U.S. patent application number 17/123844 was filed with the patent office on 2021-06-17 for scent-based training system.
This patent application is currently assigned to CANINE DETECTION SERVICES LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is CANINE DETECTION SERVICES LLC. Invention is credited to Frederick Helfers, III, Brian Stearns.
Application Number | 20210176963 17/123844 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005313353 |
Filed Date | 2021-06-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210176963 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Helfers, III; Frederick ; et
al. |
June 17, 2021 |
SCENT-BASED TRAINING SYSTEM
Abstract
The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for
training animals using a wirelessly activated scent-based training
system. The scent-based training system includes a reward dispenser
that holds a reward. The scent-based training system also includes
a scent chamber physically couplable to a target scent reservoir.
Target scent molecules flow from the scent reservoir to the
interior space of the scent chamber where they may be detected by
the animal at which time a reward may be dispensed. The reward
passes through the scent chamber prior to being provided to the
animal. The reward "pushes" air through the scent chamber prior to
passage through the chamber, increasing the concentration of target
scent molecules proximate the scent chamber. After passage through
the scent chamber a venturi effect created by the reward causes
additional target scent molecules to flow from the target scent
reservoir to the scent chamber.
Inventors: |
Helfers, III; Frederick;
(Green Valley, AZ) ; Stearns; Brian; (Roseville,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CANINE DETECTION SERVICES LLC |
Green Valley |
AZ |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
CANINE DETECTION SERVICES
LLC
Green Valley
AZ
|
Family ID: |
1000005313353 |
Appl. No.: |
17/123844 |
Filed: |
December 16, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62948463 |
Dec 16, 2019 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01K 5/0114 20130101;
A01K 15/021 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A01K 15/02 20060101
A01K015/02; A01K 5/01 20060101 A01K005/01 |
Claims
1. A scent-based training apparatus, comprising: a reward dispenser
to hold one or more rewards, the reward dispenser including: an
inlet port; an outlet port; a conduit physically coupling the inlet
port to the outlet port; a wirelessly, remotely, actuatable member
that, in a first position, obstructs at least a portion of the
conduit and in a second position, does not obstruct the conduit,
the actuatable member to release the one or more rewards from the
outlet port of the reward dispenser; a scent chamber remotely
mountable and physically couplable to the reward dispenser, the
scent chamber comprising: a first, inlet, end to receive the reward
from the reward dispenser; a second, outlet, end to discharge the
reward; and a hollow channel having a first end physically
couplable to a scent reservoir and a second end physically coupled
to the scent chamber, the hollow channel to physically and fluidly
couple the scent reservoir to an interior space of the scent
chamber such that scent molecules diffuse from the scent reservoir
into the scent chamber.
2. The scent-based training apparatus of claim 1, further
comprising: a hollow extension tube conduit having a first end and
a second end, the first end of the extension tube to physically
couple to the outlet port of the reward dispenser and the second
end of the extension tube to physically couple to the first end of
the scent chamber.
3. The scent-based training apparatus of claim 1 wherein the reward
dispenser further comprises: a linearly displaceable solenoid
physically coupled to the actuatable member; wireless receiver
circuitry conductively coupled to the linearly displaceable
solenoid, the wireless receiver circuitry to cause the solenoid to
displace the actuatable member from the first position to the
second position responsive to receipt of a wireless RF signal from
a remote transmitter device; and a power source conductively
coupled to the linearly displaceable solenoid and the wireless
receiver circuitry.
4. The scent-based training apparatus of claim 3 wherein the
linearly displaceable solenoid further comprises: a biasing element
to bias the actuatable member in the first position.
5. The scent-based training apparatus of claim 1 wherein the scent
chamber further comprises: a plurality of apertures fluidly
coupling the hollow channel to the interior space of the scent
chamber.
6. The scent-based training apparatus of claim 1 wherein the scent
chamber further comprises: one or more slots fluidly coupling the
hollow channel to the interior space of the scent chamber.
7. The scent-based training apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first
end of the hollow channel further comprises a threaded scent
reservoir connection.
8. The scent based training apparatus of claim 1 wherein the scent
chamber further comprises a platform disposed proximate the second
end of the scent chamber.
9. The scent-based training apparatus of claim 2: wherein the first
end of the extension tube to frictionally couple to the outlet port
of the reward dispenser; and wherein the second end of the
extension tube to frictionally couple to the first end of the scent
chamber
10. The scent-based training apparatus of claim 2: wherein the
extension tube comprises a hollow cylindrical member having a
length measured along a longitudinal axis of greater than 18
inches.
11. A scent-based training method, comprising: causing an increased
flow of target scent molecules from a scent chamber to an external
environment about the scent chamber by passing a flow of air
through the scent chamber prior to passage of a reward through the
scent chamber; and inducing a flow of the target scent molecules
from a scent reservoir to the scent chamber responsive to passage
of the reward through the scent chamber.
12. A scent-based training system, comprising: means for causing a
reward to flow through a scent chamber responsive to receipt of at
least one wireless signal; means for causing an increased flow of
target scent molecules from a scent chamber to an external
environment about the scent chamber by passing a flow of air
through the scent chamber prior to passage of a reward through the
scent chamber; and means for inducing a flow of the target scent
molecules from a scent reservoir to the scent chamber responsive to
passage of the reward through the scent chamber.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to reward dispensing systems,
more specifically scent-based reward dispensing systems that
minimize external human cueing during training.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Animal training systems, such as training systems used with
canines frequently employ a training regimen where a reward, such
as a treat, is dispensed responsive to the animal performing a
desired task or action. (i.e., positive behavioral reinforcement)
Traditionally, the individual training the animal would be near the
animal and would manually provide the reward to the animal upon
successful performance of a desired task or action. Such techniques
however permit the unconscious introduction of a human bias into
the training process. For example, during canine training, the
canine may cue off a subconscious act, movement, or motion
performed by the trainer rather than the desired training media.
Additionally, since the trainer provides the reward to the animal,
the trainer must be proximate the location of the animal when the
animal performs the desired task or action. Alternatively, to
lessen the influence of the trainer on the animal, the trainer may
be remote from the location of the desired task or action performed
by the animal and may call or otherwise cause the animal to return
to receive the reward, i.e., an "indirect" reward. Such training
may introduce a dissociation between the reward and the desired
task or action, lengthening and potentially complicating the
training process.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] Features and advantages of various embodiments of the
claimed subject matter will become apparent as the following
Detailed Description proceeds, and upon reference to the Drawings,
wherein like numerals designate like parts, and in which:
[0004] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an illustrative scent-based
training system that includes a reward dispenser, a scent chamber,
and an extension tube that physically couples the reward dispenser
to the scent chamber, in accordance with at least one embodiment
described herein;
[0005] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional elevation of an illustrative
scent-based training system that depicts the internal details of
the reward dispenser, in accordance with at least one embodiment
described herein;
[0006] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional elevation of another
illustrative scent-based training system that depicts the internal
details of the reward dispenser, in accordance with at least one
embodiment described herein;
[0007] FIG. 4A is a plan view of an illustrative scent chamber, in
accordance with at least one embodiment described herein;
[0008] FIG. 4B is a front elevation view of an illustrative scent
chamber, in accordance with at least one embodiment described
herein;
[0009] FIG. 4C is a right side elevation view of the illustrative
scent chamber depicted in FIG. 3A, in accordance with at least one
embodiment described herein;
[0010] FIG. 4D is a left side elevation view of the illustrative
scent chamber depicted in FIG. 3A, in accordance with at least one
embodiment described herein;
[0011] FIG. 4E is a rear elevation view of the illustrative scent
chamber depicted in FIG. 3A, in accordance with at least one
embodiment described herein;
[0012] FIG. 4F is a bottom view of the illustrative scent chamber
depicted in FIG. 3A, in accordance with at least one embodiment
described herein;
[0013] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of another illustrative scent
chamber 140 that includes an attachment feature 510 for mounting
the scent chamber to a vertical surface, in accordance with at
least one embodiment described herein;
[0014] FIG. 5B is a plan view of the illustrative scent chamber
depicted in FIG. 5A, in accordance with at least one embodiment
described herein;
[0015] FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional view of the illustrative scent
chamber depicted in FIG. 5B along sectional line D-D, in accordance
with at least one embodiment described herein;
[0016] FIG. 5D is a detail view of the coupling point and fluid
conduits of the illustrative scent chamber depicted in FIGS. 5B and
5C, in accordance with at least one embodiment described
herein;
[0017] FIG. 5E is a front elevation view of the illustrative scent
chamber depicted in FIG. 5A, in accordance with at least one
embodiment described herein;
[0018] FIG. 5F is a cross-sectional view of the illustrative scent
chamber depicted in FIG. 5E along sectional line B-B, in accordance
with at least one embodiment described herein;
[0019] FIG. 5G is a cross-sectional view of the illustrative scent
chamber depicted in FIG. 5E along sectional line A-A, in accordance
with at least one embodiment described herein; and
[0020] FIG. 6 is a high-level flow diagram of an illustrative
scent-based training method making use of the scent-based training
system, in accordance with at least one embodiment described
herein.
[0021] Although the following Detailed Description will proceed
with reference being made to illustrative embodiments, many
alternatives, modifications and variations thereof will be apparent
to those skilled in the art.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] The systems and methods described herein enhance animal
training by permitting the trainer to remain remote from the animal
(or even in a different location not observable by the animal)
while permitting the remote dispensing of a reward to the animal
upon successful performance of a desired task or action. The
systems and methods described herein remotely and positively
rewards the animal once it has detected a specific target odor
source and/or provided a specific behavioral response, at a random
distance from the trainer, in a variety of environments with
minimal human influence. For example, the systems and methods
described herein may beneficially be used to train canines to
detect odors or scents such as contraband drugs, explosives,
accelerants, electronic devices, biological/medical agents, gases,
conservation of wildlife, invasive species plants and/or insects,
and similar by allowing a trainer to remotely dispense a reward to
the canine when the canine locates a scent and performs a desired
action (e.g., sitting, laying, etc.). Since the reward is remotely
dispensed proximate the scent, the human influence on the canine is
beneficially reduced or even eliminated. Since the reward is
provided proximate the scent, the canine beneficially quickly
learns the association between a reward and the desired behavior
enhancing the speed, accuracy, and consistency of the training. By
holding the reward remote from the scent, the animal focuses on the
scent and not on the container or device holding the treat, further
enhancing the training.
[0023] Historically, positive reinforcement trainers who have
utilized other prior mechanical devices also incorporate a sound,
verbal or voice "cue", mechanical "clicker" or similar forms of
"cueing communication." These "cues" ultimately require the animal
to focus in part, on the trainer and or be in close proximity to
the trainer, which in turn has led to handler dependence by the
animal and increases the high probability of trainer induced false
responses. Science has demonstrated much of trainer induced
behaviors are in fact an unconscious act. (Single blind vs. Double
blind testing).
[0024] Mechanical training devices that are based on the indirect
method of training do little, if any, to build hunt drive and
search stamina. Such mechanical training devices utilize food,
ball, toy, tug delivery systems that are restricted to only utilize
the indirect or alternate reward method by deploying the reward
object by a human, drives, mechanical springs, ropes, pulley's and
trap doors. Further, such mechanical training devices are generally
physically bulky, hard to transport and are not concealable in
nature. Most importantly, many require the presentation of the
device by a human trainer, there by greatly increasing the
potential of initiating unwanted "cueing" during the training phase
of the animal. Mechanical training devices are also incapable of
delivering a food reward, that can be concealed or hidden and where
the food reward is distanced from the "target odor" location.
Additionally, many of these mechanical training devices require the
physical presentation by the handler of a "box" or a "wall" where
in the device is placed and loaded with an object (ball, tug
toy).
[0025] Mechanical training devices often require "placing" the
retrieval toy within the confines of the box, tube or similar
device in close proximity to the target scent. This placement also
introduces the canine (or animal) to a strong scent of the reward,
that identifies to the animal that the "reward" is contained within
the box, tube or device. This introduces the strong probability
that the animal is now being introduced to another unwanted target
odor (ball/ toy) that would require additional training such as
"proofing off" or behavior elimination training. Additionally,
mechanical training devices are frequently incapable of delivering
a food reward that is located or hidden at a distance from the
source of the scent.
[0026] Some mechanical training devices deliver multiple rewards
(e.g., food or treats) using a mechanical conveyance system that
encourages the animal to remain at the reward source. Such
mechanical training devices are frequently bulky, noisy and not
compatible with concealability. The systems and methods disclosed
herein use a self-rewarding behavioral sequence that is focused not
only on providing a reward, for that exercise, but by making the
behavior of the "hunt" itself self-motivating. The systems and
methods disclosed herein can deliver just one (reward) at a time,
thereby accomplishing the following: [0027] minimizes the effect of
the reward scent on the animal's behavior by separating the reward
from the target scent allowing the animal to better focus on the
target scent; [0028] enhances the animal's hunt drive to search for
additional target scent locations by rewarding the animal only once
at each scent source training the animal to search for additional
scent sources; [0029] builds the animal's hunt drive by encouraging
the animal to search for other target scent locations; and [0030]
builds the trainer's confidence as the trainer observes the animal
make a conscious decision to leave a target odor source for which
it has just been rewarded and actively "hunt" for other target odor
sources.
[0031] Some mechanical training devices permit activation
independent of the trainer, claiming that such automated activation
eliminates the need for the training to have the correct timing of
the release of the reward. However, such mechanical training
systems may run counter to the understanding that in practical
"real world" applications the trainer/animal handler is an integral
part of the detection team and the device is as equally important
in training of the trainer/animal handler as training the animal.
The systems and methods disclosed herein beneficially provide for
the training of the trainer/animal handler as an integral part of
the detection team.
[0032] The systems and methods disclosed herein allows for the
canine to respond at the source of the odor and be directly
rewarded at the source of the odor, thereby making the odor source
highly valuable to the canine. This behavior creates and builds a
fundamentally rewarding behavior pattern, one which is highly
enhanced through the "Direct Reward" method (associating the target
odor source as the source of the reward). The self-rewarding value
of the direct reward cannot be understated. The more the dog is
exposed to the direct reward method of the present invention, the
greater the motivation for the dog to "hunt" for the source of the
trained odor.
[0033] The physical size and nature of mechanical training devices
demonstrate they have minimal portability and as such, are
typically used in a defined training environment. In some
instances, such as detection dog training, the training occur in
varied environments to build the dog's confidence to search in any
environment. Mechanical training devices are relatively large,
noisy and bulky due to the physical nature of construction and are
therefore not typically concealable from the animal. When animals
train on the same physical devices, they soon become
environmentally conditioned (aware) that these devices represent a
form of training or exercise, thus becoming conditioned to certain
physical responses that can initiate a negative or unwanted
behavior/response.
[0034] The systems and methods disclosed herein overcome the
limitations of mechanical training devices by being totally
portable and concealable. Due to the relatively small size and low
weight of the scent-based training systems disclosed herein, they
can be hidden and or concealed in a variety of objects, articles
and environments. Thus, the scent-based training systems may be
placed or concealed within a storage box inside a warehouse,
concealed within a trash can in a residential location or placed on
a vehicle in a parking lot. Thus, the systems and methods disclosed
herein are highly portable and facilitate animal training in a
variety of staged and/or real world environments such as interior
rooms, different flooring, area sizes, noises, activity, lighting
and interior and exterior environments.
[0035] Due to their size and/or weight, many mechanical training
devices have to be positioned on the ground or in close proximity
to the ground. The scent-based training systems disclosed herein
may be positioned at a variety of heights from ground level to
several feet in elevation, thus providing a basis for the animal to
detect and go to a hidden target scent that closely replicates the
actual working and/or competition of the animal.
[0036] Many mechanical training devices use a food reward delivery
system having a food hopper and auger system for reward delivery.
These mechanical training devices are typically neither readily
portable nor readily concealable. In fact, by design such
mechanical training systems encourage the animal to focus on the
mechanical training device itself rather than the source of the
target scent. Further, by storing a relatively large volume of
rewards in a feed hopper, such mechanical training systems
encourage the animal to remain at the mechanical training device
thereby inhibiting the animals hunt or search drive.
[0037] With the onset of the civilian canine detection sports, such
as K9 Nosework.RTM. and Scentwork, much has been promoted about the
utilization of personal companion dogs involved in the sport of
scent detection. As such, this has spawned many different varieties
of canine detection sports. One aspect of this sport that is highly
attractive, is that it is available to all persons and all
dogs.
[0038] However, persons with disabilities who are physically
disabled and confined to a wheelchair or similar devices, or who
have mobility problems have found difficulty in being able to
reward their dog at the source of the target scent in an effective
and timely manner. The systems and methods disclosed herein
beneficially permit individuals who wish to pursue the sport of
canine detection, to effectively and timely reward their dogs at
the source of the target scent, with minimal human involvement
thereby enhancing their dogs experience in "The Hunt" but making
the game of scent detection a more rewarding exercise for both dog
and handler.
[0039] The systems and methods disclosed herein are specifically
designed to positively reinforce animal behavior ("Hunt Drive") for
the identification and detection of trained target scents. The
systems and methods disclosed herein, when used for training scent
detection animals, beneficially and synergistically train the
animals using both operant and classical conditioning. This
modality of training creates a strong association between the
target scent and the reward in the animal. The systems and methods
disclosed herein beneficially employ a direct reward system that
taps into the genetic drive of the animal and enhances the hunting
and/or searching prowess of the animal, all the while reinforcing
search stamina and naturally building a reward pattern of behavior.
The systems and methods disclosed herein beneficially permit the
trainer to use the scent chamber for imprinting a target scent
source and is easily adaptable for training the animal with
"proofing" from distracting scents and other unwanted scent
sources.
[0040] The systems described herein include a reward holder capable
of dispensing one or more rewards that drop through a delivery tube
and pass through a scent chamber before being accessible to the
animal. The scent chamber includes a fluid channel couplable to an
externally disposed container having a scent, biological specimen,
or similar odor/scent producing material or organism disposed
therein. After remote dispensing by the trainer, the reward falls
through the closed delivery channel, inducing a flow of air through
the channel. The flow of air through the channel expels a
relatively concentrated scent from the scent chamber immediately
prior to the passage of the reward through the scent chamber.
Additionally, the passage of the reward through the scent chamber
beneficially introduces a venturi effect that draws additional
scent from the scent container. Advantageously, due to the
increased scent level detectable by the animal immediately prior to
and after the passage of the reward through the scent chamber, the
animal is quickly able to build the association between the reward
and the scent.
[0041] The systems and methods disclosed herein use a direct reward
method of training, wherein the animal is allowed to build its hunt
drive, build independence from the trainer and search stamina to
locate a source of odor, away from the trainer and then receive a
positive reward, such as food or a treat, at the odor source. This
present invention will build independence from the trainer and
minimizes or eliminates trainer/human influence (cueing) on the
animal. It is generally accepted that presenting a reward to the
animal as quickly as possible after the animal has demonstrated a
desired behavior, impacts how quickly and clearly the animal
associates the reward with a desired behavior. However, in
practical applications and with prior mechanical training devices,
it has been demonstrated that a time delay exists between the point
in time when the trainer makes a conscious decision to reward the
animal and the point in time when the reward is delivered to the
animal. This time delay in delivery of the reward to the animal
may, at times, cause the animal to be unable to clearly associate
the reward with the desired behavior. The systems and methods
disclosed herein minimizes or even eliminates such reward delivery
temporal delays by allowing the reward to be given to the animal
with an instant, rapid response to beneficially enhance the
animal's association between the reward and the desired
behavior.
[0042] As used herein, the terms "scent" and "target scent" refer
to any scent, odor, smell, or similar detectable by the olfactory
system of an animal. Example materials and substances capable of
providing a target scent or odor include but are not limited to:
contraband drugs, explosives, accelerants, electronic devices,
biological/medical agents, gases, conservation of wildlife,
agricultural products, invasive species plants and/or insects.
[0043] As used herein, the term "reward" refers to any biologically
compatible item consumable by an animal.
[0044] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an illustrative scent-based
training system 100 that includes a reward dispenser 110, a scent
chamber 140, and an extension tube 130 that physically couples the
reward dispenser 110 to the scent chamber 140, in accordance with
at least one embodiment described herein. The reward dispenser 110
includes an inlet port 112 and a discharge port 114 from which the
reward is dispensed. The reward dispenser 110 includes a moveable
or displaceable actuator 120 used to release the reward into the
extension tube 130, receiver circuitry 122 to communicate with one
or more remote devices 160 and activate the actuator 120, and a
power source 124 to provide power to the receiver circuitry 122 and
to the actuator 120. When the system user/trainer activates the
remote device 160, the actuator 120 is displaced causing the
scent-based training system 100 to dispense, via the outlet port
114, one or more rewards pre-loaded into the reward dispenser 110
by the system user/trainer. The scent-based training system 100 may
be vertically mounted to a surface prior to use using a hanger
bracket, suction cups, or similar devices to permanently or
detachably attach the scent-based training system 100 to the
surface.
[0045] The scent chamber 140 includes a scent chamber body 142
fluidly and physically coupled to a scent reservoir 150 via a
hollow conduit 146. The scent reservoir 150 contains a sample of
the target scent (e.g., contraband drugs, explosives, accelerants,
electronic devices, biological/medical agents, gases, conservation
of wildlife, invasive species plants and/or insects). Scent
molecules flow by diffusion from the scent reservoir 150 through
the hollow conduit 146 and into the scent chamber 140. The scent
chamber 140 is disposed a distance 170 from the reward dispenser
110 to isolate the target scent from the scent of the reward held
in the reward dispenser 110. The distance 170 is variable based on
the length of extension tube 130 used in the scent-based training
system 100. In embodiments, the distance 170 may be about: 6 inches
or less; 12 inches or less; 18 inches or less; 24 inches or less;
30 inches or less; 36 inches or less; 42 inches or less; 48 inches
or less; 54 inches or less; or 60 inches or less. In embodiments,
the scent chamber 140 may include a projecting platform 144 or
similar structure to capture or slow the velocity of the reward
exiting the scent-based training system 100. In embodiments, one or
more surface features, such as one or more lips, ridges, raised
portions, protrusions, or similar may be disposed across all or a
portion of the platform 144. In at least some embodiments, a
ridge-like protrusion may extend about the periphery of the upper
surface of the platform 144. The scent reservoir 150 fluidly
couples to the hollow conduit 146 via one or more fastening
systems, such as a threaded connection, a quick-connect connection,
a twist-lock connection or similar.
[0046] After release by the reward dispenser 110, the reward drops
through the extension tube 130. The movement of the reward through
the extension tube 130 "pushes" or causes a flow of air ahead of
the reward and through the extension tube 130. The flow of air
ahead of the reward passes through the scent chamber body 142
displacing additional target scent molecules from the internal
space of the scent chamber body 142. The release of additional
target scent molecules from the scent chamber 140 provides
reinforcement to the animal as the reward is delivered. After
passing the location where the hollow conduit 146 couples to the
scent chamber body 142, scent chamber 140 functions as an educator,
causing the flow of additional target scent molecules from the
scent reservoir 150 via a venturi effect. Thus, the animal awaiting
the delivery of the reward is beneficially provided additional
reinforcement in the form of an increased concentration of scent
molecules immediately preceding and immediately after delivery of
the reward by the scent-based training system 100.
[0047] The reward dispenser 110 includes an actuator 120, a
wireless receiver 122, and a power source 124. In embodiments, the
actuator, wireless receiver 122, and power source 124 may be
disposed at least partially within a housing about the reward
dispenser 110. The actuator 120 controls the passage of the reward
from the inlet port 112 to the outlet port 114 via conduit 116. In
at least some embodiments, the actuator 120 may include a
displaceable member, such as a linearly or rotatably displaceable
knife gate or slide gate, that at least partially obstructs the
conduit 116 such that a reward placed in the inlet port 112 is
retained by the actuator 120. The inlet port 112, outlet port 114
and the conduit 116 may each have the same or different physical
geometry (e.g., polygonal, circular, oval) and/or dimensions (e.g.,
inside diameter, outside diameter, or similar principal axis). In
embodiments, the inlet port 112 may have an inside diameter of
about: 0.5 inches (in) or less; 0.75 in. or less; 1.00 in. or less;
1.25 in. or less; 1.5 in. or less; or 2.00 in. or less. In
embodiments, the outlet port 114 may have an inside diameter of
about: 0.5 inches (in) or less; 0.75 in. or less; 1.00 in. or less;
1.25 in. or less; 1.5 in. or less; or 2.00 in. or less. In
embodiments, the conduit 116 coupling the inlet port 112 to the
outlet port 114 may have an inside diameter of about: 0.5 inches
(in) or less; 0.75 in. or less; 1.00 in. or less; 1.25 in. or less;
1.5 in. or less; or 2.00 in. or less.
[0048] The receiver circuitry 122 includes any number and/or
combination of wireless receiver circuits capable of causing the
activation of the actuator 120 responsive to receipt of a wireless
signal provided by activating a remote control device 160. In
embodiments, the receiver circuitry 122 may include one or more
radio frequency (RF) receivers. In other embodiments, the receiver
circuitry 122 may include one or more Bluetooth.RTM. receivers, one
or more Near Field Communication (NFC) receivers, one or more
ZigBee.RTM. receivers, one or more cellular receivers; or
combinations thereof. The receiver circuitry 122 may include one or
more antennas disposed at least partially within the reward
dispenser 110. In some embodiments, the receiver circuitry 122 may
include one or more antennas disposed on, about, or across at least
a portion of the exterior surface of the reward dispenser. The
receiver circuitry 122 may have an effective working range between
the remote control device 160 and the reward dispenser 110 of
about: 25 feet or less; 50 feet or less; 75 feet or less; 100 feet
or less; 250 feet or less; or about 500 feet or less. The receiver
circuitry 122 receives power from one or more power sources 124
disposed in, on, or about the reward dispenser 110. In embodiments,
the one or more power sources 124 may include one or more primary
storage devices (e.g., one or more disposable batteries), one or
more secondary storage devices (e.g., one or more rechargeable
batteries), one or more ambient energy collection devices (e.g.,
solar cells) or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the
receiver circuitry 122 may include controller circuitry to control
the operation of the actuator 120.
[0049] The extension tube 130 couples the reward dispenser 110 to
the scent chamber 140. In embodiments, the outside diameter of the
extension tube 130 may be approximately equal to the inside
diameter of the outlet port 114 such that a first end of the
extension tube 130 may be frictionally fitted and retained within
the outlet port 114. Friction fitting the extension tube 130 into
the outlet port 114 beneficially permits the disassembly of the
scent-based training system 100 into component parts for ease of
transport and set-up. The extension tube may include a rigid or
semi-rigid material such as PVC, CPVC, HDPE, polybutylene, carbon
fiber, or similar polymer or plastic materials or steel, aluminum,
stainless steel or similar metallic materials. The extension tube
130 may have any inside diameter. For example, the extension tube
may have an inside diameter of about: 0.5 inches (in) or less; 0.75
in. or less; 1.00 in. or less; 1.25 in. or less; 1.5 in. or less;
or 2.00 in. or less. The extension tube 130 may have any length.
For example, the extension tube 130 may have a length of about: 6
inches or less; 12 inches or less; 18 inches or less; 24 inches or
less; 30 inches or less; 36 inches or less; 42 inches or less; 48
inches or less; 54 inches or less; or 60 inches or less. In at
least some embodiments, the length of the extension tube may be
based, at least in part, on the type and/or size of animal trained
using the scent-based training system 100. The second end of the
extension tube 130 may be frictionally fitted into the scent
chamber 140 such that the scent chamber 140 may be selectively
disconnected from the extension tube 130.
[0050] The first end of the scent chamber 140 is physically
couplable to the second end of the extension tube 130. The second
end of the scent chamber 140 is open to allow scent molecules to
flow from the scent reservoir 150 through the scent chamber body
142 and to the external area about the second end of the scent
chamber body 142. The scent chamber 140 includes the hollow scent
chamber body 142, the platform 144 disposed proximate the second
end of the scent chamber body 142, and the hollow conduit 146. The
hollow conduit 146 facilitates the flow of scent molecules from the
scent reservoir 150 to the interior of the scent chamber body 142.
In some embodiments, the hollow conduit 146 may include an open
ended conduit. In other embodiments, one or more apertures, screens
or similar devices may be disposed across the hollow conduit 146 to
prevent the escape of materials, such as living organisms, from the
scent reservoir 150 to the external environment while still
permitting the free flow of scent molecules from the scent
reservoir 150 to the scent chamber body 142. Although depicted in
FIG. 1 as including an approximate 90.degree. bend, the scent
chamber body 142 may include a bend having any angle from about
0.degree. to about 90.degree. measured with respect to the
longitudinal axis of the extension tube 130.
[0051] The scent chamber body 142 may have an inside diameter
approximately equal to the external diameter of the extension tube.
In embodiments, the scent chamber body may have an inside diameter
of about: 0.5 inches (in) or less; 0.75 in. or less; 1.00 in. or
less; 1.25 in. or less; 1.5 in. or less; or 2.00 in. or less. In
embodiments, the scent chamber body 142 may have a continuous
(i.e., unchanging or fixed) inside diameter. In embodiments, the
inside diameter of the scent chamber body 142 may taper downwards
such that the inside diameter of the second end of the scent
chamber body 142 is less than the inside diameter of the first end
of the scent chamber body 142. For example, the inside diameter of
the second end of the scent chamber body 142 may be about 25% or
less; 50% or less; 75% or less; 85% or less; 90% or less; or 95% or
less of the inside diameter of the first end of the scent chamber
body 142. In embodiments, the inside diameter of the scent chamber
body 142 may taper upwards such that the inside diameter of the
second end of the scent chamber body 142 is greater than the inside
diameter of the first end of the scent chamber body 142. For
example, the inside diameter of the second end of the scent chamber
body 142 may be about 105% or more; 110% or more; 125% or more;
150% or more; or 200% or more of the inside diameter of the first
end of the scent chamber body 142.
[0052] The platform 144 may be permanently affixed or detachably
attached to the second end of the scent chamber body 142. In
embodiments, the platform 144 may include one or more surface
features, such as a peripheral ridge, to capture or slow the
velocity of the reward exiting the scent chamber 140. In some
embodiments, the platform 144 may be formed integral with the scent
chamber body 142.
[0053] The hollow channel 146 fluidly couples the scent reservoir
150 to the interior space of the scent chamber body 142. Scent
molecules flow by diffusion from the scent reservoir 150 into the
scent chamber body 142 and exit from the second end of the scent
chamber body 142. Increased concentrations of scent molecules may
exit the second end of the scent chamber body 142 immediately
before and immediately after the passage of a reward through the
scent chamber body 142. The hollow channel 146 may be permanently
affixed or detachably attached to the external surface of the scent
chamber body 142. In some embodiments, the hollow channel 146 may
include an open-ended hollow channel. In other embodiments, a
perforated member may be disposed across the open portion of the
hollow channel 146 to prevent the escape of scent producing
materials (e.g., biological specimens such as insects) from the
scent reservoir 150. In embodiments, the hollow channel 146
includes an attachment fixture, such as threads, a quick-connect
connection, a quarter-turn connection, or a bayonet connection to
fluidly couple the scent reservoir 150 to the hollow channel
146.
[0054] The scent chamber 140 may be fabricated using any metallic
or non-metallic, non-odor absorbing material. Example metallic
materials include but are not limited to: carbon steel alloys,
stainless steel alloys, aluminum alloys, and similar. Example
non-metallic materials include but are not limited to: carbon
fiber, PVC, CPVC, HDPE, polybutylene, and similar.
[0055] In operation, The encoded handheld RF Transmitter 160
wirelessly communicates a signal to the receiver circuitry 122 when
a momentary switch, such as a button [pre-programed A, B, C or D],
is activated. The receiver circuitry 122 decodes the received
signal causing an movement or displacement of the actuator 120, for
example by energizing a coil of a solenoid, causing a piston
disposed in the coil to linearly translate, dispensing causing
gravity to accelerate the reward downward through the extension
tube 130. The downward movement of the reward creates a compression
edge of the air in advance of the reward mass. In addition, air
also moves behind the falling reward. When the reward reaches the
scent chamber 140, the reward passes the opening of the hollow
conduit 146. This action draws odor contained scent reservoir 150
to be pulled into the extension tube 130 via the Bernoulli Effect.
The reward, along with associated flow of air and scent, is ejected
out the front of the scent chamber 140.
[0056] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional elevation of an illustrative
scent-based training system 200 that depicts the internal details
of the reward dispenser 110, in accordance with at least one
embodiment described herein. As depicted in FIG. 2, the actuator
120 disposed in the reward dispenser may include multiple
components, such as a biasing member 210 used to bias a slide gate
member 212 in a first, de-energized, position at least partially
obstructing the conduit 116 coupling the inlet port 112 with the
outlet port 114. In operation, a reward may be manually positioned
on the upper surface of the slide gate member 212 by dropping the
reward through the inlet port 112. The actuator 120 may also
include a solenoid 214 or similar mechanically displaceable,
electrically displaceable, or electromagnetically displaceable
device or system that, when activated and/or energized retracts the
slide gate member 212 to a second, energized, position that enables
a reward previously positioned on the upper surface of the slide
gate member 212 to drop through the outlet port 114 into the
extension tube 130. As depicted in FIG. 2, the solenoid assembly
214 includes a linearly displaceable piston 216 that is held within
the solenoid assembly 214 by a keeper clip 216. A pin 220
physically couples the slide gate member 212 to the linearly
displaceable piston 216. The slide gate member 212 is depicted in
the actuated or deployed position in FIG. 2 and in the non-actuated
or retracted position in Detail "a."
[0057] In operation, upon the animal detecting the target scent
emitted from the scent chamber 140 and performing the desired
action (e.g., an action indicating the source of the target scent
such as pointing, sitting, or laying at the source of the target
scent), the user releases the reward using the remote device 160.
Since the reward is released remotely by the user only after the
animal demonstrates the desired behavior, the animal more readily
relates the target scent with the provision of the reward,
beneficially enhancing the training environment for the animal and
potentially leading to more rapid association of the target scent
with a reward by the animal.
[0058] Upon activating the reward dispenser, the actuator 120
displaces, via the solenoid assembly 214, the slide gate member 212
from the first position (at least partially blocking the conduit
116) to the second position, thereby allowing the reward to drop
from the reward dispenser 110 into the extension tube 130. The air
pushed ahead of the dropping reward causes an increased flow of
scent molecules from the second (open) end of the scent chamber
140, beneficially reinforcing the desired behavior by the animal
and reinforcing the association between the scent molecules and the
provision of the reward. Advantageously, from the perspective of
the animal, human involvement is minimal or non-existent--the only
factor associated with the provision of the reward is the detection
of the scent molecules by the animal. In addition, the passage of
the reward through the scent chamber 140 causes additional scent
molecules to flow from the scent reservoir 150 into the scent
chamber 140 and out of the second end of the scent chamber 140,
providing even further reinforcement to the animal.
[0059] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional elevation of another
illustrative scent-based training system 300 that depicts the
internal details of the reward dispenser 110, in accordance with at
least one embodiment described herein. As depicted in FIG. 3, in
embodiments, the hollow conduit 146 may include one or more flow
slots 302 disposed in at least a portion of the hollow conduit. In
other embodiments, a perforated member that includes a number of
slots may be disposed across the open portion of the hollow channel
146. In embodiments, the hollow channel 146 may include an
attachment fixture, such as threads, a quick-connect connection, a
quarter-turn connection, or a bayonet connection to fluidly couple
the scent reservoir 150 to the hollow channel 146.
[0060] FIG. 4A is a plan view of an illustrative scent chamber 140,
in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein. FIG.
4B is a front elevation view of an illustrative scent chamber 140,
in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein. FIG.
4C is a right side elevation view of the illustrative scent chamber
140 depicted in FIG. 4A, in accordance with at least one embodiment
described herein. FIG. 4D is a left side elevation view of the
illustrative scent chamber 140 depicted in FIG. 4A, in accordance
with at least one embodiment described herein. FIG. 4E is a rear
elevation view of the illustrative scent chamber 140 depicted in
FIG. 4A, in accordance with at least one embodiment described
herein. FIG. 4F is a bottom view of the illustrative scent chamber
140 depicted in FIG. 4A, in accordance with at least one embodiment
described herein.
[0061] As depicted in FIGS. 4A-4F, the scent chamber 140 includes a
first (inlet) end 420 and a second (outlet or discharge) end 430.
The hollow channel 146 includes a coupling point 410 for the fluid
coupling of a scent reservoir 150 to the scent chamber 140 and a
fluid conduit 412 that fluidly couples the scent reservoir 150 to
the interior space 440 of the scent chamber 140. The inside
perimeter of the scent chamber 140 may have any physical geometry,
such as circular (as depicted), oval, polygonal, or combinations
thereof.
[0062] Referring to FIG. 4D, a plurality of apertures 450A-450n
(collectively, "apertures 450") fluidly couple the fluid conduit
412 within the hollow channel 146 to the interior space 440 of the
scent chamber 140. In at least some embodiments, a piece of screen
or mesh material may provide some or all of the apertures 450.
[0063] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of another illustrative scent
chamber 140 that includes an attachment feature 510 for mounting
the scent chamber 140 to a vertical surface, in accordance with at
least one embodiment described herein. FIG. 5B is a plan view of
the illustrative scent chamber 140 depicted in FIG. 5A, in
accordance with at least one embodiment described herein. FIG. 5C
is a cross-sectional view of the illustrative scent chamber 140
depicted in FIG. 5B along sectional line D-D, in accordance with at
least one embodiment described herein. FIG. 5D is a detail view of
the coupling point 410 and fluid conduits 412 of the illustrative
scent chamber 140 depicted in FIGS. 5B and 5C, in accordance with
at least one embodiment described herein. FIG. 5E is a front
elevation view of the illustrative scent chamber 140 depicted in
FIG. 5A, in accordance with at least one embodiment described
herein. FIG. 5F is a cross-sectional view of the illustrative scent
chamber 140 depicted in FIG. 5E along sectional line B-B, in
accordance with at least one embodiment described herein. FIG. 5G
is a cross-sectional view of the illustrative scent chamber 140
depicted in FIG. 5E along sectional line A-A, in accordance with at
least one embodiment described herein.
[0064] FIG. 6 is a high-level flow diagram of an illustrative
scent-based training method 600 making use of the scent-based
training system 100, in accordance with at least one embodiment
described herein. As discussed above, the scent-based training
system 100 separates the reward dispenser 110 (and the reward
contained therein) from the target scent chamber 140 to reduce or
even eliminate the animal being trained cueing on the reward rather
than the target scent. Further the scent-based training system 100
is remotely actuateable by the trainer via wireless remote control
to minimize or even eliminate the animal being trained cueing on a
conscious or subconscious behavior of the trainer. Also as
discussed above, the scent-based training system 100 beneficially
reinforces scent-based training by increasing the concentration of
target scent molecules in the area surrounding the scent chamber
140 immediately prior to and immediately after delivery of the
reward. The method commences at 502 after the trainer has triggered
the release of the reward responsive to observing a desired
behavior by the animal responding to detecting the target
scent.
[0065] At 604, as the reward travels downward through the extension
tube 130, a small quantity of air is displaced ahead of the reward.
This displaced air flushes target scent molecules from the scent
chamber 140 immediately prior to delivery of the reward. The
increased concentration of target scent molecules proximate the
scent chamber 140 beneficially reinforces the association between
detection of the scent by the animal, performance of a desired
behavior by the animal, and the delivery of the reward to the
animal.
[0066] At 606, as the reward passes the apertures 450 in the scent
chamber 440, slight venturi effect (i.e., Bernoulli effect) is
produced, causing additional target scent molecules to flow from
the scent reservoir 150, through the hollow channel 146, into the
interior space 440 of the scent chamber 140 and exits from the
second end 430 of the scent chamber 140. The increased
concentration of target scent molecules proximate the scent chamber
140 beneficially further reinforces the association between
detection of the scent by the animal, performance of a desired
behavior by the animal, and the delivery of the reward to the
animal. The method concludes at 608.
[0067] As used in this application and in the claims, a list of
items joined by the term "and/or" can mean any combination of the
listed items. For example, the phrase "A, B and/or C" can mean A;
B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; or A, B and C. As used in this
application and in the claims, a list of items joined by the term
"at least one of" can mean any combination of the listed terms. For
example, the phrases "at least one of A, B or C" can mean A; B; C;
A and B; A and C; B and C; or A, B and C.
[0068] As used in any embodiment herein, the terms "system" or
"module" may refer to, for example, software, firmware and/or
circuitry configured to perform any of the aforementioned
operations. Software may be embodied as a software package, code,
instructions, instruction sets and/or data recorded on
non-transitory computer readable storage mediums. Firmware may be
embodied as code, instructions or instruction sets and/or data that
are hard-coded (e.g., nonvolatile) in memory devices.
[0069] As used in any embodiment herein, the term "circuitry" may
comprise, for example, singly or in any combination, hardwired
circuitry, programmable circuitry such as computer processors
comprising one or more individual instruction processing cores,
state machine circuitry, and/or firmware that stores instructions
executed by programmable circuitry or future computing paradigms
including, for example, massive parallelism, analog or quantum
computing, hardware embodiments of accelerators such as neural net
processors and non-silicon implementations of the above. The
circuitry may, collectively or individually, be embodied as
circuitry that forms part of a larger system, for example, an
integrated circuit (IC), system on-chip (SoC), desktop computers,
laptop computers, tablet computers, servers, smartphones, etc.
[0070] Any of the operations described herein may be implemented in
a system that includes one or more mediums (e.g., non-transitory
storage mediums) having stored therein, individually or in
combination, instructions that when executed by one or more
processors perform the methods. Here, the processor may include,
for example, a server CPU, a mobile device CPU, and/or other
programmable circuitry. Also, it is intended that operations
described herein may be distributed across a plurality of physical
devices, such as processing structures at more than one different
physical location. The storage medium may include any type of
tangible medium, for example, any type of disk including hard
disks, floppy disks, optical disks, compact disk read-only memories
(CD-ROMs), compact disk rewritables (CD-RWs), and magneto-optical
disks, semiconductor devices such as read-only memories (ROMs),
random access memories (RAMs) such as dynamic and static RAMs,
erasable programmable read-only memories (EPROMs), electrically
erasable programmable read-only memories (EEPROMs), flash memories,
Solid State Disks (SSDs), embedded multimedia cards (eMMCs), secure
digital input/output (SDIO) cards, magnetic or optical cards, or
any type of media suitable for storing electronic instructions.
Other embodiments may be implemented as software executed by a
programmable control device.
[0071] Thus, the present disclosure is directed to systems and
methods for training animals using a wirelessly activated
scent-based training system. The scent-based training system
includes a reward dispenser that holds a reward that is released
from the reward dispenser by an animal trainer responsive to the
animal trainer observing a desired behavior based upon the animal's
detection of a target scent. The scent-based training system also
includes a scent chamber physically couplable to a target scent
reservoir. Target scent molecules flow from the scent reservoir to
the interior space of the scent chamber where they may be detected
by the animal at which time a reward may be dispensed. The reward
passes through the scent chamber prior to being provided to the
animal. The reward "pushes" air through the scent chamber prior to
passage through the chamber, increasing the concentration of target
scent molecules proximate the scent chamber. After passage through
the scent chamber a venturi effect created by the reward causes
additional target scent molecules to flow from the target scent
reservoir to the scent chamber. The increase in target scent
molecules in and about the scent chamber immediately prior to and
immediately after passage of the reward through the scent chamber
reinforces to the animal the association of the target scent with
the reward. The ability to remotely dispense the reward upon
witnessing a desired animal behavior responsive to the animal
detecting the target scent beneficially and advantageously
minimizes or even eliminates the animal cueing off conscious or
subconscious trainer behavior. Disposing the scent chamber remote
from the reward dispenser minimizes or even eliminates the animal
associating the reward scent, rather than the target scent, in
obtaining the reward, further enhancing the association by the
animal of the reward with only the target scent.
[0072] The following examples pertain to further embodiments. The
following examples of the present disclosure may comprise subject
material such as at least one device, a method, at least one
machine-readable medium for storing instructions that when executed
cause a machine to perform acts based on the method of providing a
scent-based training system.
[0073] According to example 1, there is provided a scent-based
training apparatus. The apparatus may include: a reward dispenser
to hold one or more rewards, the reward dispenser including: an
inlet port; an outlet port; a conduit physically coupling the inlet
port to the outlet port; a wirelessly, remotely, actuatable member
that, in a first position, obstructs at least a portion of the
conduit and in a second position, does not obstruct the conduit,
the actuatable member to release the one or more rewards from the
outlet port of the reward dispenser; a scent chamber remotely
mountable and physically couplable to the reward dispenser, the
scent chamber comprising: a first, inlet, end to receive the reward
from the reward dispenser; a second, outlet, end to discharge the
reward; and a hollow channel having a first end physically
couplable to a scent reservoir and a second end physically coupled
to the scent chamber, the hollow channel to physically and fluidly
couple the scent reservoir to an interior space of the scent
chamber such that scent molecules diffuse from the scent reservoir
into the scent chamber.
[0074] Example 2 may include elements of example 1 and the
apparatus may additionally include: a hollow extension tube conduit
having a first end and a second end, the first end of the extension
tube to physically couple to the outlet port of the reward
dispenser and the second end of the extension tube to physically
couple to the first end of the scent chamber.
[0075] Example 3 may include elements of any of examples 1 or 2
where the reward dispenser further includes: a linearly
displaceable solenoid physically coupled to the actuatable member;
wireless receiver circuitry conductively coupled to the linearly
displaceable solenoid, the wireless receiver circuitry to cause the
solenoid to displace the actuatable member from the first position
to the second position responsive to receipt of a wireless RF
signal from a remote transmitter device; and a power source
conductively coupled to the linearly displaceable solenoid and the
wireless receiver circuitry.
[0076] Example 4 may include elements of any of examples 1 through
3 where the linearly displaceable solenoid further includes: a
biasing element to bias the actuatable member in the first
position.
[0077] Example 5 may include elements of any of examples 1 through
4 where the scent chamber further includes: a plurality of
apertures fluidly coupling the hollow channel to the interior space
of the scent chamber.
[0078] Example 6 may include elements of any of examples 1 through
5 where the first end of the hollow channel further comprises a
threaded scent reservoir connection.
[0079] Example 7 may include elements of any of examples 1 through
6 where the scent chamber further comprises a platform disposed
proximate the second end of the scent chamber.
[0080] Example 8 may include elements of any of examples 1 through
7 where the first end of the extension tube to frictionally couple
to the outlet port of the reward dispenser; and where the second
end of the extension tube to frictionally couple to the first end
of the scent chamber.
[0081] Example 9 may include elements of any of examples 1 through
8 where the extension tube comprises a hollow cylindrical member
having a length measured along a longitudinal axis of greater than
18 inches.
[0082] According to example 10, there is provided a scent-based
training method. The method may include: causing an increased flow
of target scent molecules from a scent chamber to an external
environment about the scent chamber by passing a flow of air
through the scent chamber prior to passage of a reward through the
scent chamber; and inducing a flow of the target scent molecules
from a scent reservoir to the scent chamber responsive to passage
of the reward through the scent chamber.
[0083] According to example 11, there is provided a scent-based
training system. The system may include: means for causing a reward
to flow through a scent chamber responsive to receipt of at least
one wireless signal; means for causing an increased flow of target
scent molecules from a scent chamber to an external environment
about the scent chamber by passing a flow of air through the scent
chamber prior to passage of a reward through the scent chamber; and
means for inducing a flow of the target scent molecules from a
scent reservoir to the scent chamber responsive to passage of the
reward through the scent chamber.
[0084] The terms and expressions which have been employed herein
are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there
is no intention, in the use of such terms and expressions, of
excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described (or
portions thereof), and it is recognized that various modifications
are possible within the scope of the claims. Accordingly, the
claims are intended to cover all such equivalents. Various
features, aspects, and embodiments have been described herein. The
features, aspects, and embodiments are susceptible to combination
with one another as well as to variation and modification, as will
be understood by those having skill in the art. The present
disclosure should, therefore, be considered to encompass such
combinations, variations, and modifications.
[0085] As described herein, various embodiments may be implemented
using hardware elements, software elements, or any combination
thereof. Examples of hardware elements may include processors,
microprocessors, circuits, circuit elements (e.g transistors,
resistors, capacitors, inductors, and so forth), integrated
circuits, application specific integrated circuits (ASIC),
programmable logic devices (PLD), digital signal processors (DSP),
field programmable gate array (FPGA), logic gates, registers,
semiconductor device, chips, microchips, chip sets, and so
forth.
[0086] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment"
or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or
characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is
included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the
phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places
throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to
the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features,
structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable
manner in one or more embodiments.
* * * * *