GB2525207A - Animal tracking device and system - Google Patents

Abstract

A tracking device that can be embedded under the skin of an animal comprises RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) and GPS (Global Positioning System) technology. The device preferably includes a biocompatible casing 1, an internal power source or battery 2, a tuning capacitor 3, a microchip which uses RFID technology 4, an antenna 5 and a GPS receiver microchip 6. The device may be GPS enabled and disabled by an authorised personnel. Supporting software may be included for storing confidential user information and enabling the GPS technology.

Description

Patent Application for a: Animal Tracking Device and System

2.0 Description

2.1 Backgrouud of the invention 2.1.1 The current invention relates to a device implanted within the animal, which allows authorised individuals as to the whereabouts of the animal.

2.1.2 It is reported that 900 pets go missing in the UK every day (Tracer advance) which is a worrying time both for the general welfare of the animal and for the owner.

When an animal becomes stray from their home, they can cause a risk to themselves and to the surrounding environment, such as cars and people as they are often disorientated or frightened.

2.1.3 Common methods of searching for missing animals are notiing the local authorities or animal shelters, distributing posters and sharing infonnation on social media sites. These do not always have success, leaving the owner with timeless 2.1.4 On the current market there is the passive microchip implant, which aides in the identification of the current owner. This chip is embedded under the skin of adopted pets, which can be scanned by a veterinarian or other personnel. This allows the owner to be contacted, but it does not provide valuable real-time of the animal's whereabouts. An immediate tracking system will provide real-time location details to animal owners.

2.1.5 There are animal tracking devices on the current market such as a UPS animal collar. This product can allow an owner to track an animals location, however is solely reliant upon the collar not being detached from the animal.

2.1.6 There are animal tracking devices which are patent pending potentially entering the market. Jones II (application no US2013285815) has proposed a biomedical chip which allows for the remote monitoring of an animals positioning. This device also comprises of a thermometer, communication means and other components, to track animals in real-time, whilst monitoring an animal's body temperature, movements, and information relating to the medical his:ory.

2.2 Proposed invention 2.2.1 The average price of a standard microchip within the UK is £30.00. The unit cost of a passive implantable device is dependant upon its complexity; therefore a highly complex device may incur a high cost. To promote a high volume of owners in looking after an animal's welfare by supporting them if they stray from home, a device needs to be cost effective.

2.2.2 The proposed device integrates the RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology used in a standard microchip with GPS (Global Positioning System) technology.

2.2.3 The UPS device is controlled by the user or authorised personnel; therefore UPS is only enabled if instructed by authorised personnel. When the UPS unit is disabled, the implant frmnctions solely on RFID technology. This can engage a prospective buyer because a device which consistently tracks theft animal's location may seem unappealing. Authorised personnel can enable the UPS technology on a routine basis to ensure the correct working of systems.

2.2.4 The remote server is communicatively linked to the device, which can be accessed by a user interface. This allows the user to enable or disable the UPS system to track the animal's location. This user interface could be a mobile phone, a personal computer, or PDA.

2.2.5 The software uses a web-based tracking system, where an authorised person can log-in to track the animal. Alternatively a mobile application can be installed on certain user interfaces such as a mobile phone or tablet or a point of contact provided.

2.2.6 Drawing one shows the device, which comprises of a biocompatible casing (1), an internal power source or battery (2), tuning capacitor (3), a microchip which uses RFID technology (4), an antenna (5) and a UPS receiver chip (6). The drawing is only for the purposes of what the device contains, and is not the same layout or to the same scale in a working model. The device will be of similar size to a grain of rice.

2.2.7 The biocompatible casing encapsulates the device, to ensure the device is not rejected by its host.

2.2.8 Drawing two shows a host, in this case a dog, with the device embedded underneath the skin. This will allow for a UPS capacity to be un-attachable from the host.

2.2.9 The device will be implanted into the host by a veterinarian or trained personnel only.

2.2.10 The owner and animal details will be stored in a confidential secure system which will be used if the device is scanned using RFID technology. The owner will be contacted within a short timeframe.

Claims (5)

1. 3.0 Claims 1. A biocompatible device which can be implemented within a host consisting of a biocompatible casing, an internal power source or battery, tuning capacitor, a microchip which uses RFJD technology, an antenna and a GPS receiver microchip.
2. 2. A device which can be embedded under the skin of the animal which uses RFID and GPS technology.
3. 3. An implantable device as mentioned in claim one, where the GPS can be enabled and disabled by authorised personnel.
4. 4. Software which supports the device mentioned in claim one, which stores confidential user information and enables UPS as required.
5. 5. A user interface which supports the device mentioned in claim one, which could be internet based or a downloadable application.