Companion animal management system and device, and method therefor

Abstract

A device for companion animal management, according to one embodiment of the present invention, may comprise: a housing including, at one side thereof, an opening for the entering / exiting of a companion animal; a weight detection sensor which is arranged in one portion of the housing and which detects the weight of the companion animal; an output device which is arranged at another portion of the housing and which includes a sound device and / or a lighting device; at least one memory; and at least one processor electrically connected to the at least one memory.

Description

Companion animal management system, device and method therefor

[0001] The present invention relates to a pet management device. More specifically, it relates to a system, device, and method for operating, managing, or controlling a pet management device.

[0002] Pet houses are spaces for pets to rest, relax, and sleep. Recently, IoT (Internet of Things) technology is being integrated into pets in various ways. Technologies are being developed to allow owners to check their pets' status in real time through smartphone video even while they're away, and to alert owners when their pets leave or approach a designated area to determine their location. Furthermore, devices are being developed that monitor pets' health using smart sensors attached to the pet's body.

[0003] However, these technologies are typically used primarily to help owners monitor their pets' condition, and efforts to stabilize pets during times when owners are away from home are insufficient. Ultimately, to improve the living environment with pets, the development of a care system that supports their well-being is necessary.

[0004] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a system, device and method for stable operation of a pet management device.

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a system, a device and a method therefor for transmitting and receiving data about companion animals stably and effectively.

[0006] A device for managing a companion animal according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a housing including an opening for entry and exit of a companion animal on one side thereof, a weight detection sensor disposed in one part of the housing and detecting the weight of the companion animal, an output device disposed in another part of the housing and including at least one of an acoustic device and a lighting device, at least one memory, and at least one processor electrically connected to the at least one memory.

[0007] According to one embodiment, the at least one processor may be configured to obtain data related to the weight of the companion animal from the weight detection sensor while the sound device or the lighting device is deactivated, activate the sound device or the lighting device based on the data related to the weight, and emit a sound source or electromagnetic wave into the air through the output device based on the data related to the weight.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the at least one processor may be configured to measure a change in data related to the weight, and output the sound source or the electromagnetic wave through the output device based on the change in data related to the weight.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the at least one processor may be configured to output the sound source or the electromagnetic wave through the output device when the amount of change in the data related to the weight is greater than or equal to a predetermined first threshold value.

[0010] A device according to one embodiment may further include a vital sign measuring sensor for measuring vital signs.

[0011] In one embodiment, the at least one processor may be configured to operate the vital sign measurement sensor when the measured weight is greater than a predetermined second threshold value according to the weight-related data and the amount of change in the weight-related data is less than or equal to a predetermined third threshold value.

[0012] A method for managing a companion animal according to one embodiment may include an operation of detecting the entry of a companion animal into a device through a weight detection sensor while an acoustic device or a lighting device disposed in the device is deactivated, an operation of activating the acoustic device or the lighting device in response to the detecting operation, and an operation of emitting a predetermined sound source or an electromagnetic wave of a predetermined wavelength into the air through the acoustic device or the lighting device.

[0013] According to the system, device and method therefor of the present invention, the state inside a pet management device can be stably checked and controlled.

[0014] According to the system, device and method for the same of the present invention, data related to companion animals can be transmitted and received stably and effectively.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining an operating environment according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a management system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method for managing a pet in a device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method for managing a pet in a device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 7 is a flowchart of a method for managing a pet in a device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 8 is a flowchart of a method for managing a pet in a device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a method for managing a pet in a device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to specific embodiments, but rather encompasses various modifications, equivalents, and / or alternatives of the embodiments of the present invention. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar components.

[0025] In this document, the expressions “has”, “may have”, “includes”, or “may include” indicate the presence of a feature (e.g., a number, function, operation, or component such as a part), but do not exclude the presence of additional features.

[0026] In this document, the expressions "A or B," "at least one of A and / or B," or "one or more of A and / or B" can include all possible combinations of the listed items. For example, "A or B," "at least one of A and B," or "at least one of A or B" can all refer to cases where (1) at least one A is included, (2) at least one B is included, or (3) at least one A and at least one B are included.

[0027] The terms "first," "second," "first," or "second" used herein may describe various components, regardless of order and / or importance, and are used only to distinguish one component from another, without limiting the components. For example, without departing from the scope of the rights set forth in this document, the first component may be renamed the second component, and similarly, the second component may be renamed the first component.

[0028] The expression "configured to" as used herein can be used interchangeably with, for example, "suitable for", "having the capacity to", "designed to", "adapted to", "made to", or "capable of". The term "configured to" does not necessarily mean "specifically designed to".

[0029] In this document, the words "command", "instruction", "control information", "message", "information", "data", "packet", "data packet", "intent" and / or "signal" transmitted and received between the first electronic device(s) and the second electronic device(s) may include or refer to human-perceivable ideas or specific electrical expressions (e.g., digital codes / analog physical quantities) regardless of their expressions. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which the invention disclosed in this document pertains that the exemplary expressions listed above may be interpreted in various ways depending on the context in which they are used. In this document, "is greater than B" not only simply means "is greater than B" but also includes the meaning of "is equal to or greater than B."

[0030] The terms used in this document are used only to describe specific embodiments and may not be intended to limit the scope of other embodiments. The singular expression may include the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, may have the same meaning as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art described in this document. Terms defined in general dictionaries among the terms used in this document may be interpreted as having the same or similar meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this document. In some cases, even if a term is defined in this document, it cannot be interpreted to exclude the embodiments of this document.

[0031]

[0032] A companion animal is a distinct concept from animals kept for necessary resources, and typically includes mammals, birds, reptiles, or amphibians. While various examples are presented below assuming dogs or cats, companion animals are not limited to these and can include various types of animals that can freely move about a space.

[0033] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining an operating environment according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 1, a pet management device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a housing (110) that forms a space for a pet therein. At least some components, including an output device (120) that outputs elements such as sound sources or heat to help the pet feel comfortable, may be arranged inside the housing (110). Within the space formed by the housing (110), the pet can rest or sleep without being disturbed by the external environment. The pet management device (100) may include a pet house, kennel, or transport device where the pet can rest or sleep.

[0035] The housing (110) may include an entrance (110a) for pets to enter and a wall that can block external factors. The wall may include insulation or ventilation holes to maintain a constant temperature within the space.

[0036] The output device (120) may be placed inside the housing (110). The output device (120) may include an audio device (121) or a lighting device (122). The audio device (121) may include, for example, a noise-cancelling speaker for the rest and comfort of a pet. The audio device (121) may include a vibration speaker. The output device (120) may operate so that the housing (110) functions as the output device (120) by transmitting vibrations outside the installed location. The lighting device (122) may include a light source device capable of emitting visible light, ultraviolet light, or infrared light. For example, the lighting device may include an LED (Light Emitting Diode).

[0037] The sound device (121) may be positioned to emit sound toward a space outside the housing (110). Accordingly, the housing (110) or the sound device (121) may function as a speaker not only for the pet but also in the space where the pet house (100) is positioned.

[0038] The output device (120) may also include various other output devices that can improve the environment in which the pet rests. For example, the output device (120) may include a temperature or humidity control device or a ventilation device that allows ventilation.

[0039] The management system (130) may be placed within the housing (110). The management system (130) may control sound, lighting, temperature, relative humidity, and / or ventilation within the housing (110). The management system (130) may be configured to control the internal environment within the housing (110) through an output device (120) within the housing (110). The management system (130) may include at least one sensor unit (131) for detecting the internal situation of the pet management device (100) or the status of the pet, such as a weight detection sensor, and may include a control unit (132) for controlling the output unit (120) according to whether the pet is present and / or the status of the pet.

[0040] The control unit (132) can be electrically or communicatively connected to the output unit (120) to control them. At least one sensor unit (131) can be electrically or communicatively connected to the output unit (120) and / or the control unit (132).

[0041] At least one sensor unit (131) may include at least one of a weight detection sensor, an image detection sensor, a temperature sensor, an illuminance sensor, and a vital sign measurement sensor. The sensor unit (131) may transmit a sensing signal obtained from a sensor for detecting the internal situation of the housing (110) to the control unit (132). The sensing signal may include at least one of weight-related data, image data, temperature-related data, illuminance-related data, and vital sign-related data.

[0042] At least one sensor unit (131) may be installed on at least one of one side of the floor, the opposite side, or one of the sides of the housing (110). The sensor unit (131) may be integrated into a single module, but may also include multiple modules. Each module may be placed at a physically separated location depending on the environment.

[0043] The control unit (132) can control the output device based on the sensing signal so that the pet can quickly become stable within the pet management device (100). The control unit (132) can emit a sound source for the pet into the air through the output device (120) or emit an infrared wavelength into the air for the treatment of the pet.

[0044] Although not illustrated in FIG. 1, the pet management device (100) may include various configurations in addition to the configurations mentioned above. Alternatively, it may not include some of the configurations mentioned above.

[0045] Hereinafter, the output device (120) and the lighting device will be described as examples, but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and the pet management device (100) may further include an output device necessary for the stability of the pet, or such output devices may be installed in the pet management device (100).

[0046] The pet management device (100) can communicate with an external device, for example, a user device (140). The user device (140) is a device of a user who raises a pet, and the user can check the status of the pet within the pet management device (100) from inside or outside the house through the user device (140). In addition, the status or situation of the pet measured by the pet management device (100) can be checked in real time through the user device (140).

[0047]

[0048] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a pet management device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 2, the pet management device (200) (e.g., the pet management device (100) of FIG. 1) may include a sensor unit (210), an output unit (220), a control unit (230), and / or a communication unit (240).

[0050] The sensor unit (210) may include at least one sensor for measuring at least one of the pet's condition (e.g., whether the pet is stable) or the pet's situation (e.g., whether the pet is present in the pet management device, the temperature of the pet management device, and humidity). When the sensor unit (210) includes multiple sensors, the multiple sensors may be referred to as a first sensor and a second sensor.

[0051] The output unit (220) may include various devices capable of changing the environment inside the housing (110). According to one embodiment, the output unit (220) may include an acoustic device or a lighting device to supply sound, light, heat, etc. In addition, the output unit (220) may further include a heating device, a cooling device, a humidifying device, a drying device, or a ventilation device.

[0052] The control unit (230) can transmit a control signal to the output unit (220). Under the control of the control unit (230), the output unit (220) can supply a sound source or electromagnetic waves to the pet house (200). The control unit (230) can determine the situation within the pet management device (200) based on the measurement result (or sensing signal) of the sensor unit (210) and control the output unit (220) based on the determination result. The control unit (230) can include an artificial intelligence algorithm that determines the situation within the housing (110) based on the measurement result obtained from the sensor unit (210) and sets the environment within the housing (110) based on the determined situation.

[0053] The pet management device (200) may further include a communication unit (240). The communication unit (240) may include a configuration for performing communication with various types of external devices according to various types of communication methods. The communication unit (240) may include a communication circuit that supports communication according to various communication standards. For example, the communication unit (240) may include at least one communication module that supports Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity), Bluetooth, wireless communication, and NFC (Near Field Communication) communication. The wireless communication may be IEEE, Zigbee, 3G (3 rd Generation), 3GPP(3 rd It refers to communication according to various communication standards such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), etc. NFC can refer to a communication method that uses the 13.56MHz band among various RF (radio frequency) frequency bands such as 135kHz, 13.56MHz, 433MHz, 860-960MHz, and 2.45GHz.

[0054] The control unit (230) can transmit and receive various types of information through the communication unit (240). According to one embodiment, the control unit (230) can transmit the status of the pet management device (100), the status of the pet, the situation of the pet management device (100), etc. to the user device through the communication unit (230). The control unit (230) can change the environment setting value and the control mode of the pet management device (100) through the communication unit (240). The control unit (230) can receive information for the operation of the pet management device (100) from an external server through the communication unit (240).

[0055]

[0056] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a house for a companion dog according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 3, a management system (300) (e.g., the management system (130) of FIG. 1) may include at least one processor (310), memory (320), sensor (330), communication circuit (340), and / or power supply circuit (350).

[0058] The processor (310) can control the operation of the companion animal management device (e.g., the companion animal management device (100) of FIG. 1) using various programs stored in the memory (320). The processor (310) can include a central processing unit (CPU), random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), a system bus, etc. The processor (310) can be implemented as a single CPU or multiple CPUs (or DSPs, SoCs). According to one embodiment, the processor (251) can be implemented as a digital signal processor (DSP), a microprocessor, a time controller (TON)) that processes digital signals. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and can include one or more of a control processing unit (CPU), a micro controller unit (MCU), a micro processing unit (MPU), a controller, an application processor (AP), or a communication processor (CP), and an ARM processor, or can be defined by the corresponding terminology. The processor (251) may be implemented in the form of a SoC (System on Chip), LSI (Large Scale Integration), or FPGA (Field Programmable gate array) with a built-in processing algorithm.

[0059] Some of the plurality of processors (310) may be included in a control unit (e.g., the control unit (230) of FIG. 2). In addition, some of the plurality of processors (310) may be included in a sensor unit to process or manipulate data output from each sensor (330).

[0060] The memory (320) can store various data for the overall operation of the pet management device, such as programs for processing or controlling the processor (310). The memory (320) can store a plurality of application programs running on the pet management device, data for the operation of the pet management device, and commands. At least some of these application programs may be operated from an external server via wireless communication, as described above, or may be downloaded and used. At least some of these application programs may be stored in the pet management device from the time of shipment for the basic functions of the pet management device. The memory (320) may be implemented as an internal memory, such as a ROM or RAM, included in the processor (310), or may be implemented as a separate memory from the processor (320).

[0061] The above memory (320) can store instructions that, when executed, cause the processor (310) to perform operations according to various embodiments of the present invention. The operations presented in the various embodiments mentioned above can be understood as operations of the processor.

[0062] Some of the plurality of memories (320) may be included in a control unit (e.g., control unit (230) of FIG. 2) to store commands for controlling the operation of the processor (310). In addition, some of the plurality of memories (320) may be included in a sensor unit to store commands for controlling the operation of each sensor (330).

[0063] The pet management device may include at least one sensor (330). For example, the pet management device may include at least one of a weight detection sensor, a vital measurement sensor, or an image detection sensor.

[0064] A weight detection sensor may be an electronic scale that measures changes in electrical resistance according to pressure applied to any weight measurement element. However, this is not limited to this, and the weight detection sensor can be modified in various ways within the technical scope of its weight measurement capabilities. For example, a mechanical scale may be used as the weight detection sensor.

[0065] A vital sign measurement sensor may include a sensor capable of detecting a pet's respiration rate or heart rate. The vital sign measurement sensor may include, for example, a microphone for measuring sound and a processor configured to process the measured sound. The processor may obtain data related to heart rate based on the measured heart sounds. The vital sign measurement sensor may measure acceleration of the pet's diaphragm or abdomen and analyze the measured acceleration of the diaphragm or abdomen. The vital sign measurement sensor may generate data related to the pet's respiration rate based on the measured acceleration of the diaphragm or abdomen.

[0066] An image detection sensor can generate image data regarding the pet's external appearance. The image detection sensor may include at least one image sensor. For example, the image detection sensor may include a sensor such as a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) or a charged-coupled device (CCD).

[0067] In various embodiments of the present invention, the sensors may be referred to as a first sensor and a second sensor, and the sensor units may be referred to as a first sensor unit and a second sensor unit. The first sensor may include, for example, a weight detection sensor used to determine whether a pet is present. The second sensor may include at least one of a vital measurement sensor and an image detection sensor as a sensor for measuring the condition of the pet depending on the presence of the pet.

[0068] The communication circuit (340) may include a configuration for transmitting and receiving signals between the pet management device and an external device (e.g., the user device (140) of FIG. 1). The communication circuit (340) may support short-range communication. For example, the communication circuit (340) may support Bluetooth communication.

[0069] In one embodiment, the communication circuit (340) can support signal transmission and reception between internal components of the pet care device. For example, a first sensor unit including a weight detection sensor and a second sensor unit including an image detection sensor can be spaced apart from each other and exchange signals via the communication circuit. Alternatively, the first sensor unit or the second sensor unit can exchange signals with the control unit via the communication circuit.

[0070] The power supply circuit (350) can supply power necessary for the operation of the pet care device. According to various embodiments of the present invention, the power supply circuit (350) can supply power to each component of the pet house. The power supply circuit (350) can include a converter for converting externally supplied AC power into DC power. The power supply circuit (350) can also include a battery for power storage.

[0071]

[0072] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a connection between a server, a user device, and a pet management device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 4, a pet management device (400) (e.g., the pet management device (100) of FIG. 1) may be connected to an external server (410) via a network. The pet management device (400) may store data included in a sensing signal acquired from at least one sensor or an analysis result of the data in the server (410).

[0074] The server (410) may be located outside the pet management device (400) and may include a server that provides services related to the operation of the pet management device (400). The server (410) may provide services for operating the pet management device (400). The server (410) may provide an artificial intelligence algorithm learned through deep learning to the pet management device (400). For example, data acquired from the pet management device (410) may be uploaded to the server (410), and the analysis results of the data analyzed by the artificial intelligence algorithm of the server (410) may be provided to the pet management device (400). Alternatively, the pet management device (400) may download and utilize the learned artificial intelligence model of the server (410).

[0075] The server (410) can provide analysis results to a user device (420) (e.g., the user device (140) of FIG. 1). The user device (420) can output the analysis results through a display. The user can control internal environmental elements of the pet management device (400) through the user device (420).

[0076] The pet management device (400) may be connected to the user device (420) via a network. The pet management device (410) may transmit data included in a sensing signal acquired from at least one sensor or an analysis result of the data to the user device (410). Alternatively, the pet management device (400) may obtain a control signal from the user device (420).

[0077] The user device (420) may be a wireless communication device that ensures portability and mobility. For example, the user device (420) may include all types of handheld-based wireless communication devices, such as devices supporting navigation, PCS (Personal Communication System), GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication), PDC (Personal Digital Cellular), PHS (Personal Handyphone System), PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), IMT (International Mobile Telecommunication)-2000, CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access)-2000, W-CDMA (W-Code Division Multiple Access), Wibro (Wireless Broadband), smartphones, smart pads, tablet PCs, etc.

[0078] The management system within the pet management device (400) can automatically control the internal environment using an artificial intelligence algorithm based on the results of the situation analysis of the pet management device or the results of the status analysis of the pet. Alternatively, the management system may operate based on a control signal transmitted from a user device.

[0079] Each component of FIG. 4 may be connected to each other via a network. The user device (420) may be communicatively connected to the server (410) via a network. The user device (420) may be communicatively connected to the pet management device (400) via a network. The server (410) may be communicatively connected to the pet management device (400) via a network.

[0080] Additionally, communicating with the pet management device (400) may mean acquiring data (e.g., sensing signals) regarding the internal environment of the pet management device (400) or transmitting a control signal through a communication circuit within the pet management device (400).

[0081]

[0082] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method for managing a pet in a device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 5, a pet management device (e.g., the pet management device (100) of FIG. 1) can detect whether a pet is in the house through weight detection and perform operations to ensure the pet's stability. In the following embodiments, the operation of the pet management device can be understood as the operation of a processor (e.g., the processor (310) of FIG. 3).

[0084] In operation S510, the pet management device can detect the entry and exit of a pet.

[0085] The action of detecting the entry or exit of a pet may include an action of detecting whether the pet is inside or present. Furthermore, the action of detecting the entry or exit of a pet may include an action of detecting weight. The weight detection sensor can determine whether the pet has entered the pet management device by detecting weight. Furthermore, the weight detection sensor can measure the weight of the object (or pet).

[0086] In operation S520, the pet care device can emit sound or heat through an output device.

[0087] When the weight of a pet is detected based on the presence of the pet, the pet management device can transmit a pre-designated sound source (or sound source data) to the audio device. A memory (e.g., memory (320) of FIG. 3) may store a sound source to be output through the audio device when a pet is present. The pet management device can transmit the sound source to the audio device via an electrical line or communication circuit.

[0088] When the pet management device acquires data related to weight detected by the weight detection sensor, it can emit a sound source to the output device in response to the acquisition of the data related to the weight.

[0089] The audio device can output sounds within the audible frequency range of the pet. For example, the audio device can output sounds within the range of 40 Hz to 60,000 Hz. The audio device may include devices such as a bandpass filter or amplifier to process the frequency of the sound source.

[0090] Alternatively, if a pet is present, the pet management device can block out external noises through an acoustic device. The pet management device can perform noise-canceling operations to block out external noises.

[0091] When the weight of a pet is detected, the pet management device may transmit electromagnetic waves of a predetermined wavelength through a lighting device. The memory may contain preset values ​​for the intensity of illumination (e.g., wavelength) to be output through the lighting device when a pet is present. Upon detecting the weight, the pet management device may output electromagnetic waves of a predetermined wavelength through an output device.

[0092] When entering a pet management device, electromagnetic waves in the wavelength range for calming can be output to quickly calm the pet and instill a positive perception of the space. For example, the control unit can control the lighting device to output electromagnetic waves in the infrared wavelength range depending on the presence of the pet.

[0093]

[0094] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method for managing a pet in a device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0095] In response to weight changes, the operation of turning on the output device may be performed when the weight change satisfies a certain value. If the output device must be turned on and output a sound source or electromagnetic wave every time the weight changes slightly, the pet care device may malfunction even due to slight internal changes. Therefore, the pet care device may be configured to output a sound source or electromagnetic wave in response to a sufficient weight change. Hereinafter, a method of pet care will be described using a sound source as an example, but this operation can also be applied to cases where electromagnetic waves are emitted.

[0096] In operation S610, a pet management device (e.g., the pet management device (100) of FIG. 1) may obtain weight-related data. The pet management device may obtain a sensing signal from a weight detection sensor. The sensing signal may include weight-related data.

[0097] The pet management device can activate the output device based on a weight change detected by the weight detection sensor.

[0098] In operation S620, the pet care device may determine whether the weight change satisfies a predetermined condition. The predetermined condition may include a weight change equal to or exceeding a specific value. The specific value may be referred to as a first threshold value in various embodiments of the present invention.

[0099] The pet management device can also detect whether a weight change exceeds a predetermined value within a set time range. The pet management device can periodically acquire weight-related data and measure weight changes. The pet management device can determine whether the weight change within the set time range satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0100] The pet management device may activate an output device (e.g., output device (120) of FIG. 1) in operation S630 if the weight change within a set time interval satisfies a predetermined condition. In the following operations, activating the output device may include activating a dormant output device or supplying power to the output device.

[0101] When the pet management device detects a weight change exceeding a specific value from the weight detection sensor, the pet management device can supply power to an output device such as an acoustic device (e.g., acoustic device (121) of FIG. 1) or a lighting device (e.g., lighting device (132) of FIG. 1).

[0102] In operation S640, the pet care device can emit a sound source or electromagnetic wave into the air through an output device. The pet care device can transmit a control signal to the output device so that the sound source or electromagnetic wave can be emitted into the air through the output device. The control signal can include information related to the sound source or electromagnetic wave to be output from the output device.

[0103] Additionally, the pet care device can control internal components to supply power to components other than the weight detection sensor. In this case, the lighting device in the S630 may emit electromagnetic waves directly to the outside depending on the power supply.

[0104] Although not illustrated in FIG. 6, the pet management device can transmit various data to an external device (e.g., the user device (140) of FIG. 1). For example, the pet management device can transmit information related to the weight of an object to the external device. The pet management device can transmit the measured weight of the pet to the user device.

[0105] However, if the weight of the pet is continuously transmitted in real time, a waste of communication resources may occur. Therefore, the pet management device can transmit the measured weight to the user device while the pet's movement is stable. For example, the pet management device can monitor data measured by a weight detection sensor, and if the weight change of the object is within a predetermined specific value based on the weight-related data acquired from the weight detection sensor, the pet management device can transmit data related to the measured weight to the user device. The pet management device can measure the weight change over a predetermined time period. In this case, the specific value may be referred to as a second threshold value in various embodiments of the present invention. The first threshold value may have a different value from the second threshold value. The second threshold value may be a smaller value than the first threshold value. In this case, the weight according to the weight-related data may be greater than a predetermined third threshold value. If the weight is 0, it can be assumed that the pet has left the pet management device. Therefore, the weight-related data may be transmitted when the weight is greater than the third threshold value and the weight change is less than the second threshold value.

[0106] Accordingly, the time at which the weight-related data is transmitted to the user device may differ from the time at which the output device is activated, and preferably, the time at which the weight-related data is transmitted to the user device may be later. The pet management device may transmit to the user device an average value of the weight measured or the data related to the acquired weight over a set period of time.

[0107] The pet management device can also transmit various types of information to external devices. For example, it can transmit information related to the pet's entry and exit times within the space. This entry and exit time may be the time at which weight-related data is acquired from the weight detection sensor within the pet management device. Alternatively, it may be the time at which the output device is activated in response to operation S630.

[0108]

[0109] Figure 7 is a flowchart of a method for managing a pet in a device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0110] Referring to FIG. 7, a pet management device (e.g., the pet management device (100) of FIG. 1) can measure vital signs while the pet is present. In addition, the pet management device can change a sound source based on the measurement results of the pet's vital signs.

[0111] In operation S710, a first sound source can be output through an audio device according to FIGS. 5 and 6. While the audio device is operating or activated, or while the audio device outputs the first sound source, the pet management device can perform the following operations.

[0112] In operation S720, the pet care device can acquire data related to vital signs. A vital sign measurement sensor can be placed on the bottom surface of the housing of the pet care device (e.g., the housing (110) of FIG. 1). This allows the pet's vital signs to be measured naturally while the pet is in a stable state, without having to wear the measurement device directly on the pet.

[0113] To reduce power consumption within the pet care device, the vital sign measurement sensor may be in a normally inactive state. This inactive state may include the vital sign measurement sensor being in a dormant state or turned off.

[0114] When the presence of a pet is confirmed according to the operations of FIGS. 5 and 6, the pet management device may activate a vital sign measurement sensor (e.g., sensor (330) of FIG. 3). The pet management device may control a power supply to supply power to the vital sign measurement sensor or transmit a wake-up signal to activate the vital sign measurement sensor. Activating the vital sign measurement sensor may also mean activating a sensor unit including the vital sign measurement sensor.

[0115] When the vital sign measurement sensor is activated, the vital sign measurement sensor can measure vital signs and obtain data related to the vital signs. The data related to the vital signs may include data related to at least one of heart rate, blood pressure, respiration rate, pulse, temperature, speed, or acceleration. For example, the pet management device (400) can obtain heart rate-related data from the vital sign measurement sensor. Although not illustrated in FIG. 7, the pet management device can transmit the obtained vital sign-related data to a user device (e.g., the user device (150) of FIG. 1).

[0116] In operation S730, the pet care device can output a second sound source based on the acquired data. The pet care device can determine the sound source to output based on data related to vital signs.

[0117] While the first sound source is output, the pet care device can determine the sound source based on the pet's condition, as determined by vital sign data. For this purpose, the pet care device may pre-store various types of sound sources. If the pet's condition is determined to be stable based on vital sign data, the pet care device can output the second sound source through the speaker.

[0118] The pet management device can determine whether data related to the pet's vital signs satisfies a predetermined condition. The predetermined condition may include whether the data is equal to or less than a specific value or within a specific range. Here, the specific value may be referred to as a fourth threshold value. The specific range may be referred to as a threshold range. If the predetermined condition is satisfied, the pet management device can output a second sound source linked to the condition through an audio device.

[0119] If the pet is determined to be in a sleeping state based on the pet's vital signs, the pet care device may output a third sound source through the audio device or deactivate the audio device. The pet care device may include whether data related to the vital signs is equal to or less than a specific value or within a specific range. Here, the specific value may be referred to as a fifth threshold. Alternatively, the pet care device may switch the audio device to a noise-canceling mode to facilitate comfortable sleep. That is, the audio device may be in a deactivated state, a noise-canceling state, or a sound-providing state depending on the pet's state.

[0120]

[0121] Figure 8 is a flowchart of a method for managing a pet in a device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0122] Referring to FIG. 8, a pet management device (e.g., the pet management device of FIG. 1) can measure biometric data while the pet is present. In addition, the pet management device (400) can adjust lighting according to changes in the pet's heart rate.

[0123] In operation S810, in operation S810, an electromagnetic wave of a first wavelength can be output through a lighting device according to FIGS. 5 and 6. The first wavelength can be a wavelength value in the infrared wavelength range.

[0124] In operation S820, the pet care device can obtain data related to vital signs. Operation S820 may refer to operation S720 of FIG. 7.

[0125] In operation S830, the pet care device can determine the wavelength of an electromagnetic wave based on the pet's condition. To this end, the lighting device provided by the pet care device may include a variable wavelength light. The lighting device may output electromagnetic waves of various wavelengths under the control of a processor. Alternatively, the pet care device may include multiple lighting devices, each of which may output electromagnetic waves of different wavelengths.

[0126] The pet care device can output an electromagnetic wave of a second wavelength in response to data related to the acquired vital signs of the pet. The second wavelength may be, for example, a wavelength corresponding to an ultraviolet wavelength range. For example, the pet care device can output an electromagnetic wave of the second wavelength when the heart rate of the pet is lower than or equal to a predetermined value compared to the predetermined value. The predetermined value may be the fifth threshold value mentioned above. Alternatively, it may be a separate value different from the fifth threshold value. For this purpose, the pet care device can supply power to the second lighting device separately from the first lighting device or change a switch in the internal circuit of the first lighting device.

[0127] The operation of the device of the present invention may include operations combining various embodiments. For example, the device of the present invention may perform all of the operations mentioned in FIGS. 7 through 9, or at least some of the operations of each embodiment.

[0128] For example, according to various embodiments of the present invention, the pet management device may output an electromagnetic wave of a predetermined wavelength when a change in weight exceeds a predetermined threshold value as shown in FIG. 6. Furthermore, according to FIG. 6, when the presence of a pet is confirmed, the pet management device may output a predetermined sound source based on data related to vital signs. In this case, the threshold value for outputting the electromagnetic wave and the threshold value for confirming the presence of the pet may have different values.

[0129]

[0130] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a method for managing a pet in a device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0131] Referring to FIG. 9, a pet management device (e.g., the pet management device (100) of FIG. 1) can measure the pet's movements while the pet is present. In addition, the pet management device can change sound sources or lighting according to changes in the pet's behavior.

[0132] In operation S910, the pet management device can output a pre-designated first sound source through the audio device. In operation S910, the first sound source may be a pre-designated sound source according to the operations of FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0133] In operation S920, the pet management device can obtain image data of the pet. The pet management device can obtain the image data while outputting the first sound source.

[0134] Although not illustrated in Figure 9, image data acquired from the image detection sensor can be transmitted to a user device via a communication circuit. The user device can display the images acquired from the image detection sensor via a display. The user can monitor the pet's behavior in real time within the pet management device from the user device.

[0135] To reduce power consumption within the pet management device, the video detection sensor may be inactive during normal times when the pet is active outside. If the weight detection sensor detects a weight exceeding a certain value and the weight change remains within a predetermined range for a predetermined period of time, the pet management device may activate the video detection sensor. Specifically, after the weight detection sensor activates the audio or lighting device, the video detection sensor may be activated when the pet's internal activity stabilizes.

[0136] In operation S930, the pet management device can determine a sound source based on image-related data and output the determined sound source.

[0137] The pet management device may determine a second sound source based on the acquired image-related data and output the second sound source through the audio device. For example, if the pet is determined to be lying down within the pet management device based on the image-related data, the pet management device may output a second sound source linked to the lying down motion. If the pet is determined to be lying down based on the image-related data, the pet management device may output a third sound source linked to the lying down motion. Alternatively, if the pet is determined to be sleeping based on the pet's image-related data, the audio device may be deactivated. Alternatively, the pet management device may switch the audio device to a noise-canceling mode to facilitate comfortable sleep.

[0138] Although the embodiment of FIG. 9 exemplifies an acoustic device, the embodiment of FIG. 9 can also be applied to a lighting device. For example, the pet care device can output an electromagnetic wave of a first wavelength through the lighting device based on the presence of the pet. While the electromagnetic wave of the first wavelength is being output, the pet care device can determine the lighting level to be output based on image-related data.

[0139] The pet management device can determine the pet's motion state based on the acquired image-related data. The pet management device can then determine the lighting level based on the determined motion state. For example, if the pet is determined to be lying down within the pet management device based on the image-related data, the pet management device can output electromagnetic waves of a second wavelength associated with the lying motion.

[0140] Alternatively, the pet management device can determine the pet's condition by comprehensively considering data output from multiple sensors. For example, the pet management device can determine the pet's operational status based on vital sign-related data and image-related data, and determine the sound source or electromagnetic wave to output based on the determined operational status.

[0141]

[0142] In the various embodiments mentioned above, the operation of the pet management device can be understood as the operation of a processor (e.g., processor (310) of FIG. 3). Instructions for performing the above-mentioned operations in the processor can be stored in the memory.

[0143] Although all components constituting the embodiments of the present invention have been described as being combined or operating in combination, the present invention is not necessarily limited to such embodiments. That is, within the scope of the present invention, all components may be selectively combined and operated one or more times.

[0144] Meanwhile, the various embodiments described herein may be implemented by hardware, middleware, microcode, software, and / or a combination thereof. For example, the various embodiments may be implemented in one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, other electronic units designed to perform the functions presented herein, or a combination thereof.

[0145] Additionally, for example, various embodiments may be embodied or encoded in a computer-readable medium containing instructions. Instructions embodied or encoded in the computer-readable medium may cause a programmable processor or other processor to perform a method when the instructions are executed, for example. The computer-readable medium includes a computer storage medium, which may be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer. For example, such a computer-readable medium may include a RAM, a ROM, an EEPROM, a CD-ROM or other optical disk storage medium, a magnetic disk storage medium, or other magnetic storage devices.

[0146] Such hardware, software, firmware, etc. may be implemented within the same device or within separate devices to support the various operations and functions described herein. Additionally, components, units, modules, components, etc. described as “units” in the present invention may be implemented together or individually as separate but interoperable logic devices. The depiction of different features for modules, units, etc. is intended to highlight different functional embodiments and does not necessarily imply that they must be realized by separate hardware or software components. Rather, the functionality associated with one or more modules or units may be performed by separate hardware or software components, or integrated into common or separate hardware or software components.

[0147] Although operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be construed as requiring that these operations be performed in the particular order depicted, or in any sequential order, or that all depicted operations be performed to achieve the desired results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Furthermore, the distinction between various components in the embodiments described above should not be construed as requiring such distinction in all embodiments, and it should be understood that the components depicted may generally be integrated together into a single software product or packaged into multiple software products.

[0148] The electronic device, server, or external device according to the various embodiments of the present document described above may include, for example, at least one of a smartphone, a tablet PC, a mobile phone, a video phone, a desktop PC, a laptop PC, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable multimedia player (PMP), an MP3 player, a mobile medical device, a camera, or a wearable device.

[0149] According to various embodiments, the wearable device may include at least one of an accessory type (e.g., a watch, a ring, a bracelet, an anklet, a necklace, glasses, contact lenses, or a head-mounted device (HMD)), a fabric or clothing-integrated type (e.g., an electronic garment), a body-attached type (e.g., a skin pad or tattoo), or a bio-implant type (e.g., an implantable circuit).

[0150] In some embodiments, the electronic device or external device may be a home appliance. The home appliance may include, for example, at least one of a television, a digital video disk player (DVD player), an audio device, a refrigerator, an air conditioner, a vacuum cleaner, an oven, a microwave oven, a washing machine, an air purifier, a set-top box, a home automation control panel, a security control panel, a TV box, a game console, an electronic dictionary, an electronic key, a camcorder, or an electronic picture frame.

[0151] In another embodiment, the electronic device, external device, or wearable device may include at least one of various medical devices (e.g., various portable medical measuring devices (such as a blood glucose meter, a heart rate meter, a blood pressure meter, or a body temperature meter), magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), a camera, or an ultrasound machine), a navigation device, a satellite navigation system (Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)), an event data recorder (EDR), a flight data recorder (FDR), an automobile infotainment device, a home robot, or an internet of things device (e.g., a light bulb, various sensors, an electric or gas meter, a sprinkler device, a fire alarm, a thermostat, a streetlight, an exercise machine, a hot water tank, a heater, a boiler, or the like).

[0152]

[0153] As described above, the best practice embodiments have been disclosed in the drawings and specifications. While specific terminology has been used herein, it is solely for the purpose of describing the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent embodiments are possible. Therefore, the true technical protection scope of the present invention should be determined by the technical spirit of the appended claims.

Claims

1. In a device for managing companion animals, A housing including an opening on one side for the entry of a pet; A weight detection sensor disposed in a part of the above housing and detecting the weight of the pet; An output device disposed in another part of the housing and including at least one of an acoustic device and a lighting device; At least one memory; and comprising at least one processor electrically connected to at least one memory; The at least one processor is configured to obtain data related to the weight of the companion animal from the weight detection sensor while the sound device or the lighting device is deactivated, activate the sound device or the lighting device based on the data related to the weight, and emit a sound source or electromagnetic wave into the air through the output device based on the data related to the weight. device.

2. In claim 1, At least one processor, Measure the change in data related to the above weight, Set to output the sound source or the electromagnetic wave based on the data related to the weight based on the amount of change in the data related to the weight. device.

3. In claim 1, At least one processor, Set to output the sound source or the electromagnetic wave through the output device when the amount of change in the data related to the weight is greater than or equal to a predetermined first threshold value. device.

4. In claim 1, Further comprising a vital sign measuring sensor for measuring vital signs, At least one processor, The vital sign measurement sensor is set to operate when the data related to the weight is greater than a predetermined second threshold value and the amount of change in the data related to the weight is less than or equal to a predetermined third threshold value. device.

5. In a method for managing companion animals, An action of detecting the entry of a pet into the device through a weight detection sensor while the sound device or lighting device placed in the device is deactivated; An action of activating an acoustic device or a lighting device in response to the above-detected action; and Including an action of emitting a predetermined sound source or an electromagnetic wave of a predetermined wavelength into the air through the above sound device or the above lighting device, method.

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