NZ609213A - Electric fence monitoring apparatus, system and method - Google Patents

Abstract

609213 Disclosed is a fence monitoring apparatus (1) for use in monitoring the status of an energised fence (2). The apparatus (1) includes a control means (3) adapted with an electric fence sensing means (5) configured and arranged to monitor the operational status of the electric fence (2) and provide an output value that is fed to the control means (3). The control means (3) is configured to transmit an alert signal when the output value of the energised fence (2) being monitored is determined to be a value outside a predetermined acceptable value. The apparatus (1) also includes a transmitter (6) adapted to send an alert signal to a remote receiver means (8) when the control means (3) determines that the electric fence (2) being monitored is not operating within its preset operating state. The remote receiver means (8) is portable and includes a cellular phone. The alert signals are SMS text messages transmittable over a cellular network. rovide an output value that is fed to the control means (3). The control means (3) is configured to transmit an alert signal when the output value of the energised fence (2) being monitored is determined to be a value outside a predetermined acceptable value. The apparatus (1) also includes a transmitter (6) adapted to send an alert signal to a remote receiver means (8) when the control means (3) determines that the electric fence (2) being monitored is not operating within its preset operating state. The remote receiver means (8) is portable and includes a cellular phone. The alert signals are SMS text messages transmittable over a cellular network.

Description

Our ref: GIL001 Patents Form No. 5 No. 599165 Dated: 2 April 2012 PATENTS ACT 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION ELECTRIC FENCE MONITORING APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND METHOD We, Safegraze Limited, a New Zealand company, 285 Claremont Road, RD 4, Timaru, New Zealand, do hereby declare the invention for which I pray that a patent may be granted 45 to me, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: ELECTRIC FENCE MONITORING APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND METHOD TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to monitoring of barriers and electric fences. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a monitoring and alert apparatus and system for use with energised fences or barriers or the like so as to monitor the operational status of such fences or barriers. Furthermore, the apparatus and system of the invention can advantageously extend to remote monitoring of the status of a fence by apparatus located proximate or adjacent an electric fence or barrier.

BACKGROUND ART The cost of containing farm stock in certain areas of pasture can be expensive due the cost of erecting permanent fences and gates. The use of energised fences has become popular as it can be cheaper and less time consuming to assemble and disassemble a portable energised fence when controlling areas of pasture. Electric fences or temporary electric fencing is often set up to contain and manage stock, and with managing available feed and pasture.

Electric fencing can also be used to keep farm animals either in or out of a controlled area by such electric fences conducting a high voltage pulse, the level of which will impart an electric shock sufficient to keep livestock from further approaching the fence. Keeping farm stock out of a controlled area may be employed in instances whereby stock feed is being stored, or fresh pasture is being grown, or otherwise feed or farm equipment is being stored. In such circumstances, the breakdown of electric fences can allow livestock to escape or to pass over the fence into the area being controlled and cause damage to equipment or allow over consumption of feed.

When faults occur with electric fences or temporary energised barriers, whether due to a power loss or an open circuit, the inoperative state may go unnoticed for a significant period of time such that damage or stock loss may occur when livestock break through fences or barriers. Unless a farmer or stock supervisor is present to power up the fence again or fix the problem, significant damage can result in the time period before a farmer detects the fault and powers up the electric fence. This problem is not uncommon, particularly in remote areas and large farms where constant supervision of stock is not possible. In the case of highly valued and wandering livestock, such as prized horses, the damage or loss can be substantial.

It is a non-limiting object of the invention to provide an apparatus for monitoring electric fences or barriers which overcomes at least some of the abovementioned problems, or at least provides the public with a useful choice.

It is a non-limiting object of the invention to provide a method and system for monitoring electric fences or barriers which overcomes at least some of the abovementioned problems, or at least provides the public with a useful choice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to a broad aspect of the invention there is provided a fence monitoring apparatus for use in monitoring the status of an energised fence, the apparatus including a control means adapted with an electric fence sensing means configured and arranged to monitor the operational status of the electric fence and provide an output value that is fed to the control means, the control means being configured to transmit an alert signal when the output value of the energised fence being monitored is determined to be a value outside a predetermined acceptable value, and a transmitter means adapted to send an alert signal to a remote receiver means when the control means determines that the electric fence being monitored is not operating within its preset operating state.

Preferably the electric fence sensing means obtains a sampled voltage reading when configured as a sample and hold circuit, and the preset operating state is a threshold minimum voltage setting providing a setpoint voltage.

Desirably the electric fence sensing means includes a releasably attachable fence clamp means.

Desirably the electric fence sensing means includes a fence coupling means that is not in direct contact with the electric fence, and is adjacent the electric fence so as to obtain voltage readings sufficient to determine changing voltage values.

Optionally the transmitter means includes a GSM modem means for transmitting alert signals to the remote receiver means.

Advantageously the apparatus is configured and arranged to monitor at least two sections of electric fence or separate electric fences, each being configured to send separately coded signals to the remote receiver means.

Preferably the remote receiver means includes a cellular phone, and the alert signals are transmittable over a cellular network.

Desirably the alert signals are configured to be sent via the internet from a computer means adapted to send SMS messages or MMS messages.

Optionally the alert signals are sent via internet enabled cellular phones provided with internet capabilities, or via personal digital assistants.

Alternatively the alert signals are optionally or additionally sent to a computer means located proximate to the apparatus, and then data is forwarded over an internet network to a remote location.

According to a second broad aspect of the invention there is provided a method of monitoring an electric barrier or fence using a fence monitoring apparatus as described with any of the previous aspects of the invention, the steps of the method including: a. monitoring the operational status of the electric fence, and providing a reading to the control means; b. comparing the reading to a preset operating range to determine whether the electric fence being monitored is operating within the preset operating range; and c. sending an alert signal to a remote receiver means when the control means determines that the electric fence is not operating, or is operating outside its preset operating range.

Preferably the method further includes in step a. the reading as a voltage value, and the alert signal is transmitted when the voltage value falls below a threshold voltage value.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Preferred and alternative embodiments of the invention will now be illustrated, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1: Shows a schematic block diagram of main components of the invention according to one embodiment of the invention; and Figure 2: Shows a schematic block diagram of main components of the invention according to a second embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Referring to figure 1, an electric fence monitoring apparatus, generally referred to as 1, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, is illustrated.

An electric fence monitoring apparatus 1 is configured and arranged adjacent an energised fence, gate or barrier 2, and set up to monitor the operational status of the electric fence as and when required. The energised or electric fence or barrier 2 includes any conductive material formed into a ribbon, braid, tape or wire or otherwise, and having any suitable width or thickness, and spanning about a gate opening or area to form a fence, barrier to define a controlled area.

A typical energised fence can operate at a high voltage in the range of 1kV to 10 kV, and are typically about 3 kV for an average system. It will be appreciated that the present invention can be adapted and configured and arranged with suitable components to monitor the operational status of any energised fence system operating at any voltage, and most certainly a high voltage, low current system.

The terms fence or barrier are used interchangeably in this description, and typically refers to an energised wire or ribbon or tape forming an animal stock barrier as commonly used on farms, for example, to control or retain stock between designated areas with a gate opening between, or forming a controlled area for grazing and more generally for stock management purposes. A barrier can be set up for a variety of different reasons, whether to form a barrier against hazards such as public roads, wells, trenches, rivers or otherwise such as to prevent livestock from moving on to growing pastures or places for storing feed, or even fragile farm equipment.

The present invention includes an apparatus 1 for monitoring the operational status of such energised fences, but does not include the energised fence itself as part of the invention, but which, of course, is part of the overall operation and the subject of the monitoring system. In this respect, although there is potential for the present invention to be bundled for sale with components of an energised fence, it doesn’t necessarily have to do so in order for utility of the apparatus and system of the invention. In this respect, in one embodiment of the invention, the present invention can be adapted for use on a pre-existing energised fences for monitoring and status alert purposes, or otherwise as desired.

The present invention preferably includes a fence monitoring apparatus 1 including a control means 3 suitably powered with a power means 4. The power means 4 may include a battery means to provide a portable apparatus 1, or any other suitable power supply, including a domestic mains power supply hard wired into the apparatus 1, where available or preferred.

Advantageously, the power means 4 may desirably or optionally include a solar power means adapted with power conditioning circuitry to supply a DC power to the control means 3. Any available power supply means, including APS power systems, can alternatively be employed where desired.

The control means 3 preferably includes a microprocessor controller means suitably programmed to control the operation of the apparatus 1. The control means 3 can be configured and arranged to operate in standby mode, and periodically power up to obtain a reading on the status of the energised fence or electric fence 2 being monitored, and then if it is determined that the reading value falls within present and normal operating parameters, can power down for a period of time before powering up and obtaining another status reading.

The period of time for powering up and powering down is envisaged as being a desirable feature of the invention, and a preset function can be set with suitable time delay periods between seconds or minutes or hours as required, and be considered in light of given available battery power or power supply considerations. An on/off power switch can be employed, and/or a reset button for testing purposes, if required.

The control means 3 desirably obtains a status reading value by use of an electric fence sensing means 5, desirably in the form of a voltage divider circuit means. It is envisaged that any device for observing a change in status of the electric fence 2 may optionally be employed in the present invention. The voltage divider circuit means 5 is desirably configured and set up to obtain a proportional voltage reading from the electric fence being monitored when directed or commanded by the control means 3, and this value can be advantageously compared against preset operational parameters, and if the voltage reading value is determined to fall within acceptable operating conditions, no further action is required. The control means 3 can also be configured to record the voltage value as read for analysis with other readings taken in periodic time intervals.

The control means 3 can also preferably be configured with a transmitter means 6 adapted to send output alert signals to a remote receiver means 8 in the event that the control means 3 determines that the sampled reading value indicates that a fault or change of operational status has occurred with the electric fence 2 being monitored. The output alert signal is expected to be transmitted by any suitable form of wireless transmission means such as by radio frequency signal, cellular signal or otherwise, and such output alert signal is received by the remote receive means 8 configured to receive the alert signal. On the basis of the alert signal, a user can then check on the operational status of the electric fence 2 being monitored.

The apparatus 1 is advantageously encased in a housing 9. Desirably the housing 9 is made of a suitably moulded plastics material that is substantially water resistant or waterproof.

Referring now also to figure 2, an electric fence monitoring apparatus, generally referred to as , according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention, is illustrated.

An electric fence monitoring apparatus 10 is configured and arranged adjacent the electric fence 2, and can be mounted or set up with any suitable form of mounting means to monitor the operational status of the electric fence 10 as and when required. The electric fence 2 may be any conductive material such as a conductive ribbon or wire configured to envelop a controlled area forming a fence or barrier known as a zone. In any system, this controlled area may comprise at least one or more zones, each of which is a designated zone, and which may be separately or jointly monitored by the apparatus 10, as desired.

The electric fence 2 will be powered to set up a voltage potential relative to ground potential, and is typically powered to provide a high voltage/low current pulse through the conductive electric fence 2. Further discussion is not required as various forms of electric or energised fences are known, and the present invention has been devised to operate or function with known types of energised fence systems which are commonly used on farms.

The second embodiment of the present invention is described with reference to figure 2, although it will be appreciated that many aspects of the second preferred embodiment may include features as described with the first preferred embodiment with reference to figure 1 and therefore do not need to be repeated.

The electric fence monitoring apparatus 10 includes a control means 13 suitably powered by a power means 14. The power means 14 may include any known form of battery means or by any form of suitable power supply means, and preferably the control means 13 and other components of the apparatus 10 are powered via a solar panel 17 adapted and configured with power conditioning circuitry to supply a suitable DC power to components of the apparatus 10. It is considered that a small solar panel could be sufficient to power the apparatus 10 in operation with rechargeable batteries.

The control means 13 preferably includes a microprocessor controller unit suitably programmed to control the system and operation of the apparatus 10 of the present invention.

The control means 13 is preferably configured and arranged to operate in standby mode and operates with a programmable duty cycle, and thus can periodically power up to obtain a reading on the status of the electric fence 2 being monitored, and then if it determined that the reading value falls within preset normal operating parameters, will power down for a period of time before repeating the preset operating task, referred to as a duty cycle. An example of a desirable duty cycle time period is 15 minutes, and it may be considered in some applications that checking on the operational status of the electric fence 2 every 15 minutes is sufficient for standard monitoring purposes. The control means 13 can be programmed and configured to adjust the duty cycle time period to any desirable time period as required, although it will be appreciated that the frequency of operation can effect the amount of power required to run the process and steps of the method of the invention.

The control means 13 desirably obtains a reading value via an electric fence sensing and measuring means 15, desirably in the form of a voltage divider interface circuit means. The voltage divider interface circuit means 15 is desirably configured to obtain a proportional voltage reading from the electric fence being monitored to a sample and hold circuit arrangement which is read by the control means 13, and this value can be advantageously compared against preset operational parameters, and if the voltage reading value is determined to fall within acceptable operating conditions, no further action by the control means 13 may be taken unless the control means 13 is programmed to send or transmit periodic notifications of status or alert signals with data readings. The control means 13 can also desirably be programmed to read and/or record the voltage value in a data storage means and data logged with a time stamp, and thus readings can be obtained by the control means 13 and data logged/stored, and and/or transmitted remotely for monitoring and alert purposes, or otherwise. The data readings can then be used to provide a user with a record of the status of the electric fence 2, if desired.

The voltage divider interface circuit means 15 preferably includes a means to physically couple or be associated with the electric fence 2 so as to obtain readings and data indicative of whether the electric fence 2 is currently operational or not, and in one non-limiting embodiment of the invention may desirably include a wire 18 with releasable clamp means 19 optionally in the form of a clip lead in series with the voltage divider circuit 15 for clamping to the electric fence 2, when in operation. The apparatus 10 is desirably terminated at ground potential by way of any known and available earthing means 26 and method, including pushing a fence standard sufficiently into the ground near the electric fence to be monitored.

The apparatus 10 preferably and advantageously includes a transmitter means 20 adapted to send output alert signals and/or data signals to at least one remote receiver means 21. It will be appreciated that the transmitter means can be configured to send alert signals and readings data or otherwise to one or more receiving means or devices (such as including a computer means or smartphone means), whether the same data signals being sent to at least two remote receivers or different data and alert signals. However, for simplicity with the description only we will refer only to one remote receiver means 21 for this non-limiting preferred embodiment of the invention.

The apparatus 10 can also include a suitable communications interface means 16 to enable the control means 13 and the transmitter means 20 to be electrically connected and to communicate and transfer data or alert signals. The transmitter means 20 can include any one or more devices adapted to transmit alert signals and data or otherwise via any mode and method to a location proximate or remote from the apparatus 10, and such devices can include any one or more modems, routers, radio frequency transmitters and transceivers, wi-fi, bluetooth, cellular modems or GSM modems or otherwise. Preferably, in this non-limiting embodiment, the transmitter means 20 includes a modem, for example only, a GSM modem or similar, configured to operate over a mobile cellular network, and set up and configured to send SMS messages, or even MMS messages or any other type of message, if desired or required. The GSM modem is stated as a term that includes any modem supporting established protocols and command sets, and related software, including GPRS, WCDMA, HSDPA or similar.

In one application of the apparatus 10 of the present invention, the transmitter means 20 includes a GSM modem configured and arranged by way of incorporating any compatible mobile phone device with a SIM card, and with USB, Bluetooth or serial connection connectable to the communications interface means 16. The mobile phone is then set up or configured with preset alert messages that are sent when the control means 13 determines that the normal operating voltage to ground potential falls outside normal operating parameters, and triggers an alert signal. The control means 13 can turn on the cellular modem 20 and send an SMS text message to a stored phone number and onto the remote receiver means 21.

The remote receiver means 21 can advantageously be adapted as a transceiver means to send and receive signals, by use of a GSM mobile phone or other such mobile phone adapted to receive the SMS text message. In many applications, the alert messages may be sent to the supervisor of the electric fence 2, such as a Farmer, alerting them to a fault or error in the operation of the electric fence 2 requiring attention.

In operation according to a preferred embodiment of the apparatus 10, a user can remotely send command signals to the remote receiver means 21 preferably in the form of a GSM mobile phone, and send an SMS message to be received by the cellular modem 20, to command the apparatus 10 to start operating or enable the device, perhaps with a START command, and to request information, and also to disable the apparatus 10 by an SMS message such as “STOP”. The control means 13 can be programmed to carry out other functions and with other commands as required. Furthermore, preset messages for indicating when the apparatus 10 is malfunctioning, or when, for example, a pre-paid credit operating SIM card service has been employed as the modem 20, can be sent to the remote receiver means 21.

The control means 13 can be programmed to check for SMS messages periodically, such as every hour, more or less, so as to save battery power. Further, the apparatus 10 can be programmed to power down, and then power up to take a new voltage reading in a programmable duty cycle such as, for example, every two minutes, more or less, although it will be appreciated that any time period can be employed as required or desired. In the event of a low voltage alert message triggered after a low voltage is measured or detected, the control means 13 can be programmed to check for incoming SMS text messages every two minutes, more or less, in anticipation of increased communications activity being required.

The apparatus 10 can also include a visual display means 22 associated with the control means 13. The display means 22 may include any suitable visual display such as, for example only, an LED or LCD display adapted to allow a user to configure or preset operating parameters, confirm settings and generally program, set and operate the apparatus . Furthermore, the display means 22 can be configured by the control means 13 to display the last measured voltage reading, and may be configured to show a recorded sequence of voltage readings when commanded to do so.

It is envisaged that the apparatus 10 can be adapted to allow for various input and output devices via any known interface means, thus allowing devices to be releasably connected as required for programming and configuration purposes, and in this respect the apparatus 10 can also be optionally adapted with any Bluetooth or infra-red type wireless communication means for programming purposes or otherwise.

The apparatus 10 optionally includes a visual indicator means providing a quick method of assessing the status of the apparatus 10. The visual indicator means can be in the form of an LED 27 associated with the control means 13. In one non-limiting embodiment, the LED 27 can be configured by the control means 13 to flash once when the apparatus 10 is powered up, and flash twice to indicate when the apparatus 10 is disabled or powered down. A different rapid flashing indicator sequence can be seen when the transmitter means 20 is in use. Other flashing sequences can be employed as and when required.

Advantageously the apparatus 10 can include a reset switch 28 associated with the control means 13 and configured to trigger the control means 13 to run a test sequence to check the apparatus 10 is operating, and monitoring the status of the electric fence 2, as required. The apparatus 10 can additionally include a power switch 29 for powering on/off the apparatus 10.

It will be appreciated that alert and data signals may optionally be transmitted from the apparatus 10 to a separate computer means 30 in close proximity. The computer means 30 can optionally be configured and arranged to send alert and/or data information over the internet to an end user requiring alerts to any change of status with the electric fence 2, or for recording and analytical purposes, such as plotting trends in readings in different atmospheric conditions, or otherwise as desired. Furthermore, the computer means 30 is optionally programmed to provide a data logging means, when consulted, and can be adapted to send files of stored data gathered over any period of time.

It will also be appreciated that the apparatus 1, 10 of the invention can be configured and arranged with multiple devices to enable the monitoring of the operation status of many electric fences 2 or various parts of the electric fence 2 referred to as zones, with each zone or section of electric fence, or separate electric fence, being uniquely coded or identified to enable an alert signal transmitted to include the zone or each designated fence area being separately identifiable to an end user.

The apparatus 10 is advantageously encased in a suitable and resilient casing or housing 25 for portability and durability, especially when the apparatus 10 is designed to be applied in an outside environment exposed to adverse weather conditions. Desirably the housing 25 is made of a suitably moulded plastics material that is substantially water resistant or waterproof. The housing 25 can be adapted with a suitably modified bracket or brackets (not shown) for releasably attaching the apparatus 1 via the housing 25 to the electric fence 2 or, for example only, to a bare metal shaft of pigtail type electric fence standard.

It will be appreciated that materials used for components of the invention include any suitable and durable materials, for example only but not limited to, timber, metal, plastics materials, fabrics, rubber, glass or any combination thereof.

Wherein the aforegoing reference has been made to integers or components having known equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth.

Accordingly, it will be appreciated that changes may be made to the above described embodiments of the invention without departing from the principles taught herein.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Additional advantages of the present invention will become apparent for those skilled in the art after considering the principles in particular form as discussed and illustrated.

Thus, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described or illustrated, but is intended to cover all alterations or modifications which are within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (14)

Claims:

1. A fence monitoring apparatus for use in monitoring the status of an energised fence, the apparatus including a control means adapted with an electric fence sensing means 5 configured and arranged to monitor the operational status of the electric fence and provide an output value that is fed to the control means, the control means being configured to transmit an alert signal when the output value of the energised fence being monitored is determined to be a value outside a predetermined acceptable value, and a transmitter means adapted to send an alert signal to a remote receiver means 10 when the control means determines that the electric fence being monitored is not operating within its preset operating state, and wherein the remote receiver means is portable and includes a cellular phone means, and the alert signals are SMS text messages transmittable over a cellular network. 15

2. A fence monitoring apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the electric fence sensing means obtains a sampled voltage reading when configured as a sample and hold circuit, and the preset operating state is a threshold minimum voltage setting providing a setpoint voltage. 20

3. A fence monitoring apparatus according to either claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the electric fence sensing means includes a releasably attachable fence clamp means.

4. A fence monitoring apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the electric fence sensing means includes a fence coupling means that is not in direct contact with the electric 25 fence, and is adjacent the electric fence so as to obtain voltage readings sufficient to determine changing voltage values.

5. A fence monitoring apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the transmitter means includes a GSM modem means for transmitting alert signals to 30 the remote receiver means.

6. A fence monitoring apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the apparatus is configured and arranged to monitor at least two designated sections of electric fence or separate electric fences, each designated section being configured to send coded signals to the remote receiver means.

7. A fence monitoring apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein 5 the electric fence sensing means is releasably attachable to a said energised fence, and the apparatus is powered by a solar power means.

8. A fence monitoring apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the alert signals can be configured to be sent via the internet and by use of SMS text messaging or MMS 10 messaging.

9. A fence monitoring apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the alert signals are sent via internet enabled cellular phones provided with internet capabilities, or via personal digital assistants.

10. A fence monitoring apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the alert signals are sent to a computer means located proximate to the apparatus, and then data is forwarded over an internet network to a remote location. 20

11. A method of monitoring an electric barrier or fence using the apparatus in accordance with any one or more of the preceding claims, the steps of the method including: a. monitoring the operational status of the electric fence, and providing a reading to the control means; 25 b. comparing the reading to a preset operating range to determine whether the electric fence being monitored is operating within the preset operating range; and c. sending an alert signal to a remote receiver means when the control means determines that the electric fence is not operating or is operating outside its 30 preset operating range.

12. A method according to claim 11 wherein the reading is a voltage value, and the alert signal is transmitted when the voltage value falls below a threshold voltage value.

13. A method according to claim 11 substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the accompanying drawings. 5

14. A fence monitoring apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the accompanying drawings. 5368