Toy and App for Remotely Viewing and Playing with a Pet

Abstract

An app and associated toy are disclosed that allow a smartphone user to play remotely with a pet by controlling the movement of a remote spot of light. A remote camera allows the user to see and record video of the pet playing. The light spot is controlled by moving a cursor, or by directly moving the light spot on a touch video screen. The viewer also has the option to have the spot follow a predetermined path. By starting the play at the same time as presenting a noise designed to attract a pet, the pet is conditioned to associate that noise with playing. This allows the pet to be summoned to the game. In a more advanced version, the app also controls a treat dispenser for rewarding the pet for playing. An RFID tag on the pet allows the light source to be shone near to the pet.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY[0001]This application claims the priority of U.S. Ser. No. 61 / 787,786 filed on Mar. 15, 2013, and U.S. Ser. No. 14 / 215,498 filed on Mar. 17, 2014 the contents of which are fully incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The invention relates to toy for the amusement or exercise of an animal, and more particularly to a laser toy for remotely viewing and playing with a pet and a smartphone app to facilitate interaction.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Pets, especially indoor cats, require frequent play for both their physical and emotional well-being. A working owner of such an indoor pet may be restricted in the time available for playing in-person and may, therefore, want to play with their pet while at work or otherwise distant from the animal.[0004]Laser pointers are a well-known way of engaging with pets, many of whom play tirelessly chasing the red dot that forms when a laser beam makes contact with a surface.[0005]By combining a remotely mov...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

Enables remote play and observation of pets, providing an interactive and automated way to stimulate pets' physical and emotional well-being, even when owners are not physically present, while being cost-effective and user-friendly.

Problems solved by technology

A working owner of such an indoor pet may be restricted in the time available for playing in-person and may, therefore, want to play with their pet while at work or otherwise distant from the animal.

The device, which does not include a conventional motor, is small (e.g., can be handheld), lightweight, battery operated and silent, and has an extremely long potential cycle life.

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