Animal control device and animal control system including the same

Abstract

The present invention provides an animal control device and an animal control system including the same. The animal control device includes a sensor that detects the movement of the animal, and a view blocker that is arranged to block the view of the animal and has a light transmittance controlled in response to a signal detected by the sensor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an animal control device and an animal control system including the same.

[0002] Specifically, the present invention relates to a device and a system for controlling an animal, such as a riding horse, using a sensor. More specifically, the present invention relates to a device and a system for sensing a situation using a sensor in a sudden situation where a horse gets excited and controlling the horse.

Background Art

[0003] A horse is one of the livestock that is very important to humans. In the past, it was only a target for hunting for human food, but because it has a gentle temperament, it is easy for humans to tame, and because it has good strength and endurance, it is used for riding, pulling, and carrying, and recently it is mainly used for leisure sports such as horse riding.

[0004] Horses have a level of intelligence that allows them to be trained through repeated learning. On the other hand, because horses are timid and have an excitable temperament, it is very important to train horses that can be controlled as intended by humans. Also, even if a horse is well-trained, when a sudden situation occurs, the horse often gets very excited and cannot be controlled. In addition, because horses have a strong sense of hierarchy, if the hierarchy with the rider or passenger on the horse has not been trained, control may become impossible, and in this case, it may pose a great danger to the rider (or jockey) on the horse.

[0005] On the other hand, horse riding was considered a hobby of the nobility, but recently, with the increase in the national income, it has become popular as the general public begins to learn horse riding as a hobby. As a result, the demand for well-trained riding horses that even beginners can ride well has increased.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The domestication of horses is estimated to have occurred around 2,500 BC. Thus, humans have recognized the usefulness of horses since ancient times and have domesticated them. However, the method of taming horses has purely relied on repetitive learning since ancient times, and therefore, the period for training horses is quite long. For such reasons, well-trained horses are traded at very high prices.

[0007] Therefore, not only is it not easy to train horses, but even well-trained horses, as described above, may sometimes lead to accidents due to the basic temperament of horses, that is, getting excited in sudden situations or not being able to recognize the rider on the horse as the master. Also, falling accidents that occur during horseback riding often lead to serious injuries.

[0008] In particular, for ordinary people who are not professional riders and who start horseback riding as part of sports or an experience, that is, riders, it is impossible to control an excited horse, which is the main factor increasing the entry barrier of horseback riding sports and making horseback riding sports recognized as dangerous. From such a perspective, there is an urgent need for a safety device for controlling a horse in sudden situations when raising well-trained horses and when an ordinary person rides a horse trained for sports.

[0009] The actions taken by a horse when it gets excited can be broadly classified into three categories. The first is that the horse suddenly runs at full speed, the second is the horse's rearing behavior. Finally, the third is leaving the route without following instructions from the rider or others.

[0010] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a device for controlling a horse when the horse gets excited or does not follow the instructions of the rider or passenger.

[0011] Another problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a horse control system using a device for controlling a horse when the horse gets excited or does not follow the instructions of the rider or passenger.

[0012] Yet another problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a method for controlling a horse when the horse gets excited or does not follow the instructions of a rider or passenger.

[0013] The problems of the present invention are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0014] An animal control device according to an embodiment of the present invention for solving the above problems includes a sensor that senses the movement of an animal, and a vision blocker that is arranged to block the vision of the animal and whose light transmittance is controlled according to the signal sensed by the sensor.

[0015] The sensor may include a speed sensor and be capable of measuring the moving speed of the animal.

[0016] Here, when the moving speed of the animal is equal to or exceeds a reference value, the light transmittance of the vision blocker can be decreased to limit the vision of the animal.

[0017] Further, when the measured speed is equal to or exceeds a reference value, the sensor may be configured to perform a method including a first step of decreasing the light transmittance of the vision blocker, a step of further decreasing the light transmittance of the vision blocker when the measured speed again exceeds the reference value after a predetermined time has elapsed from the first step, and a step of increasing the light transmittance of the vision blocker when the measured speed is less than or equal to the reference value after a predetermined time has elapsed from the first step.

[0018] Alternatively, when the measured speed is equal to or exceeds a first reference value, the sensor may be configured to perform a method including a first step of decreasing the light transmittance of the vision blocker, and a step of further decreasing the light transmittance of the vision blocker when the measured speed again exceeds a second reference value that is greater than the first reference value after the first step.

[0019] In some embodiments, the sensor can include a first sensor and a second sensor attached at different positions from each other.

[0020] Here, the first sensor and the second sensor sense the positions between each other, and when a level difference equal to or greater than a reference value occurs between the first sensor and the second sensor, the light transmittance of the vision blocker can be decreased to limit the vision of the animal.

[0021] Here, the vision blocker is partitioned into a plurality of regions capable of independently controlling the light transmittance from each other, and when a level difference equal to or greater than a reference value occurs between the first sensor and the second sensor, the vision blocker can completely block the vision of the remaining regions except for a part of the lower part of the animal's vision.

[0022] Further, the sensor includes a first sensor and a second sensor attached at different positions from each other, and the first sensor and the second sensor can each include an inclination sensor.

[0023] Here, when a difference equal to or greater than a reference value occurs between the inclination measured by the first sensor and the inclination measured by the second sensor, the light transmittance of the vision blocker can be decreased to limit the vision of the animal.

[0024] In some embodiments, the sensor can include an inclination sensor.

[0025] Here, when the inclination measured by the sensor is equal to or greater than a reference value, the light transmittance of the vision blocker can be decreased to limit the vision of the animal.

[0026] In some embodiments, the sensor includes a position sensor, and when the position measured by the sensor is outside a preset allowable region, the light transmittance of the vision blocker can be decreased to limit the vision of the animal.

[0027] Here, the vision blocker is partitioned into a plurality of regions capable of independently controlling the light transmittance. When the sensor deviates to one side of the allowable region, the vision blocker can completely block the vision of the remaining region except for a part on the other side of the animal's vision.

[0028] Also, when the sensor deviates to the other side of the allowable region, the vision blocker can completely block the vision of the remaining region except for a part on one side of the animal's vision.

[0029] Specific matters of other embodiments are included in the detailed description.

Advantages of the Invention

[0030] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when a horse takes a specific action, by at least partially blocking the horse's vision, the horse can be controlled and induced to calm down its excitement.

[0031] The effects according to the embodiments of the present invention are not limited by the contents exemplified above, and various other effects are included in this specification.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0043] The advantages and features of the present invention, and the method for achieving them, will become apparent by referring to the embodiments described in detail hereinafter together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, and can be realized in various different forms. Merely, the embodiments are provided so that the disclosure of the present invention becomes complete, and to fully inform those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains of the scope of the invention. The present invention is only defined by the scope of the claims. That is, various changes can be made to the embodiments presented by the present invention. The embodiments described hereinafter are not intended to limit the embodiments, and it must be understood that they include all changes, equivalents, and alternatives thereto.

[0044] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein can be used with the meaning commonly understood by those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains. Also, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries are not ideally or overly interpreted unless specifically defined otherwise.

[0045] In this specification, "and / or" includes each of the recited items and all combinations of one or more thereof. Also, the singular form includes the plural form unless specifically stated otherwise in the context. "Comprises" and / or "comprising" used in this specification do not exclude the existence or addition of one or more other components in addition to the recited components. The numerical range indicated using "~" indicates a numerical range including the values described before and after it as the lower and upper limits respectively. "About" or "approximately" means a value or numerical range within 20% of the value or numerical range described after it.

[0046] The sizes, thicknesses, widths, lengths, etc. of the illustrated components can be exaggerated or reduced for the convenience and clarity of the description, so the present invention is not limited to the illustrated form.

[0047] Spatially relative terms such as "above," "upper," "on," "below," "beneath," "lower," etc. can be used, as shown in the figures, to easily describe the correlation between one element or component and another. Spatially relative terms must be understood as terms that include different directions of the elements relative to each other during use, in addition to the directions shown in the figures. For example, when the illustrated element is turned over, an element described as "below" or "beneath" another element can be located "above" the other element. Thus, the exemplary term "below" can include all directions of below and above.

[0048] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0049] FIGS. 1 and 2 are schematic views of a horse wearing an animal control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the animal control device according to the embodiment of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the animal control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the light transmittance control algorithm of the processor of the animal control device of the embodiment of FIG. 4.

[0050] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, the animal control device 11 according to the present embodiment includes a sensor 201 that senses the movement of an animal, and a vision blocker 100 that is controlled by the sensor 201. The animal control device 11 according to the present invention may be used to train, condition, or control an animal. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0051] Hereinafter, the case where the control target of the animal control device 11 is a horse will be described as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and various animals that can be controlled by the present invention may be targeted. For example, the present invention may be applied to livestock such as camels, sheep, and goats, or may be used for wild animals such as wolves and tigers as needed, or may be used for pets such as dogs, cats, and rabbits as needed.

[0052] The visual field blocker 100 is arranged to block an animal's eyeball or the like and can be placed on the visual field of the animal. For example, when applied to a horse with a visual field radius of about 300 degrees or more, it can be arranged to cover the entire visual field. The visual field blocker 100 may be integrally coupled with a mask that is placed over the animal's head or the like, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the visual field blocker 100 may be provided in the form of glasses or in a detachable accessory form such as a conventional blindfold mask.

[0053] The visual field blocker 100 can be configured to control the amount of light transmitted, that is, the light transmittance, according to an electrical signal. For example, the visual field blocker 100 can include a liquid crystal lens or the like. The liquid crystal lens can control the light transmittance by including a liquid crystal that behaves according to an electrical signal. For example, depending on the initial arrangement and type of the liquid crystal, a TN (Twisted Nematic) type liquid crystal, an STN (Super Twisted Nematic) type liquid crystal, a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC), or the like may be used. In some embodiments, the liquid crystal lens may be partitioned into a number of regions PX. Through this, the light transmittance can also be controlled independently for each region PX. The region PX can mean a region that is independently controlled like a pixel or a picture element.

[0054] However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the light transmittance of the whole or a part (that is, some regions PX) can be changed in response to the electrical signal provided by the sensor 201 described later, and a high light transmittance can be imparted or the light transmittance can be substantially blocked. Through this, as long as it is a configuration that can selectively secure, block, or partially block the visual field of the target animal, it is acceptable. In other embodiments, the visual field blocker 100 may be a device in which a blocking film moves according to an electrical signal to physically block the visual field of the animal.

[0055] The initial light transmittance of the vision blocker 100 may be about 90% or more, or about 91% or more, or about 92% or more, or about 93% or more, or about 94% or more, or about 95% or more, or about 96% or more, or about 97% or more, or about 98% or more, or about 99% or more, or even 100%. The term 'initial' means a state where the power supply of the vision blocker 100 is cut off or no separate signal is applied.

[0056] The sensor 201 can detect the movement of the target animal. In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor 201 may be a speed sensor attached to the target animal to measure the speed of the target animal, for example, the instantaneous speed. The sensor 201 can be attached to a saddle or the like and move along with the movement of the animal, but it is of course understood that the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0057] The sensor 201 can include a sensing module 231 and a processor 221. The sensing module 231 means a module that senses a desired state in a specific manner, and the processor 221 can perform a predetermined algorithm based on the measurement result of the sensing module 231, and as a result, send the output signal to the vision blocker 100. The processor 221 may be configured to include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processor Unit), an MCU (Micro Controller Unit), or any form of processor known in the art. The sensor 201 and the vision blocker 100 can communicate wired or wirelessly. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and a processor can also be provided separately from the sensor 201. That is, the processor can function as a control unit for the sensor 201 (or sensor module) and the vision blocker 100. The control method described below can be understood to be performed by the processor or the control unit. For example, based on the measurement result of the sensor or the sensor module, the light transmittance of the vision blocker can be decreased, increased, or maintained. That is, the light transmittance of the vision blocker can be controlled by comparing the measurement result of the sensor or the sensor module with a reference value.

[0058] In an exemplary embodiment, the sensing module 231 senses the moving speed of the horse, and the processor 221 compares the measured speed of the horse with a predetermined reference speed. When the measured speed of the horse is greater than the reference speed, the light transmittance of the vision blocker 100 can be decreased. On the contrary, when the measured speed of the horse is less than the reference speed, the light transmittance of the vision blocker 100 can be increased again.

[0059] For example, the reference speed may be about 30 km / h, or about 32 km / h, or about 34 km / h, or about 36 km / h, or about 38 km / h, or about 40 km / h. When the horse moves at a speed less than the reference speed, the vision blocker 100 can transmit light sufficiently and not limit the horse's vision. On the contrary, when the horse moves at a speed exceeding the reference speed, the vision blocker 100 can reduce the light transmittance. The reduction of the light transmittance may be made gradually or continuously.

[0060] Specifically, a first light transmittance is set (S110). The first light transmittance can mean the light transmittance of the vision blocker 100 in the first state described above.

[0061] As the horse moves, the sensor 201 measures the speed of the horse (S120). When the speed of the horse exceeds the reference speed, for example, exceeds 35 km / h, the light transmittance of the vision blocker 100 can be changed to a second light transmittance (S130). The second light transmittance can be lower than the first light transmittance. For example, the first light transmittance may be about 99%, and the second light transmittance may be about 50%, but it is of course understood that the present invention is not limited thereto. The change in the light transmittance may be made continuously gradually or discontinuously gradually.

[0062] When the light transmittance of the vision blocker 100 placed on the horse's vision decreases, the horse's vision can become darker, and it can be expected that the horse will calm its excitement due to the change in the surrounding environment and reduce its speed or velocity.

[0063] On the contrary, when the speed of the horse does not exceed the reference speed, the first light transmittance is maintained as it is, and the sensor 201 or the processor 221 can repeatedly perform the step of comparing the speed of the horse with the reference speed with a predetermined time difference.

[0064] After the light transmittance of the vision blocker 100 is set to the second light transmittance, it may further include a step (S135) of waiting or delaying for a predetermined time. Even if the horse exceeds the reference speed and the light transmittance of the vision blocker 100 changes (S130), and excitement subsides somewhat, the speed may not immediately change to below the reference speed. Therefore, after waiting for a predetermined time, the next step can be configured to be performed. The predetermined time may be about 5 seconds, or about 6 seconds, or about 7 seconds, or about 8 seconds, or about 9 seconds, or about 10 seconds, or about 15 seconds, or about 20 seconds.

[0065] Next, again, the sensor 201 measures the speed of the horse (S140). And if it is sensed that the speed of the horse is still above the reference speed, that is, exceeding 35 km / h, the light transmittance of the vision blocker 100 can be changed to the third light transmittance (S150). The third light transmittance may be lower than the second light transmittance. For example, the third light transmittance may be about 10%, or about 5%, or about 1%, or 0%, that is, in a state where light transmission is completely blocked.

[0066] Even if the vision blocker 100 reaches the second light transmittance and becomes dark enough, if the horse remains restless and moves at a still high speed, the vision can be made darker. For example, the vision can be completely blocked to force the movement to stop.

[0067] On the contrary, if it is measured that the speed of the horse has decreased below the reference speed after the vision blocker 100 reaches the second light transmittance and becomes dark, the light transmittance can be increased. For example, the vision blocker 100 can be changed to the first light transmittance, which is the initial state.

[0068] In some embodiments, even if it is determined (S140) that the horse's speed is below the reference speed, the change to the first light transmittance can be made after waiting for a predetermined time (S145). When the horse is in an excited state, the increase and decrease of the speed can be repeated. Therefore, after the horse's speed decreases below the reference speed, after a sufficient time, for example, about 10 seconds, or 11 seconds, or about 12 seconds, or about 13 seconds, or about 14 seconds, or about 15 seconds, or about 16 seconds, or about 17 seconds, or about 18 seconds, or about 20 seconds, or about 25 seconds, or about 30 seconds have elapsed, the vision blocker 100 can be configured to return to the first light transmittance.

[0069] As described above, in the event of a sudden situation, for example, when the horse gets excited, as a rider or passenger on the horse, the method of controlling the horse may not be as expected. Therefore, as in this embodiment, even if the rider or the like does not take separate actions to calm the horse, the movement of the horse can be sensed using the sensor 201, and based on this, the light transmittance of the vision blocker 100 can be controlled to calm the excitement of the horse. In particular, in the case of an animal such as a horse that is particularly sensitive to vision, adopting the configuration as in this embodiment can effectively calm it.

[0070] Also, in the case of a training horse or the like, the speed of the horse needs to be restricted. Since the person riding the horse is not a professional rider, it is preferable to move at a speed between approximately 10 km / h and 20 km / h. Therefore, as in this embodiment, it is very effective to control the vision blocker 100 based on the speed information.

[0071] Moreover, the horse has an intelligence level that allows it to learn behaviors by repeating them, and it is possible to train the horse by teaching it the correlation between the speed and the light transmittance of the vision blocker 100. For example, when running at a predetermined speed or higher, the horse can be taught that the vision becomes darker, and the training horse can be taught not to run above a predetermined standard.

[0072] Although not shown, in other embodiments, the sensor 201 may be an acceleration sensor attached to the target animal to measure the acceleration of the target animal, for example, instantaneous acceleration or average acceleration. For example, the sensing module 231 of the sensor 201 senses the acceleration of the horse, and the processor 221 compares the measured acceleration of the horse with a predetermined reference acceleration. When the measured acceleration of the horse is greater than the reference acceleration, the light transmittance of the vision blocker 100 can be decreased. On the contrary, when the measured acceleration of the horse is less than the reference acceleration, the light transmittance of the vision blocker 100 can be increased again.

[0073] Hereinafter, other embodiments of the present invention will be described. However, descriptions of configurations that can be understood to be the same as or similar to the animal control device according to the first embodiment described above are omitted, as these can be easily understood by those of ordinary skill in the art from the accompanying drawings.

[0074] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a light transmittance control algorithm of a processor of an animal control device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 6, the animal control device according to this embodiment includes a speed sensor that measures the speed (or velocity) or acceleration of an animal, etc., in the same manner as the first embodiment described above. However, the algorithm via the processor is different from that of the animal control device 11 according to the embodiment such as FIG. 5.

[0076] Specifically, the method for controlling an animal according to this embodiment may be configured to include a first reference speed and a second reference speed.

[0077] In an exemplary embodiment, a first light transmittance is set (S210). Since the first light transmittance has been described above, redundant description is omitted.

[0078] As the horse moves, the sensor measures the speed of the horse (S220). When the speed of the horse exceeds the first reference speed, for example, exceeds 35 km / h, the light transmittance of the vision blocker can be changed to the second light transmittance (S230). Since the second light transmittance has been described above, redundant explanations are omitted.

[0079] On the contrary, when the speed of the horse is not exceeding the first reference speed, the first light transmittance is maintained as it is, and the sensor or the processor can repeatedly perform the step of comparing the speed of the horse with the first reference speed with a predetermined time difference.

[0080] After the light transmittance of the vision blocker is set to the second light transmittance, the sensor still measures the speed of the horse. When it is measured that the speed of the horse exceeds the second reference speed (S240), the light transmittance of the vision blocker can be changed to the third light transmittance (S250). The second reference speed can be a speed that is even greater than the first reference speed. For example, the second reference speed may be about 38 km / h, or about 40 km / h, or about 42 km / h.

[0081] That is, the animal control method according to the embodiment of FIG. 5 described above controls the light transmittance based on one reference value and a predetermined elapsed time, while the animal control method according to this embodiment differs in that it controls the light transmittance based on a plurality of reference values and the intervals therebetween.

[0082] For example, when it is determined that the speed of the horse is less than the second reference speed (S240) and greater than the first reference speed (S245), that is, when the horse moves at a speed between the first reference speed and the second reference speed, for example, 36 km / h, the light transmittance of the vision blocker can still maintain the second light transmittance.

[0083] Taking another example, when the speed of the horse is measured to be less than not only the second reference speed but also the first reference speed (S245), that is, when the horse suddenly slows down by changing to the second light transmittance, the light transmittance of the vision blocker can be changed to the first light transmittance.

[0084] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the animal control device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the vision blocker of the embodiment of FIG. 7.

[0085] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the animal control device 12 according to the present embodiment includes sensors 202a and 202b, and a vision blocker 100 controlled by the sensors 202a and 202b. The sensors 202a and 202b can be sensors that sense the rising of the target animal.

[0086] For example, the sensors 202a and 202b can include a first position sensor 202a and a second position sensor 202b. The first position sensor 202a and the second position sensor 202b can be sensors that measure the relative position between each other, specifically, the relative altitude or level between each other. FIG. 7 illustrates the case where the first position sensor 202a is attached to the hind leg of a horse and the second position sensor 202b is attached to the saddle of the horse, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The first position sensor 202a and the second position sensor 202b can be attached to positions where a predetermined altitude difference can be induced when the horse rises. That is, the second position sensor 202b may be located near the front leg, neck, or head of the horse.

[0087] In other embodiments, the first position sensor 202a and the second position sensor 202b may each include the function of an inclination sensor such as a gyro sensor, or may include the function of an inclination sensor together with the function of a level sensor. The inclination sensor may include an acceleration sensor and / or an angular velocity sensor. The first position sensor 202a and the second position sensor 202b can more precisely sense the rising posture of the horse by measuring not only the relative positions between each other but also the inclination together. In particular, when the first position sensor 202a is attached to the hind leg of the horse, since the hind leg of the horse is often placed on the ground, the rising action of the horse can be accurately measured. For example, when the inclination measured by the first position sensor 202a and the inclination measured by the second position sensor 202b are above a predetermined standard or exceed the predetermined standard, the light transmittance of the vision blocker 100 may be configured to decrease.

[0088] As described above, when a horse gets excited, it may take a rising action, and major falling accidents are often induced by the rising of the horse. In particular, when the horse not only rises but also falls, there may be cases where the person riding the horse is crushed to death. Therefore, when a particularly dangerous rising posture of the horse is sensed, the vision of the horse can be blocked to calm the excitement of the horse.

[0089] The method of controlling an animal using the sensors 202a and 202b according to this embodiment is similar to that shown in FIG. 5 or FIG. 6 described above, so repeated description will be omitted.

[0090] On the other hand, when the rising of the horse is sensed using the sensors 202a and 202b, the vision blocker 100 can change the light transmittance of only some regions. In an exemplary embodiment, the vision of the remaining regions except for a part of the lower part of the animal's vision can be blocked. Taking a specific example, when the horse rises, the upper and outer visions of the horse can be blocked, and the animal's vision can be concentrated on the lower and inner sides, through which the horse can be calmed and induced to put its feet on the ground. However, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0091] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the animal control device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0092] Referring to FIG. 9, the animal control device 13 according to the present embodiment includes a vision blocker 100 controlled by a sensor 203 and a sensor 230, and the sensor 203 can be a sensor that senses the rising of a target animal, etc.

[0093] For example, the sensor 203 may be an inclination sensor such as a gyro sensor attached to a horse saddle or the like. The sensor 203 can include an acceleration sensor and / or an angular velocity sensor. When the horse rises, the sensor 203 can sense its inclination or angular velocity and control the light transmittance of the vision blocker 100 based on this. Specifically, when the inclination measured by the sensor 203 is equal to or exceeds a predetermined standard, the light transmittance of the vision blocker 100 can be configured to decrease.

[0094] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the animal control device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the vision blocker of the embodiment of FIG. 10.

[0095] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the animal control device 14 or the animal control system 14 according to the present embodiment includes a sensor 204 attached to a horse and a vision blocker 100 controlled by the sensor 204, and can further include a reference marker 300 or a beacon attached to a peripheral structure such as a fence.

[0096] In the case of horses, especially training horses, racehorses, competition horses, demonstration horses, etc., it is common to move within a defined area. That is, there may be no need to move to a position outside the defined route. Therefore, the sensor 204 of the animal control device 14 according to the present embodiment senses the movement of the horse, but specifically can be configured to sense the position of the horse.

[0097] For example, although the sensor 204 is attached to a horse's saddle or the like and moves with the horse, it can cooperate with a plurality of reference markers 300 attached to peripheral structures such as fences to determine whether the horse has left the route. Specifically, the plurality of reference markers 300 can communicate with each other to virtually connect the reference markers 300 and set a defined area that can be embodied. If the sensor 204 deviates outside the virtual area, it can be determined that the horse has left the route. Then, based on such information, the light transmittance of the vision blocker 100 can be changed.

[0098] As another example, it goes without saying that the sensor 204 may be a position-based measuring device such as a GPS.

[0099] On the other hand, when it is detected using the sensor 204 that the horse has deviated from the reference position, the vision blocker 100 can change the light transmittance of only some areas. In an exemplary embodiment, it is possible to block a part of the vision on one of the left and right sides of the animal's vision. As a specific example, when the horse deviates to one side (for example, the right side) of the route, the vision of the remaining area excluding the vision on the other side (for example, the left side) of the horse can be blocked, and the animal's vision can be concentrated on the other side (for example, the left side). Through this, the movement of the horse to the left side can be induced.

[0100] As another example, when the horse deviates to the other side (for example, the left side) of the route, the vision of the remaining area excluding the vision on one side (for example, the right side) of the horse can be blocked, and the animal's vision can be concentrated on one side (for example, the right side). Through this, the movement of the horse to the right side can be induced.

[0101] FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the animal control device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0102] Referring to FIG. 12, the animal control device 15 or the animal control system 15 according to the present embodiment may further include a user terminal 400.

[0103] The user terminal 400 can be connected via wireless communication including a vision blocker 100 and Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC, Wi-Fi, etc. For example, the user terminal 400 and the vision blocker 100 can be connected in two-way communication only with each other via an identification means such as a unique number. Also, if there is no transmission or reception between the user terminal 400 and the vision blocker 100 for a certain period of time, the communication may be interrupted and a timeout may occur.

[0104] The user terminal 400 can embody different modes so that it can be set to primary, intermediate, and advanced according to the proficiency state of the rider. Also, the user terminal 400 can receive input of information such as the user's gender, height, weight, and age, and in embodiments such as FIG. 5 or FIG. 6 described above, the reference speed, the first reference speed, and / or the second reference speed can be configured to be arbitrarily set by the user. That is, the animal control system according to this embodiment has the advantage that a dangerous sudden situation can be set according to the user's setting, and more precise animal control is possible.

[0105] For example, if the user is a rider with a certain level of proficiency, the reference speed for driving the vision blocker 100 can be increased to about 40 km / h or more. As another example, in the case of a horse being trained in riding skills in a horse stable, the value of the reference inclination can be set higher than a predetermined reference so that the horse's vision is not blocked at the moment of jumping over an obstacle.

[0106] As another example, the animal control system 15 can set a movement restriction area of a horse embodied in software in advance and make the user terminal 400 recognize this. The user terminal 400 can install an application and display its current position using a location-based service. Then, when the user terminal 400 goes out of the permitted movement restriction area, it can control the vision blocker 100 to at least partially block the vision.

[0107] Also, by applying the present invention, it can also be used to prevent an animal from leaving beyond a restricted radius with reference to a certain reference sensor (or reference beacon). In other words, it can be configured such that the light transmittance of the vision blocker of the animal control device is controlled to increase, decrease, or remain the same according to the distance between a certain reference sensor and the sensor of the animal control device. In this case, the action radius of the animal can be restricted without the need for a separate fence or leash.

[0108] In an exemplary embodiment, when the distance between the reference sensor and the sensor of the animal control device is a first distance, the vision blocker can have a first light transmittance or can completely block light. Also, when the distance between the reference sensor and the sensor of the animal control device is a second distance smaller than the first distance, the vision blocker can have a second light transmittance greater than the first light transmittance.

[0109] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been mainly described above, this is merely an illustration and does not limit the present invention. It can be understood that those with ordinary knowledge in the field to which the present invention pertains can make various modifications and applications not exemplified above without departing from the essential characteristics of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0110] Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be understood to include modifications, equivalents, or alternatives of the technical ideas exemplified above. For example, each component specifically shown in the embodiments of the present invention can be implemented with modifications. And the differences related to such modifications and applications should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present invention defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A sensor for sensing the movement of an animal, and a vision blocker arranged to block the field of view of the animal and having a light transmittance controlled according to a signal sensed by the sensor, wherein the sensor includes a speed sensor for measuring the moving speed of the animal, and when the moving speed of the animal is equal to or higher than a reference value, the light transmittance of the vision blocker is decreased to limit the field of view of the animal. An animal control device.

2. The sensor is configured to:[[]] when the measured speed is equal to or higher than the reference value, perform a first step of decreasing the light transmittance of the vision blocker; when the speed measured again after a predetermined time has elapsed from the first step is equal to or higher than the reference value, perform a step of further decreasing the light transmittance of the vision blocker; when the speed measured again after a predetermined time has elapsed from the first step is less than or equal to the reference value, perform a step of increasing the light transmittance of the vision blocker. The animal control device according to claim 1, configured to perform a method including these steps.

3. The sensor is configured to:[[]] when the measured speed is equal to or higher than a first reference value, perform a first step of decreasing the light transmittance of the vision blocker; when the speed measured again after the first step is equal to or higher than a second reference value greater than the first reference value, perform a step of further decreasing the light transmittance of the vision blocker. The animal control device according to claim 1, configured to perform a method including these steps.

4. A sensor for sensing the movement of an animal, and a vision blocker arranged to block the field of view of the animal and having a light transmittance controlled according to a signal sensed by the sensor, wherein the sensor includes a first sensor and a second sensor attached at different positions, the first sensor and the second sensor sense the positions of each other, and when a level difference equal to or higher than a reference value occurs between the first sensor and the second sensor, the light transmittance of the vision blocker is decreased to limit the field of view of the animal. An animal control device.

5. The vision blocker is partitioned into a plurality of regions capable of independently controlling the light transmittance, and when a level difference equal to or higher than a reference value occurs between the first sensor and the second sensor, the vision blocker completely blocks the field of view of the remaining regions except for a part of the lower part of the field of view of the animal. The animal control device according to claim 4.

6. A sensor for sensing the movement of an animal, and a vision blocker arranged to block the field of view of the animal and having a light transmittance controlled according to a signal sensed by the sensor, The sensor includes an inclination sensor, An animal control device that reduces the light transmittance of the field blocker to limit the field of view of an animal when the inclination measured by the sensor is equal to or greater than a reference value. **Claim 7**: A sensor that senses the movement of an animal, A field blocker that is arranged to block the field of view of an animal and whose light transmittance is controlled according to a signal sensed by the sensor, The sensor includes a position sensor, When the position measured by the sensor is outside a preset allowable area, the light transmittance of the field blocker is reduced to limit the field of view of the animal. The field blocker is partitioned into a plurality of regions capable of independently controlling the light transmittance, When the sensor deviates to one side of the allowable area, the field blocker completely blocks the field of view of the remaining area excluding a part of the other side of the animal's field of view. An animal control device that, when the sensor deviates to the other side of the allowable area, completely blocks the field of view of the remaining area excluding a part of one side of the animal's field of view.

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