Apparatus to guide animals and method therefor

A wearable device configured to be worn by an animal, the device configured to guide the animal to a target location, the device comprising:

• at least one sensor configured to measure position data of the wearable device;
• at least one stimulus device operable to apply stimuli to the animal including an application of one or more of vibration, sound, and/or shock stimulus operable to elicit a level of behavioural response from the animal;
• a controller configured to:
• receive data defining the target location,
• receive the position data of the wearable device,
• operate the at least one stimulus device according to one of a plurality of stimulus modes of the stimulus device including:
• a “first” stimulus mode, and a “second” stimulus mode, the second stimulus mode comprising stimuli operable to elicit a stronger level behavioural response than the first stimulus mode;
• guide the animal to the target location according to a selection of:
• the stimuli mode based on the position data of the wearable device, and
• a guidance mode.

A wearable device configured to be worn by an animal, the device configured to guide the animal to a target location, the device comprising:

• at least one sensor configured to measure location position data of the wearable device;
• at least one stimulus device operable to apply stimuli to the animal including an application of one or more of vibration, sound, and/or shock stimulus operable to elicit a level of behavioural response from the animal;
• and
• a controller configured to:
• receive data defining the target location,
• receive the position data of the wearable device,
• operate the stimulus device according to one of a plurality of stimulus modes of the stimulus device including:
• a “first” stimulus mode, and a “second” stimulus mode, the second stimulus mode comprising stimuli operable to elicit a stronger level behavioural response than the first stimulus mode;
• guide the animal to the target location according to a selection of:
• the stimuli mode based on the position data of the wearable device, and
• a guidance mode;
• select the stimulus mode based on data, where
• the first stimulus mode is determined by data indicating the target location requires the animal crossing a prior virtual boundary of a geographical area that previously bound, deterred, restrained, or was used as a basis of a stimulus for the animal;
• the second stimulus mode is determined by data indicating the target location requires the animal moving within a geographical area of or within an existing paddock or area of a paddock, physically or virtually bound;
• determine a difference between the animal heading and a target heading relative a heading tolerance threshold, and determine the animal speed relative a low speed threshold, and if outside one or both of the heading tolerance threshold and speed threshold then:
• execute a guidance mode operable to encourage movement of the animal based on the selected stimulus mode.

A wearable device configured to be worn by an animal, the device configured to guide the animal along a target heading to a target location, the device comprising:

• a. at least one sensor configured to measure position data of the wearable device;
• b. at least one stimulus device operable to apply stimulus to the animal including an application of one or more of vibration, sound, and/or shock stimulus operable to elicit a level of behavioural response from the animal;
• c. a controller configured to:
• i. receive data defining the target location,
• ii. receive the position data of the wearable device,
• iii. operate the stimulus device according to one of a plurality of stimulus modes of the stimulus device including:
• a “first” stimulus mode, and a “second” stimulus mode, the second stimulus mode comprising stimuli operable to elicit a stronger level behavioural response than the first stimulus mode;
• iv. guide the animal to the target location according to a selection of:
• the stimulus mode based on the position data of the wearable device;
• v. select the first stimulus mode when position data is received indicating the animal is approaching or within a predefined area defined by an area comprising a virtual fencing boundary or gate that historically activated the stimulus device to stimulate the animal,
• vi. select the second stimulus mode when position data is received indicating the animal is approaching or within a predefined area defined by an area paddock which the animal was free to move within without prior historical stimulus applications from the stimulus device.