U.S. patent application number 15/467578 was filed with the patent office on 2017-07-06 for unmanned aerial vehicle for interacting with a pet.
The applicant listed for this patent is INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION. Invention is credited to JOHN A. BIVENS, MINKYONG KIM, MIN LI, CLIFFORD A. PICKOVER, VALENTINA SALAPURA.
Application Number | 20170188545 15/467578 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58276653 |
Filed Date | 2017-07-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170188545 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BIVENS; JOHN A. ; et
al. |
July 6, 2017 |
UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE FOR INTERACTING WITH A PET
Abstract
An unmanned aerial vehicle for interacting with a pet. The
unmanned aerial vehicle includes a processor-based monitoring
device to provide a behavioral assessment of the pet, an activity
recommender to select an activity program dependent on the
behavioral assessment, a motor mounted on the unmanned aerial
vehicle to provide aerial movement based on the activity program,
and an activity coordinator to perform a function based on the
activity program. The function includes activating feedback outputs
upon completion of the activity program.
Inventors: |
BIVENS; JOHN A.; (OSSINING,
NY) ; KIM; MINKYONG; (SCARSDALE, NY) ; LI;
MIN; (SAN JOSE, CA) ; PICKOVER; CLIFFORD A.;
(YORKTOWN HEIGHTS, NY) ; SALAPURA; VALENTINA;
(CHAPPAQUA, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION |
Armonk |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
58276653 |
Appl. No.: |
15/467578 |
Filed: |
March 23, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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14860003 |
Sep 21, 2015 |
9637233 |
|
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15467578 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01K 15/025 20130101;
A01K 29/005 20130101; A01K 15/00 20130101; A01K 15/027 20130101;
B64C 2201/127 20130101; B64D 47/08 20130101; A01K 15/021 20130101;
B64C 2201/12 20130101; B64C 39/024 20130101; B64C 2201/027
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A01K 15/02 20060101
A01K015/02; A01K 29/00 20060101 A01K029/00; G05D 1/00 20060101
G05D001/00; B64C 39/02 20060101 B64C039/02; B64D 47/08 20060101
B64D047/08 |
Claims
1. A device for interacting with a domesticated animal, the device
comprising: a processor-based monitoring device to provide a
behavioral assessment of the domesticated animal; an activity
recommender to select at least one activity program dependent on
the behavioral assessment; and an activity coordinator to perform
at least one function based on the at least one activity program,
wherein the at least one function includes activating at least one
of a plurality of feedback outputs upon completion of the activity
program.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the processor-based monitoring
device monitors at least one of a domesticated animal location,
sounds generated by the domesticated animal, expressions generated
by the domesticated animal, movement of the domesticated animal,
and nearness of the domesticated animal to safety hazards.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one function
includes dispensing a reward from a plurality of reward
compartments.
4. The device of claim 3, further comprising a calorie counter to
count calories of the reward and adjust the reward based on a total
caloric intake parameter.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one function
includes behavior reinforcement to the domesticated animal.
6. The device of claim 1, further comprising a scheduler to provide
a calendar to the activity recommender to schedule the at least one
activity program.
7. The device of claim 1, further comprising an appliance
communicator to communicate with at least one domesticated animal
appliance.
8. The device of claim 8, wherein the at least one function
includes communicating with the at least one domesticated animal
appliance.
9. The device of claim 1, further comprising a profiler to store
information regarding a profile of the domesticated animal, wherein
the profile includes at least one of a domesticated animal breed,
domesticated animal type, domesticated animal capacity to cause
damage, and domesticated animal capacity to self-injure.
10. A method for interacting with a domesticated animal using a
device, the method comprising: monitoring, by a processor-based
monitoring device, the pet to provide a behavioral assessment of
the domesticated animal; selecting at least one activity program
dependent on the behavioral assessment; and performing at least one
function based on the at least one activity program, wherein the at
least one function includes activating at least one of a plurality
of feedback outputs upon completion of the activity program.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein monitoring includes monitoring
at least one of a domesticated animal location, sounds generated by
the domesticated animal, expressions generated by the domesticated
animal, movement of the domesticated animal, and nearness of the
domesticated animal to safety hazards.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein at least one function includes
dispensing a reward from a plurality of reward compartments.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein at least one function includes
counting calories of the reward and adjusting the reward based on a
total caloric intake parameter.
14. The method of claim 10, wherein at least one function includes
behavior reinforcement to the domesticated animal.
15. The method of claim 10, wherein at least one function includes
communicating with the at least one domesticated animal
appliance.
16. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium comprising a
computer readable program for interacting with a domesticated
animal using a device, wherein the computer readable program, when
executed on a computer, causes the computer to execute: monitoring,
by a processor-based monitoring device, the domesticated animal to
provide a behavioral assessment of the domesticated animal;
selecting at least one activity program dependent on the behavioral
assessment; and performing at least one function based on the at
least one activity program, wherein the at least one function
includes activating at least one of a plurality of feedback outputs
upon completion of the activity program.
17. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim
16, wherein monitoring includes monitoring at least one of a
domesticated animal location, sounds generated by the domesticated
animal, expressions generated by the domesticated animal, movement
of the domesticated animal, and nearness of the domesticated animal
to safety hazards.
18. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim
16, wherein the at least one function includes dispensing a reward
from a plurality of reward compartments.
19. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim
18, wherein at least one function includes counting calories of the
reward and adjusting the reward based on a total caloric intake
parameter.
20. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim
16, wherein at least one function includes behavior reinforcement
to the domesticated animal.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Technical Field
[0002] The present invention relates generally to an unmanned
aerial vehicle and, in particular, to an unmanned aerial vehicle
for interacting with a pet.
[0003] Description of the Related Art
[0004] Despite the products and services available to consumers,
pet obesity and pet disobedience remain a common problem associated
with pet ownership, especially when a pet is left alone without the
supervision of their owner for extended amounts of time. One common
problem when pets are left alone is that pets may become disruptive
and/or destructive. These problems may become amplified when the
pet experiences distress when owners prepare to leave the house,
which is commonly referred to as separation anxiety.
SUMMARY
[0005] According to an aspect of the present principles, an
unmanned aerial vehicle for interacting with a pet is provided. The
unmanned aerial vehicle includes a processor-based monitoring
device to provide a behavioral assessment of the pet, an activity
recommender to select at least one activity program dependent on
the behavioral assessment, at least one motor mounted on the
unmanned aerial vehicle to provide aerial movement based on the at
least one activity program, and an activity coordinator to perform
at least one function based on the at least one activity program,
wherein the at least one function includes activating at least one
of a plurality of feedback outputs upon completion of the activity
program.
[0006] According to another aspect of the present principles, a
method for interacting with a pet using an unmanned aerial vehicle
is provided. The method includes monitoring, by a processor-based
monitoring device, the pet to provide a behavioral assessment of
the pet, selecting at least one activity program dependent on the
behavioral assessment, aerially moving the unmanned aerial vehicle
system based on the at least one activity program, and performing
at least one function based on the at least one activity program,
wherein the at least one function includes activating at least one
of a plurality of feedback outputs upon completion of the activity
program.
[0007] According to another aspect of the present principles, a
non-transitory computer readable storage medium for interacting
with a pet using an unmanned aerial vehicle is provided. The
non-transitory computer readable storage medium includes a computer
readable program for interacting with a pet using an unmanned
aerial vehicle, wherein the computer readable program, when
executed on a computer, causes the computer to execute monitoring,
by a processor-based monitoring device, the pet to provide a
behavioral assessment of the pet, selecting at least one activity
program dependent on the behavioral assessment, controlling, using
control signals, aerial movement of an unmanned aerial vehicle
based on the at least one activity program, and performing at least
one function based on the at least one activity program, wherein
the at least one function includes activating at least one of a
plurality of feedback outputs upon completion of the activity
program.
[0008] These and other features and advantages will become apparent
from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments
thereof, which is to be read in connection with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0009] The disclosure will provide details in the following
description of preferred embodiments with reference to the
following figures wherein:
[0010] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary system for interacting with a pet
using an unmanned aerial vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment
of the present principles;
[0011] FIG. 2 shows an exemplary processing system for interacting
with a pet using an unmanned aerial vehicle, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present principles;
[0012] FIG. 3 shows an exemplary system for interacting with a pet
using an unmanned aerial vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment
of the present principles; and
[0013] FIG. 4 shows an exemplary method for interacting with a pet
using an unmanned aerial vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment
of the present principles.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0014] The present principles are directed to an unmanned aerial
vehicle for interacting with a pet. Advantageously, the present
principles provide a system, method, and computer program product
to monitor, interact, train, and provide feedback to the pet to
minimize distress, reduce obesity, and discourage disobedience. The
system, method and computer program product described herein may
perform a function and/or provide feedback, based on a selected
activity program, from a plurality of feedback outputs. Feedback
may be in the form of rewards, commands, tones, etc. that may
include food related and non-food related items. The system, method
and computer program product described herein may minimize pet
obesity by adjusting a food-related reward dispensed and provide a
reward having low-caloric content. In addition, the system, method
and computer program product provided herein may enable the
unmanned aerial vehicle to interact with a pet by communicating
with various components and/or pet appliances in a smart home, such
as a pet door, pet feeder, etc. In addition, the system, method,
and computer program product provided herein may also engage in
exercises and/or activities with the pet, such as fetch.
[0015] It is to be understood that the words "reward" and "pet" are
used loosely and are not intended to suggest any limitation as to
the scope of use or functionality of embodiments of the present
principles described herein. For example, "reward" may refer to,
but is not limited to, food related items, such as treats in the
form of biscuits, commonly used with pet training and/or rewarding
for good behavior, or to non-food related actions, such as
vocalized praise, warning, etc. Generally, the word "reward" refers
to various aspects of keeping a pet happy, healthy, and with good
cognitive tone. In addition, the word "pet" may be used as
referring to a dog, cat, or any other domesticated animal and is
not intended to limit the scope of the present principles.
[0016] The present invention may be a system, a method, and/or a
computer program product. The computer program product may include
a computer readable storage medium (or media) having computer
readable program instructions thereon for causing a processor to
carry out aspects of the present invention.
[0017] The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible
device that can retain and store instructions for use by an
instruction execution device. The computer readable storage medium
may be, for example, but is not limited to, an electronic storage
device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an
electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or
any suitable combination of the foregoing. A non-exhaustive list of
more specific examples of the computer readable storage medium
includes the following: a portable computer diskette, a hard disk,
a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable
programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), a static
random access memory (SRAM), a portable compact disc read-only
memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a memory stick, a
floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such as punch-cards or
raised structures in a groove having instructions recorded thereon,
and any suitable combination of the foregoing. A computer readable
storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construed as being
transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freely
propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves
propagating through a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g.,
light pulses passing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical
signals transmitted through a wire.
[0018] Computer readable program instructions described herein can
be downloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a
computer readable storage medium or to an external computer or
external storage device via a network, for example, the Internet, a
local area network, a wide area network and/or a wireless network.
The network may comprise copper transmission cables, optical
transmission fibers, wireless transmission, routers, firewalls,
switches, gateway computers and/or edge servers. A network adapter
card or network interface in each computing/processing device
receives computer readable program instructions from the network
and forwards the computer readable program instructions for storage
in a computer readable storage medium within the respective
computing/processing device.
[0019] Computer readable program instructions for carrying out
operations of the present invention may be assembler instructions,
instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine
instructions, machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware
instructions, state-setting data, or either source code or object
code written in any combination of one or more programming
languages, including an object oriented programming language such
as Java, Smalltalk, C++ or the like, and conventional procedural
programming languages, such as the "C" programming language or
similar programming languages. The computer readable program
instructions may execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on
the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on
the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on
the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote
computer may be connected to the user's computer through any type
of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area
network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external
computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet
Service Provider). In some embodiments, electronic circuitry
including, for example, programmable logic circuitry,
field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or programmable logic arrays
(PLA) may execute the computer readable program instructions by
utilizing state information of the computer readable program
instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry, in order to
perform aspects of the present invention.
[0020] Aspects of the present invention are described herein with
reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of
methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products
according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood
that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block
diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations
and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer readable
program instructions.
[0021] These computer readable program instructions may be provided
to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose
computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to
produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via
the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing
apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts
specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.
These computer readable program instructions may also be stored in
a computer readable storage medium that can direct a computer, a
programmable data processing apparatus, and/or other devices to
function in a particular manner, such that the computer readable
storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises an
article of manufacture including instructions which implement
aspects of the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block
diagram block or blocks.
[0022] The computer readable program instructions may also be
loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing
apparatus, or other device to cause a series of operational steps
to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or
other device to produce a computer implemented process, such that
the instructions which execute on the computer, other programmable
apparatus, or other device implement the functions/acts specified
in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.
[0023] The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate
the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible
implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products
according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this
regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent
a module, segment, or portion of instructions, which comprises one
or more executable instructions for implementing the specified
logical function(s). In some alternative implementations, the
functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in
the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in
fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may
sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the
functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of
the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations
of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can
be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that
perform the specified functions or acts or carry out combinations
of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.
[0024] Reference in the specification to "one embodiment" or "an
embodiment" of the present principles, as well as other variations
thereof, means that a particular feature, structure,
characteristic, and so forth described in connection with the
embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present
principles. Thus, the appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment"
or "in an embodiment", as well any other variations, appearing in
various places throughout the specification are not necessarily all
referring to the same embodiment.
[0025] It is to be appreciated that the use of any of the following
"/", "and/or", and "at least one of", for example, in the cases of
"A/B", "A and/or B" and "at least one of A and B", is intended to
encompass the selection of the first listed option (A) only, or the
selection of the second listed option (B) only, or the selection of
both options (A and B). As a further example, in the cases of "A,
B, and/or C" and "at least one of A, B, and C", such phrasing is
intended to encompass the selection of the first listed option (A)
only, or the selection of the second listed option (B) only, or the
selection of the third listed option (C) only, or the selection of
the first and the second listed options (A and B) only, or the
selection of the first and third listed options (A and C) only, or
the selection of the second and third listed options (B and C)
only, or the selection of all three options (A and B and C). This
may be extended, as readily apparent by one of ordinary skill in
this and related arts, for as many items listed.
[0026] Referring to the drawings in which like numerals represent
the same or similar elements and initially to FIG. 1, an exemplary
system 100 for interacting with a pet using an unmanned aerial
vehicle 102 is illustratively depicted. It should be understood by
one of ordinary skill in the art that the unmanned aerial vehicle
102 may comprise a drone, a drone-like unit, or similarly
functioning devices. The unmanned aerial vehicle 102 may include a
housing unit 104, at least one movement mechanism 106, a motor 107,
and various components including a camera 108, at least one sensor
110, a screen 112, a transmitter/receiver device 118, and a
plurality of feedback outputs. The plurality of feedback outputs
may include a plurality of reward compartments 114, a speaker 116,
and an appliance communicator 120. It should be understood that the
various components of the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 may be
affixed on the outside of the housing unit 104 or, alternatively,
may be enclosed within the housing unit 104 of the unmanned aerial
vehicle 102. The unmanned aerial vehicle 102 may also include other
elements (not shown) or may omit some elements as shown, as readily
contemplated by one of skill in the art.
[0027] The unmanned aerial vehicle 102 may include at least one
movement mechanism 106. It should be understood that the at least
one movement mechanism 106 may include a single propeller, a
plurality of propellers, a propulsion mechanism, or similarly
functioning devices. In one embodiment, the at least one movement
mechanism may be powered by at least one motor 107 and a power
supply (not shown) to provide movement for the unmanned aerial
vehicle. For example, the motor 107 may be mounted on the unmanned
aerial vehicle 102 to provide aerial movement (e.g., flying
movement) based on the at least one activity program, which will be
described in further detail below.
[0028] The movement mechanism(s) 106 may be placed at any desired
location on the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 such that the placement
of the movement mechanism(s) 106 does not interfere with each other
or with another component positioned on the unmanned aerial vehicle
102. In one embodiment, the at least one movement mechanism 106 may
be positioned on at least one extension arm (not shown) such that
the at least one extension arm connects the at least one movement
mechanism 106 to the housing unit 104.
[0029] In one embodiment, the movement mechanism 106 and/or motor
107 provides aerial movement for the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 in
multiple degrees of freedom. Multiple degrees of freedom generally
refers to the ability for the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 to move
in a three-dimensional space. Specifically, the movement mechanism
106 and/or motor 107 may be controlled by a steering controller
305, as illustrated in FIG. 3, to move the unmanned aerial vehicle
102 along three perpendicular axes, namely forward/backward
movement, up/down movement, and left/right movement. In addition,
the steering controller 305 may control the movement of the
unmanned aerial vehicle in 360 degree rotation, tilting
forward/backward movement (e.g., pitching), swiveling left/right
movement (e.g., yawing), and pivoting side to side movement (e.g.,
rolling). In one embodiment, the movement mechanism(s) 106 and/or
motor 107 provides movement for the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 to,
for example, move the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 out of range of
the pet and/or over difficult terrain and/or obstacles (e.g.,
carpets, stairs, branches, etc.).
[0030] The unmanned aerial vehicle 102 may include a camera 108.
The camera 108 may be configured to provide visual feedback to the
unmanned aerial vehicle 102, such as still images and/or video
feedback. For example, the camera 108 may be configured to detect
moving objects (e.g., movement of a pet), stationary objects (e.g.,
furniture, household structures), lighting conditions, expressions
of a pet, etc. In one embodiment, the camera 108 may be configured
to provide visual feedback of expressions made by a pet and/or body
movements of the pet (e.g., circling, panting, scratching of a
door, etc.). For example, the camera 108 may be configured to
provide still images, such as a sequence of still images, and/or
video feedback of a pet exhibiting one or more movements. In
another embodiment, the camera 108 may be configured to provide
visual feedback of obstacles in the path of the unmanned aerial
vehicle 102 for any purpose such as, but not limited to, navigation
guidance to the unmanned aerial vehicle 102. It should be
understood that various types of cameras, including night-vision
enabled cameras, infrared sensing cameras, etc., are within the
scope of the present principles.
[0031] In an embodiment, the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 may
include at least one sensor 110. The sensor 110 may include, but is
not limited to, an acoustic sensor (e.g., microphone), a chemical
sensor, an infrared sensor, an optical sensor, a collision
avoidance sensor (e.g., a proximity sensor), a temperature sensor,
etc. In an embodiment, the sensor 110 may be configured to detect
sounds made by a pet, such as whimpering, barking, etc. In a
further embodiment, the sensor 110 may be configured to detect
proximity to objects and/or obstacles in the path of the unmanned
aerial vehicle 102 for any purpose such as, but not limited to,
navigation guidance to the unmanned aerial vehicle 102. In yet a
further embodiment, the sensor 110 may be configured to detect the
temperature in an area in close proximity to the unmanned aerial
vehicle 102 and/or the pet (e.g., temperature in the household,
temperature of the pet, etc.).
[0032] The unmanned aerial vehicle 102 may include plurality of
feedback outputs including a plurality of reward compartments 114.
In an embodiment, the plurality of reward compartments 114 may be
configured to provide feedback for the unmanned aerial vehicle 102.
For example, feedback of the plurality of reward compartments 114
may include dispensing a food-related reward, such as a treat. The
plurality of reward compartments 114 may be assembled as fixed
compartments or compartments that are enclosed in a rotating
carousel within the housing unit 104. The plurality of reward
compartments 114 may include a door (not shown) for purposes of
dispensing a reward. It should be understood that various types of
doors, including trap doors, mechanical doors, electrical doors,
etc., are within the scope of the present principles. In an
embodiment, each one of the plurality of reward compartments 114
may include a pet treat with a prescribed caloric content. For
example, one compartment may include low-calorie treats and another
compartment may include high-calorie treats.
[0033] The unmanned aerial vehicle 102 may include a screen 112 and
a transmitter/receiver device 118. The screen 112 may be configured
to display video feedback. The transmitter/receiver device 118 may
be configured to provide audio and/or video feedback information
to/from the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 and a user device (not
shown). The user device may include a mobile device (e.g., a smart
phone, tablet, computing device, and so forth) or any other
system(s) that can be used by the particular user. In an
embodiment, the screen 112 may be configured to display video
feedback provided by the user to the unmanned aerial vehicle 102
via the transmitter/receiver device 118.
[0034] For example, the user may transmit a video message to the
unmanned aerial vehicle 102 and the transmitter/receiver device 118
may receive the video message. The transmitter/receiver device 118
may then provide the video feedback to the pet by displaying the
video message on screen 112. In another example, the
transmitter/receiver device 118 may transmit video feedback, such
as still images and/or video of the pet, to the user. Similarly,
the transmitter/receiver device 118 may transmit audio feedback of
the pet (e.g., barking, whimpering, etc.) to the user, the audio
feedback being provided by sensor 110. In yet another example, the
transmitter/receiver device 118 may receive audio feedback from the
user and transmit the audio feedback to the pet using speaker 116,
which will now be described.
[0035] In an embodiment, the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 may
include a speaker 116. The speaker 116 may be configured to provide
behavior reinforcement to the pet for the unmanned aerial vehicle
102. For example, the speaker 116 may be configured to provide
behavior reinforcement in the form of audio feedback (e.g., a
command, tone, whistle, a warning, etc.) to a pet. It should be
understood that various types of speakers, including loudspeakers,
transducers, and any other device capable of converting an
electrical audio signal into a corresponding sound, are within the
scope of the present principles.
[0036] In an embodiment, the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 may
include an appliance communicator 120. The appliance communicator
120 may be configured to provide feedback for the unmanned aerial
vehicle 102. The appliance communicator 120 may be configured to
communicate with one or more appliances 124 in a smart home to
interact with the pet. It should be understood that a smart home
includes a home equipped various devices, including lighting,
heating, electronic devices, etc., that can be controlled remotely,
such as by phone or computer.
[0037] Appliances 124 in a smart home may include, but are not
limited to, a pet feeder 126, a pet door 128, a crate door 130, a
condition controller 132 (e.g., temperature controller, lighting
controller, etc.), an activity device 134 (e.g., a ball thrower),
and a pet accessory 136 (e.g., a pet collar). In other embodiments,
the appliances 124 in a smart home may include a relief station
device, such as a litter box or similarly functioning devices. It
is to be appreciated that the various appliances described herein
are merely illustrative and, thus, the present principles can be
used with other appliances while maintaining the scope of the
present principles.
[0038] The appliance communicator 120 of the unmanned aerial
vehicle 102 may be configured to send a request by a transmission
medium 122 to the appliance(s) 124 to perform a function, such
function being performed by the pet appliance. In an embodiment,
the appliance communicator 120 may be configured to communicate
with the pet feeder 126 to dispense dietary needs, such as food,
water, dietary supplements, etc. to the pet. In an embodiment, the
appliance communicator 120 may be configured to communicate with
the pet door 128 and/or crate door 130 to either open or close the
pet door 128 or crate door 130, as needed, to allow the pet to go
out. In another embodiment, the appliance communicator 120 may be
configured to communicate with a condition controller 132, such as
lighting and/or temperature controls, to turn lights in the
household on/off or dim the lights or to adjust the temperature
conditions of the household, respectively. In a further embodiment,
the appliance communicator 120 may be configured to communicate
with an activity device 134 to engage in activities with the pet.
In yet a further embodiment, the appliance communicator 120 may be
configured to communicate with a pet accessory 136. These and other
features of the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 will be described in
further detail below.
[0039] Moreover, it is to be appreciated that system 200 described
below with respect to FIG. 2 is a system for implementing
respective embodiments of the present principles. Part or all of
processing system 100 may be implemented in one or more of the
elements of system 200. Further, it is to be appreciated that
processing system 100 may perform at least part of the method
described herein including, for example, at least part of method
400 of FIG. 4.
[0040] Now referring to FIG. 2, with continued reference to FIG. 1,
an exemplary processing system 200 to which the present principles
may be applied, in accordance with an embodiment, is illustratively
depicted. The processing system 200 includes at least one
processor, such as a computer processing unit (CPU) 204,
operatively coupled to other components via a system bus 202. A
cache 206, a Read Only Memory (ROM) 208, a Random Access Memory
(RAM) 210, an input/output (I/O) adapter 220, a sound adapter 230,
a network adapter 240, a user interface adapter 250, and a display
adapter 260 are operatively coupled to the system bus 202.
[0041] A first storage device 222 and a second storage device 224
are operatively coupled to system bus 202 by the I/O adapter 220.
The storage devices 222 and 224 can be any of a disk storage device
(e.g., a magnetic or optical disk storage device), a solid state
magnetic device, etc. The storage devices 222 and 224 can be the
same type of storage device or different types of storage devices.
In one embodiment, activity programs for interacting with a pet
and/or profiles of a pet may be stored on the first storage device
222 and/or the second storage device 224.
[0042] A speaker 232 is operatively coupled to system bus 202 by
the sound adapter 130. In one embodiment, the unmanned aerial
vehicle 102 may be configured to direct behavior reinforcement of
the pet using feedback, such as providing a vocalized warning, a
vocalized praise, a command, a tone (e.g., beep, whistle, etc.), or
the owner's voice to the pet through speaker 232 and/or speaker 116
of FIG. 1.
[0043] A transceiver 242 is operatively coupled to system bus 202
by network adapter 240. A display device 262 is operatively coupled
to system bus 202 by display adapter 260. For example, the display
device 262 may be configured to display video feedback provided by
the transceiver 242 on the screen 112 of FIG. 1.
[0044] A first user input device 252, a second user input device
254, and a third user input device 256 are operatively coupled to
system bus 202 by user interface adapter 250. The user input
devices 252, 254, and 256 can be any of a keyboard, a mouse, a
keypad, an image capture device, a motion sensing device, a
microphone, a device incorporating the functionality of at least
two of the preceding devices, and so forth. Other types of input
devices can also be used, while maintaining the spirit of the
present principles. The user input devices 252, 254, and 256 can be
the same type of user input device or different types of user input
devices. The user input devices 252, 254, and 256 are used to input
and output information to and from system 200.
[0045] The processing system 200 may also include other elements
(not shown) or may omit some elements as shown, as readily
contemplated by one of skill in the art. For example, various other
input devices and/or output devices can be included in processing
system 200, depending upon the particular implementation of the
same, as readily understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.
For example, various types of wireless and/or wired input and/or
output devices can be used. Moreover, additional processors,
controllers, memories, and so forth, in various configurations can
also be utilized as readily appreciated by one of ordinary skill in
the art. These and other variations of the processing system 100
are readily contemplated by one of ordinary skill in the art given
the teachings of the present principles provided herein.
[0046] Moreover, it is to be appreciated that system 300 described
below with respect to FIG. 3 is a system for implementing
respective embodiments of the present principles. Part or all of
processing system 200 may be implemented in one or more of the
elements of system 300.
[0047] Further, it is to be appreciated that processing system 200
may perform at least part of the method described herein including,
for example, at least part of method 400 of FIG. 4. Similarly, part
or all of system 300 may be used to perform at least part of method
400 of FIG. 4.
[0048] Referring now to FIG. 3, with continued reference to FIG. 1
and FIG. 2, an exemplary system 300 for an advanced unmanned aerial
vehicle 102 for interacting with a pet is shown, in accordance with
an embodiment of the present principles. The system 300 includes a
steering controller 305, an activity recommender 310, a user
input/output device 315, an activity program database 320, a
profiler 325, a behavior monitor and assessor 330, a scheduler 335,
an activity coordinator 340, a dispenser 345, a calorie counter
350, and an appliance communicator 355.
[0049] The steering controller 305 may be configured to control
movement of the unmanned aerial vehicle 102. In one embodiment, the
steering controller 305 may control the aerial movement of the
unmanned aerial vehicle 102 by controlling the at least one
movement mechanism 106 and/or motor 107 illustrated in FIG. 1. For
example, the steering controller 305 may control aerial movement of
the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 by sending control signals to the
at least one movement mechanism 106 and/or motor 107. In another
embodiment, the steering controller 305 may control the aerial
movement of the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 based on at least one
activity program. For example, the steering controller 305 may
provide aerial movement to the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 to
perform the at least one activity program. In an embodiment, the
steering controller 305 may control the unmanned aerial vehicle 102
to move the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 in multiple degrees of
freedom. Specifically, the steering controller 305 may be
configured to control the movement of the unmanned aerial vehicle
102 in a forward/backward movement, up/down movement, left/right
movement, rotational movement, tilting forward/backward movement
(e.g., pitching), swiveling left/right movement (e.g., yawing), and
pivoting side to side movement (e.g., rolling).
[0050] In an embodiment, the steering controller 305 may be
configured to control movement of the unmanned aerial vehicle 102
controlling the rotational speed(s) and/or rotational direction(s)
of each of the movement mechanisms 106 independently. For example,
the steering controller 305 may be configured to rotate each of the
movement mechanisms 106 in a single direction or, alternatively,
the steering controller 305 may be configured to rotate each of the
movement mechanisms 106 in opposing directions. In one embodiment,
the steering controller 305 may be configured to control movement
of the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 to move the unmanned aerial
vehicle 102 out of range of the pet and/or to move the unmanned
aerial vehicle 102 over difficult terrain and/or obstacles (e.g.,
carpets, stairs, branches, etc.).
[0051] The activity recommender 310 is configured to select an
activity program from a plurality of activity programs. For
example, the plurality of activity programs may include, but are
not limited to, training commands (e.g., sit, stay, lie down,
etc.), training obedience (e.g., reduction/minimization of barking,
howling, whining, growling, meowing, chewing of household items,
inappropriate actions, such as incorrect bathroom usage, etc.), and
exercise activities (e.g., running, playing fetch, etc.). In one
embodiment, the activity recommender 310 may select an activity
program based on at least one of a user input/output device 315, an
activity program database 320, a profiler 325, a behavior monitor
and assessor 330, and a scheduler 335 to select a dynamic activity
program.
[0052] In FIG. 3, with continued referenced to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2,
the user input/output device 315 may be configured to input and
output information from a user to system 100, system 200 and/or
system 300, in accordance with one embodiment. For example, user
input/output device 315 may be configured to output video and/or
audio information provided by the user to the pet through the
screen 112 of system 100, display device 262 of system 200, speaker
116 of system 100, and/or speaker 232 of system 200.
[0053] In another embodiment, user input/output device 315 may be
further configured to output information from system 100, system
200 and/or system 300 to a user. For example, one or more of the
following can be made available to a user: audio/video content of
the pet, behavior content of the pet (e.g., a pet alert), activity
programs, etc. Such content can be provided or accessed using a
mobile device (e.g., a smart phone, tablet, computing device, and
so forth) of the particular user or any other system(s) that can be
used by the particular user. In one embodiment, user input/output
device 315 may be further configured to communicate with the
activity recommender 310 to select an activity program from the
activity program database 320. User input/output device 315 may
include various input devices and/or output devices, depending upon
the particular implementation of the same, as readily understood by
one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, various types of
wireless and/or wired input and/or output devices can be used. It
is to be understood that the user input/output device 315 may be
configured to input/output information supplied by more than one
user.
[0054] In one embodiment, the activity recommender 310 may be
configured to retrieve activity programs from an activity program
database 320. The activity program database 320 may be configured
to store a plurality of training programs. For example, the
training programs may include, but are not limited to, programs
with one or more objectives (e.g., commands, obedience, exercise,
etc.). In a further embodiment, the activity program database 320
may be configured to record a history of previous activity programs
used for each pet.
[0055] In another embodiment, the activity recommender 310 may be
configured to select an activity program dependent on a profiler
325. The profiler 325 may be configured to store information
regarding a profile of the pet. For example, the profile of the pet
may include, but is not limited to, information regarding the pet
breed, pet type, pet's capacity and/or propensity to cause damage
or to self-injure itself, etc. In a further embodiment, the
profiler 325 may be configured to update information regarding the
profile of the pet based the behavioral assessment. For example, if
the pet is prone to engaging in destructive behavior, the profile
of the pet may be undated to include the pet's propensity to be
destructive.
[0056] In one embodiment, the activity recommender 310 may be
configured to select an activity program dependent on a behavior
monitor and assessor 330. The behavior monitor and assessor 330 may
be configured to monitor the pet to provide a behavioral assessment
of the pet. In an embodiment, the behavior monitor and assessor 330
may be configured to store images and/or sounds commonly made by
pets or made by a particular pet that indicate a pet expression.
The images may be in the form of a still image, a sequence of still
images, and/or video images (herein collectively referred to as
"stored images"). For instance, the stored images of a pet circling
may indicate that the pet may need to go out. In one embodiment, a
user may be able to pre-define the stored images to indicate a
particular pet expression.
[0057] In an embodiment, the behavior monitor and assessor 330 may
be configured to receive audio and/or video input to monitor the
pet via the camera 108, sensor 110, and/or speaker 116,232 of the
unmanned aerial vehicle 102. The images may be in the form of a
still image, a sequence of still images, and/or video images
(herein collectively referred to as "captured images"). The
behavior monitor and assessor 330 may monitor the pet by comparing
the captured images to the stored images to determine a pet
expression. For example, the behavior monitor and assessor 330 may
compare captured images obtained by the camera 108 and compare the
captured images to the stored images using image matching and/or
image comparison techniques. Image matching and/or image comparison
techniques may include, for example, image key point detection. For
example, the behavior monitor and assessor 330 may detect key
points in the captured images and find corresponding key points in
the stored images to determine a pet expression. The behavior
monitor and assessor 330 may be configured to monitor physical
locations of the pet, such as locations where the pet is not
allowed (e.g., rooms, household furniture, etc.) and nearness of
the pet to safety hazards (e.g., electrical wires, poisonous
household plants and/or food items, devices with choking hazards,
holiday decorations, medicines, etc.) via the camera 108.
[0058] In another embodiment, the behavior monitor and assessor 330
may be configured to monitor and assess the pet's state of mind.
For example, the behavior monitor and assessor 330 may be
configured to monitor sounds made by the pet (e.g., whimpering,
barking, etc.), behavior of the pet (e.g., lethargy, disobedience,
etc.), expressions and/or body movements of the pet (e.g.,
circling, scratching of a door, etc.). In another example, the
behavior assessment and assessor 330 may monitor the pet housed in
a closed crate to determine whether the pet needs to use the
bathroom.
[0059] In a further embodiment, the behavior monitor and assessor
330 may be configured to monitor and assess the pet's state of mind
before and after an activity program has been completed and/or
after a function has been performed. For example, the behavior
monitor and assessor 330 may ascertain the pet's initial state of
mind, the activity coordinator may perform at least one function,
and the behavior monitor and assessor 330 may ascertain the pet's
subsequent state of mind. A function may include providing feedback
from at least one of a plurality of feedback outputs, such as
dispensing a reward, directing a behavior reinforcement, and/or
communicating with smart home appliances, as will be described
below.
[0060] In an embodiment, the behavior monitor and assessor 330 may
be configured to monitor compulsive behavior of the pet, such as
exaggerations of normal pet behaviors. For example, compulsive
behavior may include behaviors that are exhibited for longer than
expected periods of time, repeated out of context, and situations
in which such behaviors would be considered abnormal (e.g.,
spinning, tail chasing, fly biting, light chasing, barking, chewing
on household items or body parts of the pet, staring into space,
etc.). The behavior monitor and assessor 330 may monitor the pet to
detect these and other compulsive behaviors.
[0061] In yet another embodiment, the behavior monitor and assessor
330 may be configured to assess the pet's behavior and/or location
of the pet and send an alert to the pet owner (e.g., user) via the
user input/output device 315. Upon receiving the alert, the
owner/user may communicate, via the user input/output device 315,
with the activity recommender 310 to select an activity program for
the pet.
[0062] The scheduler 335 may be configured to provide a calendar to
the activity recommender to schedule activity programs. In one
embodiment, the scheduler 335 may schedule an activity program
dependent on an owner leave time (e.g., when the owner is scheduled
to leave the pet) and/or an owner return time (e.g., when the owner
is scheduled to return to the pet). In another embodiment, the
scheduler 335 may be configured to adjust the calendar to account
for when the owner is late in his/her return time.
[0063] The activity coordinator 340 may be configured to execute
the selected activity program. In a further embodiment, the
activity coordinator 340 may be configured to, upon completion of
the activity program, perform at least one function based on the
activity program. A function may include providing feedback from at
least one of a plurality of feedback outputs, such as dispensing a
reward, directing a behavior reinforcement (e.g., a warning),
and/or communicating with smart home appliances. In an embodiment,
the activity coordinator 340 may be configured to communicate with
a plurality of feedback outputs, including a dispenser 345, a
calorie counter 350, and an appliance communicator 355, to perform
the at least one function. In addition, the activity coordinator
340 may be configured to communicate with a plurality of feedback
outputs, including a speaker 116 of system 100 and/or speaker 232
of system 200, to perform the at least one function.
[0064] In an embodiment, the activity coordinator 340 may be
configured to, upon completion of the activity program, perform a
function, the function including providing behavior reinforcement
to the pet. Behavior reinforcement may include, for example, audio
feedback. For example, if the behavior monitor and assessor 330
detects the pet chewing on furniture, and the activity coordinator
340 executes and completes a corresponding activity program, the
activity coordinator 340 may provide behavior reinforcement to the
pet via the speaker 116 of system 100 and/or speaker 232 of system
200. The behavior reinforcement may include a vocalized/audio
warning, command, tone, whistle, etc. to deter the pet from chewing
on the furniture. In addition, for example, the behavior
reinforcement may include a vocalized/audio praise when the pet
stops chewing on the furniture.
[0065] In one embodiment, the activity coordinator 340 may be
configured to store the behavior reinforcement and select the
behavior reinforcement based on the selected activity program. The
activity coordinator 340 may communicate with the speaker 116 of
system 100 and/or speaker 232 of system 200 to perform the function
(e.g., providing the behavior reinforcement) based on the activity
program.
[0066] The dispenser 345 may be configured to dispense a reward to
the pet after completion of the selected activity program and/or
user input. In an embodiment, the dispenser 345 may dispense a food
related reward to the pet through at least one of the plurality of
reward compartments 114 of system 100. The dispenser 345 may be
configured to operate each of the plurality of reward compartments
114 separately (e.g., by opening/closing each compartment and/or
rotating the compartments in a rotating carousel). The dispenser
345 may be configured to operate each of the compartments 114
separately based on feedback from the activity coordinator 340. In
an embodiment, the activity coordinator 340 may be configured to,
upon completion of the activity program, provide feedback (e.g.,
food related reward) to a pet from a plurality of feedback outputs
(e.g., the plurality of reward compartments 114) by communicating
with the dispenser 345 to dispense a reward. In another embodiment,
the dispenser 345 may be configured to dispense a reward based on
the user input/output device 315. For example, the user may provide
a reward to the pet by requesting, via the user input/output device
315, the dispenser 345 to dispense a reward.
[0067] The calorie counter 350 may be configured to count calories
of the reward(s) dispensed after completion of the activity program
and/or user input. For example, the calorie counter 350 may
calculate a total amount of calories of the rewards dispended for a
given amount of time (e.g., one day, week, month, etc.). In one
embodiment, the calorie counter 350 may be configured to select
which rewards from the plurality of reward compartments 114 to be
selected by the activity coordinator 340 and/or dispenser 345
depending on a target caloric intake parameter (e.g., adjust the
reward dispensed). For example, a target calorie intake parameter
may represent a maximum amount of calories the pet should consume
per day. In addition, the calorie counter 350 may communicate with
the activity coordinator 340 to discontinue providing food-related
rewards once the target caloric intake has been dispensed from the
dispenser 345. Advantageously, the calorie counter 350 of system
300 helps to prevent and/or control obesity in pets.
[0068] As illustrated in FIG. 3, with continued reference to FIG.
1, the appliance communicator 355 may be configured to communicate
with various pet appliances in a smart home to interact with the
pet. In an embodiment, the activity coordinator 340 may be
configured to, upon selection of the activity program, communicate
with the appliance communicator 355. In one embodiment, for
example, the appliance communicator 355 may be configured to
communicate with a pet feeder 126 to dispense dietary needs, such
as food, water, dietary supplements, etc. For example, the
appliance communicator 355 may be configured to communicate with a
pet feeder 126 to dispense a predetermined or specific amount of
dietary needs. In another embodiment, the appliance communicator
355 may be configured to communicate with the pet feeder 126 to
dispense dietary needs based on feedback from the behavior monitor
and assessor 330 and/or the user input/output device 315. For
example, if the behavior monitor and assessor 330 provides a
behavioral assessment indicating that the pet is panting
representing symptoms of overheating, the appliance communicator
355 may communicate with the pet feeder 126 to dispense water for
the pet.
[0069] In another embodiment, the appliance communicator 355 may be
configured to communicate with a pet door 128 connected to the
outside of a household and/or adjoining rooms to either open or
close the pet door, as needed, to allow the pet to leave a
particular location. For example, if the behavior monitor and
assessor 330 provides a behavioral assessment indicating that the
pet is circling representing symptoms of needing to go out, the
appliance communicator 355 may communicate with the pet door 128 to
open the pet door for the pet to be able to go outside.
[0070] In another embodiment, the appliance communicator 355 may be
configured to communicate with a crate door 130 to either open or
close the crate door, as needed, to allow the pet to leave the
crate. It should be understood that a crate is a type of housing
unit used to house the pet. For example, if the behavior monitor
and assessor 330 provides a behavioral assessment indicating that
the pet is circling representing symptoms of needing to go out, the
appliance communicator 355 may communicate with the crate door 130
to open the crate door for the pet to be able to leave the
crate.
[0071] In another embodiment, the appliance communicator 355 may be
configured to communicate with a condition controller 132, such as
lighting and/or temperature controls of the household. For example,
the appliance communicator 355 may be configured to communicate
with the lighting controls of the household to turn lights in the
household on/off or dim the lights depending on the time of
day/night and/or owner leave/return time. In another example, the
appliance communicator 355 may be configured to communicate with
the temperature controls of the household to adjust the temperature
conditions of the household. For example, the appliance
communicator 355 may be configured to communicate with the
temperature controls to monitor the current temperature and adjust
the temperature to an appropriate temperature. In an embodiment,
the appliance communicator 355 may be configured to communicate
with lighting and/or temperature controls of the household based on
the behavioral assessment provided by the behavior monitor and
assessor 330 (e.g., lethargic behavior, panting, shivering, etc.)
and/or the user input/output device 315.
[0072] In a further embodiment, the appliance communicator 355 may
be configured to communicate with an activity device 134 to engage
in activities with the pet. For example, an activity device 136 may
include, but is not limited to, a ball thrower, a cat toy, an
exercise device, etc. The appliance communicator 355 may be
configured to communicate with, for example, a ball thrower to
engage the pet in exercise. In a further embodiment, the appliance
communicator 355 may encourage the pet during the activity with a
food related or non-food related reward dispensed via the dispenser
345 and/or speaker 116 of system 100 and/or speaker 232 of system
200. For example, during a game of fetch, the appliance
communicator 355 may encourage the pet by providing a verbal praise
via the speaker 116 and/or treat via the dispenser 345.
[0073] In yet a further embodiment, the appliance communicator 355
may be configured to communicate with a pet accessory 136. A pet
accessory 136 may include, but is not limited to, a collar, a
training collar, etc. worn by the pet. For example, if the pet
engages is disruptive and/or destructive behavior (e.g., barking,
howling, chewing, etc.), as determined by the behavior monitor and
assessor 330 and/or user input/output device 315, the appliance
communicator 355 may be configured to communicate with the pet
collar to deter the pet from engaging in the disruptive and/or
destructive behavior. It is to be appreciated that the appliances
described herein are merely illustrative and, thus, the present
principles can be used with other components and/or appliances,
while maintaining the scope of the present principles.
[0074] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the elements thereof may
be interconnected by a bus 301. However, in other embodiments,
other types of connections can also be used. Moreover, in an
embodiment, at least one of the elements of system 300 is
processor-based. Further, while one or more elements may be shown
as separate elements, in other embodiments, these elements can be
combined as one element. These and other variations of the elements
of system 300 are readily determined by one of ordinary skill in
the art, given the teachings of the present principles provided
herein, while maintaining the spirit of the present principles.
[0075] Now referring to FIG. 4, with continued reference to FIGS.
1-3, FIG. 4 shows an exemplary method 400 for interacting with a
pet using an unmanned aerial vehicle 102, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present principles.
[0076] In block 405, monitoring of a pet is performed to provide a
behavioral assessment. In an embodiment, monitoring of the pet may
include receiving audio and/or video input from speaker 116 and/or
camera 108 of FIG. 1. For example, monitoring the pet to provide a
behavioral assessment may include capturing images from camera 108
and comparing the captured images to stored images to determine the
pet's state of mind using image matching and/or image comparison
techniques, such as image key point detection, as described in
reference to FIG. 3.
[0077] For example, monitoring the pet may include monitoring
physical locations of the pet 406. In another embodiment,
monitoring the pet may include monitoring the pet's state of mind.
For example, monitoring the pet may include monitoring sounds made
by the pet 407, behavior of the pet, pet expressions 408 and/or
body movements of the pet 409, etc.
[0078] In block 410, at least one activity program from a plurality
of activity programs may be selected dependent on the behavioral
assessment of the pet. For example, the plurality of activity
programs may include training commands, training obedience, and
exercise activities. In one embodiment, the least one activity
program may be selected further dependent on user input 411. For
example, a user may select an activity program. In one embodiment,
the least one activity program may be selected further dependent on
a calendar 412 to schedule activity programs. For example, the
least one activity program may be selected depending on an owner
leave time, an owner return time, and/or when the owner is late. In
another embodiment, the at least one activity program may be
selected further dependent on a profile 413 of a pet. For example,
if a profile of a pet indicates a propensity to be destructive, the
at least one activity program may be selected to focus on
disobedience training.
[0079] In block 415, the method may include aerially moving the
unmanned aerial vehicle. For example, aerially moving the unmanned
aerial vehicle may include movement in multiple degrees of freedom.
In one embodiment, aerially moving the unmanned aerial vehicle may
be based on the at least one activity program. It should be
understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that aerially
moving the unmanned aerial vehicle may be performed in previous
and/or subsequent blocks. For example, aerially moving the unmanned
aerial vehicle may be controlled during monitoring in block 405
and/or performing at least one function based on the at least one
activity program in block 420.
[0080] In block 420, at least one function based on the at least
one activity program is performed upon completion of the activity
program. In one embodiment, the at least one function includes
activating at least one of a plurality of feedback outputs. For
example, performing at least one function may include at least one
of dispensing a reward, providing a praise, providing a warning,
and/or communicating with smart home appliances, or a combination
thereof. For example, when the activity program includes training
positive behavior, at least one function may include dispensing a
reward 421 from the plurality of reward compartments 114 and/or
providing a vocalized praise via speaker 116 of FIG. 1. In another
example, when the activity program includes training negative
behavior, performing at least one function may include providing
behavior reinforcement 421, such as a vocalized warning and/or
command, via speaker 116.
[0081] In another embodiment, performing at least one function may
further include counting calories 422 of a food-related reward
prior to and/or after dispensing a reward. For example, when a
selected activity program has been completed and a reward is
dispensed to the pet, the calories of the reward dispensed may
counted and/or recorded. In a further embodiment, the calories of a
food-related reward may be calculated prior to dispensing the
reward and, if the reward to be dispensed exceeds a target caloric
intake parameter for the pet, the reward to be dispensed may be
adjusted to a low-calorie reward. For example, adjusting the reward
may include selecting a low-calorie reward instead of a
high-calorie awarding dependent on the target caloric intake
parameter for the pet. The target calorie intake parameter may
represent a maximum amount of calories the pet should consume per
day. Adjusting the reward to be dispensed may be performed so that
a target caloric intake parameter is not exceeded.
[0082] In an embodiment, performing the at least one function may
include communicating with at least one pet appliance 424 in a
smart home. Various pet appliances (hereinafter referred to as
"appliances") in a smart home may include, but are not limited to,
a pet feeder, a pet door, a crate door, light controls, temperature
controls, an activity device, a pet accessory, etc. For example,
when an activity program has been selected, performing at least one
function may include communicating with a pet feeder to dispense
dietary needs, such as food, water, dietary supplements, etc.
[0083] In another embodiment, when an activity program has been
selected, performing at least one function may include
communicating with a pet door connected to the outside of a
household and/or adjoining rooms to either open or close the pet
door, as needed, to allow the pet to leave a particular location.
In another embodiment, when a selected activity program has been
selected, performing at least one function may include
communicating with a crate door to either open or close the crate
door, as needed, to allow the pet to leave the crate.
[0084] In yet another embodiment, when an activity program has been
selected, performing at least one function may include
communicating with a lighting and/or temperature controls of the
household. For example, performing at least one function may
include communicating with the lighting controls of the household
to turn lights in the household on/off or dim the lights depending
on the time of day/night and/or owner leave/return time. In another
example, performing at least one function may include communicating
with the temperature controls of the household to adjust the
temperature conditions of the household.
[0085] In a further embodiment, when an activity program has been
selected, performing at least one function may include
communicating with an activity device to engage in activities with
the pet. For example, an activity device may include, but is not
limited to, a ball thrower, a cat toy, an exercise device, etc. In
yet a further embodiment, performing at least one function may
include communicating with a pet accessory. A pet accessory may
include, but is not limited to, a collar worn by the pet. For
example, when an activity program has been selected, performing at
least one function may include communicating with the pet collar to
direct a behavior reinforcement. It is to be appreciated that the
various components and/or appliances described are merely
illustrative and, thus, the present principles can be used with
other components and/or appliances, while maintaining the scope of
the present principles.
[0086] In a further embodiment, monitoring the pet to provide a
behavioral assessment in block 405, selecting at least one activity
program dependent on the behavioral assessment in block 415, and
performing at least one function based on the activity program may
be continuously repeated. For example, after an initial behavioral
assessment has been provided and at least one function has been
performed, such as dispending a reward and/or directing a behavior
reinforcement, the pet may be monitored to provide a subsequent
behavioral assessment.
[0087] Having described preferred embodiments of an unmanned aerial
vehicle for interacting with a pet (which are intended to be
illustrative and not limiting), it is noted that modifications and
variations can be made by persons skilled in the art in light of
the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that changes
may be made in the particular embodiments disclosed which are
within the scope of the invention as outlined by the appended
claims. Having thus described aspects of the invention, with the
details and particularity required by the patent laws, what is
claimed and desired protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the
appended claims.
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