Cooling mat for companion animals

Abstract

Embodiments provide a cooling mat for companion animals. A dry liquid-activated cooling composition in the cooling mat for companion animals reacts with water to form a cooling gel, and thus the cooling mat has a faster and more sustained cooling effect than conventional gel-type cooling mats.

Description

Cooling mat for pets

[0001] The embodiments of the present disclosure relate to cooling mats, specifically cooling mats for pets.

[0002] Companion animals have lived alongside humans for a long time and have established themselves as members of the family. In line with these social changes, various products and services for pets have evolved, and the importance of products for their health and welfare is steadily increasing. In particular, as high temperatures in the summer can make it difficult for pets to regulate their body temperature, the need for cooling products to assist them is being emphasized even more.

[0003] Pets have a relatively limited ability to regulate body temperature compared to humans. Humans can effectively regulate their body temperature by releasing and evaporating sweat through sweat glands distributed throughout their bodies. In contrast, pets such as dogs and cats have sweat glands capable of regulating body temperature concentrated in their paw pads and noses, severely limiting heat loss through sweat. Consequently, when pets are exposed to high-temperature environments, such as hot weather or enclosed indoor spaces, their body temperature rises rapidly.

[0004] If a pet suffers a heat stroke, various health problems may occur. Typical symptoms of heatstroke include excessive panting, rapid breathing, drooling, lethargy, and vomiting; if these symptoms persist, it can lead to a fatal condition involving an increased heart rate, seizures, or loss of consciousness. In particular, a rapid rise in a pet's core body temperature increases the risk of serious complications, such as brain damage or organ dysfunction.

[0005] Such heat stress can place a severe burden on a pet's body and is a risk factor that can lead to death in some cases. In particular, even a rise in body temperature of just 1 to 2 degrees above normal increases blood viscosity, causing circulatory disorders and consequently reducing oxygen supply to various parts of the body. During this process, cell tissues are damaged and inflammatory responses are induced, weakening immune function and increasing the risk of deterioration in the function of major organs, including the heart and kidneys.

[0006] Furthermore, overheating can have an adverse effect on the health of a pet's skin and fur. A sustained rise in body temperature causes moisture to evaporate from the skin rapidly, which can lead to problems such as dryness, cracking, and itching. When the skin barrier is weakened, harmful external substances can penetrate more easily, increasing the risk of bacterial and fungal infections.

[0007] For this reason, cooling products that help pets maintain a stable body temperature play a very important role. In particular, since pets lack the ability to regulate their own body temperature in high-temperature summer environments, products such as cooling mats that can quickly lower their body temperature and maintain a comfortable environment are essential.

[0008] Currently, pet cooling mats on the market generally utilize cooling methods based on gel-type coolants or water. While these products offer relatively excellent cooling effects initially, they suffer from a problem where the cooling performance deteriorates rapidly over time. Furthermore, if the contents of the cooling mat leak, there is a risk that the pet may ingest the coolant, potentially causing adverse health effects. Due to the high viscosity of gel-type coolants, if they leak caused by external impact or the pet's movement, the mat surface becomes sticky, and dust or foreign matter easily adheres to it, making hygiene maintenance difficult.

[0009] Furthermore, some cooling mats frequently experience problems where moisture condenses on the surface, leading to the proliferation of mold and bacteria. In particular, if pets stay on the mat for extended periods, the repeated rise in temperature and accumulation of moisture significantly increases the risk of mold growth inside the mat.

[0010] Mold can penetrate not only the surface of the cooling mat but also the fiber layers or coolant inside, which can cause serious health problems for pets. If mold spores proliferate on the mat, there is an increased risk of dermatitis, itching, and respiratory illnesses if pets come into contact with or inhale them. In particular, mold spores spread easily into the air, and if a pet inhales them through the nose, they can trigger allergic reactions or asthma symptoms.

[0011] Furthermore, mold combines with pet saliva, hair, and food residue to penetrate and proliferate not only on the surface but also inside the mat. If such mold contamination occurs, it not only degrades the mat's cooling performance but also causes problems such as unpleasant odors and weakened product durability.

[0012] In particular, the risk of mold growth increases significantly when the user is away for an extended period and pets remain on the mat, allowing heat and moisture to accumulate. Since it is difficult to visually check for mold contamination on mats left unattended for a long time, continued use of a mat infested with mold can have a serious adverse effect on the pet's health.

[0013] Meanwhile, conventional cooling mats often applied antibacterial coatings to the surface only in a limited manner to prevent mold. However, this method cannot respond in real-time to changes in temperature and humidity inside the mat, and if moisture accumulates within the mat, the antibacterial coating alone is insufficient to completely prevent mold growth.

[0014] As such, there is a need for a cooling mat that can stably maintain the pet's body temperature while preventing the proliferation of mold and bacteria, and such a cooling mat must be able to maintain a hygienic and comfortable environment even during prolonged use.

[0015] In particular, if combined with technology that detects the internal condition of the cooling mat in real time to respond to changes in temperature and humidity and predicts the risk of mold growth, it can become an even superior product in terms of pet health and hygiene management.

[0016] Accordingly, a cooling mat for pets is needed.

[0017] Embodiments of the present disclosure can provide a cooling mat for pets.

[0018] The technical problems to be solved in the embodiments are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned technical problems may be considered by those skilled in the art from the various embodiments described below.

[0019] A cooling mat for pets according to one embodiment comprises: a cooling pad containing a liquid-activated cooling composition in a dry state inside; a protective cover forming an internal space into which the cooling pad can be inserted; an opening / closing member provided at an opening of the protective cover to enable the insertion and removal of the cooling pad; an inlet disposed on one side of the cooling pad and connected from the outside of the cooling pad to the internal space; the inlet includes a backflow prevention valve that prevents backflow due to internal pressure changes after water is injected, and when water is injected through the inlet, the liquid-activated cooling composition and water react to form a cooling gel, and the cooling pad includes a plurality of independent compartments formed to uniformly distribute the cooling gel inside the cooling pad; a first coating layer made of a silicone-based water-repellent layer is formed over the entire outer surface of the cooling pad, and a second coating layer made of TPX (Polymethylpentene) for enhancing elasticity may be additionally formed on the upper surface of the cooling pad above the first coating layer.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the liquid-activated cooling composition may be composed of 25 to 30 weight percent glycerin, 16 to 21 weight percent maltodextrin, 19 to 23 weight percent gellan gum, 13 to 17 weight percent guar gum, 10 to 14 weight percent erythritol, 4 to 6 weight percent tea tree oil, and 0.01 to 0.05 weight percent potassium sorbate.

[0021] According to one embodiment, a flow path is formed to allow the cooling gel to flow along the compartment, and a plurality of flow holes may be formed in a portion of the flow path.

[0022] According to one embodiment, a sensing device is mounted on a detachable mounting portion formed on the protective cover, and the sensing device includes at least one processor, memory, communication unit, and sensor unit, and the sensing device is positioned between the bottom of the cooling pad and the lower layer of the protective cover, and the sensor unit detects temperature, humidity, and pressure on the cooling pad, and the sensing information detected by the sensor unit is transmitted to a server pre-connected to the sensing device, and the pre-connected server determines the probability of mold occurrence on the pet cooling mat using the sensing information, and can transmit a management guidance message to a user terminal pre-connected to the sensing device based on the probability of mold occurrence on the pet cooling mat.

[0023] According to the embodiments, the cooling mat for pets of the present invention has a faster and longer-lasting cooling effect than conventional gel-type cooling mats because the dry liquid-activated cooling composition contained therein reacts with water to rapidly form a cooling gel. Through this, it can contribute to preventing heat stroke and health problems caused by effectively regulating the body temperature of pets even in high-temperature environments during the summer.

[0024] According to the embodiments, the cooling mat for pets of the present invention can have a cooling gel evenly diffused throughout the mat through a plurality of independent compartments and flow path structures formed inside. Accordingly, it has the advantage of preventing the cooling gel from shifting to one side or concentrating in a specific area, thereby maintaining a stable cooling effect throughout the mat.

[0025] According to the embodiments, the cooling mat for pets of the present invention can mitigate the problem of mold and bacteria proliferation by preventing water droplets or moisture from remaining on the surface of the mat through a silicone-based water-repellent coating layer formed over the entire outer surface of the cooling pad. The silicone-based water-repellent coating layer induces moisture to flow down quickly even when a pet drools or spills water on the mat, thereby keeping the surface of the mat dry.

[0026] According to the embodiments, the pet cooling mat of the present invention enhances elasticity and durability through a TPX (Polymethylpentene) coating layer added to the top, thereby preventing surface damage and maintaining the shape of the mat even when the pet moves or scratches on it. The TPX coating layer alleviates surface friction, providing an environment where the pet can lie down or move comfortably, while maintaining the durability and functionality of the cooling mat even during long-term use.

[0027] According to the embodiments, the cooling mat for pets of the present invention includes a sensing device that detects the temperature, humidity, and pressure inside the mat in real time and transmits the data to a server, thereby enabling the warning of the risk of mold growth in advance through an artificial intelligence (AI) model that predicts the probability of mold growth. Accordingly, the user can recognize mold contamination that may threaten the health of pets in advance and take appropriate measures, thereby achieving the effect of continuously managing the hygienic condition of the mat.

[0028] The effects obtainable from the embodiments are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects can be clearly derived and understood by a person skilled in the art based on the detailed description below.

[0029] The accompanying drawings, included as part of the detailed description to aid in understanding the embodiments, provide various embodiments and explain the technical features of the various embodiments together with the detailed description.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a cooling mat for pets according to one embodiment.

[0031] FIG. 2 is a disassembled perspective view of a cooling mat for pets according to one embodiment.

[0032] FIG. 3 is an example of a sensing device mounted on a cooling mat for pets according to one embodiment.

[0033] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a liquid-activated cooling composition included in a cooling mat for pets according to one embodiment.

[0034] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of an electronic device according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of a program according to one embodiment.

[0035] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of a program according to one embodiment.

[0036] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a system including a cooling mat for pets according to one embodiment.

[0037] FIG. 8 is an example of a first state determination model using a first neural network according to one embodiment.

[0038] FIG. 9 is an example of a second state determination model using a second neural network according to one embodiment.

[0039] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a server according to one embodiment.

[0040] The following embodiments are combinations of the components and features of the embodiments in a predetermined form. Each component or feature may be considered optional unless otherwise explicitly stated. Each component or feature may be implemented in a form not combined with other components or features. Additionally, various embodiments may be constructed by combining some components and / or features. The order of operations described in various embodiments may be changed. Some components or features of one embodiment may be included in another embodiment, or may be replaced with corresponding components or features of another embodiment.

[0041] In the description of the drawings, procedures or steps that could obscure the essence of the various embodiments are not described, nor are procedures or steps that can be understood by a person with ordinary knowledge in the relevant technical field described.

[0042] Throughout the specification, when a part is described as "comprising" or "including" a component, this means that, unless specifically stated otherwise, it does not exclude other components but may include additional components. Furthermore, terms such as "...part," "...unit," and "module" as used in the specification refer to a unit that performs at least one function or operation, and this may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. Additionally, "one (a or an)," "one," "the," and similar related terms may be used in the context describing various embodiments (particularly in the context of the following claims) in both singular and plural forms, unless otherwise indicated in the specification or clearly contradicted by the context.

[0043] Hereinafter, embodiments according to various examples will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The detailed description disclosed below, together with the accompanying drawings, is intended to describe exemplary embodiments of various examples and is not intended to represent the only embodiment.

[0044] In addition, specific terms used in various embodiments are provided to aid in understanding the various embodiments, and the use of such specific terms may be modified in other forms within the scope of not departing from the technical concept of the various embodiments.

[0045] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a cooling mat for pets according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a cooling mat for pets according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is an example of a sensing device mounted on a cooling mat for pets according to one embodiment. The embodiments of FIG. 1 to 3 may be combined with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0046] Hereinafter, a cooling mat (1000) for pets according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

[0047] The pet cooling mat (1000) of the present disclosure may be a mat for pets that provides a cooling effect and a cushioning sensation. For example, the pet cooling mat (1000) may be composed of a multi-layer structure including a cooling layer and a cushioning layer, thereby providing a cooling effect and a cushioning sensation simultaneously, which can provide comfort and a sense of stability to the pet. In addition, the pet cooling mat (1000) of the present disclosure may have a uniform gel distribution structure inside so that the cooling performance of the cooling gel is evenly delivered, and the cushioning layer may effectively distribute the weight of the pet to reduce the burden applied to the joints and muscles. The pet cooling mat (1000) of the present disclosure may be implemented as a product that allows checking the condition of the pet cooling mat (1000) and the condition of the pet, along with the cooling function.

[0048] The cooling mat (1000) for pets of the present disclosure may include a cooling pad (10) and a protective cover (20).

[0049] The cooling pad (10) may be a pad in which, when water is injected, a dry liquid-activated cooling composition contained therein reacts with the water to produce a cooling effect. The cooling pad (10) may contain a dry liquid-activated cooling composition inside. Therefore, by using a dry liquid-activated cooling composition, it is resistant to mold compared to conventional cooling mats containing moisture, and can be stored in a dry state until use, allowing for long-term storage.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the liquid-activated cooling composition in a dry state may be composed of ingredients that are harmless to pets, taking into account the case where the pet bites or licks the cooling mat. For example, the liquid-activated cooling composition may be composed of 25 to 30 weight percent glycerin, 16 to 21 weight percent maltodextrin, 19 to 23 weight percent gellan gum, 13 to 17 weight percent guar gum, 10 to 14 weight percent erythritol, 4 to 6 weight percent tea tree oil, and 0.01 to 0.05 weight percent potassium sorbate.

[0051] For example, the outer surface material of the cooling pad (10) may be a TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) film. Due to the waterproofness, flexibility, and durability of the TPU film, the cooling pad (10) is not easily damaged even if the pet moves or scratches it, and leakage is minimal, so the quality of the cooling pad (10) can be maintained.

[0052] For example, a first coating layer consisting of a silicone-based water-repellent layer may be formed over the entire outer surface of the cooling pad (10). The silicone-based water-repellent layer may be a waterproof coating layer that has the function of preventing water and contaminants from seeping into the mat by coating a silicone component on the surface. That is, by forming a silicone-based water-repellent layer over the entire outer surface of the cooling pad (10), pet saliva or urine, etc., do not seep into the cooling pad (10), making hygiene management easier. In addition, contamination and discoloration can be prevented even when the cooling pad (10) is used for a long period of time.

[0053] For example, a second coating layer made of TPX (Polymethylpentene) for reinforcing elasticity may be additionally formed on the upper surface of the first coating layer on the upper surface of the cooling pad (10). TPX is a polyolefin-based polymer material and is a high-performance material characterized by high strength and heat resistance. That is, by adding an elastic reinforcing layer using TPX on the upper surface of the cooling pad (10), the restoring force of the cooling pad (10) to recover its original shape even if it is crumpled or folded is strengthened, and elasticity can be maintained even if a pet moves or plays on the cooling pad (10). In addition, thanks to the strong durability of TPX, surface wear of the cooling pad (10) can be prevented and the product life can be extended.

[0054] The cooling pad (10) may include an inlet (11), a plurality of compartments (12) and a flow path (13).

[0055] The inlet port (11) may be a passage through which water is injected into the interior of the cooling pad (10). The inlet port (11) is positioned on one side of the cooling pad (10), and the exterior and interior spaces of the cooling pad (10) may be connected through the inlet port (11). For example, the inlet port (11) may include a backflow prevention valve and a sealing means to prevent backflow due to changes in internal pressure after water is injected.

[0056] The sealing means is a means for physically sealing the inlet (11) after the user injects water, for example, the sealing means may include any one of a screw cap, a twist cap, or a snap-on cap.

[0057] For example, in the case of a screw cap, a male thread may be provided at the inlet of the injection port (11), and a female thread may be provided inside the screw cap. At this time, the two threads may interlock and be sealed by rotational fixation. At this time, a silicone packing may be included inside the screw cap. For example, a silicone packing with a circular cross section or a silicone packing in a flat shape may be attached inside the screw cap.

[0058] For example, in the case of a twist cap, the edge of the inlet of the injection port (11) and the circular protrusion may engage and be sealed by compression and rotation. For example, the circular protrusion may be formed on the outer edge of the upper part of the injection port (11). In this case, a circular groove may be formed inside the twist cap so that when the user rotates the twist cap, the circular protrusion comes into close contact with the circular groove to achieve a seal. Alternatively, for example, the circular protrusion may be formed in the shape of a camming ridge inside the twist cap. In this case, a ring-shaped protrusion may be provided on the upper part of the injection port (11) to which the camming ridge inside the twist cap can come into close contact. When the user covers and rotates the twist cap, the camming ridge applies pressure to the upper part of the injection port (11) and comes into close contact to achieve a seal.

[0059] For example, in the case of a snap-on cap, a protruding rib is formed at the entrance of the injection port (11), and a compression groove corresponding to the protruding rib may be provided inside the snap-on cap. At this time, the user can seal the cap by pressing it onto the protruding rib. At this time, a silicone packing may be applied to prevent leakage.

[0060] The backflow prevention valve opens when water is injected through the inlet (11) and automatically closes in response to internal pressure to prevent backflow of water. For example, the backflow prevention valve can be any one of a silicone disc valve, a rubber flap valve, or a spring-loaded valve.

[0061] For example, the silicone disc valve may be a valve in which the silicone disc is fixed to a support ring or a disc holder. The silicone disc is fixed to the support ring or disc holder and may be positioned at the upper part inside the inlet port (11). An inlet hole is formed in the center of the support ring, and when water is introduced, the water can push the silicone disc upward through the hole. That is, when a user injects water, the pressure of the water acts on the lower surface of the silicone disc, causing the silicone disc to be pushed upward and the inlet hole to open. At this time, if the water injection stops or if the internal pressure rises and backflow is about to occur, the silicone disc can return to its original position through a restoring force to block the inlet port (11).

[0062] For example, the rubber flap valve may be a valve in which a rubber flap is attached inside the inlet (11). The rubber flap is fixed to the upper part of the inlet (11), and the end of the rubber flap may be formed of a flexible material. When water is injected, the rubber flap may be folded and opened by the inflow pressure. At this time, if the water injection stops or external pressure is applied, the rubber flap may return to its original position through restoring force to block the inlet (11).

[0063] For example, a spring-embedded valve may be composed of a piston structure with a spring mounted inside an inlet (11). The spring is positioned inside the piston, and a sealing plug may be formed on the upper part of the piston. When water is injected, the inflow pressure compresses the spring, causing the piston to move upward and open the inflow path. When water injection stops or the internal pressure rises, the piston returns to its original position due to the restoring force of the spring, and the sealing plug can block the inlet (11).

[0064] For example, when water is injected into the interior of the cooling pad (10) through the inlet (11), the liquid-activated cooling composition and the water can react to produce a cooling gel. At this time, the cooling gel can fill the cooling pad (10) through a plurality of compartments (12) and flow paths (13) inside the cooling pad (10).

[0065] One compartment (12) may be an independent space partitioned by a compartment wall within the internal space of the cooling pad (10). The compartment wall is a blocking structure placed between the upper and lower layers of the cooling pad (10) and can restrict the movement path of the cooling gel. For example, the thickness of the compartment wall may be formed to be 0.8 mm to 1.5 mm. For example, the height of the compartment wall may be formed to be 7 mm to 12 mm. For example, the compartment wall may be made of the same material as the outer shell material of the cooling pad (10). For example, each compartment (12) may be formed in a square, hexagonal, or rhombus shape.

[0066] For example, a plurality of compartments (12) may be arranged in an arrangement that guides the cooling gel from the edges of the cooling pad (10) toward the center so that the cooling gel spreads evenly.

[0067] For example, each compartment (12) may have an opening formed that connects to a flow path (13). The opening may be formed with a diameter of 3 mm to 5 mm. That is, when the cooling gel moves above a certain pressure, it may spread to an adjacent compartment through the opening and the flow path (13).

[0068] For example, the spacing between the multiple compartments (12) can be formed to be 30 mm to 50 mm. At this time, the spacing between the multiple compartments (12) can be adjusted by taking into account the size of the cooling pad (10) and the viscosity of the cooling gel.

[0069] The channel (13) may be a passage through which the cooling gel spreads between each compartment (12). For example, the channel (13) may be formed inside the cooling pad (10) in a structure in which each of the multiple compartments (12) is connected to two or more adjacent compartments (12). For example, the channel (13) may be formed in the shape of a passage with a diameter of 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm.

[0070] For example, a plurality of flow holes may be formed in a portion of the Euro (13). For example, the flow holes may be formed with a diameter of 0.5 mm to 0.85 mm. This allows the cooling gel to seep into and diffuse into the empty space between the compartments (12) without stagnating in a specific area. For example, the spacing of the flow holes may be formed at intervals of 10 mm to 20 mm. At this time, the diameter and spacing of the flow holes may be adjusted according to the viscosity of the cooling gel.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the structure for the plurality of compartments (12) may be implemented as a waffle pattern structure. For example, the waffle pattern structure may be a structure in which protrusions in the shape of a square grid are regularly arranged inside the cooling pad (10). For example, protrusions may be formed at regular intervals between the upper layer and the lower layer of the cooling pad (10) to partition the plurality of compartments (12). Each protrusion may form a physical barrier to prevent the cooling gel from being concentrated to one side, while inducing the cooling gel to spread evenly throughout the cooling pad. That is, the waffle pattern structure may be a structure that does not use a flow path (13). In the waffle pattern structure, the thickness of the protrusions may generally be formed in the range of 0.8 mm to 1.5 mm. That is, the thickness of the protrusions may be formed such that the cooling gel is blocked from exceeding the protrusions while allowing it to spread to adjacent compartments according to pressure changes. If the thickness is excessively thin, there is a risk that the protrusions may be deformed or damaged by the pressure of the cooling gel; therefore, the thickness may be adjusted by considering the viscosity of the cooling gel and the size of the cooling pad. Additionally, the height of the protrusions may be formed in the range of 7 mm to 12 mm. If the height of the protrusions is too low, the cooling gel may flow excessively even with small pressure changes, and if the height is too high, the movement of the cooling gel may be excessively restricted, making the cooling effect inefficient. Therefore, the height of the protrusions may be adjusted to match the overall thickness of the cooling pad (10) and the viscosity of the cooling gel. In the square grid arrangement of the waffle pattern structure, the spacing between the compartments (12) may be set in the range of 30 mm to 50 mm. This may be adjusted according to the size of the cooling pad (10) and the viscosity of the cooling gel. An opening may be formed in a part of the protrusions of the waffle pattern structure. For example, the opening may be placed at the center or corner of each compartment (12), and the diameter of the opening may be set in the range of 3 mm to 5 mm.

[0072] The protective cover (20) may be a cover that protects the cooling pad (10) and simultaneously improves the tactile sensation and breathability of the surface that the pet comes into contact with.

[0073] For example, the protective cover (20) can be formed into an integrated structure by joining the upper layer and the lower layer using a heat fusion method or a high-frequency fusion method. The heat fusion process is a method of completely blocking the gaps through which water can seep in by fusing the upper layer and the lower layer at a high temperature, and is effective in enhancing waterproof performance. High-frequency fusion is a method of integrating the molecular structure of the material by heating it using high-frequency energy, and the durability and waterproof performance of the boundary can be enhanced.

[0074] For example, the upper layer of the protective cover (20) may be formed of breathable fibers. For example, the fibers of the upper layer of the protective cover (20) may be air mesh or cotton blend materials. The air mesh of the upper layer is a fabric with a 3D structure that allows for smooth air circulation and provides excellent cushioning, which can provide a comfortable touch when a pet lies down. For example, the cotton blend material of the upper layer may be composed of a mixture of 60% polyester and 40% cotton, but the raw materials, physical properties, and weight ratios of the protective cover (20) of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, a silicone washing process may be performed on the cotton blend material of the upper layer. Through this silicone washing process, lint of the fibers can be prevented and the touch can be made softer.

[0075] For example, the lower layer of the protective cover (20) may be formed of a synthetic material having a waterproof function. For example, the synthetic material having a waterproof function may be TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) or PU coated fabric (Polyurethane Coated Fabric).

[0076] According to one embodiment, an anti-slip rubber pattern may be formed at regular intervals on the outer surface of the lower layer of the protective cover (20). The anti-slip rubber pattern can strengthen the fixing force so that the protective cover (20) does not easily slide on the floor surface. For example, the anti-slip rubber pattern may be formed from a rubber-based elastic material such as silicone, TPR (Thermoplastic Rubber), or NBR (Nitrile Butadiene Rubber). For example, the anti-slip rubber pattern may be formed in various patterns such as a dot pattern, a linear pattern, or a grid pattern. For example, the height of the anti-slip rubber pattern may be formed in the range of 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm. At this time, the spacing between the patterns may be set in the range of 15 mm to 30 mm.

[0077] According to one embodiment, an adhesive surface may be formed on one side of the upper or lower layer of the protective cover (20). For example, a cooling mat for pets (1000) may be attached to the inside of a pet's house through the adhesive surface of the protective cover (20). The adhesive surface may be implemented using double-sided adhesive tape, silicone strips, Velcro, snap buttons, etc.

[0078] For example, the protective cover (20) may include an opening / closing member (21) and a detachable mounting part (22).

[0079] The opening / closing member (21) may be a functional member that allows the cooling pad (10) to be inserted through the opening of the protective cover (20) and then closed so that the protective cover (20) and the cooling pad (10) remain in an integrated state. For example, the opening / closing member (21) may be configured in the form of a zipper, Velcro, or a button. For example, in the case of a zipper-type opening / closing member, it may be provided in an opening formed at the edge of the protective cover (20), and when the zipper is completely closed, the upper layer and the lower layer of the protective cover (20) may be in close contact.

[0080] The detachable mounting portion (22) may be a structure for securing a sensing device (30) between the cooling pad (10) and the protective cover (20). For example, the detachable mounting portion (22) may be formed as a pocket structure or a clip-type fixing structure.

[0081] For example, the detachable mounting portion (22) may be formed as a pocket structure on the inner surface of the lower layer of the protective cover (20). Specifically, the detachable mounting portion (22) of the pocket structure may be formed from a separate fabric attached to the inner surface of the lower layer of the protective cover (20), or the same waterproof fabric as the lower layer of the protective cover (20) may be used as the said fabric. For example, the opening of the detachable mounting portion (22) of the pocket structure may be formed at the center of the inner surface of the lower layer of the protective cover (20). For example, to facilitate the insertion and removal of the sensing device (30), the detachable mounting portion (22) of the pocket structure may include an opening and closing means such as a zipper, Velcro, or a snap button.

[0082] For example, the detachable mounting part (22) of the clip-type fixing structure may be configured such that a clip base is provided at the center of the inner surface of the lower layer of the protective cover (20), and a hook structure formed on the outside of the sensing device (30) is inserted into the clip base to be fixed.

[0083] Through this, the detachable mounting part (22) can securely fix the sensing device (30) between the cooling pad (10) and the protective cover (20).

[0084] According to one embodiment, the sensing device (30) may be positioned between the bottom of the cooling pad (10) and the lower layer of the protective cover (20). For example, the sensing device (30) may detect temperature, humidity, and pressure for the cooling pad (10). The sensing device (30) may sense the temperature, humidity, and pressure of the cooling pad (10) in different zones over time intervals. For example, one zone may be set as an area containing a preset number of compartments (12). Alternatively, for example, each of the multiple compartments (12) may be set as one zone.

[0085] For example, the sensing device (30) may include at least one processor, memory, communication unit and sensor unit.

[0086] The processor may, for example, execute software to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of a device connected to the processor and perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or operations, the processor may store commands or data received from other components (e.g., a sensor unit or a communication unit) in volatile memory, process the commands or data stored in volatile memory, and store the resulting data in non-volatile memory. According to one embodiment, the processor may include a main processor (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or an auxiliary processor (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor) that can operate independently or together with the main processor.

[0087] For example, the processor may use an artificial intelligence model. The artificial intelligence model may be generated through machine learning. Such learning may be performed, for example, on the device itself where the artificial intelligence model is executed (e.g., the sensing device (30)), or through a separate server. The learning algorithm may include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model may include a plurality of artificial neural network layers. The artificial neural network may be a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), deep Q-networks, or a combination of one or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. Artificial intelligence models may include software structures, either additionally or as a substitute, in addition to hardware structures.

[0088] Memory can store various data used by at least one component of the device (e.g., a processor). The data may include, for example, input data or output data for software and related instructions. Memory may include volatile memory or non-volatile memory.

[0089] The communication unit may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the device and an external device, and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication unit may include one or more communication processors that operate independently of the processor and support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication unit may include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a GNSS (global navigation satellite system) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a LAN (local area network) communication module, or a power line communication module). The corresponding communication module among these communication modules may communicate with an external device through a first network (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, WiFi (wireless fidelity) direct, or IrDA (infrared data association)) or a second network (e.g., a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules can be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips).

[0090] Throughout this specification, the terms neural network, neural network, and network function may be used interchangeably. A neural network may consist of a set of interconnected computational units, which may generally be referred to as "nodes." These "nodes" may also be referred to as "neurons." A neural network is composed of at least one node. The nodes (or neurons) constituting neural networks may be interconnected by one or more "links."

[0091] In a neural network, one or more nodes connected via links can form a relative relationship between an input node and an output node. The concepts of input and output nodes are relative; any node in an output node relationship with respect to one node may be in an input node relationship with respect to another node, and vice versa. As previously mentioned, the input node versus output node relationship can be generated based on links. One or more output nodes may be connected to a single input node via links, and vice versa.

[0092] In a relationship between an input node and an output node connected through a single link, the value of the output node can be determined based on data input to the input node. Here, the nodes interconnecting the input node and the output node may have weights. The weights may be variable and may be varied by a user or an algorithm to enable the neural network to perform the desired function. For example, if one or more input nodes are interconnected to a single output node by respective links, the output node value may be determined based on the values ​​input to the input nodes connected to the output node and the weights set on the links corresponding to each input node.

[0093] As described above, a neural network is formed in which one or more nodes are interconnected through one or more links to create input-output node relationships within the network. The characteristics of a neural network can be determined by the number of nodes and links within the network, the relationships between the nodes and links, and the weight values ​​assigned to each link. For example, if two neural networks exist with the same number of nodes and links but different weight values ​​between the links, the two neural networks can be recognized as being different from each other.

[0094] The sensing device (30) can detect the state of the cooling pad (10) through the sensor unit and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. The sensor unit may include at least one temperature sensor, at least one humidity sensor, and at least one pressure sensor. For example, the temperature sensor, humidity sensor, and pressure sensor may be arranged for a plurality of zones. For example, the sensor unit may detect the temperature, humidity, and pressure for each zone over time intervals.

[0095] At this time, at least one temperature sensor, at least one humidity sensor, and at least one pressure sensor may each be ultra-thin sensors. Ultra-thin refers to a form designed to be very thin and flexible. For example, at least one temperature sensor, at least one humidity sensor, and at least one pressure sensor may each be ultra-thin sensors with a thickness of 2 mm or less. The temperature sensor can detect the temperature of the cooling pad (10) in a non-contact manner. For example, the temperature sensor can collect infrared rays emitted from the cooling pad (10), convert the infrared rays into a voltage signal through a thermoelectric element inside the sensor, and convert the converted voltage signal into a temperature value and output it. At this time, the temperature sensor may be placed in each zone of the cooling pad (10) to sense the temperature of the corresponding zone. For the humidity sensor, a capacitive method that measures humidity based on the capacitance according to the amount of change in the dielectric constant of the humidity-sensitive material may be used. At this time, the humidity sensor may be placed in each zone of the cooling pad (10) to sense the humidity of the corresponding zone. A pressure sensor may use a capacitive method that detects pressure based on changes in capacitance due to deformation of a flexible membrane. In this case, the pressure sensors are arranged in sections of the cooling pad (10) to sense the pressure in each section.

[0096] Additionally, for example, the sensor unit may further include an IR sensor that measures the distance between the pet and the sensing device (30). Through this, the sensor unit can include a value for the distance between the pet and the sensing device (30) in the sensing information.

[0097] The sensing device (30) can transmit sensing information sensed by the sensor unit to a server pre-connected to the sensing device (30). The sensing information may include temperature, humidity, and pressure for each of a plurality of zones. Here, a time interval may be pre-set to any one of 1 second, 5 seconds, or 10 seconds. For example, the sensing device (30) can transmit the sensing information in real time for each time interval. Alternatively, for example, the sensing device (30) can store the sensing information collected during a pre-set sensing period in memory and then transmit it to the server in batches. At this time, the sensing information may include the temperature, humidity, and pressure for each of the plurality of zones detected during the pre-set sensing period, on a time-interval basis.

[0098] For example, the server can determine the probability of mold growth on the pet cooling mat (1000) using sensing information. For example, the server can determine the probability of mold growth on the pet cooling mat (1000) through artificial intelligence that uses sensing information.

[0099] For example, the server may send a management guidance message to a user terminal pre-connected to the sensing device (30) based on the probability of mold growth on the pet cooling mat (1000). The management guidance message may be a message informing the user terminal that maintenance is required for the pet cooling mat (1000). For example, the server may send a management guidance message to a pre-connected user terminal based on the fact that the probability of mold growth is greater than or equal to a preset probability.

[0100] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for preparing a liquid-activated cooling composition included in a cooling mat for pets according to one embodiment. One embodiment of FIG. 4 can be combined with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0101] Referring to FIG. 4, in the first step (S410), the main components of the liquid-activated cooling composition included in the cooling mat for pets are mixed.

[0102] Dry raw materials including glycerin, maltodextrin, gellan gum, and guar gum are prepared. For example, a rotary mixer may be used as the mixer. The rotary mixer may include a container for holding the raw materials, a rotating shaft, and mixing blades.

[0103] At this time, if the rotation speed is too fast, the raw materials may stick to the walls, reducing uniformity, and if it is too slow, the mixing efficiency may decrease. For example, the mixing speed can be set to 200 to 250 rpm. In addition, if the mixing time is too short, uniformity is low, and if it is too long, particle damage or clumping of viscous components may occur. For example, the mixing time can be set to 8 minutes. At this time, the humidity inside the mixer can be controlled to be maintained at 30% or less. The temperature of the mixing chamber can be controlled to be maintained at 20 to 22 degrees. Through this, clumping of the mixture can be prevented.

[0104] For example, glycerin is the dried form of glycerin, a substance produced by spray-drying or powdering liquid glycerin. Glycerin is highly hygroscopic and can easily clump if it absorbs moisture from the air during the mixing process. To prevent this, keep the container sealed during storage and open it immediately before use. Maltodextrin is a polysaccharide powder obtained by enzymatic or acid treatment of starch; due to its high viscosity, it may form lumps, so it should be added at a constant rate during mixing. Gellan gum is a polysaccharide produced by microbial fermentation and can act as a gelling agent. Guar gum is a natural polysaccharide extracted from guar beans that functions to increase viscosity and stabilize substances.

[0105] For uniform mixing of dry raw materials, the order of addition is important, taking into account the physical properties of each component and the specifics of the mixing process. For example, maltodextrin can be added after the mixing speed of the mixer reaches 200 to 250 rpm. This allows for the formation of a base layer. After the base layer is formed, glycerin can be added. The maltodextrin particles act as a buffer for the absorption of glycerin, preventing viscous components from concentrating in one place. At this stage, glycerin can be added slowly in small amounts. After glycerin is added, gellan gum and guar gum can be added together. At this stage, gellan gum and guar gum can be added slowly in small amounts.

[0106] For example, after mixing, a sieve can be used to check if the particle size is uniform within the range of 150 to 200 μm. At this time, particles larger than 200 μm can be removed. Through this sieving process, the activation of the cooling composition can be achieved evenly.

[0107] In the second step (S420), antibacterial and preservative components are added to the mixed dry raw materials to increase the storage stability of the cooling composition.

[0108] Add tea tree oil and potassium sorbate to the mixed dry raw materials.

[0109] Tea tree oil is a substance obtained by powdering the dried form of tea tree oil. For example, because tea tree oil contains terpinen-4-ol, it can have an inhibitory effect against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and fungi. Potassium sorbate is a potassium salt of sorbic acid and is a preservative that inhibits the growth of molds, yeasts, and bacteria.

[0110] For example, the mixing speed of the mixer can be set to 150 to 180 rpm. For example, the mixing time of the mixer can be set to 3 minutes. This ensures that the antibacterial and preservative components are uniformly distributed.

[0111] For example, tea tree oil can be added after the mixing speed of the mixer reaches 150 to 180 rpm. After the tea tree oil is added, potassium sorbate can be added.

[0112] Additionally, for example, after mixing is complete, an optical particle analyzer can be used to check whether the particle distribution is uniform. The optical particle analyzer is a device that verifies whether the mixture is uniformly distributed and can visually analyze the size and distribution of particles. For instance, if the deviation in particle size distribution in the test results is within ±10%, the mixture can be determined to be uniform.

[0113] In the third step (S430), a cooling-promoting component is added to the existing mixture to lower the temperature upon activation of the cooling pad.

[0114] Erythritol can be added to the existing mixture as a cooling-promoting ingredient. Erythritol is a type of sugar alcohol obtained through a natural fermentation process and can produce a cooling effect through an endothermic reaction.

[0115] For example, the mixing speed of the mixer can be set to 200 rpm. For example, the mixing time of the mixer can be set to 5 minutes. Through this, the mixture is mixed to ensure that the erythritol spreads evenly.

[0116] For example, after mixing is complete, the temperature of the mixture can be stabilized to 25 to 30 degrees.

[0117] In the fourth step (S440), all components are finally mixed, and a stabilization process is performed to homogenize the particle size of the mixture and improve cooling persistence.

[0118] For example, the mixing speed of the mixer can be set to 250 rpm. For example, the mixing time of the mixer can be set to 4 minutes. At this time, the temperature of the mixture can be maintained at 28 to 32 degrees.

[0119] After final mixing, once the mixture is complete, it can be stabilized in a 40-degree drying chamber for 2 hours. Then, the dried mixture can be left at room temperature for 3 hours to make the particle size uniform.

[0120] Additionally, for example, the method for manufacturing a cooling pad is as follows.

[0121] Step 1 is the step of cutting a TPU film printed with a design such as a brand logo into a preset size.

[0122] For example, a design can be printed on a TPU film through a UV printing or silk screen process.

[0123] For example, the preset sizes of pet cooling mats may vary by size. Pet cooling mats can be available in large, medium, and small sizes.

[0124] For example, a TPU film in roll form can be cut to a preset size through a programmed cutting machine.

[0125] The second step is to form compartments and channels by overlapping and butting the upper and lower parts of the TPU film and then performing primary fusion using high frequency or heat.

[0126] At this time, the position can be fixed using a guide roller or a vacuum pickup system to maintain the contact state of the TPU film. At this time, only a portion can be fused in a grid shape using a high-frequency or thermal welding machine to form multiple compartments. At this time, the portion formed as a flow channel can be set as an unfused section through electrode design. For example, an insulation guide can be placed on the high-frequency electrode in the flow channel section to prevent heat from being transferred to that area. Additionally, a through hole can be created in a part of the flow channel using a punching device.

[0127] Afterward, the injection port and the opening are kept closed for the injection of the cooling composition and final sealing.

[0128] Additionally, according to one embodiment, when forming a compartment with a waffle pattern structure, a compartment wall may be formed in a TPU film in the first step, and the TPU film may be cut in the second step. For example, in the first step, a waffle pattern mold may be placed in the section where the TPU film moves, and a protrusion of the mold may press a specific part of the TPU film to form a compartment wall. At this time, heat and pressure may be applied from the top of the mold so that the TPU film melts and only the protrusion portion is fused. For example, a gentle slope (chamfer) may be added to the top of the protrusion to prevent the protrusion from protruding excessively. If the protrusion formed by the waffle pattern mold protrudes unevenly on the upper or lower layer, a secondary flattening process may be added. At this time, the injection port and the opening may be kept closed for the injection of the cooling composition and final sealing. For example, in the second step, the TPU film with the formed compartment may be cut at intervals of a certain length to classify it into individual cooling pads.

[0129] The third step is to introduce a dry liquid activated cooling composition into each compartment through the openings created after the first fusion.

[0130] The liquid-activated cooling composition in a dry state is uniformly injected into the compartment through an automatic metering filler, and a volume considering the cooling effect and expansion clearance space can be injected.

[0131] The fourth step may be a step of performing a secondary fusion through high frequency or heat on the opening created after the primary fusion.

[0132] Secondary fusion is a process of sealing the opening while a dry liquid-activated cooling composition is introduced, which can prevent leakage and enhance sealing strength. At this time, secondary fusion can prevent the TPU film from overheating by lowering the high-frequency output strength to 30–40% of the existing level. After secondary fusion is completed, the sealing status can be checked through a bubble test, such as injecting air pressure and immersing it in water to check for the formation of bubbles.

[0133] Step 5 is the step of attaching the injection port and inserting the backflow prevention valve.

[0134] The inlet is made of silicone material and can be attached to one side of a TPU film using a heat bonding method or adhesive. A silicone disc valve, a rubber flap valve, or a spring-loaded valve is inserted inside the inlet, which opens only when water is injected and automatically closes when internal pressure rises to prevent backflow.

[0135] Step 6 is the step of coating the exterior with a silicone waterproof layer and TPX.

[0136] The silicone waterproof layer is a silicone-based water-repellent coating applied to the entire outer surface of the cooling pad, which can prevent water or contaminants from seeping into the surface of the TPU film. The silicone waterproof layer can be applied by spray coating or roll coating. At this time, the film thickness can be uniformly formed to 20 to 30 μm. The TPX coating layer is additionally applied to the upper surface of the cooling pad to enhance durability and elasticity. The TPX can be coated by aligning the TPX film on top of the TPU film and then pressing it with a roller press or hot press equipment.

[0137] After the silicone waterproof layer and the TPX coating layer are completely dried, they undergo a curing process to prevent poor adhesion, and the final adhesion can be completed through heat curing treatment at a temperature of 160 to 180 degrees for 10 to 20 seconds.

[0138] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of an electronic device according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of a program according to one embodiment. The embodiments of FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 can be combined with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0139] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an electronic device (101) in a network environment (100) according to various embodiments. Referring to FIG. 5, in the network environment (100), the electronic device (101) may communicate with an electronic device (102) through a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network) or with at least one of an electronic device (104) or a server (108) through a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network).

[0140] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can communicate with the electronic device (104) through the server (108).

[0141] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), memory (130), input module (150), sound output module (155), display module (160), audio module (170), sensor module (176), interface (177), connection terminal (178), haptic module (179), camera module (180), power management module (188), battery (189), communication module (190), subscriber identification module (196), or antenna module (197). In some embodiments, at least one of these components (e.g., connection terminal (178)) may be omitted from the electronic device (101), or one or more other components may be added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., sensor module (176), camera module (180), or antenna module (197)) may be integrated into a single component (e.g., display module (160)). The electronic device (101) may be referred to as a client, terminal, or peer.

[0142] The processor (120) can control at least one other component (e.g., hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) by executing software (e.g., program (140)), for example, and can perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or operations, the processor (120) can store commands or data received from other components (e.g., sensor module (176) or communication module (190)) in volatile memory (132), process the commands or data stored in volatile memory (132), and store the resulting data in non-volatile memory (134). According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include a main processor (121) (e.g., central processing unit or application processor) or an auxiliary processor (123) that can operate independently or together with it (e.g., graphics processing unit, neural processing unit (NPU), image signal processor, sensor hub processor, or communication processor).

[0143] For example, if the electronic device (101) includes a main processor (121) and an auxiliary processor (123), the auxiliary processor (123) may be configured to use lower power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a designated function. The auxiliary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as part thereof.

[0144] The auxiliary processor (123) can control at least some of the functions or states associated with at least one component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., display module (160), sensor module (176), or communication module (190)) on behalf of the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state.

[0145] According to one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as part of other functionally related components (e.g., a camera module (180) or a communication module (190)). According to one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing an artificial intelligence model.

[0146] An artificial intelligence model can be generated through machine learning. Such learning may be performed, for example, on the electronic device (101) itself where the artificial intelligence model is executed, or through a separate server (e.g., server (108)). The learning algorithm may include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model may include a plurality of artificial neural network layers. The artificial neural network may be a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), deep Q-networks, or a combination of one or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. Artificial intelligence models may include software structures, either additionally or as a substitute, in addition to hardware structures.

[0147] The memory (130) can store various data used by at least one component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., processor (120) or sensor module (176)). The data may include, for example, input data or output data for software (e.g., program (140)) and related commands. The memory (130) may include volatile memory (132) or non-volatile memory (134).

[0148] The program (140) may be stored as software in memory (130) and may include, for example, an operating system (142), middleware (144), or an application (146).

[0149] The input module (150) can receive commands or data to be used for a component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., processor (120)) from outside the electronic device (101) (e.g., user). The input module (150) may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0150] The sound output module (155) can output a sound signal to the outside of the electronic device (101). The sound output module (155) may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker may be used for general purposes, such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver may be used to receive incoming calls. According to one embodiment, the receiver may be implemented separately from the speaker or as part thereof.

[0151] The display module (160) can visually provide information to an external (e.g., user) of the electronic device (101). The display module (160) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling said device. According to one embodiment, the display module (160) may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of the force generated by said touch.

[0152] The audio module (170) can convert sound into an electrical signal or, conversely, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (170) can acquire sound through the input module (150) or output sound through the sound output module (155) or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)) (e.g., speaker or headphones) connected directly or wirelessly to the electronic device (101).

[0153] The sensor module (176) can detect the operating state of the electronic device (101) (e.g., power or temperature) or the external environmental state (e.g., user state) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (176) may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an accelerometer sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biosensing device, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0154] The interface (177) may support one or more specified protocols that can be used for the electronic device (101) to be connected directly or wirelessly to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the interface (177) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

[0155] The connection terminal (178) may include a connector through which the electronic device (101) can be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the connection terminal (178) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0156] The haptic module (179) can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g., vibration or movement) or an electrical stimulus that the user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic senses. According to one embodiment, the haptic module (179) may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electric stimulation device.

[0157] The camera module (180) can capture still images and images. According to one embodiment, the camera module (180) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0158] The power management module (188) can manage the power supplied to the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the power management module (188) can be implemented, for example, as at least part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0159] The battery (189) can supply power to at least one component of the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the battery (189) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0160] The communication module (190) can support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between an electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102), electronic device (104), or server (108)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (190) may include one or more communication processors that operate independently of the processor (120) (e.g., application processor) and support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication.

[0161] According to one embodiment, the communication module (190) may include a wireless communication module (192) (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a GNSS (global navigation satellite system) communication module) or a wired communication module (194) (e.g., a LAN (local area network) communication module, or a power line communication module). The corresponding communication module among these communication modules may communicate with an external electronic device (104) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, WiFi (wireless fidelity) direct, or IrDA (infrared data association)) or a second network (199) (e.g., a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (192) can identify or authenticate the electronic device (101) within a communication network, such as a first network (198) or a second network (199), using subscriber information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (196).

[0162] The wireless communication module (192) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following 4G networks, for example, new radio access technology. NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB)), minimization of terminal power and connection of multiple terminals (massive machine type communications (mMTC)), or high reliability and low latency (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC)). The wireless communication module (192) can support a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate, for example. The wireless communication module (192) can support various technologies for securing performance in the high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive MIMO (multiple-input and multiple-output), full-dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large-scale antenna. The wireless communication module (192) can support various requirements specified in the electronic device (101), external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (104)), or network system (e.g., second network (199)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (192) can support a Peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for realizing eMBB, loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for realizing mMTC, or U-plane latency (e.g., downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) each 0.5 ms or less, or round trip 1 ms or less) for realizing URLLC.

[0163] The antenna module (197) can transmit a signal or power to an external source (e.g., an external electronic device) or receive it from an external source.

[0164] According to one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include an antenna comprising a radiator made of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., PCB).

[0165] According to one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as a first network (198) or a second network (199), may be selected from the plurality of antennas, for example, by a communication module (190). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and an external electronic device through the selected at least one antenna. According to some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, other components (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as part of the antenna module (197).

[0166] According to various embodiments, the antenna module (197) may form a mmWave antenna module. According to one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent to a first surface (e.g., bottom surface) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a specified high frequency band (e.g., mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas) disposed on or adjacent to a second surface (e.g., top surface or side surface) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving a signal of the specified high frequency band.

[0167] At least some of the above components can be connected to each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), or MIPI (mobile industry processor interface)) and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other.

[0168] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between an electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (104) through a server (108) connected to a second network (199). Each of the external electronic devices (102, or 104) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (101).

[0169] According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations performed on the electronic device (101) may be performed on one or more external electronic devices (102, 104, or 108). For example, when the electronic device (101) needs to perform a function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (101) may request one or more external electronic devices to perform at least part of the function or service instead of performing the function or service itself, or additionally. Upon receiving the request, one or more external electronic devices may perform at least part of the requested function or service, or additional functions or services related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may provide the result as is or additionally processed as at least part of the response to the request. For this purpose, for example, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used.

[0170] The electronic device (101) can provide ultra-low latency services using, for example, distributed computing or mobile edge computing. In another embodiment, the external electronic device (104) may include an IoT (Internet of Things) device.

[0171] The server (108) may be an intelligent server using machine learning and / or neural networks.

[0172] According to one embodiment, an external electronic device (104) or server (108) may be included within the second network (199). The electronic device (101) may be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

[0173] The server (108) is connected to an electronic device (101) and can provide services to the connected electronic device (101). Additionally, the server (108) can proceed with the membership registration process, store and manage various information of users who have registered as members accordingly, and provide various purchasing and payment functions related to the service.

[0174] Additionally, the server (108) may share execution data of service applications running on each of the multiple electronic devices (101) in real time so that services can be shared among users. This server (108) may have the same hardware configuration as a conventional web server or service server. However, in terms of software, it may include program modules that perform various functions and are implemented through any language such as C, C++, Java, Python, Golang, Kotlin, etc.

[0175] Additionally, the server (108) generally refers to a computer system that is connected to an unspecified number of clients and / or other servers through an open computer network such as the internet, receives requests for work execution from clients or other servers, and derives and provides work results, and computer software (server program) installed for that purpose.

[0176] In addition, the server (108) should be understood as a broad concept that includes, in addition to the aforementioned server program, a series of application programs running on the server (108) and, in some cases, various databases (DB: Database, hereinafter referred to as "DB") built internally or externally. Accordingly, the server (108) classifies membership registration information and data, stores them in the DB, and manages them, and such DB can be implemented internally or externally of the server (108).

[0177] Additionally, the server (108) can be implemented using a server program that is provided in various ways depending on the operating system, such as Windows, Linux, UNIX, and Macintosh, on general server hardware. Representative examples include IIS (Internet Information Server) used in a Windows environment and CERN, NCSA, APPACH, TOMCAT used in a UNIX environment, which can be used to implement web services.

[0178] Additionally, the server (108) may be linked with an authentication system and a payment system for user authentication of the service or purchase payment related to the service.

[0179] The first network (198) and the second network (199) refer to a connection structure capable of exchanging information between each node, such as terminals and servers, or a network connecting a server (108) and electronic devices (101, 104). The first network (198) and the second network (199) include, but are not limited to, the Internet, LAN (Local Area Network), Wireless LAN (Wireless Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), PAN (Personal Area Network), 3G, 4G, LTE, 5G, Wi-Fi, etc. The first network (198) and the second network (199) may be closed types such as LAN, WAN, etc., but it is preferable that they be open types such as the Internet. The Internet refers to a global open computer first network (198) and second network (199) structure that provides protocols such as TCP / IP protocol, TCP, and UDP (user datagram protocol), and various services existing in the upper layer, namely HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol), Telnet, FTP (File Transfer Protocol), DNS (Domain Name System), SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol), SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol), NFS (Network File Service), and NIS (Network Information Service).

[0180] A database may have a general data structure implemented in the storage space (hard disk or memory) of a computer system using a database management program (DBMS). A database may have a data storage form that allows for the free retrieval (extraction), deletion, editing, and addition of data. A database may be implemented to suit the purpose of an embodiment of the present disclosure using a relational database management system (RDBMS) such as Oracle, Informix, Sybase, and DB2, an object-oriented database management system (OODBMS) such as Gemston, Orion, and O2, and an XML native database such as Excelon, Tamino, and Sekaiju, and may have appropriate fields or elements to achieve its functions.

[0181] FIG. 6 is a block diagram (200) illustrating a program (140) according to various embodiments. According to one embodiment, the program (140) may include an operating system (142), middleware (144), or an application (146) executable on the operating system (142) for controlling one or more resources of an electronic device (101). The operating system (142) may include, for example, Android™, iOS™, Windows™, Symbian™, Tizen™, or Bada™. At least some of the programs (140) may be preloaded into the electronic device (101) at manufacturing time, for example, or downloaded or updated from an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102 or 104), or server (108)) when used by a user. All or part of the program (140) may include a neural network.

[0182] The operating system (142) can control the management (e.g., allocation or reclamation) of one or more system resources (e.g., processes, memory, or power) of the electronic device (101). The operating system (142) may additionally or substantially include one or more driver programs for driving other hardware devices of the electronic device (101), e.g., an input module (150), an audio output module (155), a display module (160), an audio module (170), a sensor module (176), an interface (177), a haptic module (179), a camera module (180), a power management module (188), a battery (189), a communication module (190), a subscriber identification module (196), or an antenna module (197).

[0183] Middleware (144) may provide various functions to an application (146) so that functions or information provided from one or more resources of an electronic device (101) can be used by the application (146). Middleware (144) may include, for example, an application manager (201), a window manager (203), a multimedia manager (205), a resource manager (207), a power manager (209), a database manager (211), a package manager (213), a connectivity manager (215), a notification manager (217), a location manager (219), a graphics manager (221), a security manager (223), a call manager (225), or a voice recognition manager (227).

[0184] The application manager (201) can, for example, manage the life cycle of the application (146). The window manager (203) can, for example, manage one or more GUI resources used on the screen. The multimedia manager (205) can, for example, identify one or more formats required for the playback of media files and perform encoding or decoding of the corresponding media files among the media files using a codec that matches the selected corresponding format. The resource manager (207) can, for example, manage the source code of the application (146) or the memory space of the memory (130). The power manager (209) can, for example, manage the capacity, temperature, or power of the battery (189) and, using the relevant information, determine or provide relevant information required for the operation of the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the power manager (209) can interact with the BIOS (basic input / output system) (not shown) of the electronic device (101).

[0185] The database manager (211) can, for example, create, search, or modify a database to be used by the application (146). The package manager (213) can, for example, manage the installation or update of the application distributed in the form of a package file. The connectivity manager (215) can, for example, manage a wireless or direct connection between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device. The notification manager (217) can, for example, provide a function to notify the user of the occurrence of a specified event (e.g., an incoming call, a message, or an alarm). The location manager (219) can, for example, manage location information of the electronic device (101). The graphics manager (221) can, for example, manage one or more graphic effects or related user interfaces to be provided to the user.

[0186] The security manager (223) may, for example, provide system security or user authentication. The telephony manager (225) may, for example, manage voice call functions or video call functions provided by the electronic device (101). The voice recognition manager (227) may, for example, transmit user voice data to the server (108) and receive from the server (108) a command corresponding to a function to be performed on the electronic device (101) based on at least part of the voice data, or text data converted based on at least part of the voice data. According to one embodiment, the middleware (144) may dynamically delete some existing components or add new components. According to one embodiment, at least part of the middleware (144) may be included as part of the operating system (142) or implemented as separate software different from the operating system (142).

[0187] The application (146) may include, for example, a home (251), a dialer (253), an SMS / MMS (255), an IM (instant message) (257), a browser (259), a camera (261), an alarm (263), a contact (265), a voice recognition (267), an email (269), a calendar (271), a media player (273), an album (275), a watch (277), a health (279) (e.g., measuring biometric information such as exercise volume or blood sugar), or an environmental information (281) (e.g., measuring atmospheric pressure, humidity, or temperature information).

[0188] According to one embodiment, the application (146) may further include an information exchange application (not shown) capable of supporting information exchange between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device. The information exchange application may include, for example, a notification relay application configured to transmit information designated to the external electronic device (e.g., a call, a message, or an alarm), or a device management application configured to manage the external electronic device. The notification relay application may, for example, transmit notification information corresponding to a designated event (e.g., mail reception) generated in another application of the electronic device (101) (e.g., an email application (269)) to the external electronic device. Additionally or alternatively, the notification relay application may receive notification information from the external electronic device and provide it to the user of the electronic device (101).

[0189] A device management application can control the power (e.g., turn-on or turn-off) or function (e.g., brightness, resolution, or focus) of an external electronic device or a part of its components (e.g., a display module or camera module of the external electronic device) that communicates with the electronic device (101). The device management application can additionally or substantially support the installation, deletion, or updating of applications running on the external electronic device.

[0190] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a system including a cooling mat for pets according to one embodiment. The embodiment of FIG. 7 can be combined with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0191] Referring to FIG. 7, a system including a cooling mat for pets (hereinafter, system) may include a sensing device (710), a user terminal (720), and a server (730).

[0192] The sensing device (710) may be a device that detects the temperature, humidity, and pressure of a cooling pad included in a cooling mat for pets and transmits the sensing information to a user terminal (720) and a server (730). Here, the cooling mat for pets may be a cooling mat for pets (1000) described in detail in FIGS. 1 to 4, which is a mat for pets that provides a cooling effect and a cushioning sensation. For example, the sensing device (710) may determine sensing information to check the state of the cooling mat for pets and the state of the pet, and transmit the sensing information to a user terminal (720) and a server (730). For example, the sensing device (710) may be a sensing device (30) described in detail in FIGS. 1 to 3.

[0193] The sensing device (710) can detect the state of the cooling pad (e.g., temperature, humidity, and pressure) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to one embodiment, the sensing device (710) may include at least one processor, memory, communication unit, and sensor unit. The sensor unit may include at least one temperature sensor, at least one humidity sensor, at least one pressure sensor, and an IR sensor.

[0194] For example, the sensing device (710) can transmit sensing information in real time to at least one of a user terminal (720) or a server (730) at each time interval.

[0195] Alternatively, for example, the sensing device (710) may store the sensing information collected during a preset sensing period in memory and then transmit it in batches to at least one of a user terminal (720) or a server (730). At this time, the sensing information may include the temperature, humidity, and pressure for each of the plurality of zones detected during the preset sensing period, on a time-span basis.

[0196] The user terminal (720) may be a terminal of a user using the cooling mat for pets of the present disclosure. For example, the user terminal (720) may be a terminal that has established a prior connection with the sensing device (710). For example, the user terminal may be implemented as various devices including a smartphone, mobile phone, smart TV, set-top box, tablet PC, laptop computer, desktop, wearable device, etc. An application may be pre-installed on the user terminal (720) to control the sensing device (710) and to receive the status of the cooling mat for pets and the status of the pet from the server (730). For example, the user terminal (720) may establish a wireless connection with the sensing device (710) and the server (730) through the pre-installed application. For example, the user terminal may transmit the pet's physical information to the server (730) through the pre-installed application. The physical information of the pet may include the size of the pet, the weight of the pet, the type of pet, the breed of the pet, the gender of the pet, and the age of the pet. For example, the user terminal (720) may be the electronic device (101) of FIG. 5.

[0197] The server (730) may be a server that manages the condition of the pet cooling mat and the condition of the pet using sensing information detected by the sensing device (710). For example, the server (730) may communicate with at least one of the sensing device (710) or the user terminal (720) via a short-range wireless communication network and / or a long-range wireless communication network. For example, the server (730) may transmit and receive information with at least one of the sensing device (710) or the user terminal (720) and transmit signals for specific commands. For example, the server (730) may be the server (108) of FIG. 6.

[0198] For example, the server (730) can determine the probability of mold growth on the pet cooling mat using sensing information. For example, the server (730) can determine the probability of mold growth on the pet cooling mat using artificial intelligence that uses sensing information.

[0199] For example, the server (730) can send a management guidance message to the user terminal (720) based on the probability of mold occurrence on the pet cooling mat. For example, the server (730) can send a management guidance message to the user terminal (720) based on the probability of mold occurrence being greater than or equal to a preset probability. The management guidance message may include text regarding the management method of the pet cooling mat. For example, the text regarding the management method of the pet cooling mat may be set differently depending on the probability of mold occurrence.

[0200] For example, the server (730) can determine the condition information of the pet using sensing information. For example, the server (730) can determine the condition information of the pet through artificial intelligence that uses sensing information. The condition information of the pet may include the pet's behavioral patterns, the pet's sleep patterns, and the pet's weight gain / loss rate.

[0201] For example, the server (730) can periodically transmit status information of the pet to the user terminal (720).

[0202] For example, the server (730) can determine the stress level of the pet based on the pet's condition information.

[0203] For example, the server (730) may send a warning message to the user terminal (720) based on the fact that the pet's stress index exceeds a preset value. The warning message may be a message warning the user that the pet's stress is high. For example, the warning message may include the pet's stress index and a stress management method based on the pet's stress index.

[0204] Additionally, according to one embodiment, the server (730) can determine the state information of the cooling mat for the pet through a first state determination model using a first neural network based on the pet's body information and sensing information. Here, the sensing information may be sensing information for a preset period.

[0205] For example, the server (730) can generate a target vector through data preprocessing of the pet's physical information. For example, the target vector may include values ​​for the pet's size, the pet's weight, the type of the pet, the pet's breed, the pet's gender, and the pet's age.

[0206] The value for the size of the pet may be a value for body length. In this case, the unit of the value for body length may be cm. The unit of the value for the weight of the pet may be kg. The value for the type of the pet may be a value representing any one of multiple types. For example, values ​​for multiple types may be pre-set in the server (730). For example, multiple types may include various types such as dogs, cats, and birds.

[0207] The value for the breed of the pet may be a value representing any one of multiple breeds. For example, the value for the type of pet may be matched with the value for multiple breeds and pre-set on the server (730). For example, in the case of dogs, various breeds such as Yorkshire Terriers, Chihuahuas, and Pomeranians may be included, and in the case of cats, various breeds such as Abyssinians and Russian Blues may be included.

[0208] The value for the pet's gender can be either female or male. The value for the pet's age can be in months.

[0209] For example, the server (730) can generate a sensing vector through data preprocessing of the sensing information. For example, the sensing vector may include temperature values, humidity values, and pressure values ​​for each time interval of a plurality of zones for a preset period. Here, the unit of the temperature value may be Celsius, the unit of the humidity value may be relative humidity, and the unit of the pressure value may be kilopascals (kPa).

[0210] According to one embodiment, the server (730) can correct the sensing vector based on the value of the distance between the pet and the sensing device.

[0211] For example, the server (730) can correct the sensing vector by applying a weighted distance correction based on the value of the distance between the pet and the sensing device. Specifically, the server (730) can map the sensing data for each zone onto a coordinate system and calculate the distance from the coordinate system to the point where the pet is located. For example, if the temperature value collected from a specific sensor is 32 degrees and the distance between the point where the sensor is located and the pet's location is 30 cm, the server can adjust the temperature value by applying a distance-based weighting to the temperature based on 30 cm. Humidity and pressure values ​​can also be corrected in a similar manner. In particular, in the case of humidity, due to the characteristics of moisture movement in the air, a more accurate correction can be achieved by setting the distance-based weighting differently along with the temperature change. For example, the temperature, pressure, and distance-based weighting for temperature can be pre-set in the server (730).

[0212] For example, the server (730) can determine the state information of the cooling mat for pets by inputting the target vector and the sensing vector into a first state determination model using a first neural network.

[0213] The condition information of the cooling mat for pets may include the probability of mold growth in multiple zones, the rate of cooling performance degradation, and the rate of durability degradation.

[0214] The probability of mold growth indicates the likelihood of mold developing due to humidity, temperature changes, and residual moisture on the cooling mat. In particular, if a specific area of ​​the cooling mat becomes continuously damp due to sweat, saliva, etc., generated from continuous use by pets, the probability of mold growth in that area may increase.

[0215] In addition, since the cooling performance of a cooling mat may deteriorate over time, the cooling performance degradation rate can be used to predict how much the performance has dropped from the normal state. Because the cooling mat is subjected to pressure from continuous use and the weight of pets, and material damage or performance degradation occurs over time, the durability degradation rate can be used to predict how much the durability of the cooling mat has decreased from the normal state.

[0216] For example, the first neural network may include a first input layer, one or more first hidden layers, and a first output layer.

[0217] Training data composed of multiple target vectors, multiple sensing vectors, and multiple correct answer state information for pet cooling mats is input into a first input layer, passes through one or more first hidden layers and a first output layer, and is output as a first output vector; the first output vector is input into a first loss function layer connected to the first output layer; the first loss function layer outputs a first loss value using a first loss function that compares the first output vector with the correct answer vector for each training data, and the parameters of the first neural network can be trained in a direction in which the first loss value becomes smaller.

[0218] For example, the first neural network may be a ConvGRU (convolutional gated recurrent unit). A recurrent neural network (RNN) can effectively model time-series information because the hidden layer values ​​for the previous input stored internally are considered in the output for the next input. However, since the RNN has a structure that relies on past observations, problems such as vanishing gradients or exploding gradients may occur. An LSTM is a model designed to solve this problem; by replacing the nodes within the LSTM with memory cells, it is possible to accumulate information or delete parts of past information, thereby compensating for the issues of the RNN. A GRU is a model that improves processing speed by simplifying the structure of this LSTM. ConvGRU can be a deep learning model capable of learning spatial and temporal patterns simultaneously by replacing the internal operations of the GRU model with convolution operations. In this case, the first hidden layer may include a ConvGRU layer.

[0219] Additionally, according to one embodiment, the server (730) can determine the state information of the pet through a second state determination model using a second neural network based on the pet's body information and sensing information.

[0220] The server (730) can generate a target vector and a sensing vector through data preprocessing for each of the pet's body information and sensing information. At this time, the target vector and the sensing vector may be the same vector as the target vector and the sensing vector input to the first state determination model. That is, the server (730) generates a target vector and a sensing vector through data preprocessing for each of the pet's body information and sensing information, and can use the target vector and the sensing vector in the first state determination model and the second state determination model.

[0221] For example, the server (730) can determine the state information of the pet by inputting the target vector and the sensing vector into a second state determination model using a second neural network.

[0222] Pet status information may include the pet's behavioral patterns, sleep patterns, and weight gain / loss rate.

[0223] The behavioral patterns of the pet may include the ratio of time spent in each zone, the activity variability index, and the repetitive movement pattern index. Here, the ratio of time spent in each zone may be the proportion of time the pet spent in each of multiple zones within a preset period. The activity variability index may be a value regarding the amount of change in the pet's activity level within a preset period. The repetitive movement pattern index may be a value regarding the frequency of repeated movement between zones within a preset period in a specific pattern.

[0224] A pet's sleep patterns may include a sleep cycle regularity index, mid-sleep wakefulness frequency, and sleep depth index. The sleep cycle regularity index may be a value indicating the degree of regularity of sleep duration within a preset period. Mid-sleep wakefulness frequency may be the ratio of the number of times the pet wakes up during sleep within a preset period. The sleep depth index may be a value indicating how deeply the pet sleeps based on its movements during sleep within a preset period.

[0225] The pet's weight growth rate may include the daily weight growth rate and estimated maximum weight within a preset period.

[0226] For example, the second neural network may include a second input layer, one or more second hidden layers, and a second output layer.

[0227] Training data composed of multiple target vectors, multiple sensing vectors, and multiple correct pet state information is input into a second input layer, passes through one or more second hidden layers and a second output layer, and is output as a second output vector; the second output vector is input into a second loss function layer connected to the second output layer; the second loss function layer outputs a second loss value using a second loss function that compares the second output vector with the correct vector for each training data, and the parameters of the second neural network can be trained in a direction in which the second loss value becomes smaller.

[0228] For example, the second neural network could be a Spatial-Temporal Graph Convolutional Network. A Spatial-Temporal Graph Convolutional Network is a neural network that processes data in a graph structure to learn spatial features and temporal features simultaneously; unlike general time-series data, spatiotemporal data can simultaneously include connection information between nodes and changes over time.

[0229] A spatiotemporal graph convolutional neural network represents relationships between objects through nodes and edges of a graph structure, integrates adjacent node information using a graph synthesis network, recognizes continuous patterns along the time axis by performing one-dimensional convolution operations to process time-series data, and can quantify the graph structure using an adjacency matrix. In this case, each node corresponds to a specific object (e.g., sensing data), and edges can represent relationships between nodes. The second hidden layer may include a spatiotemporal convolutional block layer.

[0230] FIG. 8 is an example of a first state determination model using a first neural network according to one embodiment. The embodiment of FIG. 8 can be combined with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0231] Referring to FIG. 8, the first state determination model (800) can use ConvGRU.

[0232] The first state determination model (800) may include a first input layer (810), a ConvGRU layer (820), and a first output layer (830).

[0233] The first input layer (810) can generate an integrated vector by combining the input target vector and the sensing vector. The integrated vector may include a batch size, a time interval, feature values ​​included in the target vector, and feature values ​​included in the sensing vector. That is, the first input layer (810) can generate an integrated vector that integrates the static characteristics of the target vector and the dynamic characteristics of the sensing vector.

[0234] For example, the first input layer (810) can perform preprocessing steps such as normalization and imputation to match the data scale when combining the target vector and the sensing vector.

[0235] The ConvGRU layer (820) can learn temporal flow and spatial patterns simultaneously by using an input vector containing spatial information. For example, the ConvGRU layer (820) may include a one-dimensional convolutional layer and a plurality of GRU blocks. A single GRU block may include an update gate and a reset gate.

[0236] A one-dimensional convolutional layer can determine local patterns in a time interval based on integrated vectors and learn minute changes in feature values ​​to generate feature maps.

[0237] For example, a one-dimensional convolutional layer can generate a feature map by the following mathematical formula 1.

[0238]

[0239] In the above mathematical formula 1, the above F t is the output value of one of the feature maps in the time interval t, and the above is an activation function, k is the kernel size, and X t+k is an integrated vector selected based on the time interval t by the size of the kernel, and the above W k is a weight matrix for the convolution kernel, and b can be a bias value.

[0240] For example, the activation function can be the ReLU function or the Leaky ReLU function.

[0241] ReLU can be a function that returns 0 if the input is 0 or less, and returns the input value itself if it is greater than 0.

[0242] The Leaky ReLU function can be a function that maintains a small gradient even when the input is 0 or less. In this case, the gradient can be set to 0.01.

[0243] For example, the number of filters can be set to 32, the kernel size to 3, and the stride to 1. For example, the feature map can be generated based on the batch size, which is the number of data processed at once, the length of the time series vector, which is the number of time intervals on the time axis, and the number of convolution kernels. In this case, three types of filters can be used: a filter for temperature, a filter for humidity, and a filter for pressure.

[0244] For example, the update gate of a GRU block is the feature map F t Based on , the past hidden state h t-1It can be used. In this case, the update gate, through the sigmoid activation function, reflects less past information as the value is closer to 0 and reflects more past information as the value is closer to 1. In other words, the update gate plays the role of determining how much past information to retain.

[0245] For example, the update gate can generate an update value by the following mathematical formula 2.

[0246]

[0247] In the above mathematical formula 2, the above z t is the update value, the above σ is the activation function, and the above W z is the weight matrix of the update gate for the feature map, and the above F t is a feature map, and the above U z is the weight matrix of the update gate for the past hidden state, and the above h t-1 is a past hidden state, and the above b z can be a bias value for the update gate. Here, the activation function can be a sigmoid activation function.

[0248] For example, the reset gate of a GRU block is feature map F t Based on this, the past hidden state ht-1 can be utilized. In this case, the reset gate, through the sigmoid activation function, can initialize more past information as the value is closer to 0 and less past information as the value is closer to 1. In other words, the reset gate plays the role of determining how much past information to initialize.

[0249] For example, a reset gate can generate a reset value by the following mathematical formula 3.

[0250]

[0251] In the above mathematical formula 3, the r tis the reset value, the above σ is the activation function, and the above W r is the weight matrix of the reset gate for the feature map, and the above F t is a feature map, and the above U r is the weight matrix of the reset gate for the past hidden state, and the above h t-1 is a past hidden state, and the above b r can be a bias value for the reset gate. Here, the activation function can be a sigmoid activation function.

[0252] For example, the GRU block can determine the current state using a feature map and a past hidden state that reflects the reset value. The current state can be used as a candidate value for new information. In other words, the GRU block selectively reflects past information by a ratio determined by the reset gate and can generate a new state by adding input information at the current time point.

[0253] For example, the current state can be determined by the following mathematical formula 4.

[0254]

[0255] In the above mathematical formula 4, the above is the current state, the above tanh is the hyperbolic tangent activation function, and the above W h is the weight matrix of the current state for the feature map, and the above F t is a feature map, and the above U h is a weight matrix of the current state with respect to the past hidden state, and the above h t-1 is a past hidden state, and the above b h can be a bias value for the current state. Here, ⊙ is the Hadamard product (Element-wise Multiplication), which is an operation that multiplies the elements at the same position of two vectors.

[0256] For example, a GRU block can generate the final hidden state by combining the past hidden state and the new current state according to a ratio. For example, the update value can be determined by that ratio.

[0257] For example, the final hidden state can be determined by the following mathematical formula 5.

[0258]

[0259] In the above mathematical formula 5, the above h t is the final hidden state, and the above z t is the update value, and the above h t-1 is a past hidden state, and the above can be the current state. Here, ⊙ is the Hadamard product (Element-wise Multiplication), which is an operation that multiplies the elements at the same position of two vectors.

[0260] For example, the final hidden state can be used as the previous hidden state in the operation at the next time point, so that the final hidden state that has passed through multiple GRU blocks can be transmitted to the first output layer (830). At this time, the final hidden state transmitted to the first output layer (830) may be a high-dimensional vector containing complex spatiotemporal characteristics.

[0261] The first output layer (830) may include a flatten layer and a plurality of dense layers. For example, the flatten layer may compress the high-dimensional features of the final hidden state into a low-dimensional one-dimensional vector. For example, one dense layer may apply an activation function set in the dense layer. That is, through three dense layers, the probability of mold occurrence in multiple zones, the cooling performance degradation rate, and the durability degradation rate can be output, respectively.

[0262] For example, the probability of mold growth, the rate of cooling performance degradation, and the rate of durability degradation can each be determined as a value between 0 and 1.

[0263] For example, the server may transmit a first management guidance message to a pre-connected user terminal based on the fact that at least one of the multiple zone-specific mold occurrence probabilities is greater than or equal to a preset probability. The first management guidance message may include a first text regarding a method of managing a cooling mat for pets. For example, the first text regarding a method of managing a cooling mat for pets may be set differently depending on the multiple zone-specific mold occurrence probabilities. For example, the first text regarding a method of managing a cooling mat for pets may be preset on the server according to the mold occurrence probability for each of the multiple zones. That is, a management method differentiated according to the mold occurrence probability of each zone is preset on the server, and the said management method can provide information suitable for the status of a specific zone to the user terminal.

[0264] For example, the server may send a second management guidance message to a pre-connected user terminal based on the fact that the cooling performance degradation rate is greater than or equal to a preset probability. The second management guidance message may include a second text regarding a method of managing a cooling mat for pets. For example, the second text regarding a method of managing a cooling mat for pets may be set differently depending on the cooling performance degradation rate. For example, the second text regarding a method of managing a cooling mat for pets may be preset on the server according to the cooling performance degradation rate. That is, a management method differentiated according to the cooling performance degradation rate may be preset on the server, and the management method may be provided to the user terminal.

[0265] For example, the server may send a third management guidance message to a pre-connected user terminal based on the fact that the durability degradation rate is greater than or equal to a preset probability. The third management guidance message may include third text regarding the management method of the pet cooling mat. For example, the third text regarding the management method of the pet cooling mat may be set differently depending on the durability degradation rate. For example, the third text regarding the management method of the pet cooling mat may be preset on the server according to the durability degradation rate. That is, management methods differentiated according to the durability degradation rate may be preset on the server, and such management methods may be provided to the user terminal.

[0266] FIG. 9 is an example of a second state determination model using a second neural network according to one embodiment. The embodiment of FIG. 9 can be combined with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0267] Referring to FIG. 9, the second state determination model (900) may use a spatiotemporal graph convolutional neural network.

[0268] The second state determination model (900) may include a second input layer (910), a plurality of spacetime convolutional block layers (920), and a second output layer (930).

[0269] The second input layer (910) can generate an integration vector and a feature matrix based on the target vector and the sensing vector. Here, the integration vector may be the same vector as the integration vector of the first state determination model (900) described above. For example, the feature matrix may include a batch size, time interval, number of zones, sensor data (temperature, humidity, pressure), and multiple feature values ​​for the pet.

[0270] For example, the second input layer (910) can generate an adjacency matrix representing the interaction between each node. In this case, the size of the adjacency matrix may be NXN. The adjacency matrix A(i, j) may represent the connection strength between the i-th node and the j-th node. In this case, each node may represent each zone of the cooling pad.

[0271] For example, the adjacency matrix may represent adjacent regions as 1 and non-adjacent regions as 0. For example, the adjacency matrix may have connection weights set using cosine similarity or Pearson correlation coefficients.

[0272] For example, the second input layer (910) can perform normalization on the adjacency matrix. The adjacency matrix can be normalized using a diagonal matrix representing the degree of each node. For example, the normalized adjacency matrix is It can be determined by. Here, A is an adjacency matrix, and D can be a diagonal matrix representing the degree of each node.

[0273] A single spacetime convolutional block layer (920) may include a single spatial graph convolutional layer and two time series gate convolutional layers.

[0274] The first time series gate convolutional layer can learn time series patterns based on the integrated vector, which is time series data. The first time series gate convolutional layer can effectively recognize patterns in short intervals along the time axis and extract key features.

[0275] For example, the first time series gated convolutional layer can extract initial features of a time series pattern using a one-dimensional convolutional operation and a GLU (gated linear unit). That is, the first time series gated convolutional layer can generate an initial feature map with the time series pattern highlighted using a one-dimensional convolutional operation and a GLU.

[0276] For example, GLU is It can be an activation function that calculates . Here, x is an input vector, W is a weight matrix that generates the gate, V is a weight matrix that transforms the input vector, ⊙ is a Hadamard product, and σ can be a sigmoid function. In this case, the input vector can be an integration vector.

[0277] Spatial graph convolutional layers can learn spatial patterns by reflecting interactions between regions in initial feature maps. For example, spatial graph convolutional layers can generate high-dimensional feature maps that reflect region-specific features incorporating spatial interactions.

[0278] For example, a spatial graph convolution layer High-dimensional feature maps can be generated through this. Here, σ is the sigmoid function, and H temp1 is the initial feature map, and W gconv is a learnable weight matrix for spatial graph convolution, A is an adjacency matrix, and D can be a diagonal matrix representing the degree of each node.

[0279] The second time series gate convolutional layer can learn time series data with enhanced spatial patterns based on high-dimensional feature maps that reflect interval interactions.

[0280] For example, the second time series gate convolution layer can extract a final feature map with enhanced spatial patterns by using a one-dimensional convolution operation on a high-dimensional feature map and GLU.

[0281] The second output layer (930) can output the pet's behavior pattern, the pet's sleep pattern, and the pet's weight based on the final feature map.

[0282] The second output layer (930) may include a global average pooling layer and a fully connected layer.

[0283] At this point, the global average pooling layer can aggregate the features output by region based on the final feature map and convert them into a single high-dimensional vector.

[0284] A fully connected layer can output the pet's behavior patterns, sleep patterns, and weight gain / loss rates, respectively, based on high-dimensional vectors.

[0285] For example, a pet's behavioral patterns may include the ratio of time spent in each zone, an activity variability index, and a repetitive movement pattern index.

[0286] For example, the dwell time is counted by determining that the pet has stayed in a specific area when pressure exceeding a threshold is detected for a certain period of time, and the dwell time ratio can be determined by dividing the dwell time by the total usage time. In this case, the total usage time may be the cumulative time during which the pet uses the cooling pad (i.e., leaves pressure in any area) during a preset period. Additionally, if pressure is frequently detected simultaneously in multiple areas (e.g., the pet uses the mat across the surface), duplicate calculations can be prevented through logic (such as counting only the area with the highest pressure).

[0287] For example, the activity variability index may be the value obtained by dividing the standard deviation of the activity amount over a preset period by the average value of the activity amount over the preset period. The activity amount may be determined as a weighted sum of the number of zone movements and the amount of pressure fluctuation that occurred within a specific time interval.

[0288] For example, the repeated movement pattern index may be the value obtained by dividing the number of repeated movements in a preset period by the total number of movements in a preset period. The number of repeated movements may refer to the number of round trips between identical pairs of zones. In this case, the number of movements may be the count of repeated movements within a critical time interval.

[0289] For example, a pet's sleep pattern may include a sleep cycle regularity index, frequency of mid-sleep awakenings, and a sleep depth index.

[0290] For example, the sleep cycle regularity index may be the sum of the standard deviations for the sleep start times of a preset period and the standard deviations for the sleep end times of a preset period, divided by 2. Therefore, if the sleep start and end times vary significantly each day, the irregularity may increase.

[0291] For example, the frequency of intermediate awakenings may be the total number of sleeps over a preset period divided by the total number of awakenings. The number of awakenings may be the number of times an event occurred in which sleep determination was temporarily suspended and then resumed due to pressure fluctuations or zone shifts.

[0292] For example, the sleep depth index can be determined by dividing the average value of movement intensity over a preset period by 1. Movement intensity may be a normalized value obtained by applying weights based on the characteristics of the pet to the average value of the sum of pressure changes within the sleep interval.

[0293] For example, the pet's weight fluctuation rate may include the daily weight fluctuation rate within a preset period and the estimated maximum weight. Here, the estimated maximum weight may be the maximum weight within a preset future period based on the trend of the daily weight fluctuation rate. The preset future period may be set to one week or one month.

[0294] For example, the server can determine the pet's stress index based on the pet's status information. For instance, the pet's status information may include the ratio of time spent in each zone, activity variability index, repetitive movement pattern index, sleep cycle regularity index, frequency of mid-awakenings, sleep depth index, daily weight change rate, and estimated maximum weight.

[0295] For example, the stress index is It can be determined as follows. Here, N is the number of indicators for the pet's status information, and v i is the value for the i-th indicator, and b i is the reference value for the i-th indicator, and i can be the influence of the i-th indicator on stress.

[0296] For example, indicators regarding the pet's condition information may include a zone bias index, activity variability index, repetitive movement pattern index, sleep cycle regularity index, frequency of mid-awakenings, sleep depth index, average value for daily weight change rate, and estimated maximum weight. The zone bias index may be a value indicating how uneven the areas where the pet stays are, based on the ratio of time spent in each zone.

[0297] For example, the regional bias index is It can be calculated as follows. Here, n is the number of zones, and p i can be the stay rate of the i-th zone.

[0298] For example, the server may send a warning message to a user terminal based on the fact that the pet's stress level exceeds a preset value. The warning message may be a message alerting the user that the pet's stress is high. For example, the warning message may include the pet's stress level and stress management methods based on the pet's stress level.

[0299] Stress management methods can be configured differently depending on the combination of indicator values ​​regarding the pet's status information. For example, text regarding stress management methods can be pre-configured on the server for each combination of indicator values ​​regarding the pet's status information. In other words, differentiated stress management methods are pre-configured on the server based on the combination of indicator values ​​regarding the pet's status information, thereby providing the user terminal with a stress management method suitable for the current situation.

[0300] Additionally, according to one embodiment, the server can send an emergency message to a user terminal based on sensing information.

[0301] For example, if the temperature value exceeds a preset first risk range, the server may send a first emergency message to the user terminal.

[0302] For example, if the humidity value exceeds a preset second risk range, the server may send a second emergency message to the user terminal.

[0303] For example, if the pressure value exceeds a preset third risk range, the server may send a third emergency message to the user terminal.

[0304] The server continuously monitors temperature, humidity, and pressure data collected from the pet cooling pad and can send an emergency message to the user terminal if the values ​​exceed a preset risk range. This emergency message is intended to help the user take appropriate measures by promptly notifying them of abnormal conditions that may affect the health and safety of the pet. The server continuously analyzes temperature values ​​measured in multiple zones of the cooling pad and can send a first emergency message to the user terminal if the values ​​exceed a preset first risk range.

[0305] The first risk range includes a high-temperature range where pets may be exposed to risks such as burns or heatstroke, and a low-temperature range where pets may suffer from hypothermia. For example, if the temperature value exceeds 40 degrees, it is highly likely that the cooling pad has overheated or the surrounding environment is extremely hot. In such cases, if a pet stays in that area for a long time, symptoms of burns or dehydration may appear, requiring urgent action. If the server detects that the temperature in the area has exceeded 40 degrees, it can send an emergency message to the user terminal stating, "The cooling pad temperature has been detected at 42 degrees. There is a risk of burns to your pet, so please check immediately." Conversely, if the temperature is detected at minus 10 degrees or lower, there is a possibility that the cooling pad has been excessively cooled or the surrounding environment is extremely cold. In this case, the risk of the pet suffering from hypothermia increases; therefore, if this temperature persists for a certain period of time, the server can send an emergency message to the user terminal stating, "The cooling pad temperature has been detected at minus 12 degrees. There is a risk of hypothermia to your pet, so please check immediately."

[0306] The server also monitors humidity values ​​measured in each zone of the cooling pad and can send a second emergency message to the user terminal if the value exceeds a preset second risk range. The second risk range refers to a humidity level that may affect the health of the pet or the normal use of the cooling pad. Generally, if excessive moisture enters the cooling pad, water may pool on the surface, or in severe cases, lead to leakage or flooding. In such cases, not only does the performance of the cooling pad deteriorate, but there is also a risk that the pet may feel discomfort or slip on the pad. Therefore, if the server detects a humidity value of 95% or higher, it determines that this is not merely a simple increase in humidity but strongly suggests that water has pooled on the pad or that a leakage / flooding situation has occurred in the surrounding environment, and can immediately send an emergency message. For example, it can send a message stating, "The humidity of the cooling pad has been detected at 96%. There is a possibility that water has pooled on the cooling pad. Please check immediately and take action."

[0307] Conversely, if the humidity value of the cooling pad is detected to be 20% or lower, there is a possibility that the pad is excessively dry. In this case, as the pet's skin becomes dry and there is an increased risk of flaking or itching, the server can send an emergency message stating, "The humidity of the cooling pad has been detected at 18%. There is a risk of skin dryness in the pet, so please maintain appropriate humidity," if the humidity value of the area drops below the standard level.

[0308] The server analyzes the pressure values ​​measured in each zone of the cooling pad and can send a third emergency message to the user terminal if the value exceeds a preset third risk range. If the pressure value remains abnormally high or low, there is a possibility that the pet may experience physical discomfort or exhibit abnormal behavior. For example, if the pressure value in a specific zone rises rapidly compared to usual and persists for a long time, it is highly likely that the pet has remained in one zone for an extended period without moving. This may indicate that the pet is in pain or under stress, requiring immediate verification. In this case, the server can send an emergency message stating, "Abnormally high pressure has persisted for more than 40 minutes in a specific zone of the cooling pad. There is a possibility that the pet has not moved for a long time. Please check its condition immediately."

[0309] Conversely, a sudden drop in pressure may indicate that the pet has jumped off the pad in a hurry or fled due to an unexpected situation. Since this could be a flight response caused by fear, anxiety, or external stimuli, immediate verification by the user is required. In such cases, the server may send an urgent message stating, "The cooling pad pressure has dropped rapidly. There is a possibility that your pet has moved away from the pad, so please check immediately."

[0310] The server can minimize unnecessary alarms by analyzing historical data to improve the accuracy of emergency messages. For example, if the temperature rises to 42 degrees but returns to the normal range after 5 seconds, it is likely due to a temporary sensor error, so the system can be configured not to send an emergency message. Additionally, more precise judgments can be made by analyzing temperature, humidity, and pressure data in combination. For instance, if the temperature rises rapidly while humidity increases simultaneously, it is highly likely that the cause is a decrease in the cooling performance of the cooling pad; if the pressure drops sharply while humidity rises rapidly, it is highly probable that water was spilled while the pet was moving urgently. In such cases, the server can send a more specific message to the user terminal, such as, "The temperature of the cooling pad has risen rapidly, and humidity has risen sharply at the same time. There is a possibility that the cooling pad's performance has deteriorated or there is an abnormality in the surrounding environment, so please check immediately."

[0311] In this way, the server analyzes various situations that may affect the health and safety of pets based on temperature, humidity, and pressure data collected from the cooling pad, and can induce a rapid response by sending an emergency message to the user terminal if pre-set risk conditions are met. Through this, it supports pets in living in a safer and more comfortable environment and plays an important role in helping users recognize their pets' condition in real time and take appropriate measures.

[0312] According to one embodiment, the liquid-activated cooling composition included in the cooling pad is preferably composed of edible and harmless ingredients to ensure the health and safety of pets. In this embodiment, the existing glycerin, maltodextrin, gellan gum, guar gum, erythritol, tea tree oil, and potassium sorbate may be replaced with edible ingredients that have similar functions.

[0313] Specifically, the liquid-activated cooling composition may be composed of 24 to 30 weight percent propylene glycol, 18 to 22 weight percent tapioca starch, 20 to 25 weight percent carrageenan, 14 to 18 weight percent xanthan gum, 10 to 13 weight percent mannitol, 4 to 6 weight percent lavender oil, and 0.03 to 0.05 weight percent citric acid. These ratios are set to optimize the stability and cooling effect of the cooling composition while replacing the functions of existing ingredients.

[0314] The specific characteristics and functions of each component are as follows.

[0315] Propylene glycol is an ingredient that acts as a moisturizer and temperature regulator within the cooling composition and is harmless to the human body, to the extent that it is used as a food additive. Similar to glycerin, it maintains high viscosity in a liquid state and has the property of attracting moisture, which helps maintain a constant moisture content within the cooling pad. In addition, propylene glycol has properties that enhance the cooling effect, contributing to maintaining a comfortable temperature while the pet stays on the cooling pad. In this embodiment, it is applied at a ratio of 24% of the total weight to maintain the moisture and temperature stability of the cooling composition.

[0316] Tapioca starch is a type of edible starch that can replace maltodextrin. Tapioca starch is a naturally derived ingredient that is safe and functions to uniformly absorb moisture and maintain viscosity within the cooling pad. Additionally, tapioca starch has a soft and fine particle structure, which improves the texture of the cooling composition and helps to ensure that the ingredients within the pad are evenly distributed. In this embodiment, it is set at 18% of the total weight to increase the homogeneity of the cooling composition.

[0317] Carrageenan is a plant-based gelling agent extracted from natural seaweed, serving as a substitute for gellan gum. Carrageenan is safely used as a food additive and acts as a thickening agent and stabilizer within the cooling pad. Carrageenan helps the cooling composition maintain its shape for an extended period, ensuring that cooling performance remains uniform. In this embodiment, it is set at a ratio of 20% of the total weight to ensure continuous stabilization of the cooling component within the pad.

[0318] Xanthan gum is a polymer compound obtained through a natural fermentation process and serves as a substitute for guar gum. Xanthan gum provides viscosity to the cooling composition and helps the components mix evenly within the pad. Additionally, since xanthan gum exhibits excellent stability against temperature changes, it is effective in maintaining the performance of the cooling pad during prolonged use. In this embodiment, it is applied at a ratio of 14% of the total weight to maintain viscosity and evenly disperse the components within the pad.

[0319] Mannitol is a substitute for erythritol and is a natural sweetener with moisture-regulating properties. Mannitol has the characteristic of causing an endothermic reaction on its own, which contributes to maximizing the cooling effect within the cooling pad. In addition, mannitol possesses high stability and helps maintain the function of the cooling pad continuously without crystallizing under various temperature conditions. In this embodiment, it is set at a ratio of 10% of the total weight to enhance the cooling effect and maintain the performance of the pad.

[0320] Lavender oil is an essential oil that serves as a substitute for tea tree oil and possesses natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Lavender oil provides a refreshing scent while simultaneously improving the hygiene of the cooling pad used by pets. Lavender oil has a calming effect and can also have a positive influence on inducing psychological stability in pets. In this embodiment, considering the antibacterial effect and stability of the cooling pad, it is set at a ratio of 4% of the total weight.

[0321] Citric acid is a component that replaces potassium sorbate; it is a natural acidic compound and has proven safety, to the extent that it is widely used in food and cosmetics. Citric acid acts as a pH regulator and preservative within the cooling pad, preventing the cooling pad used by pets from deteriorating and helping to maintain a hygienic state for a long period. In this embodiment, it is set at a ratio of 0.03% of the total weight to enhance the acidity balance and preservation of the cooling composition.

[0322] In this way, a liquid activated cooling composition comprising propylene glycol, tapioca starch, carrageenan, xanthan gum, mannitol, lavender oil, and citric acid mixed in appropriate proportions may replace conventional glycerin, maltodextrin, gellan gum, guar gum, erythritol, tea tree oil, and potassium sorbate.

[0323] According to one embodiment, the process of pre-connecting the user terminal and the sensing device is an important step to ensure the normal operation of the sensing device and the smooth execution of data transmission. This process is a procedure that creates an environment in which the sensing device and the user terminal can mutually recognize and communicate stably, and helps the user monitor the status of the cooling pad in real time and receive notifications when necessary. Hereinafter, the user refers to the user of the user terminal.

[0324] In order for the sensing device to be connected to the user terminal in advance, the sensing device first undergoes an initialization process. When power is applied to the sensing device, the internal control unit executes an initialization routine and checks whether the sensing device is operating normally. At this time, a self-diagnostic function may be performed to verify whether multiple sensors mounted on the sensing device, such as temperature sensors, humidity sensors, and pressure sensors, are operating. If the self-diagnosis confirms that all sensors are operating normally, the sensing device switches to a standby mode to await a connection with the user terminal. Once in standby mode, the cooling pad enables the user terminal to recognize the cooling pad using wireless communication methods such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, or LoRa. The communication method can be configured according to the specifications or installation environment of the sensing device, and while the sensing device is in standby mode, the user terminal becomes capable of searching for the sensing device and sending a connection request.

[0325] Users can search for a sensing device and proceed with the connection process through a dedicated application corresponding to the device. Generally, the dedicated application detects a signal from the sensing device and displays a screen guiding the user to select the device. Once the user selects the device, the sensing device initiates an authentication process with the user terminal. During this process, the sensing device authenticates that the user terminal's request for a connection to the cooling pad is legitimate through a unique identification code (e.g., QR code, barcode, serial number, etc.) or a wireless communication signal. To enhance security, the authentication process may utilize a One-Time Password (OTP) or a Personal Identification Number (PIN); this measure is intended to prevent the user terminal from misinterpreting the sensing device's signal or attempting malicious connections.

[0326] Once the authentication process is complete, the sensing device approves the connection with the user terminal, and initial data exchange takes place between the two devices. During the initial data exchange process, key information about the sensing device, such as the type of sensor embedded in the device, the measurable range, and the data transmission cycle, is transmitted to the user terminal. Based on this information, the user can configure the operating environment of the sensing device and set warning thresholds for temperature, humidity, and pressure data collected by the sensing device. For example, if the user sets the temperature warning threshold of the sensing device to 35 degrees, the device can be configured to send a warning message to the user terminal when the temperature detected by the sensor exceeds this threshold.

[0327] Once this initial setup is complete, the connection between the sensing device and the user terminal is maintained, and the system is configured to transmit real-time sensing information collected by the sensing device to the user terminal. Data transmission can be classified into periodic transmission and event-based transmission, and users can select their preferred method through a dedicated application. In the periodic transmission method, the sensing device transmits temperature, humidity, and pressure data to the user terminal at regular intervals, while in the event-based transmission method, data is transmitted only when the cooling mat reaches a dangerous level or an abnormal condition is detected.

[0328] In addition, the sensing device can periodically check the connection status with the user terminal to ensure connection stability and can automatically attempt to reconnect if the connection is lost. If the sensing device fails to connect with the user terminal, it can be configured to temporarily store sensing data in its internal memory, and data loss can be minimized by transmitting the stored data to the user terminal once the connection is restored.

[0329] The process of pre-connecting the user terminal and the sensing device is carried out through the steps of cooling pad initialization, authentication and pairing, and setup and data exchange. Through this process, the sensing device can reliably interact with the user terminal to monitor the pet's environment and transmit warning notifications when necessary.

[0330] According to one embodiment, the process of a user terminal subscribing to a service that manages a server and a sensing device through an application and pre-connecting with the sensing device may consist of user authentication, account registration, registration, and connection setup steps, and each step may be carefully designed to ensure secure data transmission and a stable connection.

[0331] To manage the cooling pad's sensing device, the user must first install a dedicated application that supports the device on their device. After installation, the user launches the application and proceeds with the service registration process. The registration process includes creating an account for service usage along with the user's basic information. On the registration screen, the user must enter basic information such as name, phone number, and email address, and then set a user ID and password required to create the account. At this stage, to enhance service security, a secondary authentication process, such as email verification or mobile phone text message verification, may be implemented. For example, if a user registers their email address, the system can be configured so that account creation is completed only after clicking a verification link sent to that address. In the case of mobile phone text message verification, the user completes the authentication process by entering the verification code sent to that number into the application after entering their phone number.

[0332] Once account registration is complete, the user logs in to their account via the application and proceeds with the process of registering the sensing device. To register the sensing device, the user selects the "Device Registration" menu in the application and identifies the cooling pad by detecting wireless signals emitted by the sensing device or by scanning the QR code, barcode, or serial number attached to the device. If the sensing device uses Wi-Fi communication, the user must enter the information of the Wi-Fi network to which the device will connect; during this process, the user can configure the cooling pad to connect to the corresponding network by entering the Wi-Fi password.

[0333] When the sensing device is connected via Bluetooth, the application may detect the Bluetooth signal emitted by the cooling pad and display a screen prompting the user to select the device. Once the user selects the sensing device, the device performs authentication and pairing procedures with the user terminal. During this process, the sensing device may be configured to transmit a unique device authentication code (e.g., a serial number automatically registered upon scanning a QR code) or a one-time authentication code to allow the user terminal to verify that the cooling pad is the correct device. This authentication procedure is a measure to prevent signal misidentification, interference with other devices, and unauthorized access that may occur within the same network, and is an important process for ensuring trust between the sensing device and the user terminal.

[0334] Once authentication is complete, initial data exchange takes place between the user terminal and the sensing device. During this process, the data types collected by the sensing device (such as temperature, humidity, and pressure), measurement intervals, data transmission cycles, and emergency alert settings are transmitted to the application on the user terminal. The user can pre-set risk criteria for each sensing data point in the application's settings menu; for example, the user can configure the system to set a warning threshold of 40 degrees or higher for the temperature sensor, or 85% or higher for the humidity sensor. For the pressure sensor, the system can be configured to send a warning message if excessively high pressure persists in a specific area for a certain period of time.

[0335] In addition, users can configure how they receive emergency notifications through the application. Emergency notifications can generally be sent via various methods, such as push notifications, text messages (SMS), or email, and users can select the method that best suits their environment. A feature to designate notification recipients in the event of an emergency may also be provided, and users can register additional contacts, such as family members or pet sitters, in addition to their own, to allow those users to receive warning messages together.

[0336] Once these settings are complete, the sensing device begins transmitting sensing data to the server via a connection with the user terminal, and the server analyzes the received sensing data to monitor the status of the cooling pad in real time. If the sensing data is within the normal range, the server records the data and displays the normal status of the cooling pad on the application on the user terminal. Conversely, if the sensing data reaches a dangerous range or an abnormal condition is detected, the server immediately sends an emergency message to the user terminal to trigger a rapid response.

[0337] In addition, the server can periodically check the connection status between the user terminal and the sensing device, and can be configured to send a notification regarding connection instability to the user terminal if the connection is lost. If the server fails to receive sensing data from the cooling pad for an extended period, a notification recommending a status check of the cooling pad may be sent to the user terminal.

[0338] As such, the process of a user terminal subscribing to a service that manages the server and the cooling pad's sensing device via an application involves steps such as account creation, device registration, authentication and pairing, sensor configuration, and emergency alert settings. Through this process, the user terminal and the sensing device are stably connected, enabling real-time data transmission and emergency alert functions. This systematic pre-connection process serves as a crucial element for the stable operation of the cooling pad and the safety of pets.

[0339] According to one embodiment, the process of inputting a pet's physical information through an application after a user terminal has completed service subscription is a procedure to improve the accuracy of sensing data analysis and to provide customized notification and management functions for the pet. This process includes the step of specifically inputting the pet's physical information and custom-adjusting the operation settings and warning criteria of the sensing device based on said information.

[0340] After logging into the application, the user accesses the "Register Pet Information" menu to input their pet's physical information. Upon accessing this menu, a dedicated screen is displayed for the user to enter their pet's information. This screen presents various physical information items, and the user is guided to enter each item sequentially.

[0341] For example, the information the user needs to input could be the type of pet. Representative pet types, such as dogs, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs, are typically provided, and the user selects their pet's type from this list. Since body characteristics and thermoregulation abilities differ depending on the type of pet, this information serves as crucial foundational data for analyzing the cooling pad's sensing data. For instance, because there is a relatively wide variety of dog breeds, the temperature setting criteria for the cooling pad need to be adjusted in detail, while cats tend to react more sensitively to temperature changes due to their characteristic of maintaining high body temperatures.

[0342] After selecting the type of pet, the user selects or enters the pet's breed. The application provides a list of representative breeds, allowing the user to select their pet's breed from that list. For example, if a dog is selected, a list of representative breeds such as Yorkshire Terriers, Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, and Poodles is displayed, and the user selects the breed corresponding to their pet. If the user's pet is a rare breed or does not belong to a registered breed, the user can enter the breed as text using the "Manual Input" function. Since pet breed information serves as an important criterion for determining body type, weight range, and sensitivity to cold and heat, it is essential to reflect this in the setting of the cooling pad's warning criteria.

[0343] Users can input information regarding the size of their pets. Since the interpretation of temperature, pressure, and humidity sensing data by the cooling pad can vary depending on the body surface area occupied by the pet, data on the pet's body length is required. Users measure the pet's body length and input the value into the application. Body length is entered in centimeters (cm), and the application can be configured to request reconfirmation from the user if a value outside a certain range is entered.

[0344] After entering the pet's body length, the user enters the pet's weight. Weight serves as an important criterion for analyzing the time the pet stays on the cooling pad or its behavioral patterns through the cooling pad's pressure sensor, and can also be used as an indicator to assess the pet's health status. Weight is entered in kilograms (kg), and the user can input the pet's most recently measured weight.

[0345] Users can select the gender of their pet. Gender is generally provided as a choice between "male" and "female," and since body shape or weight may differ depending on gender for certain breeds, this information can be used as a reference for customized settings.

[0346] Users can enter the age of their pet. The age can be entered in months or by age, and the criteria corresponding to the type of pet selected by the user are automatically set upon entry. For example, if a dog is selected, the age can be chosen in units such as "1 month," "6 months," or "1 year," while for cats, both "months" and "age" units may be provided.

[0347] Once the user enters all the information, the application can comprehensively analyze the pet data provided by the user and automatically set the criteria for interpreting the data provided by the cooling pad's sensing device. For example, since small breeds may experience rapid changes in body temperature, the temperature warning threshold can be set more sensitively; conversely, for larger pets, the normal pressure range detected by the cooling pad's pressure sensor can be set higher. Additionally, because young pets may have higher levels of physical activity, the system can be configured to detect changes in activity patterns with greater precision.

[0348] The application optimizes the data interpretation criteria provided by the cooling pad's sensing device based on the body information entered by the user, and can also provide user-customized notification functions. For example, it can be set to send a warning message when the cooling pad's temperature exceeds 38 degrees if the pet's weight corresponds to that of a small dog, or to send a notification only when it exceeds 42 degrees for a large dog.

[0349] In this way, when the user device inputs the pet's physical information through the application after subscribing to the service, detailed information such as the pet's type, breed, size (body length), weight, gender, and age is entered, and based on this information, the cooling pad's sensing data analysis criteria can be automatically optimized. Through these customized settings, the cooling pad can perform management functions tailored to the characteristics of various pets, thereby supporting the pet to live in a safer and more comfortable environment.

[0350] According to one embodiment, the server can control the sensing device of the cooling pad to provide more accurate data collection and customized environment management functions for pets. This process may include the step of a user adjusting the settings of the sensing device through an application, and the server controlling the sensing device based on the set values.

[0351] To control the cooling pad's sensing devices via the application, users must first log in and access the "Sensing Device Settings" menu. Upon accessing this menu, the settings screen for the sensing devices is displayed, presenting configuration options for each sensor. Users can configure the settings for the temperature sensor, humidity sensor, and pressure sensor individually.

[0352] For example, in the temperature sensor settings, the temperature measurement interval, data transmission period, and warning threshold can be configured. Users can select the temperature measurement interval, and various options may be provided, such as 1-minute, 5-minute, or 10-minute intervals. While shorter measurement intervals allow for faster detection of temperature changes, they also lead to higher battery consumption; therefore, users can set an appropriate measurement interval considering the characteristics of their pet or the usage environment of the cooling mat. The data transmission period refers to the frequency at which the sensing device transmits sensing data to the server. Generally, this period can be set to be the same as the measurement interval or longer. Based on the data transmission period set by the user, the sensing device transmits sensing data to the server at corresponding intervals, and the server analyzes the data to determine whether there is an abnormal condition.

[0353] In the temperature sensor settings, a warning threshold can also be set. Users can configure the system to send a warning message to a user terminal when the temperature in a specific area of ​​the cooling pad exceeds a certain threshold or drops below a certain threshold. For example, if a user sets the upper temperature limit to 40 degrees and the lower limit to 5 degrees, a warning notification can be sent to the user terminal if the temperature measured by the cooling pad exceeds 40 degrees or drops below 5 degrees. Additionally, users can set the temperature fluctuation range and configure the system to detect a warning signal if the temperature changes rapidly over a specific period of time.

[0354] For the humidity sensor, the user can set the humidity measurement interval, data transmission period, and warning threshold. The humidity measurement interval and data transmission period can be selected by the user in the same way as the temperature sensor and can be optimized to suit the operating environment of the sensing device. Additionally, the humidity sensor allows setting upper and lower humidity warning criteria; if the user sets the upper limit to 90%, a warning message can be sent to the user terminal if the humidity value of the cooling pad exceeds 90%. If the user sets the lower limit to 20%, a warning message regarding a dry environment can be sent if the humidity of the cooling pad drops below 20%.

[0355] For the pressure sensor, the user can set the pressure measurement interval, data transmission cycle, and warning threshold. For the pressure sensor, it can be configured to send a warning message to the user terminal if a consistently high pressure is detected in a specific area for a certain period of time. For example, if the user sets the pressure threshold to 2 kPa and the duration threshold to 30 minutes, it can be configured to send a warning message if a pressure of 2 kPa or higher persists in a specific area of ​​the cooling pad for more than 30 minutes, assuming that the pet has remained in one location for a long time.

[0356] In addition, the server can be configured to minimize battery consumption through the power management function of the sensing device. Users can set a "power saving mode" function in the application, and in power saving mode, the measurement interval and data transmission cycle of the sensing device are set to be longer to reduce unnecessary power consumption. For example, if the user sets power saving mode, the sensing device can be configured to perform measurements only at 30-minute intervals and transmit data at 1-hour intervals.

[0357] In addition, the server can determine the reliability of the data by comparing the actual measured data with the reference values ​​of the sensing devices configured by the user, and can automatically correct it as necessary. For example, if abnormally high temperature values ​​are continuously detected in a specific area, cross-verification can be performed using temperature sensors in adjacent areas to determine whether the value is due to a sensor malfunction or actual environmental changes.

[0358] In this way, the server can control the cooling pad's sensing devices based on the measurement intervals, data transmission cycles, and warning criteria set by the user through the application, thereby providing optimal management functions tailored to the characteristics of the pet and environmental conditions. These customized settings enhance the energy efficiency of the cooling pad and enable the establishment of a practical system capable of rapid response in emergency situations.

[0359] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a server according to one embodiment.

[0360] As illustrated in FIG. 10, the server (1000) may include a processor (1010), a communication unit (1020), and a memory (1030). However, not all components illustrated in FIG. 10 are essential components of the server (1000). The server (1000) may be implemented with more components than those illustrated in FIG. 10, or with fewer components than those illustrated in FIG. 10. For example, according to some embodiments, the server (1000) may further include a user input interface (not shown), an output unit (not shown), etc., in addition to the processor (1010), the communication unit (1020), and the memory (1030).

[0361] The processor (1010) typically controls the overall operation of the server (1000). The processor (1010) may have one or more processors to control other components included in the server (1000). For example, the processor (1010) may control the communication unit (1020) and the memory (1030) overall by executing programs stored in the memory (1030). Additionally, the processor (1010) may perform the functions of the server (1000) described in FIGS. 1 to 9 by executing programs stored in the memory (1030).

[0362] The communication unit (1020) may include one or more components that enable the server (1000) to communicate with another device (not shown) and the server (not shown). The other device (not shown) may be a computing device such as the server (1000) or a sensing device, but is not limited thereto. The communication unit (1020) may receive user input from another electronic device or receive data stored in an external device from an external device via a network.

[0363] The memory (1030) can store a program for processing and controlling the processor (1010). For example, the memory (1030) can store information input to the server or information received from another device via a network. Additionally, the memory (1030) can store data generated by the processor (1010). The memory (1030) can also store information input to the server (1000) or output from the server (1000).

[0364] The memory (1030) may include at least one type of storage medium among flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type, card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), RAM (Random Access Memory), SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), ROM (Read-Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk.

[0365] The embodiments described above may be implemented as hardware components, software components, and / or combinations of hardware and software components. For example, the devices, methods, and components described in the embodiments may be implemented using one or more general-purpose or special-purpose computers, such as, for example, a processor, a controller, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic unit (PLU), a microprocessor, or any other device capable of executing and responding to instructions. The processing unit may execute an operating system (OS) and one or more software applications executed on said operating system. Additionally, the processing unit may access, store, manipulate, process, and generate data in response to the execution of the software. For ease of understanding, the processing unit may be described as being used as a single unit, but those skilled in the art will understand that the processing unit may include multiple processing elements and / or multiple types of processing elements. For example, the processing unit may include multiple processors or one processor and one controller. Additionally, other processing configurations, such as parallel processors, are also possible.

[0366] Software may include computer programs, code, instructions, or a combination of one or more of these, and may configure a processing unit to operate as desired or command the processing unit independently or collectively. Software and / or data may be permanently or temporarily embodied in any type of machine, component, physical device, virtual equipment, computer storage medium or device, or transmitted signal wave so as to be interpreted by the processing unit or to provide instructions or data to the processing unit. Software may be distributed over networked computer systems and may be stored or executed in a distributed manner. Software and data may be stored on one or more computer-readable recording media.

[0367] The method according to the embodiment may be implemented in the form of program instructions that can be executed through various computer means and recorded on a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium may include program instructions, data files, data structures, etc., either alone or in combination. The program instructions recorded on the medium may be those specifically designed and configured for the embodiment, or they may be those known and available to those skilled in the art of computer software. Examples of computer-readable recording media include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes; optical recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs; magneto-optical media such as floptical disks; and hardware devices specifically configured to store and execute program instructions, such as ROM, RAM, and flash memory. Examples of program instructions include machine code, such as that generated by a compiler, as well as high-level language code that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter, etc. The hardware devices described above may be configured to operate as one or more software modules to perform the operation of the embodiment, and vice versa.

[0368] Although the embodiments have been described above with reference to the limited drawings, those skilled in the art can apply various technical modifications and variations based on the above. For example, suitable results may be achieved even if the described techniques are performed in a different order than described, and / or if the components of the described system, structure, device, circuit, etc. are combined or assembled in a form different from described, or replaced or substituted by other components or equivalents.

[0369] Therefore, other implementations, other embodiments, and equivalents to the claims also fall within the scope of the claims set forth below.

Claims

1. Regarding cooling mats for pets, A cooling pad containing a liquid-activated cooling composition in a dry state inside; A protective cover forming an internal space into which the above cooling pad can be inserted; An opening / closing member provided at the opening of the protective cover, formed to allow insertion and detachment of the cooling pad; An inlet disposed on one side of the cooling pad and connected from the outside of the cooling pad to the internal space; The above-mentioned inlet includes a backflow prevention valve that prevents backflow due to internal pressure changes after water is injected, and When water is injected through the above injection port, the liquid activated cooling composition and water react to produce a cooling gel, and The cooling pad includes a plurality of independent compartments formed so that the cooling gel is uniformly distributed inside the cooling pad. A first coating layer consisting of a silicone-based water-repellent layer is formed over the entire outer surface of the above cooling pad, and A second coating layer made of TPX (Polymethylpentene) for enhancing elasticity is additionally formed on the upper surface of the first coating layer on the upper surface of the cooling pad. Cooling mat for pets.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above liquid activated cooling composition is composed of 25-30 weight percent glycerin, 16-21 weight percent maltodextrin, 19-23 weight percent gellan gum, 13-17 weight percent guar gum, 10-14 weight percent erythritol, 4-6 weight percent tea tree oil, and 0.01-0.05 weight percent potassium sorbate, and It includes a flow path formed to allow the cooling gel to flow along the above compartment, and A plurality of flow holes are formed in a portion of the above-mentioned Euro. Cooling mat for pets.

3. In Paragraph 2, A sensing device is mounted on a detachable mounting portion formed on the above protective cover, and The above sensing device includes at least one processor, memory, communication unit, and sensor unit, and The above sensing device is positioned between the bottom of the cooling pad and the lower layer of the protective cover, and The sensor unit detects temperature, humidity, and pressure of the cooling pad, and Sensing information detected by the sensor unit is transmitted to a server pre-connected to the sensing device, and The aforementioned pre-connected server determines the probability of mold growth on the pet cooling mat using the aforementioned sensing information, and transmits a management guidance message to a user terminal pre-connected to the aforementioned sensing device based on the probability of mold growth on the pet cooling mat. Cooling mat for pets.

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