Automatic feeder and feeding procedures

Abstract

The present invention relates to an automatic feeder (10) for the locally and remotely configurable control of nutrient delivery to a living organism. An automatic feeder according to the invention comprises a nutrient delivery device, a control unit (90) for controlling and monitoring the nutrient delivery and the organism, and a nutrient reservoir with a storage monitoring device as part of the control unit. The control unit is connected or connectable to a data transmission network, in particular the internet, so that a user can remotely control the nutrient delivery and monitor the organism and the remaining nutrients using the control unit and the data transmission network. The reservoirs can be cooled or heated, and the energy supply for the automatic feeder can be provided by the mains, battery, or solar panels.The invention also relates to a feeding method and a computer program product.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an automatic feeder for the remotely controlled dispensing of nutrients to a living being, in particular to an animal, a feeding method for the remotely controlled dispensing of nutrients to a living being, in particular to an animal, and a computer program. Digitization and global data traffic have made the remote feeding of living beings, including the monitoring and control of the feeding process, possible. In particular, feeding and watering pets with internet-based control and monitoring devices has become affordable. Pet feeding devices with internet connectivity for controlling automatic feeding are known. These devices can also be used for the remote monitoring of pets, as described in US 2004 / 0194714 A1.The presented system is connected to a computer, allowing the user to control an automatically opening / closing door that dispenses food from a tank into a feeding trough. The device is also suitable for monitoring the animal using images captured by a PC camera or digital camcorder, which can be transmitted via the internet to a remote system. Direct human interaction is required to monitor the stored amounts of food and / or water and to determine whether the food tank needs refilling. Furthermore, it is known that remotely controlled pet feeding devices can include food and water containers from which the desired amounts can be dispensed, as described in US 2007 / 0295277 A1. This device also allows communication with the pet via an image sensor, a display, a microphone unit, and a speaker.US 2014 / 0090601 A1 discloses a programmable pet feeding device with food compartments that can be accessed by rotating a food turntable under a suitable housing opening. The device is suitable for internet communication and remote control. Furthermore, the amount of food remaining in the open food compartment can be monitored with a camera. Only a limited number of compartments are available.

[0002] The object of the invention is to provide an automatic feeder for a living being that can be remotely controlled in the most flexible way possible and that can maintain the vital functions of the living being. Maintaining the vital functions of the animal involves recording its nutrient intake, evaluating it, and taking it into account when further nutrient delivery. A first aspect of the invention is an automatic feeder for the remotely controlled delivery of nutrients to a living being, in particular to an animal, comprising a nutrient delivery device, a control device for controlling and / or monitoring the nutrient delivery and / or the living being, and a storage container for nutrients with a storage detection device as part of the control device.The control device is connected or connectable to a data transmission network, in particular the internet, so that a user can remotely control the nutrient delivery and / or the monitoring of the living organism and / or residual nutrients using the control device and the data transmission network. The term "living organism" refers in particular to animals, such as pets, but plants can also be supplied with nutrients by the present invention. In particular, cats and dogs can be fed and watered with the presented automatic feeder. The nutrient delivery device is in particular a dosing unit that is suitable for dispensing a precisely predetermined desired quantity of the respective nutrient. Preferably, the exact dosage quantities can be selected in grams or milliliters. Nutrients within the meaning of the invention can in particular be solid, pasty, or liquid mixtures of nutrients such as animal feed and / or beverages such as water.These mixtures may also contain pharmaceutical agents and / or feed additives.

[0003] The storage containers are designed so that various types of feed can easily flow downwards for dispensing. Advantageously, the storage containers are provided on the inside with a coating that has antimicrobial properties and is inert to feed and beverages, meaning that no chemical reaction takes place between the coating and the contents. In a further embodiment, the storage containers can be heated and / or cooled, for example, by means of an element based on Peltier technology. The Peltier cooling element is connected via a cooling water circuit to a heat exchanger, which ultimately dissipates the heat to the environment. Furthermore, heating elements, for example in the form of heating coils, can be attached to one or more storage containers. These enable the heating of the nutrients and / or beverages.This allows both the feed and the beverage, such as water, to be kept and dispensed at a specific temperature. The intelligent cooling and heating control system operates energy-efficiently by measuring the temperatures in the storage containers and the ambient temperature. The necessary information is measured by appropriately positioned temperature sensors. Furthermore, the automatic feeder is equipped with overheat protection. This protection system automatically switches off the heating system if the temperature falls outside the specified and set range. Similarly, the cooling system is also switched off if the temperature is outside the permissible range.

[0004] Food and / or water containers, e.g., food and water bowls, can be attached below the dispensing units to hold the dispensed quantities. These bowls can be part of the automatic feeder and be shaped so that the food and water are always in the center of the bowl, giving the animal sufficient space to eat and drink, and allowing the camera to monitor the amount of food and water in the bowls. In addition to the storage container, nutrients can also be supplied via a connection to a supply system, in particular a hose or pipe connected to a supply network, e.g., in the case of water. This is particularly feasible for water as a beverage. The automatic feeder consists, in particular, of a water reservoir and a storage container for the nutrients.Alternatively, it can also include a feed hopper and a connection to the water supply network if the supply of drinking water is to be ensured exclusively via the water supply network. In an advantageous embodiment, the automatic feeder is configured to dispense solid and / or pasty feed and / or liquids, in particular water. In a further embodiment, the control unit of the automatic feeder is configured to record and transmit information about the amount of nutrients consumed and / or the amount of nutrients remaining. The user can remotely control and / or monitor the dispensing of nutrients. In particular, the user can receive this data via an internet-connected device, such as a smartphone or tablet, to remotely monitor the dispensing and / or the levels of the nutrient and beverage hoppers.In particular, the user can freely select the desired amount of feed and / or water to be dispensed. Furthermore, the user can remotely monitor the animal and / or the remaining nutrient levels. Specifically, the feeder can be configured so that the user can manually calibrate the feed and water quantities based on the shape and weight of the feed and the input water pressure. The user can change the set feed and water quantities to be dispensed to the animal at any time via the input device on the feeder itself or remotely, thus influencing the future quantities of feed and water dispensed. In another embodiment, the control device includes an internal embedded web server.The control device includes, in particular, an internal embedded web server for transmitting and / or receiving data that can be received from and / or transmitted to a remote, web-enabled device, especially using a web browser or an app. A Wi-Fi adapter, which is part of the control device, can enable the embedded web server to connect to the internet. The web server is particularly suitable for establishing a network connection that complies with the Hypertext Transfer Protocol 2 and / or the Multi Protocol File System 2 standard. Other connection protocols are also conceivable. All electronic devices that are part of the control system are controlled, in particular, by two central processing units (CPUs). These can, in particular, be a CPU, a Linux-based CPU, and a digital signal processor (DSP).Additionally, remote notification via the Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMP) can be configured. Specifically, the control unit is capable of sending messages to the user, for example, in the event of a successful dispensing process, an error, or any kind of exception, such as a power outage, or a low feed and / or water level in the respective hopper. Depending on the user's configuration, the control unit can also notify the user of other information. For instance, the control unit can report the overall status of the automatic feeder upon request or on a regular basis. Other useful information includes, for example, the restoration of the main power supply by the grid, which then switches the automatic feeder from operating on its internal (rechargeable) battery.The internal battery primarily serves to protect against temporary power outages, ensuring the seamless continued operation of the automatic feeder in such cases. Additional information that the control unit can provide to the user includes error messages from the feeder or its subsystems. For example, messages can be configured to indicate a blockage in the nutrient / feed conveying system or a failure of the heating and cooling systems. In particular, all message options are user-configurable, allowing the user to choose when and what type of messages to receive. Access to the embedded web server is simple and secure, requiring only a username and password, which can be set and changed on the designated webpage.This also protects against misuse by other people who should not have access to and / or control over the device.

[0005] In another embodiment, the nutrient dispensing system is designed as a screw conveyor. In particular, the screw conveyor is driven by an electric motor. Both the motor and the screw conveyor can be arranged on a metering unit, which also includes a gearbox. In particular, this metering unit is removable and waterproof, so that the user can remove and clean it safely and easily. Preferably, the dispensing system is housed in a completely waterproof enclosure that can be used both outdoors and indoors. The enclosure is preferably made of a robust material to prevent damage by the pet. The center of gravity of the system is preferably low to achieve stable positioning without the risk of accidental tipping or falling over. It can also include external support elements for mounting it to a wall.

[0006] In a further embodiment, the control device comprises a camera and / or at least one sensor. The camera allows the user to monitor the animal, the dispensing process, and / or the remaining nutrients. In particular, color images can be captured and transmitted via the data transmission network. The user can receive these images with any device connected to the internet. Specifically, the camera lens is designed and positioned to monitor the animal, its surroundings, and the remaining food and / or water in the containers. The camera is positioned to allow visual monitoring of the containers / containers, enabling the user to decide, based on the food and / or water level in the containers, whether to remotely initiate a dispensing process and / or the quantity to be dispensed. The storage container includes a storage sensor, e.g.,A load cell or level sensor, in particular an infrared sensor, which is part of the control unit. The user can monitor the remaining nutrients, in particular the remaining amounts of feed and water, using the data acquired by the sensor.

[0007] In a further embodiment, the control device comprises a closed control loop. In particular, the nutrient delivery is controlled by a control system for precise and automated nutrient delivery. The control loop can be sensorless. In the case of a liquid, e.g., water, the control system can be based on a water flow measurement. In particular, the dosing system is suitable for operation independently of the prevailing pressure, which can be either the hydrostatic pressure from the storage tank or the line pressure. This has the advantage that the delivery is very precise and, in the case of connection to a supply network, independent of the prevailing pressure.

[0008] In a further embodiment, the control unit comprises a programmable control loop. Sensors monitor and measure the dispensing quantity of feed and beverage, e.g., water, set by the user. The measured information is recorded and stored. Optionally, further information on the consumption of the offered feed and beverage is collected. This consumption information can be qualitative (e.g., by evaluating the images from the camera of the feed and beverage remaining in the containers) or quantitative, via level sensors measuring the quantities of feed and, for example, water remaining in the feed and beverage containers. The recorded consumption information can be considered by the user and used to manually adjust future dispensing quantities of feed and beverage.However, the recorded consumption information can also be fed into the control unit and used, by means of a correspondingly programmed algorithm, to (variably) adjust the future dispensing quantities of feed and beverage.

[0009] In a further embodiment, the storage container includes a connection means suitable for establishing a connection to a water source. The storage container can be designed as a reservoir for liquids, in particular water. In this case, a connection means can be provided to establish a connection to a water source, such as the water supply network or a water reservoir.

[0010] In an advantageous embodiment, the connecting element comprises a coupling element suitable for establishing a sealing contact with a corresponding coupling element. The coupling element is particularly suitable for establishing a sealing contact with a corresponding coupling element, which may, for example, be arranged on a water hose. Such a connection technology can be referred to as a non-spill technology. Advantages include the fact that no water is wasted during refilling, the area around the feeder remains dry and safe during refilling, and refilling is simple and convenient.

[0011] In a further embodiment, the control device comprises an optical sensor, in particular in the form of a camera, which is suitable for transmitting evaluable image data in dark environments. In particular, the optical sensor is designed as an infrared camera. In this case, an additional infrared emitting device, such as an infrared LED, can be provided. The animal, as well as its food and water supplies, can be monitored at night without disturbing the animal or its surroundings with visible light. In particular, the camera has a light sensor that automatically detects the lack of light and captures infrared images in dark or low-light environments. The image data is transmitted via the data transmission network, and the user can monitor the pet with any device connected to the internet. The data can also be recorded over a specific period of time.This period can be, for example, 24 hours. After 24 hours, the oldest image data can be overwritten by new recordings. This prevents problems with limited storage space or even a complete halt to the recording.

[0012] In another embodiment, the automatic feeder includes an electrical storage device, in particular a battery. In particular, the automatic feeder also includes an energy management system for reducing energy consumption. The battery is particularly suitable for supplying power to the automatic feeder. The control device can be configured to automatically activate the battery in the event of a power failure. The battery voltage and current can be monitored during charging and discharging cycles. In a further embodiment, the control device includes a local input means with which control data can be directly entered into the control device.

[0013] In a further advantageous embodiment, the wall panels are at least partially provided with solar panels. These ensure the supply of electrical energy to the automatic feeder, either wholly or partially. The solar panels can be connected to the battery of the automatic feeder and charge it when there is sufficient light. This allows the automatic feeder to be operated independently of the power grid.

[0014] The local input device can be designed as a control panel with switches and / or buttons for switching the automatic feeder or parts thereof on and off and / or for entering control data such as the amount of feed and / or water to be dispensed in grams and / or milliliters, dispensing times, the internet Wi-Fi Service Set Identifier (SSID) and Wi-Fi password, a real-time clock, and feed and water calibration. In particular, all input operations, such as selecting the dispensing times and the amounts of feed and / or water to be dispensed, can be performed via the local input device. Specifically, all data is synchronized in real time, so that all measurement data and setting changes are visible both online and locally at the feeding system. The local input panel is preferably secured by a door.The control panel door may include a locking system that keeps the door securely closed to prevent pets or children from accidentally changing the settings.

[0015] In a further embodiment, the control unit includes a local output device that enables the display of data at the feeding location. The local output device can be designed as a display, in particular as a display suitable for showing data such as time, dispensing times, dispensed quantities, feed and / or water levels, battery charge status, IP address, and / or Wi-Fi connection status. In particular, all data such as the programmed dispensing times and / or quantities and the remaining quantities of feed and / or water can be displayed via the local output device. The display can be configured to automatically dim or switch off to protect the batteries in the event of a power failure, thereby reducing power consumption and increasing battery life. Additionally, other energy-consuming devices can reduce power consumption or be automatically switched off when the system is powered by batteries.

[0016] A second aspect of the invention is a feeding method for the remotely controlled dispensing of nutrients to a living being, in particular to an animal, which comprises providing an automatic feeder according to the invention, connecting the control device to a data transmission network, in particular to the internet, and remotely controlling the nutrient dispensing and / or monitoring the living being and / or the remaining nutrients by means of the control device and the data transmission network. In particular, the user can remotely input a desired quantity of nutrients, such as animal feed and / or water, and a desired dispensing duration. The dosing is fully automatic. The user can remotely obtain information about the amount of nutrients consumed and / or the amount of nutrients remaining and / or about the living being, in particular the pet.The method is particularly suitable for use with the feeding machine according to the invention.

[0017] A third aspect of the invention is a computer program that can be loaded into the internal memory of a digital computer and that includes sections of software code that are capable of performing functions of the feeding machine according to the invention or that are capable of performing steps, in particular all steps, of the feeding method according to the invention.

[0018] The interaction of the individual components of the automatic feeder can be described in one embodiment as follows: A central control unit comprises a motor controller, a valve controller, a level controller, an external memory, the control panel controller, the energy management system, the power supply, the DC-DC converter controller, the battery charger, the camera controller, and the Wi-Fi, web server, and TCP / IP controller. The motor and the current and voltage measurement are assigned to the motor controller. The motor speed and torque are controlled in real time via the voltage and current measurement. The electronic valve and the water flow sensor are assigned to the valve controller. The infrared input and the water sensors are assigned to the level controller. The non-volatile memory and the web server user settings are assigned to the external memory.The controls are connected to the local control panel, which includes buttons, a display, and LEDs. The AC power supply is connected to the energy management system and the power supply unit. The DC-DC converter and its associated current and voltage measurement are assigned to the DC-DC converter control unit. The embedded high-efficiency DC-DC converter allows the machine to minimize power consumption and thus be environmentally friendly. The DC-DC converter is controlled via its voltage and current measurement. The battery and its associated current and voltage measurement are assigned to the battery charger. A camera and the infrared sensor are assigned to the camera control unit. Wi-Fi, web server, and TCP / IP control are connected to the Wi-Fi adapter, which can be wirelessly connected to email notifications, web browsers, or a smartphone app.

[0019] That is, the Wi-Fi adapter physically connects the TCP / IP communication protocol to the web server and the web client browser or app. Control and remote monitoring of the machine is performed via the HTTP protocol. These functions can be accessed from a remote device, such as a PC, laptop, tablet, or smartphone, allowing the user to monitor the remaining quantities in the storage containers and water reservoir, as well as the feed and water levels. Furthermore, the user can see and hear the pet and communicate with it via the speakers attached to the system. Based on this information, the user can then freely select the feeding times and amounts and initiate feeding remotely. Feeding is thus directly controlled by the user.

[0020] The modular design of the feeding machine allows for particularly cost-effective production of the individual components, for example by means of “Vacuum Casting Technology”, and thus of the entire feeding machine.

[0021] The invention is not limited to the alternatives and embodiments described and illustrated herein. Furthermore, all alternatives and embodiments described herein can be combined.

[0022] The invention is illustrated below by the figures shown. Further embodiments can be derived from the examples shown.The figures serve only to illustrate the invention and do not limit its scope: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a feeding device according to the invention; Figure 2 shows another perspective view of a feeding device; Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a feeding device with the front panel removed; Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a feeding device and its right side panel; Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a feeding device and its back panel, with a portion of the back panel removed; Figure 6 shows a side view of a conveying device for solid or pasty nutrients in the form of a screw conveyor; Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a feeding device with the front panel and left side panel removed. Figure 8 shows a cross-section of a feeding device from the left side (left side as seen from the front panel).Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a feeding machine with the front and right side panels removed.

[0023] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a feeding machine 10 according to the invention. The cover 15 of the input and output field, located on the right side panel 11, can be lockable and, when locked, protects the device 10 from accidental changes to the input parameters. The ventilation slots 20 located in the lower half of the side panel 11 ensure unimpeded air circulation, which is important for the heating and cooling system. The infrared LED 25, the camera 30, and the light sensor 35 are located on the front panel 16. Below the nutrient outlet 40 and water outlet 45 located on the front panel 16 are the corresponding containers, namely the nutrient container 50 and the water container 55.

[0024] Figure 2 shows another perspective view of a feeding machine. Back panel 21 with the conveying cover 60 attached to it can be seen.

[0025] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a feeding machine 10 with the front panel 16 removed. This shows the beverage reservoirs 65 and nutrient reservoirs 70 arranged inside the feeding machine 10.

[0026] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of an automatic feeder 10 and its right side panel 11. The removed cover 15 reveals the input field 75. This input field 75 can, for example, be designed as a touchscreen display.

[0027] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a feeding machine and its back panel 21, with a section of the back panel 21 removed. The removed section of the back panel 11 is the conveying cover 60 and provides a view of the conveying element 80.

[0028] Figure 6 shows a side view of a conveying means 80 for solid or pasty nutrients, which in this case is designed in the form of a screw conveyor.

[0029] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a feeding machine 10 with the front panel 16 and left side panel removed. Visible is the electronic beverage dispensing valve 85, which is fluid-connected to the beverage reservoir 65 and the beverage outlet 40.

[0030] Figure 8 shows a cross-section of a feeding machine 10 from the left side (left side as seen from the front panel). Visible is the control unit 90 on the inside of the right side panel 11, comprising the two CPUs, that is, the Linux-based CPU and the “Digital Signal Processor”.

[0031] Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a feeding machine with the front and right side panels removed. The elements arranged on the beverage reservoir 65, namely the cooling element 95 and the heating element 100, allow the temperature of the beverage in the reservoir to be controlled. A fan 105 ventilates the interior of the feeding machine 10 via a radiator 110 arranged in the left side panel 31.

Claims

1. Feeding device (10) for remotely controlling the dispensing of nutrients for an animal, comprising a nutrient dispensing device, a control device (90) for controlling and / or monitoring the dispensing of nutrients and / or the living being, a storage container (65, 70) for nutrients with a storage sensor as part of the control device (90), wherein the control device (90) is connected or connectable to a data transmission network, in particular to the Internet, so that the control device (90) can be controlled locally and / or the dispensing of nutrients and / or the monitoring of the living being and / or the remaining nutrients can be remotely controlled by means of the data transmission network and the control device (90) can record data on the nutrient intake of the animal.

2. Feeding machine (10) for remotely controlled dispensing of nutrients according to claim 1, wherein the feeding machine (10) is designed for dispensing solid and / or pasty feedstuffs and / or liquids, in particular water.

3. Feeding machine (10) according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the feeding machine comprises at least 2 dispensing units, in particular dispensing units for solid and / or pasty feedstuffs.

4. Feeding machine (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one storage container (65, 70) is coolable and / or heated.

5. Feeding machine (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one storage container (65, 70) is preferably fully provided with an antimicrobial coating on the side facing the filling material.

6. Feeding machine (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the feeding machine has solar panels on its outside at least partially.

7. Feeding device (10) for remotely controlled dispensing of nutrients according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (90) is suitable for sending information about the amount of nutrients consumed and / or about the amount of nutrients remaining.

8. Feeding machine (10) for remotely controlled dispensing of nutrients according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (90) comprises an internal embedded web server.

9. Feeding system for remotely controlled dispensing of nutrients according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the nutrient dispensing device is designed as a screw conveyor (80) which is part of a watertight dispensing unit which further comprises a motor and a gearbox.

10. Feeding machine (10) for remotely controlled dispensing of nutrients according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device comprises a camera (30) and / or at least one sensor (25, 35).

11. Feeding machine (10) for remotely controlled dispensing of nutrients according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (90) for controlling and / or monitoring the nutrient dispensing comprises a regulation of the dispensed quantities of nutrients and beverages.

12. Feeding machine (10) for remotely controlled dispensing of nutrients according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (90) comprises an optical sensor (30), in particular designed as a camera (30), which is suitable for transmitting evaluable image data in dark environments based on day and night light detection.

13. Feeding machine (10) for remotely controlled dispensing of nutrients according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the feeding machine comprises an electrical storage device, in particular a battery and an energy management system for reducing energy consumption.

14. Feeding machine (10) for remotely controlled dispensing of nutrients according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (90) comprises a local input means (75) that enables the input of control data directly into the control device and is synchronized with the remote control in real time.

15. Feeding machine (10) for remotely controlled dispensing of nutrients according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device comprises a local output means that enables the display of data at the feeding location.

16. Feeding method for remotely controlling the dispensing of nutrients to a living being, in particular to an animal, comprising the steps of: – providing an automatic feeder (10) according to at least one of claims 1 to 14, – connecting the control unit (90) to a data transmission network, in particular to the Internet, – remotely controlling the dispensing of nutrients and / or monitoring the living being and / or the remaining nutrients by means of the control unit and the data transmission network, – recording the nutrient intake of the fed animal.

17. Feeding method according to claim 16, wherein the control unit records and evaluates the nutrient intake of the fed animal and / or takes it into account for further nutrient output.

18. Computer program that can be loaded into the internal memory of a digital computer and that comprises sections of software code suitable for performing functions of the feeding machine (10) according to at least one of claims 1-15 or suitable for performing steps, in particular all steps, of the feeding method according to claim 16.