U.S. patent application number 16/460213 was filed with the patent office on 2021-01-07 for system for designating a boundary or area for a pet technical field.
The applicant listed for this patent is ALEKSANDAR LAZAREVIC. Invention is credited to ALEKSANDAR LAZAREVIC.
Application Number | 20210000078 16/460213 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2021-01-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210000078 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LAZAREVIC; ALEKSANDAR |
January 7, 2021 |
SYSTEM FOR DESIGNATING A BOUNDARY OR AREA FOR A PET TECHNICAL
FIELD
Abstract
An apparatus, system, and method for designating a boundary for
a pet is usable both outdoors and indoors. A collar device
communicates with satellites or indoor location devices to define a
boundary for containment of an animal or pet. The device also
includes an altimeter for detecting an altitude of the pet, for
example, when a pet may jump up onto a table, counter or bed, or
when a pet may travel to a different floor of a home, building or
other structure.
Inventors: |
LAZAREVIC; ALEKSANDAR;
(LISLE, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
LAZAREVIC; ALEKSANDAR |
LISLE |
IL |
US |
|
|
Appl. No.: |
16/460213 |
Filed: |
July 2, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
International
Class: |
A01K 15/02 20060101
A01K015/02; A01K 27/00 20060101 A01K027/00; G01S 13/88 20060101
G01S013/88; H04W 4/021 20060101 H04W004/021; H04W 4/33 20060101
H04W004/33 |
Claims
1. An animal feedback apparatus comprising: a housing in which a
processor, a memory, a radionavigation-satellite service (RNSS)
sensor, an altimeter, a wireless communication device and a power
source are at least partially disposed; a connector coupled to the
housing, the connector configured to selectively attach to an
animal; a feedback emitter in communication with the processor,
said feedback emitter providing a feedback signal to the animal as
an electric shock or an audible signal; wherein, the feedback
emitter outputs a first feedback signal in response to a command
from the processor if the RNSS sensor determines that a current
position of the animal is near a set of coordinates stored in the
memory; and wherein the feedback emitter outputs a second feedback
signal in response to a command from the processor if the altimeter
determines that a current position of the animal is near an
elevation stored in the memory.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the connector comprises a
collar configured to be removably secured around the animal's
neck.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the feedback emitter comprises
at least one electrical probe coupled to the connector and in
contact with the animal.
4. (canceled)
5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an
accelerometer.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a gyroscope.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the set of coordinates defines
a geofence and further wherein geofence is defined on a remote
computing device and transferred to the memory by the wireless
communication device.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the remote computing device
accesses and utilizes internet mapping information in defining the
predefined allowed area.
9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the housing further comprises
an input device operably coupled to the processor and the geofence
is defined in cooperation with this input device.
10. A method of delivering corrective feedback to an animal, the
method comprising: providing a housing in which a processor, a
memory, a radionavigation-satellite service (RNSS) sensor, an
altimeter, a wireless communication device and a power source are
at least partially disposed; providing a connector coupled to the
housing, the connector configured to selectively attach to the
animal; providing a feedback emitter in communication with the
processor, said feedback emitter providing a feedback signal to the
animal as an electric shock or an audible signal; sensing, with the
RNSS sensor that a current position of the animal is near a set of
coordinates stored in the memory and outputting a feedback signal
with the feedback emitter; and sensing, with the altimeter that a
current position of the animal is above a certain elevation and
outputting a feedback signal with the feedback emitter.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the connector comprises a
collar configured to be removably secured around the animal's
neck.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein the feedback emitter comprises
at least one electrical probe coupled to the connector and
configured to be in contact with the animal when the connector is
attached to the animal.
13. (canceled)
14. The method of claim 10, wherein the set of coordinates is
defined by: positioning the apparatus in a plurality of positions
along a boundary of a predefined allowed area; and for each of the
plurality of positions, sensing via the RNSS sensor the coordinates
of such position and storing such position in the memory.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the predefined allowed area is
three dimensional.
16. An animal feedback system comprising: a feedback device, said
feedback device further comprising: a housing in which a processor,
a memory, radionavigation-satellite service (RNSS) sensor, an
altimeter, a wireless communication device and a power source are
at least partially disposed; a connector coupled to the housing,
the connector configured to selectively attach to an animal; and a
feedback emitter in communication with the processor; a plurality
of indoor location devices further comprising a radio transmitter
in communication with the wireless antenna; wherein, the feedback
emitter outputs a feedback signal comprising at least one of an
electric shock or an audible signal in response to a command from
the processor if the processor determines that a current position
of the animal relative to the indoor location device is near a set
of coordinates stored in the memory; and wherein the feedback
emitter outputs a feedback signal comprising at least one of an
electric shock or an audible signal in response to a command from
the processor if the altimeter determines that a current position
of the animal is near an elevation stored in the memory.
17. The system of claim 16, wherein the connector comprises a
collar configured to be removably secured around the animal's neck
and the feedback emitter comprises at least one electrical probe
coupled to the connector and in contact with the animal.
18. (canceled)
19. The system of claim 16, wherein the geofence is defined on a
remote computing device and transferred to the memory by the
wireless communication device.
20. The system of claim 16, wherein the housing further comprises
an input device operably coupled to the processor and the geofence
is defined in cooperation with this input device.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to pet containment systems and
in particular, to a system and method of designating boundaries for
a pet inside and outside a building.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Pet containment systems typically include a device worn by a
pet on a collar that interacts wirelessly with a
boundary-indicating device to provide an auditory and/or physical
signal to the pet before the boundary is crossed. The
boundary-indicating device may be a wire that is buried around the
perimeter of a property. It may also be an antenna that sends
signals to the device on the pet.
[0003] Systems that use a boundary-indicating device such as a
buried wire may be expensive to install and cause unwanted
disruption to the landscape. Once a pet has crossed the wire, there
is no further boundary on the pet's movement and further, there is
a disincentive for the pet to return to the property due to an
additional physical signal when approaching the boundary.
Antenna-based systems have similar drawbacks.
[0004] Pet collars with a radionavigation-satellite service (RNSS)
sensor are also known, for example a Global Positioning System.RTM.
(GPS) sensor. These collars do not require expensive installation
costs, and provide a tracking feature even if a pet has strayed
outside a boundary. RNSS sensors are most accurate when they have a
line of sight to three different satellites which means they are
often most effective out-of-doors.
[0005] None of these systems are reliably usable indoors, or
provide an indication of a height of the pet, for example, when a
pet may jump up onto a table, counter or bed, or when a pet may
travel to a different floor of a home, building or other structure.
Accordingly, there is a need for an improved a pet containment
system that is operable both in- and out-of-doors, that provides
additional control of a pet's behavior.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] It is therefore a principle object, feature, aspect, or
advantage of the present invention to provide an apparatus, a
system, and method which improves over or solves problems and
deficiencies in the state-of-the-art. Further objects, features,
aspects, and advantages of the invention include apparatus,
systems, or methods which encompass an animal feedback apparatus
including a housing in which a processor, a memory, a
radionavigation-satellite service (RNSS) sensor, an altimeter, a
wireless communication device and a power source are at least
partially disposed; a connector coupled to the housing, the
connector configured to selectively attach to an animal; a feedback
emitter in communication with the processor; wherein, the feedback
emitter outputs a first feedback signal in response to a command
from the processor if the RNSS sensor determines that a current
position of the animal is near a set of coordinates stored in the
memory; and wherein the feedback emitter outputs a second feedback
signal in response to a command from the processor if the altimeter
determines that a current position of the animal is near an
elevation stored in the memory.
[0007] In a further embodiment, a method of delivering corrective
feedback to an animal, includes providing a housing in which a
processor, a memory, a radionavigation-satellite service (RNSS)
sensor, an altimeter, a wireless communication device and a power
source are at least partially disposed; providing a connector
coupled to the housing, the connector configured to selectively
attach to the animal; providing a feedback emitter in communication
with the processor; sensing, with the RNSS sensor that a current
position of the animal is near a set of coordinates stored in the
memory and outputting a feedback signal with the feedback emitter;
and sensing, with the altimeter that a current position of the
animal is above a certain elevation and outputting a feedback
signal with the feedback emitter.
[0008] In another embodiment, an animal feedback system includes a
feedback device including a housing in which a processor, a memory,
radionavigation-satellite service (RNSS) sensor, an altimeter, a
wireless communication device and a power source are at least
partially disposed; a connector coupled to the housing, the
connector configured to selectively attach to an animal; and a
feedback emitter in communication with the processor. The system
further includes a plurality of indoor location devices further
comprising a radio transmitter in communication with the wireless
antenna; wherein, the feedback emitter outputs a feedback signal in
response to a command from the processor if the processor
determines that a current position of the animal relative to the
indoor location device is near a set of coordinates stored in the
memory; and wherein the feedback emitter outputs a feedback signal
in response to a command from the processor if the altimeter
determines that a current position of the animal is near an
elevation stored in the memory.
[0009] In any of the above embodiments, the connector includes a
collar configured to be removably secured around the animal's
neck.
[0010] In any of the above embodiments, the feedback emitter
includes at least one electrical probe coupled to the connector and
in contact with the animal.
[0011] In any of the above embodiments, the feedback signal
includes at least one of an electric shock or an audible
signal.
[0012] In any embodiment, the apparatus, method or system
encompasses an accelerometer. Further, the apparatus, method or
system encompasses a gyroscope.
[0013] In further embodiments, the set of coordinates defines a
geofence and further wherein geofence is defined on a remote
computing device and transferred to the memory by the wireless
communication device.
[0014] In any embodiment, the remote computing device accesses and
utilizes internet mapping information in defining the predefined
allowed area.
[0015] In any embodiment, the housing further comprises an input
device operably coupled to the processor and the geofence is
defined in cooperation with this input device.
[0016] In any embodiment, the set of coordinates is defined by
positioning the apparatus in a plurality of positions along a
boundary of a predefined allowed area; and for each of the
plurality of positions, sensing via the RNSS sensor the coordinates
of such position and storing such position in the memory.
[0017] In any embodiment, the predefined allowed area is three
dimensional.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 shows a pet containment system for use outside
according to one exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0019] FIG. 2 shows a pet containment system for use inside a
structure according to one exemplary embodiment of the
invention.
[0020] FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of a feedback device according
to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0021] Referring to FIG. 1 an embodiment of an animal containment
system 100 is shown. An animal 102 wears an animal feedback device
104 which interacts with one or more satellites 106 so as to
determine a real-time position of animal 102. Device 104 is
attached to animal 102 by attachment device 108. As shown in FIG.
1, attachment device 108 is a collar. In alternative embodiments,
attachment device 108 may be a tag, a harness, clothing or any
other device which may be securely and/or removably attached to an
animal. Further, although animal 102 is shown as a dog, embodiments
are not limited to a specific species of animal or specific breeds
within such species, and therefore may be used on cats, horses,
etc.
[0022] Structure 110 is located within perimeter 112. Although FIG.
1 shows a residential structure 110 with a generally rectangular
yard 112, one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that
any type of structure or any shape of perimeter, or geofence 112,
may be used. Structure 110 may be, for example, a residence
(including houses, apartments, condominiums, townhouses, duplexes,
etc.) or a commercial building (including retail stores,
warehouses, offices, operational facilities, government facilities,
service locations, etc.)
[0023] In an embodiment, animal feedback device 104 provides
auditory and physical feedback to animal 102 when the animal is
within a certain proximity of geofence 112. By connecting to a
satellite via an RNSS signal, a user can use a computing device
such as a mobile device to program boundaries of exactly where an
animal may and may not go at any given time, so as to define
permissible and impermissible zones. This creates a virtual
electric fence, or geofence 112. Although a mobile phone is
described, in an alternative, any device capable of mapping or
identifying satellite-based coordinates may be used.
[0024] FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of an animal containment system
used inside structure 110. Common reference numbers between FIGS. 1
and 2 indicate common elements. Structure 110 is for purposes of
illustration only and any type of partially or completely enclosed
structure may be used. Feedback device 104 is attached to animal
102 by attachment device 108. In FIG. 2, feedback device 104
communicates with a plurality of indoor location devices 114 to
determine location within structure 110. Feedback device 104 also
includes an altimeter for sensing changes in height or elevation of
animal 102. A height may be programmed into feedback device 104 so
that animal 102 receives a negative feedback signal when jumping on
top of table 116, for example, or moving to a different level or
floor inside a structure.
[0025] In an embodiment, a user connects feedback device 104 to an
application, or app, on a computing device. The user may optionally
calibrate feedback device 104 by encouraging an animal wearing
feedback device 104 to move at different speeds for certain amounts
of time in a straight line, and allowing feedback device 104 to
sync with satellites and RNSS systems, either through the mobile
device or feedback device 104 itself.
[0026] Once feedback device 104 is connected and calibrated, the
user sets up boundaries indoors and outdoors. This may be done in
at several ways. To set up a boundary outdoors, the user may open a
section of the app that is connected to mapping software and then
trace a closed area within which they want their pet to stay. A
boundary, or geofence 112, does not have to have a regular shape.
An area where a pet is allowed may also enclose subareas where a
pet is not allowed, for example, a flower bed.
[0027] In an embodiment, everything inside an enclosed area is
considered "accessible" and everything outside the area is
considered "inaccessible" by feedback device 104. If a pet enters
an "inaccessible" area, feedback in the form of a shock will be
administered automatically by the collar until the pet leaves the
"inaccessible" area. Other feedback mechanism such as a sound may
be used instead of or in addition to a shock. One or more alerts
may be sent to the user's phone to provide indications indicating
that the pet crossed outside of the accessible boundary or has
returned inside of the accessible boundary.
[0028] In an embodiment, a user may set a boundary inside a
structure in addition to or instead of outside the structure. In
this method, the user may physically bring feedback device 104 to
positions in the room and press a button on the app that registers
that specific coordinate. Once a closed area is determined by
establishing coordinates to form a shape, for example, the four
corners of a room, the inside of a closed area indoors may be
defined as either "inaccessible" or "accessible" to an animal
wearing collar 108. Accessible areas will have no
feedback-device-to-pet feedback and "inaccessible" areas will give
feedback-device-to-pet feedback except for a grey-area boundary
between the accessible and inaccessible areas that varies upon the
pet's movement speed.
[0029] Once a boundary is set through the app, a processing device
in feedback device 104 remembers this and administers a beep,
unheard by humans, when the pet is within two feet of a boundary.
The beep progressively gets louder with each 3 inches that the pet
gets closer to the boundary line. If the collar crosses the line,
it shocks the pet at and beyond the boundary. If the pet is
traveling at a speed greater than a walk, as determined during
calibration of the collar as described above, the collar will
calculate a predetermined expansion of the grey-area boundary to
account for the pet's ability to slow down in time so as to not
cross the boundary. Thus, in cases when the pet's speed is greater,
the grey-area may be increased in size, so as to being providing
feedback to the pet earlier, i.e., at a greater distance from the
boundary. Similarly, in cases when the pet's speed is relatively
slower, the grey-area may be decreased in size, so as to delay
providing feedback to the pet, i.e., at a smaller distance from the
boundary. The increase of the loudness and frequency of the beeps
alerting the pet will be spaced at a distance larger than 3 inches
depending once again on the pet's speed, and will be linked to the
predetermined expansion of the grey-area boundary increase.
[0030] In an alternative embodiment, feedback device 104 may be
used in a mobile fashion, such as a virtual leash. This setting
will allow the owner to create a 2 or 3-D boundary, depending on
preference, for their pet. By setting a radius of travel in
feedback device 104, the owner will dictate the pet's ability to
move in this predetermined area by way of distance from their
phone, or a beacon capable of communicating with feedback device
104. Depending on where the phone or beacon travels, the allowed
pet travel radius will change accordingly to the preset travel
parameters from the phone or beacon. An infraction of the virtual
leash travel line will result in the same response as an infraction
of the virtual geofence travel line. In certain embodiments, a
beacon, or base station, will have a range of around one acre,
mainly limited by WIFI signal strength, while in alternative
embodiments, a beacon or base station will have a range in
accordance with cell signal coverage.
[0031] In further embodiments, feedback device 104 incorporates a
manual shock setting, pet health monitoring, and a pet tracker. The
manual shock setting may be a virtual button on the app which
allows the user to push and get an instant shock for
training/command purposes. The pet tracker setting will simply
provide the user with the collar's whereabouts via an icon on the
mapping section of the app. The mapping section of the app may
integrate with other well-known internet based mapping
applications, such as Google Maps.RTM.. The health monitoring of
the pet may include one or more sensors, such as a heart-rate
tracker, BMI (body mass index) scanner, sleep levels and, if
possible, a blood-hydration tracker. One or several of the sensors
may be used to build a "heat map" of the animal's movements through
a structure or property. This helps an owner of the animal
understand the animal's habits and where it spends its time in the
structure or property.
[0032] In another embodiment, indoor location device 114 of FIG. 2
is a virtual pet-gate that allows the creation of a 3D map of
boundaries within a structure such as a home. RNSS signals from
satellites are typically not reliable or may not be available
inside many structures. A plurality of indoor location devices 114
replace a RNSS signal inside a structure. During a set up process
of feedback device 104, a floor height may be set, allowing
feedback device 104 to distinguish between different floors of the
structure and set unique boundaries on each floor. In another
embodiment, a vertical boundary can be established either through a
preset vertical room limit or by manually holding feedback device
104 at a desired height and adding a data point for the collar to
track by pressing a pre-set button on the app or device 104. Once
this floor height data point is established, the user may move
feedback device 104 to preferred coordinates of the room and make
data points at that floor height in order to create a floor map
that can have its settings modified through the app. This
combination of the floor height and indoor location coordinates
allows height boundaries to be set in rooms so that an animal may
enter a room, but not be able to reach a table-top, counter-top,
etc. This can be done similarly to the floor height setting
selection; the user simply placed the collar at the desired height,
pushed a virtual button on the app selection menu, and selects this
as the maximum height the collar can travel shock-free in the
room.
[0033] Once the boundaries are set, an altimeter in feedback device
104 detects if the animal 102 has crossed a set height. Indoor
location device 114 is a stationary processing unit that will
communicate with feedback device 104 using a wireless communication
method such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or cell signals to determine where,
for example. where the animal 102 may or may not go within floors
of the house.
[0034] FIG. 3 is a block diagram 300 of a feedback device 104 of
FIGS. 1 and 2. A processor 302 executes instructions from firmware
305. Memory 304 also stores other data required for operation of
device 104. A radio antenna 306 enables communication with
satellites 106, indoor location devices 114 or a smart device, for
example. Sensors 308 include, for example, an altimeter and other
sensors as described above. Battery 310 may be a rechargeable
battery. I/O devices 312 include one or more buttons and,
optionally a display or LED light.
[0035] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, other
changes or modifications are possible to implement the invention.
Variations obvious to those skilled in the art will be included
within the invention, which is defined by the following claims.
* * * * *