System and method for monitoring and controlling pet activity

Abstract

The invention discloses an artificial intelligence-based system and method for monitoring and controlling pet activity. The system includes a pet control device associated with a pet, a user device associated with a user, a smart camera disposed at a designated area, and a computing device in communication with the user device, the smart camera, and the pet control device. The smart camera is configured to detect the presence of a pet in a specified partition and capture visual data of the pet. The computing device enables a user to define a specified partition to monitor activity of a pet at the specified partition, and enables the user to define at least one restricted action corresponding to the specified partition. The computing device is further configured to detect the presence of a pet in the specified partition, detect progress of a restricted action at the specified partition, and provide an alert to the user and the pet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention generally relates to pet management. More specifically, this invention relates to an artificial intelligence-based system and method for monitoring and controlling pet activities. Background Technology

[0002] Pets are often left alone, especially when their owners are away at work or performing other tasks. During these times when their owners are not around, pets may find themselves in situations requiring their attention. For example, they may enter restricted areas, such as bedrooms, gardens, or other restricted zones, where they may engage in behaviors such as scratching furniture, tearing pillows, damaging plants, or performing other restricted actions such as urinating or defecating.

[0003] Restricting a pet's behavior can lead to a range of negative consequences, including safety risks, property damage, and ineffective training. Consistent and timely alerts play a crucial role in promoting responsible pet ownership, ensuring pet safety, and maintaining a harmonious family environment.

[0004] Furthermore, some patent references related to monitoring pet activity are discussed below. US9642340, entitled "Remote Pet Monitoring Systems and Methods" by Allen L. Brown et al., discloses a system comprising a base station, a first monitoring device, and a second monitoring device. The base station and the first monitoring device are configured to capture first data associated with a first monitoring area and transmit the first data to the base station. The second monitoring device is configured to capture second data associated with a second monitoring area and transmit the second data to the base station. The first and second monitoring areas are adjacent to each other. The base station is configured to determine whether the pet's location is within the first or second monitoring area. The base station is configured to determine the pet's state based on at least one of the first and second data.

[0005] US11166435, entitled "Methods and systems for deterring animals to approach or enter identified zones," by Terry Anderton et al., discloses an animal restriction zone system comprising a smart collar and multiple electric transceivers. Each of the multiple electric transceivers has a unique identifier and is configured to transmit a signal. The smart collar is configured to read and record the signal strength of each transmitter at various locations and use this information to create a prohibited zone that can be downloaded to the smart collar. The smart collar is configured to use a stored table to determine whether the smart collar has entered a desired prohibited zone. The smart collar also includes a stimulus transmitter for providing a warning to the animal and a communication device configured to alert the owner.

[0006] However, existing references mainly focus on monitoring the location of pets and preventing them from entering restricted areas, and do not provide effective solutions for detecting restricted actions being performed in one or more areas and preventing pets from performing restricted actions.

[0007] Therefore, a system and method are needed for monitoring and controlling pet activities. Furthermore, the system needs to detect the presence of pets in certain areas, detect when pets are engaging in restrictive behaviors in certain areas, and provide alerts to prevent pets from engaging in such behaviors. Summary of the Invention

[0008] This invention discloses an artificial intelligence-based system and method for monitoring and controlling pet activities. The system includes a pet control device associated with the pet, a user device associated with a user, at least one smart camera positioned in one or more designated areas, and a computing device. The computing device communicates with the user device, the smart camera, and the pet control device via a network.

[0009] The smart camera is configured to detect the presence of a pet in a designated area and capture visual data of the pet in that area. In another embodiment, the smart camera includes a solar panel module for supplying power.

[0010] The pet control device includes a control module and a communication module that communicates with the control module. The pet control device is configured to wirelessly communicate with a smart camera and a computing device via the communication module. The pet control device also includes a power module for supplying power to the pet control device. In one embodiment, the power module includes a battery for supplying power to the pet control device. The pet control device also includes at least one of an audio sensor and a video sensor. In one embodiment, the pet control device is configured as a collar. In another embodiment, the pet control device is configured as a leg chain.

[0011] The computing device includes a computer vision module and an artificial intelligence module. The computing device is configured to enable a user to use a user device to define at least one designated partition to monitor the activity of a pet in that designated partition. The computing device provides an interface with at least six movable angles for defining the designated partition. The computing device is also configured to enable the user to define at least one restricted action corresponding to the designated partition. In one example, the restricted actions include entering one or more designated partitions, sitting in one or more designated partitions, sleeping in one or more designated partitions, and defecating in one or more designated partitions.

[0012] The computing device is also configured to receive visual data of the pet from a smart camera. The computing device is also configured to detect the presence of the pet in a designated area and the execution of restricted actions in that designated area. Furthermore, the computing device is configured to provide one or more first alarms to the pet via a pet control device to prohibit the pet from performing restricted actions. The computing device is also configured to provide one or more second alarms to the user via a user device regarding the pet performing restricted actions in the designated area. The computing device is also configured to provide a second alarm when the pet control device and the smart camera are disconnected. The first alarms include audible and vibration alarms. The first alarms also include ultrasonic and vibration alarms.

[0013] Furthermore, the computing device allows the user to adjust the intensity of the first and second alarms via a user device. The computing device also allows the user to define the types of the first and second alarms via a user device.

[0014] The computing device is also configured to provide notifications via a user device regarding the pet's restricted movements and the power level of the pet control device.

[0015] The above overview contains simplifications, generalizations, and omissions of details, and is not intended as a comprehensive description of the claimed subject matter, but rather as a brief summary of some of its associated functions. Other systems, methods, functions, features, and advantages of the claimed subject matter will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon studying the following figures and detailed written description. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The description of the illustrative embodiments can be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that, for simplicity and clarity, the elements shown in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some elements are exaggerated relative to others. Embodiments incorporating the teachings of this disclosure are shown and described with reference to the accompanying drawings presented herein, wherein:

[0017] Figure 1 An environment for an AI-based system for monitoring and controlling pet activities according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated exemplarily.

[0018] Figure 2 An environment including a network-connected pet control device and a camera is illustrated exemplarily according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 3 A flowchart of a method for monitoring and controlling pet activities according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown as an example. Detailed Implementation

[0020] A description of embodiments of the invention will now be given with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is anticipated that the invention may be practiced in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive in all respects.

[0021] Figure 1 An environment 100 for a system for monitoring and controlling pet activities according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated by way of example. The system includes a computing device 104, a pet control device 102, a user device 106, and one or more smart cameras 108. The computing device 104 communicates with the pet control device 102, the user device 106, and the smart cameras 108 via a network 110.

[0022] Pet control device 102 is associated with a pet. The pet is a trained pet. Pets include, but are not limited to, dogs and cats. Pet control device 102 includes a control module 114, a communication module 112 connected to the control module 114, and a power module 116 connected to the control module 114 and the communication module 112. Pet control device 102 is configured to communicate with computing device 104 and smart camera 108 via communication module 112. In one embodiment, pet control device 102 communicates with smart camera 108 via Bluetooth protocol. In one embodiment, pet control device 102 is configured as a collar. In another embodiment, pet control device 102 is configured as a leg chain. In one embodiment, power module 116 includes a battery. In another embodiment, power module 116 includes a rechargeable battery. Pet control device 102 includes at least one of an audio sensor and a video sensor.

[0023] In one implementation, one or more smart cameras 108 are positioned at one or more designated areas. The smart cameras 108 are configured to detect designated partitions 204 within the designated areas (e.g.,...). Figure 2 The smart camera 108 is configured to store visual data of a pet in a designated area 204, as shown in the diagram. In one embodiment, the smart camera 108 includes a computer vision module and an artificial intelligence module. In one embodiment, the smart camera 108 includes a power source. In one embodiment, the power source includes a solar panel module for supplying power to the smart camera 108. In one embodiment, the smart camera 108 includes a port for supplying power from an external power source, such as a USB-C port. This port is also capable of charging the power source of the smart camera 108. In one embodiment, the power source includes one or more batteries. The smart camera 108 can be used in both indoor and outdoor environments.

[0024] User device 106 is associated with a user. The user may be a person associated with a pet. User device 106 is configured to provide an interface for accessing services provided by computing device 104. This interface may be, for example, an application that allows user device 106 to wirelessly connect to and access computing device 104 via network 110. User device 106 includes, but is not limited to, desktop computers, laptop computers, mobile phones, personal digital assistants, etc. User device 106 is configured to execute one or more client applications, such as, but not limited to, web browsers for accessing and viewing content via network 110 and file transfer protocol (FTP) clients for file transfer. In various embodiments, user device 106 may include a Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) browser or other wireless or mobile device protocol suites.

[0025] Network 110 typically represents one or more interconnected networks through which computing device 104, pet control device 102, user device 106, and smart camera 108 can communicate with each other. Network 110 may include packet-based wide area networks (such as the Internet), local area networks (LANs), private networks, wireless networks, satellite networks, cellular networks, paging networks, etc. Those skilled in the art will recognize that network 110 may also be a combination of more than one type of network. For example, network 110 may be a combination of a LAN and the Internet. Furthermore, network 110 may be implemented as a wired network or a wireless network or a combination thereof.

[0026] The system also includes at least one database that communicates with the computing device 104. In one example, the database resides within the computing device 104. In another example, the database resides separately from the computing device 104. Regardless of location, the database includes storage for storing and organizing data used by the computing device 104. The database includes information related to the user and pet used by the computing device 104.

[0027] In one embodiment, the computing device 104 is at least one of a server, a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a workstation, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a mobile phone, a mainframe, a supercomputer, and a server cluster. Although the computing device 104 is shown as a single device, the functions performed by the computing device 104 can be performed using any suitable number of computing devices 104. The computing device 104 includes at least one memory configured to store a set of program modules and at least one processor. The processor is configured to execute the modules to perform one or more operations of the system.

[0028] The computing device 104 includes a computer vision module and an artificial intelligence module. The computing device 104 is configured to enable a user to use a user device 106 to define at least one designated partition 204 to monitor the activity of a pet within that designated partition 204. The designated partition 204 refers to a predetermined area or location equipped with monitoring or surveillance technology to observe and record the pet's movement, behavior, and activities. The computing device 104 provides an interface with at least six movable corners for defining the designated partition 204. This interface allows the user to define the designated partition 204 by adjusting the position of the six movable corners arranged in a hexagonal pattern. In one embodiment, the system includes an augmented reality (AR) module configured to recognize shapes. Even when the smart camera 108 is moving, the AR module is able to accurately select the designated partition 204.

[0029] Each smart camera 108 is configured to cover at least one designated partition 204. Furthermore, multiple smart cameras 108 can be used to cover multiple designated partitions 204. The computing device 104 is also configured to enable a user to define at least one restricted action corresponding to a designated partition 204. In one example, restricted actions include entering one or more designated partitions 204 and actions within one or more designated partitions 204, such as sitting, sleeping, or defecating. The computing device 104 is also configured to receive visual data of the pet from the smart cameras 108. The computing device 104 is also configured to detect the presence of the pet in the designated partition 204 and detect the execution of restricted actions at the designated partition 204.

[0030] The computing device 104 is also configured to provide one or more first alarms to the pet via a pet control device to prohibit the pet from performing restricted actions. The computing device 104 is also configured to provide one or more second alarms to a user via a user device 106 regarding the pet performing restricted actions at a designated zone 204. The computing device 104 is also configured to provide the second alarms when the pet control device 102 and the smart camera 108 are disconnected. The computing device 104 enables the user to define the type of the first alarm via the user device 106. The computing device 104 also enables the user to adjust the intensity of the first alarm via the user device 106. The computing device 104 enables the user to define the type of the second alarm via the user device 106. The computing device 104 also enables the user to adjust the intensity of the second alarm via the user device 106. In one embodiment, the first alarm includes at least one of an audio alarm, a vibration alarm, an ultrasonic alarm, an ultrasonic vibration alarm, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the second alarm includes an audio alarm, a vibration alarm, and combinations thereof.

[0031] The computing device 104 is also capable of determining the pet's location. The computing device 104 is also configured to provide notifications regarding the pet's activities. The computing device 104 is also configured to provide notifications regarding restrictions on the pet's movements. The computing device 104 is also configured to provide notifications regarding the battery level of the pet control device 102.

[0032] Figure 2 An environment 200 comprising a pet control device 102 connected to a network 110 and a smart camera 108, according to an embodiment of the present invention, is illustrated exemplary. In one embodiment, the pet control device 102 is connected to the smart camera 108 via Bluetooth. The smart camera 108 includes a 2K camera assembly connected to a printed circuit board (PCB), thereby ensuring easy access to all components. This PCB is equivalent to an Orange Pi 5 and features an RK3588 neural chip for enhanced functionality.

[0033] A smart camera 108 is positioned in a designated area 202 and configured to detect the presence of a pet in a designated partition 204 and capture visual data of the pet in the designated partition 204. The smart camera 108 is configured to send the visual data to a computing device 104. The computing device 104 detects the presence of the pet in the designated partition 204 and detects any restraint actions performed in the designated partition 204. If the pet performs a restraint action, the computing device 104 sends a first alarm and a second alarm to both the pet and the user.

[0034] Figure 3A flowchart of a method 300 for monitoring and controlling pet activities according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown as an example. Method 300 is executed in a system including a computing device 104, a pet control device 102, a user device 106, and one or more smart cameras 108. The computing device 104 communicates with the pet control device 102, the user device 106, and the smart cameras 108 via a network 110.

[0035] In step 302, the computing device 104 is configured to enable a user to use the user device 106 to define at least one designated partition 204 to monitor the pet's activity at the designated partition 204. The computing device 104 provides an interface with at least six movable angles for defining the designated partition 204. The user can customize the designated partition 204 by adjusting the movable angles of the selected area.

[0036] In step 304, the computing device 104 is further configured to enable the user to limit at least one restricted action corresponding to the designated partition 204. In one example, the restricted action includes entering one or more designated partitions 204 and actions at one or more designated partitions 204, such as sitting, sleeping, or defecating.

[0037] In step 306, the computing device 104 is also configured to receive visual data of the pet from the smart camera 108.

[0038] In step 308, the computing device 104 is further configured to detect the presence of a pet in the designated partition 204 and to detect the execution of a restriction action at the designated partition 204.

[0039] In step 310, the computing device 104 is also configured to provide one or more first alarms to the pet via the pet control device to prohibit the pet from performing restricted actions.

[0040] In step 312, the computing device 104 is further configured to provide a user with one or more second alarms via the user device 106 regarding a pet engaging in restricted behavior at a designated partition 204. The computing device 104 enables the user to adjust the intensity of the first and second alarms via the user device 106. The computing device 104 also enables the user to define the types of the first and second alarms via the user device 106. The computing device 104 is configured to provide notifications via the user device 106 regarding the restricted behavior of the pet and the power level of the pet control device 102.

[0041] Advantageously, the system integrates artificial intelligence to detect the presence of pets in designated zone 204, detect any restricted actions performed by the pets within zone 204, and provide alerts to prevent the pets from performing these restricted actions. Furthermore, the system has an accuracy rate of approximately 98%. The system continuously improves its accuracy using real-life customer feedback and data. The system can be used in both indoor and outdoor environments. The solar panel module of the smart camera 108 ensures a continuous power supply to the smart camera 108 located in outdoor environments. This eliminates the need for frequent battery replacements and enables continuous operation even in remote areas.

[0042] While this disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes can be made and elements can be replaced with equivalents without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular system, apparatus, or component thereof to the teachings of this disclosure without departing from its basic scope. Therefore, this disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed for implementing this disclosure, but rather will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, the use of the terms first, second, etc., does not indicate any order or importance, but is used to distinguish one element from another.

[0043] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that, when used in this specification, the term “comprising” specifies the presence of the stated feature, integer, step, operation, element, and / or component, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0044] The description in this disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but it is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the disclosure in the form provided. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of this disclosure. The described embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles and practical application of this disclosure and to enable others skilled in the art to understand the various embodiments of this disclosure and the various modifications suitable for the intended particular purpose.

Claims

1. An artificial intelligence-based system for monitoring and controlling pet activities, the system comprising: A pet control device associated with the pet; User devices associated with the user; At least one smart camera is positioned in one or more designated areas, wherein the smart camera is configured to detect the presence of a pet in the designated area and capture visual data of the pet in the designated area. A computing device that communicates with the user device, the smart camera, and the pet control device via a network, wherein the computing device includes a computer vision module and an artificial intelligence module, and wherein the computing device is configured to: This enables the user to use the user device to define at least one designated partition to monitor the pet's activities in the designated partition; Enables the user to limit at least one restricted action for the corresponding specified partition; Receive visual data from the pet using the smart camera; Detect the presence of pets in the specified partition, and detect the execution of restricted actions in the specified partition; One or more first alarms are provided to the pet via the pet control device to prevent the pet from performing the restricted action, and One or more second alerts are provided to the user via the user device regarding the pet in the designated partition being subject to the restricted action.

2. The AI-based system according to claim 1, wherein the restricted actions include entering one or more designated partitions, sitting in one or more designated partitions, sleeping in one or more designated partitions, and defecating in one or more designated partitions.

3. The artificial intelligence-based system according to claim 1, wherein the pet control device includes at least one of an audio sensor and a video sensor.

4. The artificial intelligence-based system according to claim 1, wherein the first alarm includes an audio alarm and a vibration alarm.

5. The artificial intelligence-based system according to claim 1, wherein the first alarm includes ultrasonic and vibration alarms.

6. The artificial intelligence-based system of claim 1, wherein the pet control device includes a control module and a communication module communicating with the control module, wherein the pet control device is configured to wirelessly communicate with the smart camera and the computing device via the communication module.

7. The artificial intelligence-based system according to claim 1, wherein the pet control device further includes a power module for supplying power to the pet control device.

8. The artificial intelligence-based system of claim 1, wherein the smart camera includes a solar panel module for supplying power to the smart camera.

9. The artificial intelligence-based system of claim 1, wherein the computing device provides an interface having at least six movable corners for defining the designated partition.

10. The artificial intelligence-based system of claim 1, wherein the computing device enables the user to adjust the intensity of the first alarm and the second alarm via the user device.

11. The artificial intelligence-based system of claim 1, wherein the computing device enables the user to define the types of the first alarm and the second alarm via the user device.

12. The artificial intelligence-based system of claim 1, wherein the computing device is configured to provide the second alarm when the pet control device and the smart camera are disconnected.

13. The artificial intelligence-based system of claim 1, wherein the computing device is configured to provide notifications via the user device regarding the restricted actions of the pet and the power level of the pet control device.

14. The artificial intelligence-based system of claim 1, wherein the pet control device is configured as a collar.

15. The artificial intelligence-based system of claim 1, wherein the pet control device is configured as a leg chain.

16. The artificial intelligence-based system of claim 1, wherein the pet includes dogs and cats.

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