Pet water supply devices and methods

Abstract

This invention discloses a pet water supply device and method, including a water storage tank for storing water, a water storage device for accumulating water, a water outlet device, and a return device, enabling the pet water supply device to supply water normally. It also includes a signal transmitting device and a control module, which can release at least one inducing signal when supplying water to pets based on the characteristics of different pets, so as to attract pets to approach the water storage device, thereby enhancing the pets' interest in drinking water and increasing the amount of water consumed by the pets. The control module can also record the pets' drinking information and monitor the pets' health status.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of pet feeding technology, and more particularly to a pet water supply device and method. Background Technology

[0002] With the increasing popularity of pet ownership, people are paying more attention to whether their pets are getting enough water. Insufficient water intake can easily lead to kidney stones and kidney failure, endangering the pet's life. Existing pet water fountains mainly consist of three parts: a water dispensing device, a water return device, and a water container. The water dispensing device can be either electrically driven (jet-driven) or gravity-driven (automatic). Some electrically driven water fountains can circulate water, attracting pets to drink more. However, over time, pets can become accustomed to the stimulation of flowing water, making it difficult for them to develop an interest in drinking, resulting in a lack of significant increase in water intake and hindering their healthy growth. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to solve the problem in the prior art of how to promote pet water consumption and monitor the pet's drinking health. Therefore, this invention provides a pet water supply device and method, including a water storage tank for storing water, a water storage device for accumulating water, a water outlet device, and a return device, enabling the pet water supply device to supply water normally. It also includes a signal transmitting device and a control module, which can release at least one inducing signal when supplying water to the pet, tailored to the characteristics of different pets, to enhance the pet's interest in drinking, thereby increasing the pet's water consumption, and record the pet's drinking information to monitor the pet's health status.

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, embodiments of the present invention provide a pet water supply device, including a water storage tank for storing water, and a water storage device for accumulating water for pet drinking, and further including:

[0005] The water outlet device connects the water storage tank and the water storage device, and is used to pump water from the water storage tank to the water storage device; the water outlet device is also equipped with a first flow meter to record the water output.

[0006] The return flow device connects the water storage tank and the water storage device, and is used to return all the water in the water storage device to the water storage tank. The return flow device is equipped with a second flow meter to record the amount of water returned.

[0007] A signal transmitting device for releasing at least one inducing signal among sound, light, and smell to attract pets;

[0008] The control module is connected to the water outlet device, the return device and the signal transmitter. It controls the water outlet device to supply water according to the set water volume and set time, and controls the signal transmitter to release an induction signal when supplying water, and controls the signal transmitter to stop releasing the induction signal when the water supply stops.

[0009] The control module is equipped with a drinking water record database and a timing unit. The drinking water record database is used to record the pet's drinking water volume and drinking time. The control module sets the set water volume and set time of the water dispensing device based on the data in the drinking water record database.

[0010] Using the above technical solution, when the pet water supply device is supplying water, it can release at least one of the following inducing signals: sound, light, and smell, to attract pets to drink, thereby increasing their interest in drinking and increasing their water intake. When not supplying water, all the water in the storage device is returned to the water tank to prevent the water from being exposed to the outside for a long time and contaminating the water source. At the same time, it can also detect the pet's drinking information to provide water to the pet regularly, so as to cultivate good drinking habits in the pet and monitor the pet's health status.

[0011] Preferably, the control module is equipped with a behavior feature database, which records pet behavior data;

[0012] The pet water supply system also includes a pet identification device, which is connected to the control module and can identify the pet's behavioral characteristics;

[0013] The control module matches the behavioral characteristics identified by the pet recognition device with pet behavior data in the behavior characteristic database and determines whether to supply water.

[0014] By adopting the above technical solution, the pet identification device can identify whether the pet has the behavior characteristics of needing to drink water when it is not the set time, so as to ensure that the pet's water supply device can still supply water when the pet needs to drink, so as to ensure that the pet can obtain water normally during the non-set time period.

[0015] Preferably, the control module calculates high-frequency drinking periods based on the drinking times recorded in the drinking log database, and sets the midpoint of these high-frequency drinking periods as the set time. This allows for the reasonable setting of the water supply device's set time, which can be adjusted according to changes in the pet's drinking habits and promote the development of regular drinking habits.

[0016] Preferably, the timing unit records the response duration, which is the time interval from the release of the induction signal to the detection of the pet approaching and drinking water;

[0017] If the response time exceeds the set first threshold, the set time for the next water supply will be postponed.

[0018] If the response time exceeds the set second threshold, the release of the induction signal will stop and the water supply will be stopped.

[0019] Using the above technical solution, when the response time exceeds the set first threshold, it indicates that the pet's need for water is low, thus delaying the next water supply to maintain the pet's interest in water. When the response time exceeds the set second threshold, it indicates that the pet is not lacking water, thus stopping the release of induction signals and stopping water supply.

[0020] Preferably, the timing unit has a silent period. When the time recorded by the timing unit falls within the silent period, the control module controls the signal transmitter to emit only at least one inducing signal from light and scent to attract the pet. This avoids the pet water dispenser releasing sound inducing signals, which could generate inappropriate noise.

[0021] Preferably, the control module calculates the pet's water consumption based on the outflow and return water volumes, records this data in a water consumption log, and sets the set water volume of the water dispensing device to 5 to 10 times the water consumption corresponding to the drinking time in the water consumption log. This ensures that the pet water supply device provides sufficient water output during water supply periods to guarantee that the pet can ingest enough water.

[0022] Preferably, the signal transmitting device includes a light-emitting device, a sound-emitting device, and an odor-emitting device;

[0023] The control module is equipped with an inducement signal library, which stores various signal data. Based on the set signal data, the control module controls the signal transmitter to emit the corresponding inducement signal. This allows the control module to emit appropriate inducement signals according to the characteristics of different pets, increasing their attractiveness to the pets.

[0024] Preferably, the control module includes a communication unit that can connect to an external electronic device; and it feeds back the pet's drinking information and health status to the external electronic device, allowing the pet owner to monitor the pet's health and drinking information via the external electronic device.

[0025] External electronic devices can add, modify, or delete data stored in the control module through the communication unit.

[0026] Using the above technical solution, pet owners can also use external electronic devices to set the water supply time, water volume, and store or delete signal data in the induction signal database according to the pet's characteristics.

[0027] An embodiment of the present invention also provides a water supply method, comprising:

[0028] Step 1: Determine if the pet needs water; if so, proceed to Step 2.

[0029] Step 2: Provide water to the pet according to the set water volume and set time, and release an incentive signal to the pet through at least one of the following methods: sound, light, and smell;

[0030] Step 3: Determine if the pet is drinking water; if yes, proceed to step 4; if no, stop the water supply and stop releasing the induction signal, record the data of the pet not drinking water in the pet drinking anomaly database, and repeat step 1.

[0031] Step 4: Stop releasing the induction signal and record the pet's drinking information, including drinking time and amount;

[0032] Step 5: When the water intake is greater than 0, save the pet's water intake information into the pet water intake habit database, and reset the setting time and water intake based on the data in the pet water intake habit database;

[0033] When the amount of water consumed is less than the first threshold or greater than the second threshold, the drinking water information will be recorded in the drinking water anomaly database.

[0034] When the water consumption information is 0, the water consumption information will be recorded in the water consumption anomaly database;

[0035] Step 6: Based on the data from the drinking water anomaly database, determine the pet's health status and send feedback to the user terminal.

[0036] Using the above technical solution, when providing water to pets, at least one of the following inducing signals—sound, light, and smell—can be released to attract pets to drink, thereby increasing their interest in drinking and thus increasing their water intake. Furthermore, when not providing water, all water in the storage device is returned to the water tank to prevent prolonged exposure and contamination. Simultaneously, the device can detect the pet's drinking information to provide water regularly, helping the pet develop good drinking habits, and monitor the pet's health status, feeding back the pet's health status to the user terminal.

[0037] Preferably, step 1 includes the following steps:

[0038] Step 1.1: Determine if the current time is the set time. If yes, supply water; otherwise, proceed to step 1.2.

[0039] Step 1.2: Obtain the pet's behavior feature database and capture the pet's behavior features; the behavior feature database records pet behavior data;

[0040] Step 1.3: Determine whether the pet's behavioral characteristics match the pet behavior data in the behavior characteristic database; if yes, determine that water needs to be provided; otherwise, proceed to step 1.1.

[0041] By adopting the above technical solution, even outside of the set time, it is still possible to determine whether water needs to be provided based on the pet's behavioral characteristics, thereby ensuring that the pet can be provided with water when it needs to drink, so as to ensure that the pet can obtain water normally during the non-set time period.

[0042] Preferred options also include:

[0043] Step 1.4: Convert the matched pet's behavioral characteristics into pet behavior data and store it in the behavior characteristic database. This improves the accuracy of determining whether water needs to be provided.

[0044] Preferably, the user terminal can independently set the induction signals. This allows pet owners to set induction signals that their pets are sensitive to through the user terminal, based on the pet's characteristics.

[0045] Preferably, step 3 includes:

[0046] Step 3.1: Determine whether the distance between the pet and the water storage device of the pet water supply is less than the third threshold. If yes, proceed to step 3.2; if no, proceed to step 3.3. The third threshold can be less than or equal to 0.05 to 0.1 m to determine whether the pet is close to the water storage device of the pet water supply.

[0047] Step 3.2: Record the response time from the start of releasing the induction signal to the pet approaching the water dispenser, and determine when the pet begins to drink. Record the time of this determination as the drinking time.

[0048] Step 3.3: Repeat step 3.1. When the number of times step 3.1 is executed exceeds the first set value or the duration exceeds the second set value, determine that the pet has not drunk water, and record the response time from the start of releasing the induction signal to the determination that the pet has not drunk water.

[0049] By adopting the above technical solution, the standard for judging whether a pet has started drinking water is reduced. The pet only needs to be close to the water supply device to determine that it is drinking water, so as to ensure the stability and sensitivity of the water supply and make it easier for the pet to obtain water.

[0050] Preferably, when the response time exceeds a first threshold, the scheduled time for the next water supply is postponed. This indicates that the pet's need for water is relatively low, thus postponing the scheduled time for the next water supply to maintain the pet's interest in the water source.

[0051] Preferably, the water supply device includes a water outlet device and a return device; and the drinking water calculation process includes:

[0052] Calculate the water output of the water outlet device and the return flow of the return device. The difference between the water output and the return flow is the drinking water volume.

[0053] Preferably, if the number of times the drinking water volume in the abnormal drinking water reservoir is 0 is greater than 3 and occurs consecutively, it is determined that the water supply device needs to replace the water source;

[0054] If the number of times the water consumption in the abnormal water storage exceeds the second threshold is more than 3 and occurs consecutively, it is determined that the pet is severely dehydrated or that the number of pets has increased.

[0055] Preferably, if the number of times the water consumption in the abnormal water consumption database is 0 or less than the first threshold within a set time period is greater than 3, it is determined that the pet's water consumption is insufficient and needs to be replenished.

[0056] If, within a set time period, the number of times the pet's water consumption exceeds the second threshold in the abnormal water consumption database exceeds 3 times, a warning will be issued indicating a health problem.

[0057] Other features and corresponding beneficial effects of the present invention will be described in the latter part of the specification, and it should be understood that at least some of the beneficial effects will become obvious from the description in the specification. Attached Figure Description

[0058] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the pet water supply device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0059] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure of the control module in an embodiment of this application;

[0060] Figure 3 This is a schematic flowchart of a water supply method according to an embodiment of this application;

[0061] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating step 1 of the water supply method according to an embodiment of this application;

[0062] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating step 3 of the water supply method according to an embodiment of this application.

[0063] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0064] 100. Pet water supply system;

[0065] 110. Water storage tank; 120. Water storage device; 130. Water outlet device; 140. Water return device; 150. Signal transmitting device;

[0066] 131. First flow meter; 141. Second flow meter;

[0067] 160. Control module;

[0068] 161. Drinking water record database; 162. Timing unit; 163. Behavioral characteristic database; 164. Induction signal database; 165. Communication unit;

[0069] 170. Pet identification device; 180. External electronic device;

[0070] 200. Water source. Detailed Implementation

[0071] The following specific embodiments illustrate the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of the present invention from the content disclosed in this specification. Although the description of the present invention is presented in conjunction with preferred embodiments, this does not mean that the features of the invention are limited to these embodiments. On the contrary, the purpose of describing the invention in conjunction with embodiments is to cover other options or modifications that may be derived based on the claims of the present invention. To provide a deep understanding of the invention, many specific details will be included in the following description. The invention may also be implemented without using these details. Furthermore, to avoid confusion or obscuring the focus of the invention, some specific details will be omitted in the description. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other.

[0072] It should be noted that in this specification, similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0073] The technical solution of the present invention will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0074] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0075] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0076] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention clearer, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0077] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the pet water supply device according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure of the control module in an embodiment of this application.

[0078] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the pet water supply device 100 includes a water storage tank 110 for storing water 200, and a water storage device 120 for storing water 200 for pets to drink. It also includes a water outlet device 130, one end of which is connected to the water 200 in the water storage tank 110, and the other end is connected to the top of the water storage device 120.

[0079] In one embodiment, the water outlet device 130 is equipped with a pump that pumps water 200 from the water storage tank 110 to above the water storage device 120, causing the water 200 to fall into the water storage device 120 from above, forming a stable flow of water 200. Furthermore, the water outlet device 130 is equipped with a first flow meter 131 to record the water output of the water outlet device 130.

[0080] In other alternative embodiments, the water outlet device 130 may not be equipped with a pump, and the water storage tank 110 may be placed above the water outlet device 130, so that the water source 200 in the water storage tank 110 is transported to the top of the water storage device 120 by gravity.

[0081] As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the water outlet device 130 can adopt any structure capable of conveying the water source 200, and it is only necessary to pump the water source 200 in the water storage tank 110 to the water storage device 120.

[0082] In one embodiment, a water return device 140 is provided at the bottom of the water storage device 120. One end of the water return device 140 is connected to the water storage tank 110, and the other end is connected to the bottom of the water storage device 120, so as to return all the water source 200 in the water storage device 120 to the water storage tank 110.

[0083] In one embodiment, the return water device 140 is equipped with a pump to return all the water source 200 in the water storage device 120 to the water tank 110. The return water device 140 is also equipped with a second flow meter 141 to record the amount of water returned. This ensures that the water storage device 120 remains dry when the pet water supply device 100 is not supplying water, preventing the water source 200 from being left in the water storage device 120 for a long time, thus avoiding bacterial growth or external contamination of the water source 200 in the water storage device 120.

[0084] In one embodiment, the pet water dispenser 100 is further equipped with a signal transmitter 150, which may include a light-emitting device, a sound-emitting device, and a scent device. The light-emitting device can emit human voices, the sound of opening a can of food, the sound of a pet toy, the sound of a pet, or play other recorded audio sounds. The light-emitting device can emit point light sources, surface light sources, stationary light sources, moving light sources, or other recorded light sources, and can be configured with an illumination area and illumination trajectory to attract pets to the water storage device 120 of the pet water dispenser 100. The scent device can release scents such as pet food or pet treats to attract pets. This effectively attracts pets to the water storage device 120 and encourages them to drink when the pet water dispenser 100 is supplying water. Simultaneously, by changing the inducing signal emitted by the signal transmitter 150, the pet's curiosity about the inducing signal can be maintained for a longer period, thus keeping the inducing signal attractive to the pet. This increases the pet's interest in drinking water, thereby increasing the pet's water intake and contributing to the pet's health.

[0085] In one embodiment, the signal transmitting device 150 may be integrated into the water outlet device 130.

[0086] In other alternative embodiments, the signal transmitting device 150 may also be disposed in the water return device 140, the water storage tank 110 and the water storage device 120, or the signal transmitting device 150 may be independent of other structures. Specifically, this application does not impose any restrictions.

[0087] In one embodiment, the control module 160 is connected to the water outlet device 130, the water return device 140, and the signal transmitter 150, and controls the water outlet device 130 to supply water according to the set water volume and set time, and controls the signal transmitter 150 to release an induction signal when supplying water, and controls the signal transmitter 150 to stop releasing the induction signal 151 when the water supply stops.

[0088] The control module 160 is equipped with a drinking water record library 161 and a timing unit 162. The drinking water record library 161 is used to record the pet's drinking water volume and drinking time. The control module 160 sets the set water volume and set time of the water dispensing device 130 according to the data of the drinking water record library 161.

[0089] In one implementation, the timing unit 162 can obtain the current time and also calculate the duration.

[0090] In one implementation, the control module 160 controls the process as follows:

[0091] The control module 160 determines whether the current time is the set time based on the timing unit 162. If the current time is the set time, the control module 160 controls the water outlet 130 to dispense the set amount of water and simultaneously controls the return water device 140 to return water. By controlling the water dispensing rate of the water outlet 130, the return water rate of the return water device 140, and the opening and closing time of the return water device 140, the control module 160 maintains water 200 in the water storage device 120 and prevents the water 200 in the water storage device 120 from overflowing. When the water outlet 130 dispenses water, the control module 160 also controls the signal transmitter 150 to release an induction signal to attract the pet to approach and drink. This allows the control module 160 to supply water on time at the set time, thus maintaining a regular water supply and ensuring that the pet maintains a regular drinking habit and drinks enough water.

[0092] Furthermore, the control module 160 records the pet's water consumption and drinking time in the water consumption record database 161, and sets the set water volume and set time of the water dispensing device 130 based on the data in the water consumption record database 161; thus, the set water volume and set time can be adjusted according to changes in the pet's habits, so that the pet can better develop regular drinking habits and monitor the pet's health status.

[0093] In one embodiment, the control module 160 includes a behavior feature database 163 that records pet behavior data. The pet water supply device 100 also includes a pet identification device 170, which is connected to the control module 160 and can identify the pet's behavior characteristics. The control module 160 matches the behavior characteristics identified by the pet identification device 170 with the pet behavior data in the behavior feature database 163 and determines whether to supply water.

[0094] The pet behavior data can include pet behavior captured while the pet is drinking, or pet behavior while the pet is near the water storage device 120 of the pet water dispenser 100 before drinking. By recording the above pet behavior data, it is possible to better determine whether the pet needs water during non-set time periods, thereby ensuring that the pet water dispenser 100 can still provide water when the pet exhibits behaviors indicating a need to drink, so as to ensure that the pet can normally obtain water 200 during non-set time periods.

[0095] In one embodiment, the pet identification device 170 is integrated into the signal transmitting device 150. Those skilled in the art will understand that the pet identification device 170 only needs to communicate with the control module 160. In other alternative embodiments, the pet identification device 170 can also be set up independently; for example, the pet identification device 170 can be a camera installed in the home, or a camera on a smart device, etc.

[0096] In one embodiment, the pet recognition device 170 can be a camera, an infrared camera, a motion capture device, etc.

[0097] In one implementation, the control module 160 calculates high-frequency drinking time periods based on the drinking times recorded in the drinking record database 161, and sets the midpoint of these high-frequency drinking time periods as the set time. It should be noted that a high-frequency drinking time period is defined as a specific time interval within which the number of recorded drinking times exceeds a certain threshold. For example, if the number of recorded drinking times within the same hour each day of a month exceeds 10-15, then this time period is considered a high-frequency drinking time period. This allows for the reasonable setting of the water supply device's set time, which can be adjusted according to changes in the pet's drinking habits and promote the development of regular drinking habits in the pet.

[0098] In other alternative implementations, a high-frequency drinking period can also refer to a time interval in which the number of time points recorded as drinking times in a specific time period of each day exceeds 40% to 75% of the total number of drinking times in that time interval, such as 60%, 65%, 70%, etc.

[0099] In one embodiment, the timing unit 162 records the response duration, which is the time interval from the release of the induction signal to the detection that the pet is approaching and drinking water;

[0100] If the response time exceeds the set first threshold, the set time for the next water supply will be postponed.

[0101] If the response time exceeds the set second threshold, the release of the induction signal will stop and the water supply will be stopped.

[0102] In one implementation, the duration of the first threshold can be 1 to 3 minutes, and can be freely set according to the pet's activity level. When the response time exceeds the set first threshold, it indicates that the pet's demand for water 200 is low, thus delaying the next water supply to maintain the pet's interest in water 200. Simultaneously, when the response time exceeds the set first threshold, it can also indicate that the pet's sensitivity to the induction signal is reduced, delaying the next water supply reduces the frequency of induction signal release, thereby increasing the pet's interest in the induction signal.

[0103] In one implementation, the second threshold is 1.5 to 3 times greater than the first threshold, making the second threshold much larger than the first threshold. This avoids the pet being unable to respond to the induction signal to drink water in other situations (e.g., eating, playing). When the response time exceeds the set second threshold, it indicates that the pet has no interest in drinking water, so the induction signal is stopped and the water supply is stopped.

[0104] In one embodiment, the control module 160 is configured with a silent period. When the time recorded by the timing unit 162 falls within this silent period, the control module 160 controls the signal transmitter 150 to emit only at least one inducing signal from light and scent to attract the pet. This avoids the pet water dispenser 100 releasing sound inducing signals, which would generate inappropriate noise.

[0105] In one implementation, the quiet period may include nighttime or lunchtime periods; in other alternative implementations, it may be set by the pet owner.

[0106] In one implementation, the control module 160 calculates the pet's water consumption based on the outflow and return water volumes and records it in the water consumption record database 161. The control module 160 then sets the set water volume of the water dispensing device 130 to be 5 to 10 times the average water consumption corresponding to the drinking time recorded in the water consumption record database 161. This ensures that the pet water supply device 100 provides sufficient water output during water supply periods, guaranteeing that the pet can ingest enough water.

[0107] In one embodiment, the control module 160 is equipped with an induction signal library 164, which stores various signal data. The control module 160 controls the signal transmitting device 150 to emit corresponding induction signals according to the set signal data. This allows the control module 160 to emit appropriate induction signals based on the characteristics of different pets, thereby increasing their attractiveness to the pets.

[0108] In one embodiment, the control module 160 is equipped with a communication unit 165, which can be connected to an external electronic device 180 and feed back the pet's drinking information and health status to the external electronic device 180. This allows the pet's owner to monitor the pet's drinking information and health status through the external electronic device 180. The external electronic device 180 can be a smartphone, tablet, computer, electronic remote control, etc.

[0109] The external electronic device 180 can add, modify, or delete data stored in the control module 160 via the communication unit 165. For example, a pet feeder can use the external electronic device 180 to set the set time and set the water volume of the pet water supply device 100, and to add or delete signal data in the induction signal library 164 according to the pet's characteristics, thereby realizing personalized feeding of the pet.

[0110] In other alternative implementations, the pet's owner may also record light or sound cues using an external electronic device 180 and store them in the cues signal library 164.

[0111] The embodiments of the present invention also provide a water supply method, and the water supply method can be applied to the pet water supply device in the above embodiments. The water supply method of the present invention will be described in detail below using the pet water supply device in the above embodiments as an example.

[0112] Please see Figures 3 to 5 , Figure 3 This is a schematic flowchart of the water supply method according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating step 1 of the water supply method according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating step 3 of the water supply method according to an embodiment of this application.

[0113] like Figures 3 to 5 As shown, and in combination Figure 1 and Figure 2 This is understood; water supply methods include:

[0114] Step 1: Determine if the pet needs water; if so, proceed to Step 2.

[0115] Step 2: Provide water and release induction signals. Provide water to the pet according to the set water volume and set time, and release induction signals to the pet through at least one of sound, light and smell.

[0116] Step 3: Check if the pet is drinking water. If yes, proceed to Step 4. If no, stop the water supply and stop releasing the induction signal. Record the data of the pet not drinking water in the pet drinking anomaly database and repeat Step 1.

[0117] Step 4: Stop releasing the induction signal and record the pet's drinking information, including drinking time and amount;

[0118] Step 5: Analyze the pet's drinking information. When the water consumption is greater than 0, store the pet's drinking information in the pet drinking habit database, and reset the setting time and water volume based on the data in the pet drinking habit database.

[0119] When the amount of water consumed is less than the first threshold or greater than the second threshold, the drinking water information will be recorded in the drinking water anomaly database.

[0120] When the water consumption information is 0, the water consumption information will be recorded in the water consumption anomaly database;

[0121] Step 6: Feedback on the pet's health status. Based on the data from the drinking water anomaly database, determine the pet's health status and send feedback to the user terminal.

[0122] In one implementation, step 1 includes the following steps:

[0123] Step 1.1: Determine if the current time is the set time. If yes, supply water; otherwise, proceed to step 1.2: Determine if the current time is the set time through the timing unit 162 of the pet water supply device 100.

[0124] Step 1.2: Analyze pet behavior, obtain the pet behavior feature database 163, and capture the pet's behavior features; the behavior feature database 163 records pet behavior data; among which, the pet behavior data is used to determine whether the pet needs to be provided with water outside of the set time period.

[0125] In one embodiment, the pet's behavioral characteristics are captured by the pet identification device 170 of the pet water supply device 100. In other alternative embodiments, the pet's behavioral characteristics can also be captured by a detection device such as a pet collar worn by the pet.

[0126] Step 1.3: Determine whether water needs to be provided. Determine whether the pet's behavioral characteristics match the pet behavior data in the behavior characteristic database 163. If yes, then water needs to be provided. If no, proceed to step 1.1.

[0127] In one implementation, if the pet's behavioral characteristics match the pet behavior data in the behavior characteristic database 163 by more than 60% to 80%, it is determined that water needs to be provided. Otherwise, step 1.1 is executed.

[0128] Step 1.4: Record pet behavior data. Convert the matched pet behavior characteristics into pet behavior data and store it in the behavior characteristic database 163. This improves the accuracy of determining whether a pet needs water. Through long-term feeding, the behavioral characteristics of the pet are collected each time it drinks, resulting in a large amount of pet behavior data. This enriches the data in the behavior characteristic database 163, continuously improving the accuracy of determining whether a pet needs water.

[0129] In one implementation, the user terminal can autonomously set the induction signal. This allows pet owners to set induction signals that their pets are sensitive to, based on the pet's characteristics. For example, the induction signal could be the sound of a toy, the pet owner's call, etc. The user terminal can be an external electronic device 180.

[0130] In one implementation, step 3 includes:

[0131] Step 3.1: Determine if the pet is close. Determine if the distance between the pet and the water storage device 120 of the pet water supply device 100 is less than the third threshold. If yes, proceed to step 3.2; if no, proceed to step 3.3. The third threshold can be less than or equal to 0.05 to 0.1 m to determine if the pet is close to the water storage device 120 of the pet water supply device 100.

[0132] Step 3.2: Record the response time and drinking time. Record the response time from the start of releasing the induction signal to the pet approaching the water storage device 120, and determine when the pet starts drinking. Record the time of this determination as the drinking time.

[0133] Step 3.3: Determine if the pet has not drunk water and record the response time; repeat step 3.1. When the number of times step 3.1 is executed exceeds the first set value or the duration exceeds the second set value, determine if the pet has not drunk water and record the response time from the start of releasing the induction signal to the determination that the pet has not drunk water.

[0134] In one implementation, the response time when no water is consumed can be equal to a second set value.

[0135] Those skilled in the art will understand that steps 3.1 to 3.3 above determine whether the pet is drinking by judging whether the pet is near the water supply device. The above steps lower the standard for judging whether the pet has started to drink. It is determined that the pet is drinking as long as the pet is near the water storage device 120 of the pet water supply device 100, so as to ensure the stability and sensitivity of the water supply and facilitate the pet to obtain water source 200.

[0136] In other alternative implementations, other criteria can be used to determine whether a pet is drinking water. For example, the pet identification device 170 can be used to supplement whether the pet has made a drinking behavior, or the water return device 140 can be used to determine whether the pet has made a drinking behavior.

[0137] In one implementation, when the response time exceeds a first threshold, the scheduled time for the next water supply is postponed. This indicates that the pet's need for water 200 is relatively low, thus postponing the next water supply to maintain the pet's interest in water 200. The first threshold can be 1-3 minutes, or other durations such as 5 minutes, 10 minutes, etc., and can also be set by the pet owner.

[0138] In one embodiment, the water supply device includes a water outlet device 130 and a water return device 140; and the drinking water calculation process includes:

[0139] The water output of the water outlet device 130 and the return flow rate of the water return device 140 are calculated. The difference between the water output and the return flow rate is the amount of water consumed. This allows for the accurate determination of the pet's water intake.

[0140] In one implementation, if the number of times the water consumption in the abnormal water reservoir is zero occurs more than three times consecutively, it is determined that the water supply device needs to replace the water source 200. At this point, if the pet has not drunk water three times in a row, it indicates that the water source 200 is contaminated, and the pet is unwilling to drink from the water source 200.

[0141] In one implementation, if the number of times the water consumption in the water tank exceeds the second threshold is greater than 3 (e.g., 4, 5, 6, etc.) and occurs consecutively, or if the water consumption in the water tank exceeds the second threshold more than 3 times consecutively, then it is determined that the pet is severely dehydrated, or that the number of pets has increased. In other alternative implementations, the number of times the water consumption exceeds the second threshold can be less than or equal to 2.

[0142] In one implementation, if the number of times the water consumption in the abnormal water consumption database is 0 or less than a first threshold within a set time period is greater than 3, it is determined that the pet's water consumption is insufficient and needs to be replenished.

[0143] If, within a set time period, the number of times the pet's water consumption exceeds the second threshold in the abnormal water consumption database exceeds 3 times, a warning will be issued indicating a health problem.

[0144] The set time period can be 2 to 35 days, such as 3, 5, 7, 15, or 30 days. This allows for the monitoring of the pet's health status, and by analyzing the pet's water intake information within the set time period, the pet's health condition can be assessed.

[0145] Furthermore, the time period can be set to 2 to 35 days prior to the pet's last drinking time.

[0146] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A pet water supply device, comprising a water tank for storing water and a water storage device for storing water for pets to drink, characterized in that, Also includes: A water outlet device, connecting the water storage tank and the water storage device, is used to pump water from the water storage tank to the water storage device. Furthermore, the water outlet device is equipped with a first flow meter to record the water output. A return flow device, connecting the water storage tank and the water storage device, is used to return all the water in the water storage device to the water storage tank, and the return flow device is equipped with a second flow meter to record the amount of water returned; A signal transmitting device for releasing at least one inducing signal among sound, light, and smell to attract pets; The control module is connected to the water outlet device, the return device and the signal transmitter, and controls the water outlet device to supply water according to the set water volume and set time, and controls the signal transmitter to release the induction signal when supplying water, and controls the signal transmitter to stop releasing the induction signal when the water supply stops. The control module is equipped with a drinking water record database and a timing unit. The drinking water record database is used to record the pet's drinking water volume and drinking time. The control module sets the set water volume and set time of the water dispensing device based on the data in the drinking water record database. The control module calculates the high-frequency drinking time period based on the drinking time recorded in the drinking record database, and sets the midpoint of the high-frequency drinking time period as the set time. The timing unit records the response duration, which is the time interval from the release of the induction signal to the detection of the pet approaching and drinking water; If the response time exceeds the set first threshold, the set time for the next water supply is postponed. When the response time exceeds the set second threshold, the release of the induction signal is stopped and the water supply is stopped. The duration of the first threshold is set to 1 to 3 minutes, and the second threshold is 1.5 to 3 times greater than the first threshold; The control module calculates the pet's water consumption based on the water output and return volume, records it in the water consumption record database, and sets the set water volume of the water dispensing device to 5 to 10 times the water consumption corresponding to the water consumption time in the water consumption record database.

2. The pet water supply device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The timing unit is set with a silent period. When the time recorded by the timing unit is within the silent period, the control module controls the signal transmitting device to emit only at least one of the inducing signals, namely light and scent, to attract pets.

3. The pet water supply device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The signal transmitting device includes a light-emitting device, a sound-emitting device, and an odor-emitting device; The control module is equipped with an induction signal library, which stores various signal data. The control module controls the signal transmitting device to emit the corresponding induction signal according to the set signal data.

4. The pet water supply device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The control module is equipped with a communication unit, which can be connected to an external electronic device; and feeds back the pet's drinking water information and health status to the external electronic device; The external electronic device can add, modify, or delete data stored in the control module through the communication unit.

5. A water supply method, characterized in that, The following steps are performed using the pet water supply device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4: Step 1: Determine if the pet needs water; if so, proceed to Step 2. Step 1.1: Determine if the current time is the set time. If yes, supply water; otherwise, proceed to step 1.

2. Step 1.2: Obtain the pet's behavior feature database and capture the pet's behavior features. The behavior feature database records pet behavior data. Step 1.3: Determine whether the pet's behavioral characteristics match the pet behavior data in the behavioral characteristic database; if yes, determine that water needs to be provided; if no, proceed to step 1.

1. Step 2: Provide water to the pet according to the set water volume and set time, and release an induction signal to the pet through at least one of sound, light and smell; Step 3: Determine whether the pet is drinking water; if yes, proceed to step 4; if no, stop the water supply and stop releasing the induction signal, record the data of the pet not drinking water in the pet drinking anomaly database, and re-execute step 1. Step 3.1: Determine whether the distance between the pet and the water storage device of the pet water supply system is less than the third threshold. If yes, proceed to step 3.2; otherwise, proceed to step 3.

3. Step 3.2: Record the response time from the start of releasing the induction signal to the pet approaching the water supply system, and determine when the pet starts drinking. Record the time of determination as the drinking time. Step 3.3: Repeat step 3.

1. When the number of times step 3.1 is executed exceeds the first set value or the duration exceeds the second set value, determine that the pet has not drunk water, and record the response time from the start of releasing the induction signal to the determination that the pet has not drunk water. Step 4: Stop releasing the induction signal and record the pet's drinking information, including drinking time and amount; Step 5: When the water intake is greater than 0, store the pet's water intake information into the pet water intake habit database, and reset the set time and set water intake according to the data in the pet water intake habit database; When the amount of water consumed in the drinking water information is less than the first threshold or greater than the second threshold, the drinking water information is recorded in the drinking water anomaly database. When the amount of water consumed in the drinking water information is 0, the drinking water information is recorded in the drinking water anomaly database; Step 6: Based on the data from the drinking water anomaly database, determine the pet's health status and send the information back to the user terminal.

6. The water supply method as described in claim 5, characterized in that, Also includes: Step 1.4: Convert the matching pet's behavioral characteristics into pet behavior data and store it in the behavior characteristic database.

7. The water supply method as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The user terminal can independently set the induction signal.

8. The water supply method as described in claim 5, characterized in that, When the response duration exceeds a first threshold, the set time for the next water supply is postponed.

9. The water supply method as described in claim 5, characterized in that, If the number of times the water consumption is 0 in the abnormal drinking water database is greater than 3 and occurs consecutively, it is determined that the pet water supply system needs to be replaced. If the number of times the water consumption exceeds the second threshold in the water consumption anomaly database is greater than 3 and occurs consecutively, it is determined that the pet is severely dehydrated, or that the number of pets has increased.

10. The water supply method as described in claim 5, characterized in that, If, within a set time period, the number of times the water consumption in the abnormal water consumption database is 0 or less than a first threshold and is greater than 3, it is determined that the pet's water consumption is insufficient and needs to be replenished. If, within a set time period, the number of times the water consumption in the abnormal water consumption database exceeds the second threshold is more than 3, a warning will be issued indicating that the pet has a health problem.

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