 1.

The animal movement control device 10 comprises a receiver 12, a processor 14 and a stimuli generator 16. The receiver 12 comprises an antenna 20 and a threshold analyzer 18. The antenna 20 is in data communication with the threshold analyzer 18.

The processor 14 comprises a signal strength analyzer 28, a comparator 30 and a computational unit 32.

The signal strength analyzer 28 is in data communication with the threshold analyzer 18 and the comparator 30. The comparator 30 is also in data communication with the computational unit 32.

The functions of the threshold analyzer 18, signal strength analyzer 28, comparator 30 and computational unit 32 are later described.

The stimuli generator 16 comprises an audio-emitting device 22 for emitting a sound and an electrical impulse generator 24 for generating an electric charge. The stimuli generator 16 is in electrical communication with the computational unit 32.

The sound emitted by the audio-emitting device 22 consists of audible warnings. These audible warnings consist of a single frequency with overtones pitched to the higher end of the audible spectrum of the animal 17 and are emitted as either a low intensity beep at intervals of not less than 1 second (for a first audible warning stimulus) or as a high intensity beep emitted at no less than 0.1 second intervals (for a second audible warning stimulus).

The electrical impulse generator 24 is capable of producing an electric impulse in the form of a high voltage direct current pulse produced by the discharging of a capacitive circuit. This may be done as, firstly, a voltage sufficient to produce a low level aversive pain in the animal 17 at intervals at no less than 1 second, or secondly, an equivalent electric impulse at a higher voltage sufficient to produce a strong aversive reaction in the animal 17 which is applied at a rate of no greater than 1 shock every 0.1 second and preferably as 1 shock per second. The electrical impulse generator 24 also comprises electrodes 92 to administer the electric charge to an animal 17.

A power source 23, e.g. battery pack, is also provided.

The animal movement control device 10 is arranged to be carried by the animal 17 such that the animal 17 is able to hear any warning sound emitted by the audio-emitting device 22 such that the warning sound is administered to the animal, and is able to receive any electrical impulse, i.e. electric shock, administered to the animal 17 by the electrical impulse generator 24 via the electrodes 92.

Preferably, the animal 17 carries the animal movement control device 10 by the cartilage at the front of the nose inside the nostrils, with the electrodes 92 extending into the nostrils of the animal 17. This position is preferred to other locations, such as the animal's ear, because the weight of the animal movement control device 10 is borne by the animal's neck muscles. These muscles are relatively strong and can bear a weight with less discomfort to the animal 17.

Another reason for having the animal 17 carry the animal movement control device 10 via the nasal cartilage is that the tissue located in the nostrils of the animal 17 is a suitable place to administer an electrical impulse. The moist, dust free environment of the nasal cavities ensures good electrical contact. The placement of an electrode 92 in each nostril ensures an electrical conducting path through an extremely sensitive region of the nervous system of the animal 17. The electrodes 92 need apply only a light contact pressure to the inner wall of each nostril. Only a small shock voltage is required which results in power consumption saving and requires a relatively small (and light) power source 23. Additionally, the tissue is not as susceptible to scar damage as other areas of sensitive tissue, such as the ear.

The animal movement control device 10 may be substantially dumbbell shaped. A shaft 1 1 houses the power source 23 and central memory store 27. The shaft 1 1 extends through the cartilage at the front of the nose of the animal 17 inside the nostril. The shaft 11 is secured in place by the two ends 13 and 15 of the dumbbell. One end 13 houses the audio-emitting device 22 and the electrical impulse generator 24. The other end 15 houses the antenna 20, threshold analyzer 18, signal strength analyzer 28, comparator 20 and computational unit 32.

The animal movement control device 10 is thereby completely enclosed within the nostrils of the animal 17.

The central memory store 27 is in communication with the threshold analyzer 18, comparator 30 and computational unit 32 of the animal movement control device 10.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for controlling animal movement comprising a transmitter and an animal movement control device 10.

A first embodiment of an apparatus 33a for controlling animal movement is shown in Figure 2. The apparatus 33a shown in Figure 2 may be used to confine animals 17 to a selected area I. The apparatus 33a operates in what is referred to herein as an inclusion system.

A second embodiment of an apparatus 33b for controlling animal movement is shown in Figure 3. The apparatus 33b shown in Figure 3 may be used to exclude animals 17 from a selected area E. The apparatus 33b operates in what is referred to herein as an exclusion system.

The apparatus 33a for controlling animal movement shown in Figure 2 will now be described.

The transmitter 34 is an omnidirectional transmitter. Four prohibited zones 38a, 38b, 38c and 38d define zones of prohibited animal movement. The prohibited zones 38a, 38b, 38c and 38d are arranged concentrically around the transmitter 34 and spaced therefrom. The prohibited zones 38a, 38b, 38c and 38d are provided adjacent the boundary of the free roam area 90.

The prohibited zones 38a, 38b, 38c and 38d are defined by boundaries 42a and 42b, 42b and 42c, 42c and 42d and 42d and 42e, respectively.

A transceiver 36 is provided at the boundary 42d of the prohibited zone 38d farthest from the transmitter 34.

However, the transceiver 36 may be provided at any suitable location, including outside or inside the free roam area 90. It may also be provided proximate the transmitter 34.

The transceiver 36 is arranged to receive signals sent by the transmitter 34 and, if necessary, transmit a return signal 55. The functions of the transceiver 36 will be further described later herein.

The animal movement control device 10 is as described above. Each animal 17 is provided with an animal movement control device 10.

The apparatus 33b for controlling animal movement shown in Figure 3 will now be described.

The transmitter is provided as a continuous length member, such as a lossy transmission wire 40 strung along a series of telegraph poles 44 which bound the area from which animals 17 are to be excluded. Such a transmitter provides two advantages.

The first is that by being strung along telegraph poles 44, the lossy transmission wire 40 does not create a barrier to the excluded area for vehicles or other animals.

The second advantage is shared with other substantially continuous length member transmitters. The field strength of all types of antennas vary according to environmental conditions and the geological characteristics of the surrounding terrain. For example, in perfect conditions the field strength of an omnidirectional antenna would cover a circular area. In realistic conditions, the field strength would cover an area of freeform shape. This means that to ensure that the exclusion system operates effectively irrespective of the type of transmitter used, the field strength must cover the whole boundary of the excluded area. This is possible with substantially continuous length member transmitters. With other forms of transmitters, the transmitters must be positioned so that the whole boundary of the excluded area is covered, even at minimum field strength. However, this introduces a further problem of field strength overlap which is further described later herein.

When the transmitter is provided as a continuous length member, repeater units may be provided at selected locations along the continuous length member to maintain the strength of the signal emitted thereby at a selected level.

Figure 3 also illustrates four prohibited zones 39a, 39b, 39c and 39d defining zones prohibited to animal movement. Each prohibited zone 39a, 39b, 39c and 39d is substantially parallel to the lossy transmission wire 40. The prohibited zones 39a, 39b, 39c and 39d are defined by boundaries 43a and 43b, 43b and 43c, 43c and 43d, and 43d and 43e, respectively. The prohibited zones 39a, 39b, 39c and 39d are provided adjacent the boundary of the free roam area 90.

A transceiver 36 is provided at the boundary 43a of the prohibited zone 39a farthest from the lossy transmission wire 40. The boundary 43a is the boundary of the prohibited zone 39a farthest from the lossy transmission wire 40.

However, the transceiver 36 may be provided at any suitable location including outside or inside the free roam area 90. It may also be provided proximate the transmission line 40.

The animal movement control device 10 is as described above. Each animal 17 is provided with an animal control device 10. The prohibited zones 38a, 38b, 38c, 38d and 39a, 39b, 39c and 39d are provided in the respective free roam areas 90. Whilst these are referred to as prohibited zones and are within an area described as a free roam area, the animals 17 can move into the prohibited zones but will have a stimulus administered to them to encourage them to leave. The purpose of the prohibited zone is to prevent animals moving beyond the prohibited zones.

The manner of operation of the animal movement control apparatus 33a and 33b and method of controlling animal movement of the present invention will now be described, with reference to the drawings.

With reference to Figure 2 (inclusion system), an omnidirectional transmitter 34 is erected at a selected location. A signal 46 is emitted from the omnidirectional transmitter 34 in either the high frequency or short wave bands.

With reference to Figure 3 (exclusion system), a lossy transmission wire 40 is erected adjacent a river. A signal 46 is emitted from the lossy transmission wire 40 in either the high frequency or short wave bands.

Figure 4 shows an embodiment of how the two arrangements shown in Figures 2 and 3 may be combined. For clarity, only the zones 38d and 39d have been shown in Figure 4.

When the inclusion system and exclusion system are used together, as in Figure 4, the animal movement control device 10 is responsive to both signals 46a and 46b emitted by the transmitter 34 and the transmission wire 40, respectively. The signals 46a and 46b are transmitted on two separate carrier waves of different frequencies with each carrier being modulated at a unique sub-frequency. In this way, the animal 17 will be able to respond to each signal 46a and 46b.

Preferably, the signals 46a and 46b emitted by the transmitter 34 and lossy transmission wire 40 are in the short frequency wave band as this is the least prone to distortion caused by environmental and/or geological factors. The signal 46 is received by the animal movement control device 10.

The function and operation of the animal movement control device 10, within the animal movement control apparatus 33a/33b, will now be described.

The animal movement control device 10 operates in a different manner in the inclusion system and exclusion system. Accordingly, the operation of the animal movement control device 10 will be described generally with specific reference being made to any differences in operation in the exclusion system and in the inclusion system.

With particular reference to Figure 5a, the signal 46 is received by the antenna 20 and communicated to the threshold analyzer 18. The threshold analyzer 18 checks a flag 21 stored in the central memory store 27 to ensure that the animal movement control device 10 is not recorded as locked. When the animal movement control device 10 is locked, the stimuli generator 16 is unable to generate a stimulus to administer to the animal 17. This is a safety feature to protect the animal and will be further described later herein. If the animal movement control device 10 is not locked, the threshold analyzer 18 performs a cursory analysis of the strength of the signal 46. If the strength of the signal 46 passes a threshold level 19, power is provided to the processor 14 and stimuli generator 16. In this way the animal movement control device 10 can save power since the processor 14 and stimuli generator 16 are powered only if the strength of the signal 46 passes a threshold level 19.

The central memory store 27 communicates the threshold level 19 to the threshold analyzer 18.

In the exclusion system the threshold level 19 will be relatively high, while in the inclusion system the threshold level 19 will be relatively low.

The signal 46 is also communicated to the signal strength analyzer 28 by the threshold analyzer 18. With power being provided to the processor 14, the signal strength analyzer 28 periodically performs an assessment of the strength of the receival signal 46. A representative value 56 is created based on the results of this assessment and communicated to the comparator 30.

The comparator 30 compares the representative value 56 against a set of stored signal strength values 58 provided by the central memory store 27. Each value in the set of stored signal strength values 58 substantially corresponds to the strength of the signal 46 received at respective boundaries 42a, 42b, 42c, 42d and 42e in the inclusion system or at respective boundaries 43a, 43b, 43c, 43d and 43e in the exclusion system. Each of the boundaries 42a, 42b, 42c and 42d and 43a, 43b, 43c, and 43d substantially correspond to the beginnings of the prohibited zones 38a, 38b, 38c and 38d and 39a, 39b, 39c and 39d, respectively. The boundaries 42e and 43e correspond to the endings of the prohibited zones 38d and 39d, respectively, i.e. the endings of the free to roam areas 90.

In the inclusion system, each value in the set of stored signal strength values 58 sequentially decreases. In the exclusion system each value in the set of stored signal strength values 58 sequentially increases.

Further, the comparison between the representative value 56 and the set of stored signal strength values 58 differs according to the system employed.

Firstly describing the inclusion system, if the representative value 56 exceeds the first value in the set of stored signal strength values 58, nothing further is done since this indicates that the animal 17 has not entered any of the prohibited zones 38a, 38b, 38c or 38d. However, once the representative value 56 is less than the first value in the set of stored signal strength values 58 a comparison loop 60a commences.

Within the comparison loop 60a, the representative value 56 is compared, in turn, with each value in the set of stored signal strength values 58. Once the representative value 56 matches or is less than a stored signal strength value 58, the comparison loop 60a terminates. The number of times the comparison loop 60a executed is recorded as the level 62 of the received signal 46. This level 62 is indicative of the prohibited zone 38a, 38b, 38c or 38d in which the animal 17 is located.

In the exclusion system, if the representative value 56 is less than the first value in the set of stored signal strength values 58, nothing further is done since this indicates that the animal 17 has not entered any of the prohibited zones 39a, 39b, 39c or 39d. However, once the representative value 56 is greater than the first value in the set of stored signal strength values 58 a comparison loop 60b commences.

Within the comparison loop 60b, the representative value 56 is compared, in turn, with each value in the set of stored signal strength values 58. Once the representative value 56 matches or is greater than a stored signal strength value 58, the comparison loop 60b terminates. The number of times the comparison loop 60b executed is recorded as the level 62 of the received signal 46. The level 62 is indicative of the prohibited zone 39a, 39, 39c, or 39d in which the animal 17 is located.

The comparator 30 then communicates the level 62 to the computational unit 32. The central memory store 27 communicates an electric shock level 68 to the computational unit 32.

The computational unit 32 checks the level 62 against the electric shock level 68 provided by the central memory store 27. The electric shock level 68 represents at least one selected prohibited zone which, if the animal 17 wanders into one of these prohibited zones, the animal 17 will be administered with an electric shock.

If the level 62 is not equal to the electric shock level 68, the level 62 is recorded in an intensity flag 66. A control signal 70 is then communicated to the stimuli generator 16, indicating that a stimulus is to be administered to the animal 17.

The intensity flag 66 is also communicated to the stimuli generator 16 to indicate factors such as the intensity and duration of the stimulus administered. The stimulus administered to animal 17 is dependent upon the prohibited zone 38a, 38b, 38c or 38d and 39a, 39b, 39c or 39d in which the animal is located. Since the level 62 recorded in the intensity flag 66 is indicative of the prohibited zone 38a, 38b, 39a or 39b in which the animal 17 is located, the intensity flag 66 and corresponding control signal 70 communicate to the stimuli generator 16 the nature, intensity and duration of the stimulus that is to be administered to the animal 17.

Accordingly, when the level 62 indicates that the animal 17 is located in prohibited zones 38a, 39a, 38b or 39b a stimulus 72, being a warning sound, is administered by the audio-emitting device 22. However, the character of warning sound may differ depending upon whether the animal 17 is in prohibited zones 38a or 38b and similarly when the animal 17 is in prohibited zones 39a or 39b. This will be determined by the intensity flag 66.

However, if the level 62 equals the electric shock level 68, the computational unit 32 obtains a time reading 78 from a real-time clock 76. A variable stack 80, communicated to the computational unit 32 from the central memory store 27, records the times when the stimuli generator 16 is directed to administer stimuli to the animal 17 when it is in the prohibited zones 38c, 39c, 38d or 39d.

Only those times that fall within the duration of a selected time period 82 occurring immediately before the time reading 78 are retained within the variable stack 80. Again, the selected time period 82 is communicated to the computational unit 32 from the central memory store 27.

The number of elements (i.e. records of time readings 78) in the variable stack 80 is then calculated. If this number equals or exceeds a lock value 86 recorded in the central memory store 27, the flag 21 is set indicating that the animal movement control device 10 is locked.

The animal movement control device 10 will remain locked until the flag 21 is reset by an unlocking device (not shown) or unlocking condition. When the animal movement control device 10 is locked in this way, the stimuli generator 16 is unable to administer a stimulus to the animal 17.

This is a safety feature to prevent electric shocks being repeatedly administered to the animal 17 if it fails to leave prohibited zones 38c, 38d, 39c and 39d. Accordingly, the animal movement control device 10 would become locked only if the animal 17 entered and remained in prohibited zones 38c, 38d, 39c and 39d.

If the number of elements in the variable stack 80 is less than the lock value 86, the time reading 78 is added to the variable stack 80.

The control signal 70 is then communicated to the stimuli generator 16, indicating that a stimulus is to be administered to the animal 17. The intensity flag 66 is set to the level 62 and communicated to the stimuli generator 16 to indicate factors such as the intensity and duration of the stimulus administered.

Since the level 62 recorded in the intensity flag 66 is indicative of the prohibited zone 38c, 38d, 39c or 39d in which the animal 17 is located, the intensity flag 66 and corresponding control signal 70 communicate to the stimuli generator 16 the nature, intensity and duration of the stimulus that is to be administered to the animal 17. In the instances when the level 62 indicates that the animal 17 is located in prohibited zones 38c, 39c, 38d or 39d, a stimulus 74, being an electric shock, is administered by the electric impulse generator 24 via electrodes 92. However, the character of the electric shock may differ depending upon whether the animal 17 is in prohibited zones 38c or 38d and similarly when the animal 17 is in prohibited zones 39c or 39d. Again, this is determined by the intensity flag 66.

The control signal 70 indicates the mode in which the stimuli generator 16 is to operate. If the mode is set to first stimuli 72, then an audible sound is emitted from the audio-emitting device 22. If the mode is set to second stimuli 74, then an electric shock is delivered to the animal 17 by the electric impulse generator 24 via electrodes 92. ln the embodiments shown in Figures 2 and 3, there are two modes and two intensity levels for each mode (Table 1).

TABLE 1

With particular reference to Figure 5b, the signal 46 is also received by a receiver unit 81 of the transceiver 36 located on the boundary 42d/43a of the fourth prohibited zone 38d/39a. Other transceivers (not shown) may be located on the boundaries 42a/43b, 42b/43c and 42c/43d of the other three prohibited zones 38a/39b, 38b/39c and 38c/39d also receive the signal 46.

The receiver unit 81 transfers the signal to an analysis unit 83. The analysis unit 83 creates a comparative value based on an assessment of the strength of the signal 46 received.

This comparative value is then compared with a stored reference signal value 52 located in a memory store 88. The stored reference signal value 52 is representative of the comparative value that would be assessed of the signal 46 received when there is no distortion in the field strength of the transmitter 34/40. . Accordingly, the stored reference signal value 52 differs from one transceiver 36 to another. If the difference between the comparative value and the stored reference signal value 52 is greater than a selected amount 54 (also stored in memory store 88), a transmitter 85 (of the transceiver 36) sends a return signal 55 having the value of the difference 50 encoded therein, is sent by the transceiver 36 to the transmitter 34/40.

The transmitter 34/40 receives the return signal 55 and decodes the value encoded therein. The intensity of the signal 46 transmitted by the transmitter 34/40 is then adjusted in accordance with this value. For example, a negative value would require that the intensity be increased while a positive value would require that the intensity be decreased.

Thus, the continuous feedback loop created by the transmitter 34/40 and transceivers 36 ensure that the boundaries 42a/43a, 42b/43b, 42c/43c and 42d/43d of the prohibited zones 38a/39a, 38b/39b, 38c/39c and 38d/39d remain substantially constant.

The method for controlling animal movement as used will now be described.

Firstly, animals 17 are trained to respond to the stimuli generated by the stimuli generator 16. The animals 17 may, for example, be cattle whose movement is to be controlled.

To do this, animals 17 are fitted with animal movement control devices 10 and placed in a confined area. A transmitter 34 is used to form an apparatus 33a for controlling animal movement configured for the inclusion system. The animals 17 are allowed to move freely within the confined area. Over a period of time, the animals 17 receive audio warnings and/or electric shocks indicating that they have entered into a prohibited zone. Thus, through Pavlovian training the animals 17 will become responsive to the apparatus 33a, moving out of the prohibited zones when an audio warning or electric shock is administered.

When the animals 17 become responsive to the apparatus 33a approximately 90% of the time, the animals 17 are put out to pasture in a free roam area 90. A similar training process applies to the exclusion system.

Animals 17 that have been trained and put out to pasture will not be physically contained within an area by fences or the like. Ideally, animals 17 will be contained by the inclusion system of the apparatus 33a and/or exclusion system of apparatus 33b.

The stored signal strength values 58 in the animal movement control device 10 are thresholds which establish the generation of different levels of aversion stimuli as previously hereinbefore described. These thresholds may be stored as digital thresholds in the central memory store 27. These thresholds are able to be altered once the devices have been attached to the animals 17. This may, for example, be effected by a remotely operated control unit (not shown). The ability to alter the thresholds in this way allows adjustment of the sensitivity of the animal movement control device 10 relative to the strength of the received signal 46a/46b and behavioural response of an animal 17. In this way, each animal 17 will respond to the signals 46a/46b at approximately the same distance from the boundary of the free roam area 90.

The animal movement control device 10 continuously monitors the strength of the signal 46 transmitted by the transmitter 34/40. When the animal movement control device 10 records an animal 17 as being within the first prohibited zone 38a/39a, a low intensity audio warning will be administered by the audio-emitting device 22.

Ideally the animal 17 will then exit the first prohibited zone 38a/39a and not enter the second prohibited zone 38b/39b and re-enter the free roam area 90. However, if the animal 17 remains within the first prohibited zone 38a/39a, the animal 17 will continue to receive low intensity audio warnings at set durations until the animal 17 exits the first prohibited zone 38a/39a and re-enters that part of the free roam area 90 where no stimuli are administered or enters another prohibited zone. If the animal 17 enters the second prohibited zone 38b/39b, the animal 17 receives a high intensity audio warning. High intensity audio warnings will repeat at set intervals until the animal 17 leaves the second prohibited zone 38b/39b.

If the animal 17 returns to the first prohibited zone 38a/39a, the animal 17 will then receive a low intensity audio warning until it re-enters that part of the free roam area 90 where no stimuli are administered.

If the animal 17 enters the third prohibited zone 38c/39c, a low intensity electric shock will be administered to the animal 17. Again, the low intensity electric shocks will continue at set periods until the animal 17 exits the third prohibited zone 38c/39c. Once the animal 17 receives four electric shocks within the selected time period 82, the animal movement control device 10 locks up. Once locked, the stimuli generator means 16 is prevented from administering further stimuli of any type to the animal 17.

This ensures that the animal 17 does not become confused through the continuous administration of electric shocks. The animal 17 can then move about freely.

The animal movement control device 10 will only unlock upon receiving an unlock signal from an unlocking device (not shown) or of an unlocking condition being satisfied, such as, e.g. returning to within a predetermined distance of the transmitter 34 or a predetermined location within the free roam area 90.

When the animal 17 leaves the third prohibited zone 38c/39c, the number of electric shocks administered to the animal 17 is recorded along with the time when each was administered.

If the animal 17 returns to the second prohibited zone 38b/39b, the stimulus administered returns to audio warnings. However, if the animal 17 thereafter returns to the third prohibited zone 38c/39c, electric shocks are again administered until the animal 17 has received four electric shocks within the selected time period 82, at which point the animal movement control device 10 becomes locked.

Alternatively, if the animal 17 enters the fourth prohibited zone 38d/39d, a high intensity electric shock is administered at set durations. This continues until the animal 17 returns to the third prohibited zone 38c/39c (and thus receives merely low intensity electric shocks) or the animal 17 is administered with four electric shocks within the selected time period 82.

Again, if the animal 17 strays between the third and fourth prohibited zones 38c/39c, 38d/39d, the animal movement control device 10 will maintain a record of when an electric shock was administered in either of these prohibited zones 38c/39c, 38d/39d for the purposes of determining when the animal movement control device 10 should be locked.

While this occurs, each transceiver 36 constantly assesses the strength of the signal 46 transmitted by the transmitter 34/40. Thus, the field strength of the transmitter 34/40 can be determined. If the field strength is outside set tolerances, a return signal 55 is sent to the transmitter 34/40 and an adjustment made to the intensity of the signal 46 corresponding to the information contained within the return signal 55.

This process of maintaining a substantially constant field strength for the transmitter 34/40 helps prevent the animals 17 from becoming confused as to the boundaries of the prohibited zones 38a/39a, 38b/39b, 38c/39c and 38d/39d. Further, it helps prevent "pockets" of prohibited zones.

A pocket occurs when the field strengths of two transmitters 34, transmitting a signal 46 on the same frequency, overlap. Because the field strengths overlap, the strength of the signal 46 in this pocket is greater than the intensity of the signal 46 received outside this pocket.

As an example, outside of a pocket the intensity of the signal 46 received from either the first transmitter 34/40 and second transmitter 34/40, as appropriate, may be representative of the animal 17 being within the free roam area 90. Yet within the main area of this pocket, the intensity of the signal 46 received from the first transmitter 34/40 combined with the intensity of the signal 46 received from the second transmitter 34/40 may be representative of the animal 17 being within the third prohibited zone 38c. Therefore, the animal 17, upon entering the pocket, could receive an electric shock before being able to respond to the audio warnings.

With this potential problem in mind, it is preferable that when operating the exclusion and inclusion system in tandem, e.g. as shown in Figure 4, the frequency of signal 46 sent by transmitter 34 should differ from the frequency of signal 46 sent by transmitter 40. In such an arrangement the animal movement control device 10 is configured to differentiate between the signals 46 operating in the inclusion and exclusion systems and process them accordingly as previously described herein.

In an alternative embodiment of the method for controlling animal movement, values 19, 21 , 58, 68, 80, 82 and 86 may be hardwired on a circuit board and not stored in a central memory store 27.

In yet another embodiment of the apparatus for controlling animal movement, the transmitter 34 is mounted on a vehicle (not shown). The vehicle may then be driven from one location to another to relocate the animals 17. Alternatively, the vehicle may be remotely controlled.

Such a roving vehicle is able to follow predetermined pathways on a routine basis which results in the regular movement of the animals which are effectively entrapped since the free roam area 90 will move with the vehicle. This allows the animals to be moved, for example, between various foraging sites and watering sites.

Such a roving vehicle may be provided with a GPS or equivalent navigation system and be programmed to take its entrapped animals along any predetermined path way. The roving vehicle can be remotely programmed through a communications radio link or through a satellite based communications system.

A remote controlled vehicle may be programmed to move from a central location, such as a feed bin or water station, in a radial direction. As the remote controlled vehicle moves further and further away from the central location, the transmitter means 34 increases the intensity of the signal 46. Thus, the animals 17 have a larger area in which to graze as they move further away from the central location.

Upon reaching a desired grazing location the remote controlled vehicle may stop for a selected period of time. The remote controlled vehicle may later return to the central location. Alternatively, the remote controlled vehicle may continuously move away from the central location before reversing direction and returning thereto. These operating patterns ensure that the animals do not over-gaze on a particular area.

A remote controlled vehicle may be used to relocate a herd of animals from a first location to another location which may be a substantial distance from the first location. This may involve the vehicle controlling the movement of the herd for many weeks of travel, with the path taken being such that access to feed is maximised and damage to fragile areas is minimised. The programmed route to be taken by the vehicle may be updated on a regular basis using information gained daily (or other suitable periods) from sources such as, for example, remote sensing satellites which are able to provide quantitative measurements of available forage.

While returning to the central location, the transmitter 34 decreases the intensity of the signal 46. Thus, the animals 17 remain within the same substantially wedge shaped area when leaving and returning to the central location.

The advantage of this embodiment of the apparatus for controlling animal movement is that the farmer or other agricultural professional can monitor and set the grazing areas of the animals 17. In this way, future natural feedstock locations should not be unduly jeopardised by overgrazing. Figures 6 and 7 illustrate, in schematic form, two further embodiments in which an exclusion system and a inclusion system are used together to create a selected area E, from which animals are excluded, of the exclusion system in combination with a selected area I, in which animals are confined, of the inclusion system.

One of the selected areas E/l may be movable relative to the other.

Accordingly, in Figure 6, a circular selected area I of the inclusion system is formed by a transmitter 34a. This is done in a similar way to the inclusion system illustrated in Figure 2.

The transmitter 34a (or second transmitter 34b) forms the selected area E of the exclusion system. The selected area E is elongated and extends across the boundary C of the selected area I of the inclusion system such that a free roam area 90 is formed between a portion of the boundary C and the selected area E.

The selected area E may be movable relative to the selected area I such that it is rotatable about the centre of the selected area I bounded by boundary C. This may, for example, be achieved by rotating the transmitter which forms the selected area E such that the selected area E rotates, in the direction of the arrows R, about the centre of the selected area I bounded by boundary C. As an alternative example, a series of second transmitters 34b which are movable, e.g., by mounting on a suitable vehicle or vehicles, are provided and form an elongated selected area E of the exclusion system.

In this way, the animals can be confined to only the free roam area 90 of the selected area I.

By rotating the selected area E about the centre of the selected area I in the direction of arrows R, the animals within the selected area I can be moved about the area enclosed by boundary C and the selected area E.

In Figure 7, transmitters 40 are provided to form an elongated corridor-like selected area I of an inclusion system. A transmitter 34 forms a selected area E of an exclusion system. The exclusion system is elongate and crosses the boundaries formed by the transmitters 40. The transmitter 34 is mobile, e.g. by being mounted on a vehicle, and may move in the direction of arrow L to effectively push the animals in that direction in the selected area I. As an example of an alternative arrangement, a series of transmitters 34' may be provided along a line Aι which runs parallel to and equi-distant between the transmitters 40. Each transmitter 34 may for a selected area E which overlaps with the selected area E of an adjacent transmitter 34'. The transmitters 34' may be activated in sequence to thereby effectively move the selected area E in the direction of arrow L to effectively push the animals in that direction along the selected area I.

It should be appreciated by the skilled addressee that the invention is not limited to the above described embodiments. Examples of further embodiments considered within the scope of the invention:

the stimuli generator 16 may comprise of the audio-emitting device 22 alone or the electrical impulse generator 24 alone;

the antenna 20 can be either a multi-turn loop antenna or a dipole antenna;

the transmitter 34 can be either a yagi antenna, a dipole antenna, or a phased array transmitter;

the computational unit 32 counts the number of stimuli administered by the stimuli generator 16 within the selected time period 82 and sets flag 15 to indicate that the animal movement control device 10 is locked if the number of stimuli administered equals or exceeds the lock value 86; alternatively, the computational unit 32 performs these same functions but counts only the number of second stimuli 74 administered by the stimuli generator 16 within the selected time period 82; and

the signal 46 transmitted by the transmitter means 34 includes encoded information. Furthermore, the computational unit 32 may comprise a microprocessor and a real time clock as described in the embodiment. Alternatively, these components may be replaced by discrete logic or analogue devices. In a discrete logic alternative, the logic functions may be embodied in a gate array which, in turn, may be field programmable. The real time clock may be replaced, without loss of functionality, by an elapsed time counter which may be reset at known intervals by an external signal.

Modifications and variations such as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS

1. An apparatus for controlling animal movement characterized in that it comprises

transmitter means for transmitting a signal,

receiver means for receiving said signal,

processor means for assessing said signal received by said receiver means to determine whether the animal has entered a prohibited zone and a stimulus is to be administered to the animal whereupon said processor means sends a signal to said stimulus generator means, and

2. An apparatus for controlling animal movement characterized in that it comprises

transmitter means for transmitting a first signal and a second signal,

3. An apparatus for controlling animal movement comprising

transmitter means for transmitting a signal,

receiver means for receiving said signal,

processor means for assessing said signal received by said receiver means to determine whether the animal has entered a prohibited zone adjacent a boundary of a selected area and thereby determine whether a stimulus is to be administered to the animal, and stimulus generator means for generating and administering a stimulus to the animal upon receiving a signal from said processor means,

4. An apparatus according to claim 1 or 3, characterised in that said control device further comprises memory store means to store a first set of stored signal strength values and a second set of stored signal strength values, said transmitter mean arranged to transmit a first signal and a second signal and said processor means arranged to assess the strengths of the first and second signals received by said receiver means to determine whether the animal has entered a prohibited zone adjacent a boundary of a first or second selected area and thereby determine whether a stimulus is to be administered to the animal, said first selected area being an area to which it is desired to confine movement of the animal and said second selected area being an area from which it is desired to exclude movement of the animal, wherein said processor means is arranged to send said signal to said stimulus generator means if the strength of said first signal received is within said first set of stored signal strength values or the strength of said second signal received is within said second set of stored signal strength values.

5. An apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that said transmitter means is mobile such that it is movable from one location to another location to thereby move said boundary of a said selected area to which it is desired to confine movement of the animal or a said selected area from which it is desired to exclude movement of the animal to thereby alter the area over which the animal is free to move.

6. An apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that it further comprises transceiver means for receiving a said signal transmitted by said transmitter means and for sending a return signal to said transmitter means, wherein said transmitter means is able to receive said return signal and adjust the intensity of said signal transmitted by said transmitter means dependent upon said return signal.

7. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said processor means comprises a signal strength analyzer and a comparator, said signal strength analyzer arranged to be in data communication with said comparator and a threshold analyzer of said control device, wherein said threshold analyzer assesses whether the strength of said signal received by said receiver means passes a threshold level, said signal strength analyzer analyzes the strength of said signal received by said receiver means and said comparator compares the strength of said signal received by said receiver means with at least one set of stored signal strength values to determine whether a stimulus is to be administered to the animal.

8. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said control device is provided with a housing to contain said receiver means, processor means and stimulus generator means, said housing forming shaft means and a pair of housing portions, and said shaft means extending between said housing portions, wherein electrode means is provided to administer a said stimulus to said animal, said electrode means arranged to extend into the nostrils of the animal.

9. An apparatus according to claim 8, characterised in that said shaft is arranged to extend through the nasal cartilage of the animal such that said animal control device is contained substantially within the nostrils of said animal.

10. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said transceiver means is arranged to be located substantially at a boundary beyond which it is desired to prevent animal movement.

11.An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said transceiver means is arranged to be located substantially proximate said transmitter means.

12. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said transceiver means is arranged to be provided beyond a boundary beyond which it is desired to prevent movement of the animal.

13. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said transmitter means comprises two or more transmitters to transmit a signal.

14. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said transmitter means comprises first transmitter means to transmit a said first signal and a second transmitter means to transmit a said second signal.

15. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said transmitter means comprises a substantially continuous length member.

16. An apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that said substantially continuous length member is provided at or above ground level.

17. An apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that said continuous length member is provided above ground level at a height to allow unimpeded passage of animals and vehicles.

18. An apparatus according to any one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that repeater means is provided at selected locations along said continuous length member to maintain the strength of said signal emitted thereby at a selected level.

19. An apparatus according to any one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that said continuous length member comprises a transmission line.

20. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that said transmitter means comprises one or more selected from a lossy transmission wire, a dipole antenna, a yagi antenna and a phased array transmitter.

21. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said transmitter means is mobile.

22. An apparatus according to claim 21 , characterized in that said transmitter means is provided on a mobile vehicle and a navigation system, such as GPS, is provided to enable the animal to be directed along a selected path.

23. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the nature of said stimulus generated is determined by the strength of a said signal received by said receiver means from said transmitter means.

24. An apparatus according to any one the preceding claims, characterized in that said processor means is provided with computational means which counts the number of stimuli generated by said stimulus generator means and is able to prevent said stimulus generator means from generating a stimulus if the number of stimuli previously delivered to a said animal in a selected time period equals or exceeds a selected number.

25. An apparatus according to claim 24, characterized in that said computational means prevents said stimulus generator means from generating a stimulus only after said animal enters a second set of said prohibited zones.

26. An apparatus according to any one of claims 24 or 25, characterized in that said computational means prevents said stimulus generator means from generating a stimulus only after said animal enters and stays within a selected said prohibited zone.

27. An apparatus according to any one of claims 24 to 26, characterized in that after said stimulus generator means has been prevented from generating and administering a stimulus to the animal, said processor means is able to recommence the ability of the stimulus generator means to generate and administer a stimulus to the animal after the animal returns to a selected location or area.

28. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said stored signal strength values substantially correspond to respective boundaries of prohibited zones of animal movement.

29. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stimulus generated by said stimulus generator means corresponds to a successive stored signal strength value reached by the strength of said signal received by said receiver means such that as said animal approaches respective boundaries of successive prohibited zones the strength of said signal received by said receiver means corresponds to said successive stored signal strength values.

30. An apparatus according to claim 29, characterized in that in the case of said first selected area, said successive stored signal strength values are sequentially decreasing.

31.An apparatus according to claim 29 or 30, characterized in that, in the case of said second selected area, said successive stored signal strength values are sequentially increasing.

32. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said stimulus generator means is arranged to generate first stimuli upon said animal entering a first set of prohibited zones and second stimuli upon said animal entering a second set of prohibited zones.

33. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said stimulus generator means comprises an electrical impulse generator arranged to administer an electrical impulse to the animal via electrode means.

34. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said stimulus generator means comprises an audio-emitting device to emit a sound audible to the animal.

35. An apparatus according to claim 34, characterized in that said sound comprises audible warnings of a single frequency with overtones pitched to the higher end of the audible spectrum of the animal and are emitted as either a low intensity beep at levels of no less than one second for a first warning sound stimulus or as a high intensity beep emitted at no less than 0.1 second intervals for a second warning sound stimulus.

36. An apparatus according to any one of claims 33 to 35, characterized in that said electrical impulses comprise a single high voltage direct current pulse at a voltage sufficient to produce a low level aversive pain in the animal at intervals of at least one second.

37. An apparatus according to any one of claims 33 to 35, characterised in that said electrical impulses comprise a single high voltage direct current pulse at a voltage sufficient to produce a strong aversive reaction in the animal and applied at a rate of at most one shock every 0.1 second.

38. An apparatus according to claim 37, characterized in that the voltage is sufficient to produce a said strong aversive reaction in the animal and applied at a rate of substantially one shock per second.

39. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said receiver means comprises one or more selected from a dipole antenna and a multi-turn loop antenna.

40. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said transmitter means is able to vary the intensity of the transmitted signal.

41. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said signal transmitted by said transmitter means includes encoded information.

42. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that when the transmitter means transmits a first and a second signal, the first and second signals are transmitted on two separate carrier waves of different frequencies with each said carrier wave being modulated at a selected sub- frequency.

43. An animal movement control device arranged to be carried by an animal and receive a signal from a transmitter, said animal movement control device characterized in that it comprises

a housing containing

receiver means for receiving a said signal,

said housing forming shaft means and a pair of housing portions, said shaft means extending between said housing portions,

wherein electrode means is provided to administer a said stimulus to said animal, said electrode means arranged to extend into the nostrils of said animal, such that, in use, upon said processor means comparing said signal received by said receiver means with said stored signal strength values and determining that it is within a range of stored signal strength values, said processor means sends a signal to said stimulus generator means which generates and administers a said stimulus to said animal.

44. An animal movement control device according to claim 43, characterized in that said processor means comprises a signal strength analyzer and a comparator, said signal strength analyzer in data communication with a comparator and a threshold analyzer of said control device, wherein said threshold analyzer assesses whether the strength of said signal received by said receiver means passes a threshold level, said signal strength analyzer analyzes the strength of said signal received by said receiver means and said comparator compares the strength of said signal received by said receiver means with at least one set of stored signal strength values to determine whether a stimulus is to be administered to said animal.

45. An animal movement control device according to claim 43 or 44, characterized in that said shaft is arranged to extend through the nasal cartilage of the animal such that said animal control device is contained substantially within the nostrils of the animal.

46. An animal movement control device according to any one of claims 43 to

45, characterized in that the nature of said stimulus generated is determined by the strength of the signal received by said receiver means.

47. An animal movement control device according to any one of claims 43 to

46, characterized in that said processor means is provided with computational means which counts the number of stimuli generated by said stimulus generator means and is able to prevent said stimulus generator means from generating a stimulus if the number of stimuli previously delivered to a said animal in a selected time period equals or exceeds a selected number.

48. An animal movement control device according to claim 47, characterized in that said computational means prevents said stimulus generator means from generating a stimulus only after said animal enters a second set of prohibited zones.

49. An animal movement control device according to any one of claims 47 to 48, characterized in that said computational means prevents said stimulus generator means from generating a stimulus only after said animal enters and stays within a selected prohibited zone.

50. An animal movement control device according to any one of claims 47 to 49, characterized in that after said stimulus generator means has been prevented from generating and administering a stimulus to the animal, said processor means is able to recommence the ability of the stimulus generator means to generate and administer a stimulus to the animal after the animal returns to a selected location or area.

51. An animal movement control device according to any one of claims 44 to 50, characterized in that said stored signal strength values substantially correspond to respective boundaries of prohibited zones of animal movement.

52. An animal movement control device according to any one of claims 44 to 51 , characterized in that the nature of said stimulus generated by said stimulus generator means corresponds to a successive stored signal strength value reached by the strength of said signal received by said receiver means such that as the animal approaches respective boundaries of successive prohibited zones the strength of said signal received by said receiver means corresponds to said successive stored signal strength values.

53. An animal movement control device according to any one of claims 43 to 52, characterized in that a first set of successive stored signal strength values are sequentially decreasing.

54. An animal movement control device according to claim 52 or 53, characterized in that a second set of said successive stored signal strength values are sequentially increasing.

55. An animal movement control device according to any one of claims 43 to 54, characterized in that said stimulus generator means generates first stimuli upon said animal entering a first set of said prohibited zones and second stimuli upon said animal entering a second set of prohibited zones.

56. An animal movement control device according to any one of claims 43 to

55, characterized in that said stimulus generator means comprises an electrical impulse generator arranged to administer an electrical impulse to the animal via said electrode means.

57. An animal movement control device according to any one of claims 43 to

56, characterized in that said stimulus generator means comprises an audio- emitting device to emit a sound audible to the animal.

58. An animal movement control device according to claim 57, characterized in that said sound comprises audible warnings of a single frequency with overtones pitched to the higher end of the audible spectrum of the animal and are emitted as either a low intensity beep at levels of no less than one second for a first warning sound stimulus or as a high intensity beep emitted at no less than 0.1 second intervals for a second warning sound stimulus.

59. An animal movement control device according to any one of claims 56 to 58, characterized in that said electrical impulse comprises a single high voltage direct current pulse at a voltage sufficient to produce a low level aversive pain in the animal at intervals of at least one second.

60. An animal movement control device according to any one of claims 56 to 59, characterized in that said electrical impulses comprise a single high voltage direct current pulse at a voltage sufficient to produce a strong aversive reaction in the animal and applied at a rate of at most one shock every 0.1 second.

61. An animal movement control device according to claim 60, characterized in that the voltage is sufficient to produce a said strong aversive reaction in the animal and applied at a rate of substantially one shock per second.

62. An animal movement control device according to any one of claims 43 to 61 , characterized in that said receiver means comprises one or more selected from, a dipole antenna and a multi-turn loop antenna.

63. A method of controlling animal movement comprising

transmitting a signal from at least a first location,

receiving said signal at the location of an animal,

receiving said signal at at least one location,

64. A method of controlling animal movement comprising

transmitting a first signal and a second signal from at least a first location,

assessing the strengths of the first and second signals received at said location of the animal, comparing the strength of said first signal received with a first set of stored signal strength values,

comparing the strength of said second signal received with a second set of stored signal strength values,

determining whether the strength of said first signal received is within said first set of stored signal strength values to thereby determine whether the animal has moved into a prohibited zone adjacent a boundary of said first selected area,

determining whether the strength of said second signal received is within said second set of stored signal strength values to thereby determine whether the animal has moved into a prohibited zone adjacent a boundary of said second selected area, and

generating a stimulus and administering said stimulus to the animal if the strength of said first signal received is within said first set of stored signal strength values or the strength of said second signal received is within said second set of stored signal strength values.

65. A method of controlling animal movement comprising

transmitting a signal from at least a first location,

receiving said signal at the location of an animal,

generating and administering a stimulus to the animal if the strength of said signal received is within the set of stored signal strength values, and moving said at least first location to at least another location to thereby move the boundary of an area to which it is desired to confine movement of the animal or an area from which it is desired to exclude movement of the animal to thereby alter the area over which the animal is free to move.

66. A method according to claim 63 or 64, characterized in that said method further comprises moving said at least first location to at least another location to thereby move the boundary of an area to which it is desired to confine movement of the animal or an area from which it desired to exclude movement of the animal to thereby alter the area over which the animal is free to move.

67. A method according to claim 63 or 65, characterized in that it further comprises

determining a first selected to area to which it is desired to confine movement of the animal, determining a second selected area from which it is desired to exclude movement of the animal, transmitting a first signal and a second signal from said at least first location, receiving said first signal and said second signal at said location of the animal, assessing the strengths of said first and second signals received at said location of the animal, comparing the strength of said first signal received with a first set of stored signal strength values, comparing the strength of said second signal received with a second set of stored signal strength values, determining whether the strength of said first signal received is within said first set of stored signal strength values to thereby determine whether the animal has moved into a prohibited zone adjacent the boundary of said first selected area, determining whether the strength of said second signal received is within said second set of stored signal strength values to thereby determine whether the animal has moved into a prohibited zone adjacent the boundary of said second selected area, and generating a stimulus and administering said stimulus to the animal if the strength of said first signal received is within said first set of stored signal strength values or the strength of said second signal received is within said second set of stored signal strength values.

68. A method according to claim 64 or 65, characterized in that it further comprises receiving said signal transmitted from said at least first location at at least one location, sending a return signal from said at least one location to said first location, and adjusting the intensity of said signal transmitted dependent upon said return signal.

69. A method according to any one of claims 63 to 68, characterized in that it further comprises assessing whether the strength of said signal received by said passes a threshold level and analyzing the strength of said signal received prior to comparing the strength of said signal received with stored signal strength values.

70. A method according to any one of claims 63 to 69, characterized in that it further comprises transmitting a first signal from a first location and transmitting a second signal from a second location.

71. A method according to any one of claims 63 to 70, characterized in that it further comprises determining whether the strength of said signal received is within a first set of stored signal strength values, and generating and administering a stimulus to the animal from a first set of stimuli if the strength of said signal received is within said first set of stored signal strength values.

72. A method according to any one of claims 63 to 71 , characterized in that it further comprises determining whether the strength of said signal received is within a second set of signal strength values, and generating and administering a stimulus to the animal from a second set of stimuli if the strength of said signal received is within said second set of stored signal strength values.

73. A method according to any one of claims 63 to 72, characterized in that it further comprises allocating respective stored signal strength values to substantially correspond to respective boundaries of prohibited zones of animal movement.

74. A method according to any one of claims 63 to 73, characterized in that it further comprises allocating a stimulus to correspond to a successive stored signal strength value reached by the strength of said signal received by said receiver means such that as said animal approaches respective boundaries of successive prohibited zones the strength of said signal received by said receiver means corresponds to said successive stored signal strength values.

75. A method according to claim 74, characterized in that it further comprises arranging said successive stored signal strength values to be sequentially decreasing for a first selected area to which it is desired to confine movement of an animal.

76. A method according to claim 74 or 75, characterized in that it further comprises arranging a second set of said successive stored signal strength values to be sequentially increasing for a second selected area from which it is desired to exclude movement of the animal.

77. A method according to any one of claims 73 to 75, characterized in that it further comprises generating first stimuli upon said animal entering a first set of prohibited zones and generating second stimuli upon said animal entering a second set of prohibited zones.

78. A method according to claim 78, characterized in that it further comprises providing said first stimuli as warning sounds and said second stimuli as electrical impulses.

79. A method according to any one of claims 63 to 78, characterized in that it further comprises determining the nature of said stimulus generated by the strength of said signal received.

80. A method according to any one of claims 63 to 79, characterized in that it further comprises counting the number of stimuli generated and administered to the animal in a selected time period, and preventing further stimuli from being generated and administered to the animal if the number of said stimuli previously generated and administered to the animal in said selected time period equals or exceeds a selected number.

81. A method according to any one of claims 63 to 80, characterized in that it further comprises counting the number of stimuli from a selected set of stimuli generated and administered to the animal in a selected time period, and preventing further stimuli from said selected set of stimuli from being generated and administered to the animal if the number of said stimuli from said selected set of stimuli generated and administered to the animal in said selected time period equals or exceeds a selected number.

82. A method according to claim 80 or 81 , characterized in that if further comprises preventing further stimuli from being generated and administered to the animal only after the animal enters an stays within a selected prohibited zone.

83. A method according to any one of claims 80 to 82, characterized in that it further comprises in the event that further stimuli are prevented from being generated and administered to the animal, recommencing the ability for stimuli to be generated and administered to the animal upon the animal returning to a selected location or area.

84. A method according to any one of claims 63 to 83, characterized in that it further comprises administering a first stimulus to the animal as a sound audible to the animal.

85. A method according to any one of claims 63 to 84, characterized in that it further comprises administering a second stimulus to the animal as an electrical impulse.

86. A method according to claim 84 or 85, characterized in that it further comprises providing said sound at a single frequency with overtones pitched to the higher end of the audible spectrum of the animal and emitting said sound as either a low intensity beep at levels of no less than 1 second for a first warning sounds stimulus or as a high intensity beep emitted at no less than 0.1 second intervals or a second warning sound stimulus.

87. A method according to any one of claims 85 or 86, characterized in that it further comprises providing said electrical impulse as a single high voltage direct current pulse having a voltage sufficient to produce a low level aversive pain in the animal at intervals of at least 1 second.

88. A method according to any one of claims 84 to 86, characterized in that it further comprises providing the electrical impulse as a high voltage direct current pulse at a voltage sufficient to produce a strong aversive reaction in the animal and applying said electrical pulse at a rate of at most one shock every 0.1 seconds.

89. A method according to claim 88, characterized in that it further comprises providing the voltage as sufficient to produce a strong aversive reaction in the animal and applying said electrical impulse at a rate of substantially 1 shock per second.

90. A method according to any one of claims 63 to 89, characterized in that it further comprises assessing the strength of said signal received at said at least one location, comparing the strength of said signal received at said at least one location with a stored reference signal value and sending said return signal if the strength of said signal received at said at least one location differs from said stored reference signal value by a selected amount.

91. A method according to any one of claims 63 to 89, characterized in that it further comprises receiving said return signal at said first location, comparing the strength of said return signal received at said first location with a stored reference signal value, adjusting the intensity of said signal transmitted if the strength of said return signal received at said first location differs from said stored reference signal value by a selected amount.

92. A method according to any one of claims 63 to 91 , characterized in that it further comprises locating said at least one location at substantially a boundary of a prohibited zone adjacent a first selected area to which it is desired to confine movement of the animal or a second selected area from which it is desired to exclude movement of the animal.

93. A method according to any one of claims 63 to 91 , characterized in that it further comprises locating said at least one location at substantially a boundary beyond which it is desired to prevent animal movement.

94. A method according to any one of claims 63 to 91 , characterized in that it further comprises locating said at least one location proximate said at least first location.

95. A method according to any one of claims 63 to 91 , characterized in that it further comprises locating said at least one location beyond a boundary beyond which it is desired to prevent movement of the animal.

96. A method according to any one of claims 63 to 95, characterized in that said at least first location is mobile and directing the animals along a selected path using a navigation system.

97. A method according to any one of claims 63 to 96, characterized in that it further comprises varying the intensity of the said signal transmitted from said at least first location.

98. A method according to any one of claims 63 to 97, characterized in that it further comprises including encoded information in the said signal transmitted from said at least first location.

99. A method according to any of claims 63 to 98, characterized in that it further comprises when first and second signals are transmitted from said at least first location, transmitting said first and second signals on two separate carrier waves of different frequencies with each carrier wave being modulated at a selected sub-frequency.

100. A method according to any one of claims 63 to 99, characterized in that where first and second selected areas are provided, maintaining the location of one said selected area stationary and moving said location of the other said selected area relative to said first selected area to thereby alter the area over which the animal is free to move.