System and method for measuring a plurality of physical variables from a remote location
First Claim
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1. A system for monitoring body temperatures in a plurality of herd animals, said system comprising:
- a plurality of radio frequency identification transponders, each said transponder having a temperature sensor for sensing animal temperature, each herd animal provided with one of said radio frequency identification transponders, each transponder positioned such that said temperature sensor is in a viable sensing location for sensing the animal'"'"'s temperature;
a reader/interrogator for;
transmitting radio frequency signals to said transponders;
receiving radio frequency signals from said transponders, said received radio frequency signals containing animal temperature data from said temperature sensors; and
demodulating said received radio frequency signals into animal temperature data;
a memory for storing said animal temperature data; and
a microcontroller in communication with said reader/interrogator and said memory wherein said microcontroller is for;
processing said animal temperature data and determining a baseline temperature for each animal by averaging aid temperature data for each animal over time; and
providing an alarm indication when temperature data from any herd animal deviates a set percentage from said baseline temperature for said animal.
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Abstract
The present invention 10 provides a system and method of monitoring and tracking a plurality of physical variables from a remote location. The invention 10 utilizes a plurality of radio frequency identification transponders 20 each coupled with a sensor for measuring physical data. The transponders 20 are powered by a radio frequency reader/interrogator 60 that provides radio frequency excitation to the transponders 20 and receives and demodulates back-scattered signals therefrom. The invention 10 is particularly advantageous in monitoring temperature in cattle herds as an aid to early diagnosis of bovine respiratory disease.
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2 Claims
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1. A system for monitoring body temperatures in a plurality of herd animals, said system comprising:
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a plurality of radio frequency identification transponders, each said transponder having a temperature sensor for sensing animal temperature, each herd animal provided with one of said radio frequency identification transponders, each transponder positioned such that said temperature sensor is in a viable sensing location for sensing the animal'"'"'s temperature; a reader/interrogator for; transmitting radio frequency signals to said transponders; receiving radio frequency signals from said transponders, said received radio frequency signals containing animal temperature data from said temperature sensors; and demodulating said received radio frequency signals into animal temperature data; a memory for storing said animal temperature data; and a microcontroller in communication with said reader/interrogator and said memory wherein said microcontroller is for; processing said animal temperature data and determining a baseline temperature for each animal by averaging aid temperature data for each animal over time; and providing an alarm indication when temperature data from any herd animal deviates a set percentage from said baseline temperature for said animal. - View Dependent Claims (2)
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Specification