Bolus

THE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND PRIOR ART

The present invention relates generally to monitoring of the physiological status of ruminant animals, such as dairy animals. More particularly the invention relates to a bolus according to the preamble of ciaim 1 .

To accomplish an efficient and animal friendly livestock handling it is important that the animals' physiological state and health condition be monitored. Of course, to this aim, regular farmer's inspections and veterinary examinations can never be excluded. However, as a complement thereto and to provide an ongoing supervision, various automatic systems can be employed. One example of such a solution involves introducing a so-called bolus into the animal's stomach. More precisely, the bolus should preferably be placed in the reticulum, and normally the bolus has a weight of around 50 - 200 grams in order to not be forwarded through the digestive system. Once installed in the ani- mal, the bolus may register internal body signals of the animal and report corresponding data to an external station via a radio interface.

US 6,059,733 discloses a method of determining a physiological state of a ruminant animal using an ingestible bolus. The bolus includes a temperature sensor and a transmitter. Thus, various core body temperatures within the animal's stomach can be registered and reported to a remote receiver for mathematical analysis. As a result, the physiological state of the animal can be determined. US 2007/0088194 describes a bolus for introducing into a rumi- nant animal's reticulum. The bolus contains an acoustic sensor for receiving acoustic signals emanated by various signal sources in the animal, such as the heart and respiratory organs, and output values indicative of the animal's health condition. However, the body temperature alone as determined in the former reference does not provide an adequate basis for determining the animal's health condition. Moreover, to protect the acoustic sensor of the latter reference from the harsh environment represented by the stomach, the sensor is enclosed in an acoustic chamber of the bolus. Unfortunately, this also means that the sensor's sensitivity becomes comparatively low.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is therefore to alleviate these problems, and thus offer high-sensitivity registration of pressure signals in a ruminant animal's reticulum.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by the initially described bolus further containing a sensor module, a mechanical amplifier element and a guide means. The sensor module is included in the interior of the bolus' case unit. The sensor mo- dule is configured to transduce pressure signals into electric signals, which form a basis for data representing body movements, a heart beat rate, a respiratory rate, a respiratory depth and/or stomach activity of the animal. The mechanical amplifier element extends out from the case unit. The mechanical amplifier ele- ment is adapted to be surrounded by the fluids in the reticulum and absorb mechanical energy from the pressure signals. The guide means is configured to convey mechanical energy from the mechanical amplifier element to the sensor module for processing. The proposed bolus is advantageous because it combines high acoustic sensitivity with mechanical robustness and ample protection for the sensor. According to one preferred embodiment of the invention the mechanical amplifier element has a substantially flat surface configured to be repositioned in response to the pressure signals. Further preferably, the substantially flat surface, in turn, is opera- tively connected to the guide means. Thus, also relatively small pressure variations can be registered accurately.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention the substantially flat surface has an overall circular shape. Namely, this renders the design well suited for being tossed around in the reticulum without injuring the animal or interfering significantly with the digestive function.

According to further preferred embodiments of the invention the sensor module includes a piezoelectric sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor or a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) accelerometer. A piezoelectric sensor is beneficial because it has relatively high strain sensitivity, is very rugged, has an extremely high natural frequency and has an excellent linearity over a wide amplitude range. Capacitive and inductive sensors are beneficial because they are simple and cost efficient. A MEMS accelerometer is advantageous, since such a sensor can be made very small-sized and may register movements in three dimensions. Additionally, the sensor can determine static pressures as well as extremely slow pressure variations.

According to additional preferred embodiments of the invention the sensor module includes an optical transmitter-receiver pair interconnected via an optical transmission path, where the transmission properties are variable in response to any displacements of the guide means. Such a variation may be accomplished through a pivotable mirror element connected to the guide means and having a reflective surface an angle of which is variable in at least one dimension relative to at least one of an incoming light path from the optical transmitter and an outgoing light path to the optical receiver. Hence, depending on the angle of the reflective surface different amounts of light from the transmitter reaches the receiver. The optical transmission path may further include optical fibers, for instance one or more optical fibers configured to supply light energy from the optical transmitter along said incoming light path, and one or more receiving fibers configured to receive light energy via said outgoing light path and transport the received light energy to the optical receiver. The employment of optical fibers renders the design flexible in terms of where the transmitter and receiver can be located. On the other hand, transmitting the light without dedicated conduits renders the de- sign less complex and more cost efficient.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention the communication module includes a radio interface configured to generate radio signals to represent the output signals. Hence, these signals may be externally received in a convenient and straightforward manner, and then be further processed and/or presented to a user.

According to still another preferred embodiment of the invention the case unit has a general cylinder shape with first and second short sides. The mechanical amplifier element is here arranged to extend from the first short side. Further preferably, the case unit likewise includes a ballast having such weight and position relative to the contents of the case unit that a center of gravity of the case unit is located closer to the second short side than the first short side. Thereby, the bolus is balanced by the ballast and the buoyancy such that the first short side with the mechanical amplifier element points in a general upward direction when the bolus is installed in the animal, and this in turn, improves the sensor's sensitivity.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention the interior of the case unit contains a battery module configured to deliver electric power to the sensor module, the processing module and/or the communication module. Preferably, the battery module here constitutes at least a part of the ballast. Further advantages, advantageous features and applications of the present invention will be apparent from the following description and the dependent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is now to be explained more closely by means of preferred embodiments, which are disclosed as examples, and with reference to the attached drawings.

Figure 1 schematically shows a boius according to one embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 illustrates a ruminant animai carrying a proposed bolus in its reticulum; and

Figures 3a-e show embodiments of a proposed sensor modufe.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

We refer initially to Figures 1 and 2, where Figure 1 schematically shows a bolus according to one embodiment of the invention, and Figure 2 illustrates a ruminant animal 200 carrying the proposed bolus 210 in its reticulum 220.

The bolus 210 is configured to register pressure signals S _P transmitted through fluids in the reticulum 220. To this aim, the bolus 210 has a case unit 100, which is adapted to be immersed in said fluids while preventing the fluids from reaching an interior of the case unit 100. The case unit 100 is preferably made of a polymeric material being transparent to radio waves, such as natural rubber, nylon, PVC or polystyrene. The interior of the case unit 100 contains a sensor module 1 10, a processing module 120 and a communication module 130.

A mechanical amplifier element MA extends out from the case unit 100. The mechanical amplifier element MA is adapted to be surrounded by the fluids in the reticulum and absorb mechanical energy from the pressure signals S _P . Preferably, the mechanical amplifier element MA has a substantially flat main surface 145, which is configured to be repositioned in response to the pres- sure signals S _P (essentially move up and down) and thus function as an energy receiver. For practical reasons it is further advantageous if the substantially flat surface 145 of the amplifier element MA has an overall circular shape. Namely, thereby for a given maximum area of the surface, the risks are minimized that the amplifier element MA injures the animal or interferes significantly with the digestive function when the bolus 210 is being tossed around in the reticulum 220. The substantially flat surface 145 is operatively connected to a guide means 140 that is configured to convey mechanical energy from the mechanical amplifier element MA to the sensor module 110. Thus, the substantially flat surface 145 and the guide means 140 are preferably relatively rigid, while a top part of case unit 100 towards the substantially flat surface 145 and the guide means 140 is flexible, so that any movements of the substantially flat surface 145 will cau- se the guide means 140 to influence the sensor module 1 10.

As an alternative to the substantially flat surface 145, the mechanical amplifier element MA may include a dome-shaped surface configured to receive and convey energy from the pressure signals S _P to the sensor module 1 10. The sensor module is configured to transduce any pressure signals forwarded via the guide means 140 into electric signals S. These signals, in turn, form a basis for said data D. More precisely, the processing module 120 is configured to receive the electric signals S and extract data D there from. Here, the data D represent: body movements, a heart beat rate, a respiratory rate, a respiratory depth and/or stomach activity of the animal 200.

The communication module 130 is configured to receive the data D and transmit output signals S _D (e.g. in the form of radio waves) from the animal 200, which output signals S _D reflect the data D. Thus, to attain an efficient output of data for further processing and/or presentation to a user, it is advantageous if the communication module 130 has access to a radio interface, which is configured to generate radio signals representing the output sig- nais S _D , However, technically, alternative technologies are also conceivable, such as transmitting the output signals S _D via magnetic resonance. It is further preferable if the bolus 210 is equipped with an on/off switch that is controllable from outside the animal 200, e.g. via said radio interface of the communi- cation module 130, so that the bolus 210 can be selectively activated/deactivated in a straightforward manner.

Anyhow, the case unit 100 preferably has a general cylinder shape because this facilitates the introduction of the bolus 210 into the animal 200 via the esophagus 205. Said general cylinder has first and second short sides, and the mechanical amplifier element MA is arranged to extend from the first short side (top side in Figure 1 ). The length of the bolus 210 is preferably 75 - 145 mm and the width is preferably 20 - 60 mm.

It has been found that the sensor in the sensor module 1 10 has the best sensitivity if the first short side (where the mechanical amplifier element MA is located) points in a general upward direction when the bolus 210 is installed in the animal 200. To increase the probability that the bolus 210 is oriented this way, it is advantageous if the case unit 100 includes at least one ballast 150 and/or 160 having such weight and position relative to the contents of the case unit 100 that a center of gravity of the case unit 100 is located closer to the second short side than the first short side. This renders the bolus balanced by the ballast and the buoyancy, such that the first short side with the mechanical amp- lifier element points in a general upward direction when the bolus is installed in the animal. Thereby, the sensor attains good sensitivity.

A battery module 150 is arranged in the interior of the case unit 100. The battery module 150 is configured to deliver electric po- wer to the sensor module 1 10, the processing module 120 and/or the communication module 130. Clearly, it is beneficial if the battery module 150 has an expected life being at least as long as the expected remaining lifespan of the animal 200 after having introduced the bolus 210. This means that the battery module 150 should have a considerable capacity, and may thus constitute at least a part of the ballast. The overall weight of the bolus 210 is preferably around 200 - 300 grams, and the battery module 150 typically represents a substantial portion thereof. Figure 3a shows a sensor module 1 10 according to a first embodiment of the invention, wherein the sensor module 1 10 includes a piezoelectric sensor 111 , e.g. disc shaped. As can be seen in Figure 3a, the guide means 140 is operatively connected to the sensor 1 1 1 , such that any forces exerted on the mechanical amp- lifier element MA can be transported to the sensor 1 1 1 . A support plate 1 12 (preferably of metal) is arranged on the opposite side of the sensor 1 1 1 to enable deformation of the sensor 1 1 1 in response to any forces applied via the guide means 140. To limit a maximum possible force exerted on the sensor 1 11 , the sensor 1 1 1 is preferably connected to the case unit 100 via resilient members 1 13, e.g. of silicon. Alternatively, the sensor 1 1 1 may be held in the interior of the case unit 100 between a fixed support structure and a wave-shaped washer, which is configured to flex in response to a predefined force. Hence, any excessive external forces exerted on the sensor 1 1 1 can be absorbed by the wave-shaped washer, and consequently the sensor 111 is protected from mechanical overloading.

Due to the characteristics of the piezoelectric material in the sensor 1 1 1 , a deformation thereof causes a voltage to be gene- rated. Consequently, the variations in this voltage reflect pressure variations in the fluids of the reticulum 220. Since such pressure variations, in turn, may be the result of body movements, heart activities, activities of the respiratory organs and stomach activities, the voltage produced by the sensor 1 1 1 may form a basis for determining a heart beat rate, a respiratory rate, a respiratory depth and/or stomach activity of the animal 200.

Figure 3b shows a sensor module 110 according to a second embodiment of the invention, wherein the sensor module 1 10 includes a capacitive sensor. Here, a first metal plate 1 14 is arran- ged over a second metal plate 1 15, and a dielectric material (e.g. air) separates the first metal plate 1 14 from the second metal plate 1 15. A detector circuit 1 17 is used for measuring a capacitance between the first and second metal plates 4 and 1 15. The detector circuit 1 17 may either be connected to the second metal plate 115 and a guard ring 115a arranged concentrically around the sensor metal plate 1 15 (as shown in Figure 3b), or the detector circuit 1 17 may be connected to both the first and second metal plates 1 14 and 115. In any case, analogous to the above, movements of the first metal plate 1 14 causes variations in the capacitance, which in turn may reflect heart activities, activities of the respiratory organs and/or stomach activities.

More precisely, for a constant distance between the metal plates 1 14 and 1 15, any tilting from a horizontal orientation of the plate 1 14 relative to the plate 1 15 increases the capacitance. The guard ring 15a is beneficial because it reduces the amount sensor electrode boundary effects. Namely, the guard ring 115a renders the electric field between the metal plates 114 and 1 15 more homogeneous (inside the guard ring 1 15a).

The detector circuit 1 17 may be implemented according to va- rious designs. For instance, if the first metal plate 1 14 is grounded and the detector circuit 1 17 is connected between the second metal plate 115 and the guard ring 115a, a relaxation oscillator with analog capacitance multiplier can be used to measure frequency variations, and thus determine the capacitance. If, on the other hand, the detector circuit 1 17 is connected between the first and second metal plates 1 14 and 115, an excitation source may charge the first metal plate 1 14 via a square-wave excitation signal. Simultaneously, charges manifested as a voltage on the second metal plate 1 15 are sampled to represent a capacitance measure. Here, the guard ring 1 15a may be used for differential capacitance measurements.

Alternatively, variations in inductive properties in response to displacements of one or more magnetic components can be studied. This means that the sensor module 1 10 instead includes an inductive sensor.

Figure 3c shows a sensor module 1 10 according to a third embodiment of the invention, wherein the sensor module 1 10 includes a MEMS accelerometer configured to register acceleration and deceleration parameters. This type of component is advantageous because it can be designed as a so-called 3-axis sensor capable of registering deformations in three dimensions x, y and z (i.e. downwards/upwards as well as lateral movements in a plane). A 3-axis MEMS accelerometer detects acceleration and deceleration in three independent directions. Since gravitation constitutes one important example of acceleration (namely towards earth), the sensor can detect how it is oriented relative to earth with respect to each of said axes. Consequently, in addition to the above-mentioned pressure variations, the sensor may also determine static pressures. Additionally, extremely slow pressure variations can be registered accurately.

Figure 3d shows a sensor module 1 10 according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. Here, the sensor module 1 10 includes an optical transmitter 1 19a, e.g. an IR LED, and an optical receiver 1 19b, e.g. an IR photodiode. The optical transmitter 119a and the optical receiver 1 19b are interconnected via an optical transmission path TP, where the transmission properties are variable in response to any displacements of the guide means 140.

The optical transmitter 1 19a is optically insulated from the optical receiver 1 19b by means of a shield 119c, such that light from the optical transmitter 1 19a may only reach the optical receiver 1 19b via a reflective surface of a mirror element 1 18a. The mirror element 1 8a, in turn, is connected to the guide means 140 and pi- votable so that an angle thereof is variable in at least one dimension relative to at least one of an incoming light path from the optical transmitter 119a and an outgoing light path to the optical receiver 119b. Consequently, if the substantially flat surface 145 is oriented in a fully horizontal position, and therefore the guide means 140 is oriented vertically, the optical transmitter 1 19a transfers a maximal amount of light to the optical receiver 1 19b. Due to the mechanical relationship between the surface 145 and the guide means 140, any other positioning of the surface 145 wilt result in that less of the light energy per unit time emitted from the optical transmitter 1 19a is received by the optical receiver 1 19b.

Figure 3e shows a sensor module 1 1 0 according to a fifth embodiment of the invention. Analogous to the design of Figure 3d, the transmission properties of an optical transmission path TP between an optical transmitter 119a and an optical receiver 1 19b are here variable in response to displacements of the guide means 140 to which a mirror element 1 18b is connected. However, in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3e dedicated con- duits in the form of optical fibers are used to convey light energy from the optical transmitter 1 19a to the optical receiver 1 1 9b. Specifically, a transmitting optical fiber 1 19d is configured to supply light energy from the optical transmitter 1 19a to a reflective surface of the mirror element 1 8b to constitute an incoming light path. Correspondingly, at least one receiving optical fiber, here exemplified by 1 9e1 and 1 19e2, is configured to receive light energy via an outgoing light path from the reflective surface of a mirror element 1 18b and transport the received light energy to the optical receiver 1 19b. Except for the optical transmission path TP embodied by the optical fibers 119d, 1 19e1 and 1 19e2, the optical transmitter 1 19a and the optical receiver 1 19b are optically insulated from one another by a respective shield 1 1 9c1 and 119c2.

Preferably, in the embodiments illustrated in Figures 3d and 3e, the optical transmitter 1 19a and the optical receiver 1 19b are controlled by a microprocessor, or similar control unit. The microprocessor is configured to control the optical transmitter 119a to emit light pulses. The optical receiver 119b is further associated with a detector circuitry, which may include a switched integrator and a comparator.

Under operation of the sensor module 1 1 0 the microprocessor causes the optical transmitter 1 19a to emit light pulses repeatedly. The microprocessor initiates a light pulse by activating the optical transmitter 1 19a. Simultaneously there with, the micropro- cessor starts time measurement. In response to the thus emitted light, the optical receiver 1 19b registers light energy and the switched integrator connected thereto produces a rising output. The comparator compares this output with a reference voltage, and when the output reaches the reference voltage, the compa- rator generates a signal to the microprocessor that stops the time measurement. The microprocessor then determines a pivoting angle of the guide means 140 based on a pulse width representing an interval between the start and stop of the time measurement. Here, a relatively wide pulse corresponds to a comparati- vely large pivoting angle, and a relatively narrow pulse corresponds to a comparatively small pivoting angle. The pulse width, in turn, constitutes a basis for the electric signal S.

The term "comprises/comprising" when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components. However, the term does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more additional features, integers, steps or components or groups thereof.

The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any suggestion that the referenced prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia, or any other country.

The invention is not restricted to the described embodiments in the figures, but may be varied freely within the scope of the claims. For example, the guide means 140 is in the figures shown as being mechanically connected to the sensor module 1 10, but the mechanical energy from the mechanical amplifier element MA can of course instead be conveyed to the sensor module 1 10 through other means, including a magnetic coupling between the guide means 140 and the sensor module 1 10.