Animal Containment Using Visual Marker Recognition
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing animal containment systems, such as those using high-frequency communication technology, are costly, difficult to maintain, and inflexible, often requiring complex setups and being unsuitable for indoor use, with limitations in perimeter shape and visibility due to obstructions, and may inadvertently harm pets or humans with electric shocks.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing image recognition technology with markers and a camera-equipped apparatus on the animal to apply stimuli, allowing for flexible area definition and low-cost, user-friendly installation and maintenance without high-frequency communication components, using markers with distinct colors or shapes and adjustable stimuli.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high-frequency communication technology is used for animal containment, then containment effectiveness is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces high-frequency electromagnetic communication systems with a visual optical system using markers and image recognition. The camera-based detection system captures images of markers placed around the containment area, and image recognition algorithms determine the animal's location relative to the virtual boundary, eliminating the need for complex radio frequency transmitters and receivers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses visual markers that create optical copies or representations of the containment boundary. Instead of using physical fences or electronic fields, the system places visual markers around the area and uses image recognition to detect when the animal approaches or crosses the virtual boundary defined by these markers.
2Measurement precision
If high-frequency communication components are used, then containment precision is improved, but ease of manufacture and maintenance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The containment system is segmented into simple, independent components: markers placed around the boundary area and a camera-equipped apparatus worn by the animal. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and installed separately, with the markers being simple visual indicators and the camera apparatus being a self-contained detection unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive markers that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed, rather than investing in costly high-frequency communication infrastructure. The markers serve their purpose as visual reference points and can be simple printed or painted objects, significantly reducing manufacturing and installation costs.
3Reliability
If fixed perimeter systems are used, then containment reliability is improved, but adaptability to different areas deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The containment boundary is made dynamic and reconfigurable through the placement of markers that can be positioned anywhere around the desired perimeter. The virtual boundary adapts to different shapes, sizes, and locations by simply moving or adding markers, allowing the same system to accommodate various indoor and outdoor spaces without requiring new infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The marker-based system serves multiple functions: it defines the containment boundary, provides visual reference points for image recognition, and can be configured for different areas and scenarios. The same camera apparatus and image recognition algorithms work across diverse environments, making the system universally applicable to various containment needs.
4Reliability
If electric shock stimuli are used, then animal containment effectiveness is improved, but harmful effects to animals and humans increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potentially harmful electric shock stimulus into a harmless visual and auditory warning system. Instead of delivering painful electric shocks, the system uses camera detection to recognize when the animal approaches the boundary and triggers benign alerts, achieving containment through non-harmful means while maintaining effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The stimulus parameters are changed from harmful physical stimulation (electric shock) to harmless sensory warnings (visual and auditory signals). The system adjusts the type of stimulus delivered based on the detected proximity to the boundary, using progressive warnings rather than immediate harmful intervention.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables effective and cost-efficient containment of animals indoors or outdoors with flexible perimeter definitions, reducing the need for complex setups and costly equipment, and minimizing the risk of harm with user-adjustable and low-maintenance operation.
Implementation Method 1
a camera to capture ground surface images of a movement path of the animal... recognizing, by the control unit, an image matched with the image of the marker stored in the memory among the image captured by the camera
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for preventing an animal being managed by a human from approaching a certain area using image recognition technology includes an apparatus put on the animal, and a marker having either a preset color or a preset shape or both and installed in the certain area. The apparatus put on the animal includes a camera to capture a ground surface image of a movement path of the animal, a stimulus applicator to apply a stimulus to the animal, a memory to store an image of the marker, and a control unit, and operates the stimulus applicator to apply a stimulus to the animal when an image matched with the image of the marker stored in the memory is recognized in the image captured by the camera as the animal moves.