An animal guidance system and method

Abstract

The invention relates to an animal guidance system (10) and method comprising wearable equipment (100) provided in a manner suitable for the body structure of an animal, said equipment (100) enabling said animal to move away from a defined area.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] AN ANIMAL GUIDANCE SYSTEM AND METHOD

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] The invention relates to an animal guidance system and method configured to enable an animal to move away from a defined area via wearable equipment provided in a manner suitable for the body structure of the animal.

[0005] PRIOR ART

[0006] Controlling and safely guiding animals is an important necessity for both domestic and stray animals. Animals such as dogs, which are active and constantly interact with their surroundings, may pose a danger to themselves and their environment if not properly guided. The safe guidance of dogs is especially a major need for stray dogs that roam without control. Stray dogs may encounter situations that pose risks to their own safety as well as to nearby people and other animals. In addition, conflicts between dogs, territorial disputes, the risk of clashes with other dogs, and entering human living spaces may cause harm to the environment or expose the dogs themselves to dangerous situations.

[0007] Existing systems are insufficient for the guidance and control of dogs. Fixed boundaries such as physical fences are ineffective for dogs with freedom of movement and are not applicable to large areas. In addition, simple mechanical solutions or basic warning systems do not provide sufficient flexibility to manage animal behavior under dynamic conditions. Systems that can prevent stray dogs from dangerously approaching each other or maintain a certain distance threshold are generally either too complex or have limited functionality. Therefore, for stray dogs and other uncontrolled animals, there is a need for a system that not only restricts their entry into or exit from certain areas, but also prevents them from dangerously approaching each other and ensures safe distances when necessary.

[0008] For the control of stray animals that require real-time tracking, a location-based tracking system with a GPS module and a GPRS module for transmitting this data to the server is required. In addition, when the battery levels of the device fall below a certain threshold, it is necessary to monitor the device through the system and to determine the real-time location of the animal in order to replace the battery.As a result, all the above-mentioned problems have made it imperative to make an innovation in the relevant technical field.

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present invention relates to an animal guidance system and method, intended to eliminate the above-mentioned disadvantages and to introduce new advantages to the relevant technical field.

[0011] An object of the invention is to provide an animal guidance system and method that enables animals, especially stray dogs, to move within defined distances.

[0012] Another object of the invention is to provide an animal guidance system and method that enables preventing animals from approaching each other closer than a certain distance.

[0013] In order to achieve all the purposes mentioned above and that will emerge from the detailed description below, the present invention is related to an animal guidance system comprising wearable equipment provided in a manner suitable for the body structure of an animal, said equipment enabling said animal to move away from a defined area. Accordingly, its novelty is that the it comprises a first sound unit placed on the equipment and including an ultrasonic transducer for generating ultrasonic sound in a first frequency range, a second sound unit including a speaker for generating a sound in a second frequency range that is audible to both humans and animals, a vibration provider for enabling generation of vibration, a shock provider for enabling generation of shock, a distance sensor for receiving distance data, a transceiver unit for receiving and transmitting data within the defined area, a processor unit configured to enable the operation of the first sound unit in the event that a signal defined in a reference data signal range is received via said transceiver unit, to enable the operation of the second sound unit in the event that it is determined that first distance data received from the distance sensor at the end of a first period is within the defined area, to enable the operation of the vibration provider in the event that it is determined that second distance data received from the distance sensor at the end of a second period is within the defined area, and to enable the operation of the shock provider in the event that it is determined that third distance data received from the distance sensor at the end of a third period is within the defined area, an energy storage unit placed on the equipment for storing energy, and at least one solar panel placed on theequipment for generating electricity to be stored in said energy storage unit. Thus, the animal is enabled to move away from the defined area.

[0014] A possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that it comprises a communication unit for enabling data exchange between the processor unit and a server.

[0015] A possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that it comprises a user interface configured to provide access to the server.

[0016] A possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the equipment is a dog collar.

[0017] The invention also relates to a method to be implemented in an animal guidance system for enabling an animal to move away from a defined area via wearable equipment provided in a manner suitable for the body structure of the animal. Accordingly, its novelty is that the method comprises the steps of:

[0018] i - operating the first sound unit in the event that a signal defined in a reference data signal range is received via the transceiver unit,

[0019] ii - operating the second sound unit in the event that it is determined that first distance data received from the distance sensor at the end of a first period is within the defined area,

[0020] iii - operating the vibration provider in the event that it is determined that second distance data received from the distance sensor at the end of a second period is within the defined area,

[0021] iv - operating the shock provider in the event that it is determined that third distance data received from the distance sensor at the end of a third period is within the defined area.

[0022] A possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that it comprises the steps of: receiving, via a communication unit, a repelling signal generated through a user interface, operating the first sound unit based on the repelling signal, and repeating the steps ii-iv.

[0023] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 shows a schematic view of the invention.

[0025] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONIn this detailed description, the subject of the invention is explained by way of example only for a better understanding of the subject, which shall not create any limiting effect.

[0026] Referring to Figure 1, the invention relates to an animal guidance system (10) and method configured to enable an animal to move away from a defined area via wearable equipment (100) provided in a manner suitable for the body structure of the animal, said equipment (100) being included in the system. The animal may be a dog. The equipment (100) may be a dog collar. The defined area refers to a region designated for the purpose of keeping animals within a certain boundary or preventing them from exiting this boundary. This area facilitates both ensuring the safety of the animals and keeping them under control.

[0027] The fact that the equipment (100) is a dog collar provides comfort and ease of use for the dog. In addition, it may also provide practical use, cost advantage, and adoption of the equipment (100) by a wide user base. The equipment (100) may have a design that is soft, prevents slipping, and minimizes friction so as not to disturb the animals.

[0028] The animal guidance system (10) comprises a first sound unit (110) placed on the equipment (100) for generating sound in a first frequency range, and a second sound unit (120) for generating sound in a second frequency range. The first frequency range may be a range above 20 kHz for generating ultrasonic sound. For this purpose, the first sound unit (110) may include an ultrasonic transducer. The second frequency range may be the frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz, which is audible to both humans and animals. For this purpose, the second sound unit (120) may be a speaker. In a possible embodiment of the invention, preferably, the first frequency range may be 20 Hz to 20 kHz, and the first sound unit (110) may be a speaker. Similarly, the second frequency range may be above 20 kHz, and the second sound unit (120) may be an ultrasonic transducer.

[0029] In this way, the animal guidance system (10) offers flexibility in delivering audible warnings to both animals and humans. High-frequency sounds generated by the ultrasonic transducer provide effective guidance by creating warnings that can only be perceived by animals, while sounds generated through the speaker provide an audible means of communication for both animals and humans. In alternative embodiments, the use of different sound frequencies allows the animal guidance system (10) to adapt to different situations and user needs, making the guidance mechanism more flexible and functional.The animal guidance system (10) comprises a vibration provider (130) for enabling generation of vibration. The vibration provider (130) may be a vibration motor. In this way, the animal guidance system (10) provides the possibility of sending a physical warning to the animal via the vibration provider (130). Vibrations may be used as an alternative method to attract the animal's attention or to provide guidance, especially in cases where audible warnings are not effective.

[0030] The animal guidance system (10) comprises a shock provider (140) for enabling generation of shock. The shock provider (140) may be a shock device. The shock provider (140) may be used to quickly and effectively attract the animal’s attention, and serves to provide effective guidance particularly in emergency situations or at critical moments in terms of the animal’s safety.

[0031] The animal guidance system (10) comprises a distance sensor (150) for receiving distance data. The distance sensor (150) may be a GPS module. By means of the GPS sensor, the current location of the animal can be determined instantly. The GPS module provides the advantage of monitoring whether the animal is within a defined area, determining its location in case it gets lost, and accurately executing guidance commands when necessary.

[0032] The animal guidance system (10) comprises a transceiver unit (160) for receiving and transmitting data within the defined area. The transceiver unit (160) includes a wireless communication module configured to enable the system to receive and send data using wireless communication protocols such as RF signals, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth in order to establish bidirectional communication within the defined area. The transceiver unit (160) may perform broad-range broadcasting. In this way, it may transmit information to multiple devices simultaneously and ensure effective operation of the system in cases involving multiple animals or users. RF signals offer low power consumption and wide coverage area, while Wi-Fi and Bluetooth provide advantages such as high data transfer speeds and network integration.

[0033] The animal guidance system (10) comprises an energy storage unit (190) placed on the equipment (100) for enabling storage of energy. The animal guidance system (10) also comprises at least one solar panel placed on the equipment (100) for generating electricity to be stored in the energy storage unit (190). The energy storage unit (190) placed on the equipment (100) enables the system to operate continuously by storing the energy required for its operation. The solar panel allows the system to operate using solar energy,especially in outdoor environments. In this way, depletion of energy resources is prevented, the frequency of maintenance and charging is reduced, the environmental impact of the system is decreased, and cost efficiency is achieved. Additionally, thanks to the solar panels, energy production is carried out in a portable and environmentally friendly manner.

[0034] The animal guidance system (10) comprises a user interface (300) configured to provide access to the server (200). The user interface (300) may be a mobile application, a website, or the like, accessed via mobile devices such as a computer, tablet, mobile phone, etc.

[0035] The animal guidance system (10) comprises a processor unit (170). The processor unit may be a CPU, a GPU, a microprocessor, or the like.

[0036] The processor unit (170) enables the operation of the first sound unit (110) in the event that a signal defined in a reference data signal range is received via the transceiver unit (160). The reference data signal may be a trigger signal that enables the detection of a defined event or condition in the animal guidance system (10). For example, when two dogs approach each other closer than a defined distance, the processor unit (170) activates the first sound unit (110) to send an audible or ultrasonic warning to the dogs.

[0037] The processor unit (170) enables the operation of the second sound unit (120) in the event that it is determined that first distance data received from the distance sensor (150) at the end of a first period is within the defined area. The defined area may be determined based on the distance within which animals should not approach each other. For example, it may be defined to prevent animals from approaching each other closer than 5 meters. The first period may be a duration that enables the system to detect a distance violation and activate the first warning. For example, this period may be set as 5 seconds. For instance, if it is detected that two dogs do not move away from each other during the defined 5-second period despite activation of the first sound unit (110), the processor unit (170) may activate the second sound unit (120) to provide a more noticeable audible warning. This situation encourages the dogs to change their behavior and comply with the defined distance rule.

[0038] The processor unit (170) enables the operation of the vibration provider (130) in the event that it is determined that second distance data received from the distance sensor (150) at the end of a second period is within the defined area. The second period may be a durationthat enables activation of the second warning in case the animal continues the distance violation despite the first warning. For example, this period may be set as 10 seconds. This feature is used to ensure that the animal moves away from the defined area by sending a physical warning to the dog in cases where audible warnings are not effective. For instance, if dogs are unable to perceive audible warnings due to intense environmental noise, the vibration provider (130) may be activated to provide effective guidance without disturbing other animals or humans in the vicinity. In this way, guidance can be provided through a silent warning without causing disturbance to other people or animals nearby.

[0039] The processor unit (170) enables the operation of the shock provider (140) in the event that it is determined that third distance data received from the distance sensor (150) at the end of a third period is within the defined area. The third period may be a duration that enables activation of the shock provider (140) in case the animal does not respond to the second warning and continues the distance violation. For example, this period may be set as 15 seconds. For instance, when dogs do not separate from each other during the defined periods and other methods are not effective in ensuring that they move away from the defined area, the processor unit (170) provides a low-voltage shock to ensure that the dogs maintain the distance. The low-level and controlled operation of the shock provider (140) ensures safety without harming the dogs.

[0040] The animal guidance system (10) comprises a communication unit (180) for enabling data exchange between the processor unit (170) and a server (200). The communication unit (180) may include a Bluetooth module, a modem, a Wi-Fi card, a mobile data network, or the like. For example, users may monitor the location of dogs, view warnings, and change system settings when necessary via a mobile application. In this way, user control is increased.

[0041] The animal guidance system (10) can be customized via the user interface (300) to prevent animals from approaching closer than a defined distance. For example, a user may define a defined area via a mobile application to prevent the dog from approaching closer than 3 meters to the user. In this case, the animal guidance system (10) continuously measures the distance between a device on the user (for example, a Bluetooth transceiver or a GPS module) and the device on the dog. When the dog approaches the defined distance of 3 meters, a reference data signal is generated and transmitted to the processor unit (170). At the first stage, the processor unit (170) attempts to prevent further approach by sending an audible warning to the dog. If the dog does not respond to the warning and continues to approach, the vibration provider (130) is activated at the second stage to cause the dog tomove away. This feature may provide an effective solution for ensuring user safety or preventing undesired proximity during dog training. Through the user interface (300), the distance, types of warnings, and system operation parameters can be easily adjusted, thus creating a flexible structure suitable for different scenarios.

[0042] A method to be implemented in the animal guidance system (10) comprises the following process steps:

[0043] i - operating the first sound unit (110) in the event that a signal defined in a reference data signal range is received via the transceiver unit (160),

[0044] ii - operating the second sound unit (120) in the event that it is determined that first distance data received from the distance sensor (150) at the end of a first period is within the defined area,

[0045] iii - operating the vibration provider (130) in the event that it is determined that second distance data received from the distance sensor (150) at the end of a second period is within the defined area,

[0046] iv - operating the shock provider (140) in the event that it is determined that third distance data received from the distance sensor (150) at the end of a third period is within the defined area.

[0047] A method to be implemented in the animal guidance system (10) comprises the following process step:

[0048] - receiving, via a communication unit (180), a repelling signal generated through a user interface (300),

[0049] - operating the first sound unit (110) based on the repelling signal,

[0050] - repeating steps ii-iv.

[0051] An exemplary operation scenario of the invention is given below:

[0052] A user is walking in a park with their dog. Since the user’s dog generally exhibits aggressive behavior when it gets too close to other dogs, the user may set via the mobile application of the animal guidance system (10) that the distance between their dog and other dogs should not be less than 5 meters.

[0053] The animal guidance system (10) continuously monitors the location of the user’s dog via a GPS module and Bluetooth connection. When the user’s dog approaches another dog closer than the defined distance, the collar on the user's dog communicates with the collar on the other dog, and the signal strength increases. The animal guidance system (10)transmits this distance violation to the processor unit (170) as a reference data signal. At the first stage, the processor unit sends an audible warning to the user’s dog. If the user’s dog does not maintain the distance despite the warning and continues to approach, the processor unit (170) activates the vibration provider (130) to deliver a second warning to the user’s dog. If the dog still does not move away from the defined distance, a short electric shock is applied at the final stage to ensure that the user’s dog retreats.

[0054] Throughout this entire process, the animal guidance system (10) sends real-time notifications to the user’s mobile device. The user may also readjust the boundaries and change the types of warnings via the mobile application.

[0055] In another operation scenario of the invention, an animal guidance system (10) may be used to prevent stray dogs from approaching each other closer than a defined distance. A collar containing the components of the animal guidance system (10) is attached to the necks of the stray dogs. These collars consist of a GPS module, a transceiver unit (160), sound units (110) and (120), a vibration provider (130), and a shock provider (140).

[0056] The animal guidance system (10) tracks the locations of the stray dogs. At the same time, the transceiver units (160) continuously monitor the distance using broadcast signals. It is defined in the animal guidance system (10) that the dogs should not approach each other closer than a specified distance, and the warning mechanisms are configured accordingly.

[0057] As the stray dogs move toward each other's area and approach the defined distance, the animal guidance system (10) detects this situation based on a reference data signal, and the processor unit (170) activates the first sound unit (110). In this way, an ultrasonic sound that can be heard by the dogs is emitted. If the dogs continue to approach each other despite the ultrasonic sound, the processor unit (170) activates the second sound unit (120).

[0058] If the dogs still do not move away from each other despite the activation of the sound unit (120), the vibration provider (130) is activated. In this way, the animals are warned to change their position and move away from each other. If the dogs still do not move apart despite all these warnings, the processor unit (170) initiates the final stage and applies a low-level electric shock. This shock is designed not to harm the dogs and serves only as a warning to prompt them to separate. In this way, the animal guidance system (10) operates automatically and eliminates the possibility of the dogs harming each other.As a result, the animal guidance system (10) ensures that a safe distance is maintained between animals, prevents undesired close interactions, and minimizes potential risks for surrounding people, other animals, or the animals themselves. The animal guidance system (10) manages animal behavior in a safe and controlled manner by providing effective guidance through various warning mechanisms such as sound, vibration, and, when necessary, shock. At the same time, thanks to the integration of GPS, broadcast, and other technologies, the locations of the animals can be monitored in real time, users can maintain control over the system, and an effective solution is offered with minimal disturbance to the environment.

[0059] The scope of protection of the invention is specified in the appended claims and cannot be limited to what is described for illustrative purposes in this detailed description. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can produce similar embodiments in the light of what is explained above, without deviating from the main theme of the invention.REFERENCE NUMERALS GIVEN IN THE DRAWING

[0060] 10 Animal guidance system

[0061] 100 Equipment

[0062] 110 First Sound Unit

[0063] 120 Second Sound Unit

[0064] 130 Vibration Provider

[0065] 140 Shock Provider

[0066] 150 Distance Sensor

[0067] 160 T ransceiver Unit

[0068] 170 Processor Unit

[0069] 180 Communication Unit

[0070] 190 Energy Storage Unit

[0071] 200 Server

[0072] 300 User Interface

Claims

CLAIMS1. An animal guidance system (10) comprising wearable equipment (100) provided in a manner suitable for the body structure of an animal, said equipment (100) enabling said animal to move away from a defined area, characterized in that it comprises a first sound unit (110) placed on the equipment (100) and including an ultrasonic transducer for generating ultrasonic sound in a first frequency range, a second sound unit (120) including a speaker for generating a sound in a second frequency range that is audible to both humans and animals, a vibration provider (130) for enabling generation of vibration, a shock provider (140) for enabling generation of shock, a distance sensor (150) for receiving distance data, a transceiver unit (160) for receiving and transmitting data within the defined area, a processor unit (170) configured to enable the operation of the first sound unit (110) in the event that a signal defined in a reference data signal range is received via said transceiver unit (160), to enable the operation of the second sound unit (120) in the event that it is determined that first distance data received from the distance sensor (150) at the end of a first period is within the defined area, to enable the operation of the vibration provider (130) in the event that it is determined that second distance data received from the distance sensor (150) at the end of a second period is within the defined area, and to enable the operation of the shock provider (140) in the event that it is determined that third distance data received from the distance sensor (150) at the end of a third period is within the defined area, an energy storage unit (190) placed on the equipment (100) for storing energy, and at least one solar panel placed on the equipment (100) for generating electricity to be stored in said energy storage unit (190).

2. The animal guidance system (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a communication unit (180) for enabling data exchange between the processor unit (170) and a server (200).

3. The animal guidance system (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a user interface (300) configured to provide access to the server (200).

4. The animal guidance system (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the equipment (100) is a dog collar.

5. A method to be implemented in an animal guidance system (10) for enabling an animal to move away from a defined area via wearable equipment (100) provided ina manner suitable for the body structure of the animal, characterized in that it comprises the steps of:i - operating the first sound unit (110) in the event that a signal defined in a reference data signal range is received via the transceiver unit (160),ii - operating the second sound unit (120) in the event that it is determined that first distance data received from the distance sensor (150) at the end of a first period is within the defined area,iii - operating the vibration provider (130) in the event that it is determined that second distance data received from the distance sensor (150) at the end of a second period is within the defined area,iv - operating the shock provider (140) in the event that it is determined that third distance data received from the distance sensor (150) at the end of a third period is within the defined area.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises the steps of:receiving, via a communication unit (180), a repelling signal generated through a user interface (300), operating the first sound unit (110) based on the repelling signal, and repeating the steps ii-iv.

Images