Abstract: An antenna module is described for configuring a mobile device, e.g., a smartphone, to locate an animal wearing a radiofrequency (RF) transmitter, the module having a directional antenna structure, the antenna structure including a plurality of antenna elements configured to generate a directional radiation field; at least one RF receiver connected to the directional antenna structure; and, a controller configured to control the RF transceiver and a mobile device interface for providing communication with the mobile device, the controller being configured to execute the steps of: receiving one or more time series of beacons signals broadcasted by the RF transmitter that is within the directional radiation field of the directional antenna structure; determining distance estimates for beacon signals in the one or more time series, a distance estimate being determined by the antenna module on the basis of a signal strength and/or a signal quality of a detected beacon signal.

Abstract: There is disclosed an information system (1) for use with animals, comprising a base station (2) and a number of units (3) being in wireless communication with said base station, which ear units are to be placed in the animal's ear. The ear units are provided with one or more sensors (5) for periodically measuring quantities such as temperature, sound, (ruminating) activity, movement, heart rate and/or biochemical values, at least in the ear, and they are provided with an activable transmitter for transmitting, upon activation of said transmitter, individual sensor measurement data to the base station in a manner which leads to a reduced energy consumption. The ear unit may be provided with more than one sensor, which sensors are disposed at different locations, for measuring the same quantity at several positions or depths in the ear, so as to make it possible to reliably diagnose any impending disorders of the animal.