Dog Place Marker Mat With Remote Proximity Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dog training systems lack a means for dogs to recognize a familiar location in unfamiliar environments and provide real-time feedback to trainers when the dog strays from the designated area, especially when the trainer is not present.
Innovation Solution
A dog place marker system comprising a planar mat with an electronic subsystem that senses the dog's presence and transmits this information to a remote unit, using a colored, waterproof fabric with grommets and a leash opening, and optionally an on-dog electronic unit for identification, providing both a covering and a mat for the dog to sit or lie down.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a traditional dog covering or mat is used, then the dog has a familiar object to provide comfort, but the owner cannot remotely monitor whether the dog is in the appropriate location
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a sensor unit that detects the dog's presence on the mat and an RF antenna that transmits this information to a remote unit, providing real-time feedback to the owner about whether the dog is in the appropriate location without requiring the owner to be physically present
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electronic subsystem as an intermediary between the mat and the owner, using a controller, RF antenna, and remote unit to transmit location information, thereby enabling remote monitoring without direct physical contact
2Ease of operation
If the owner remains in the immediate vicinity to monitor the dog, then immediate feedback can be provided, but the owner cannot perform other tasks or be elsewhere
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor unit continuously monitors the dog's presence and the controller processes this information to provide real-time feedback to the owner through the RF antenna and remote unit, maintaining reliable training supervision even when the owner is not physically present
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-monitoring by automatically detecting the dog's location and transmitting this information without requiring the owner's constant presence or manual checking, allowing the owner to perform other tasks while maintaining supervision
3Reliability
If a simple mat is used, then the device is easy to manufacture and use, but it cannot provide real-time location feedback or reassurance to the dog
Solution Approach 1:
The mat is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides a familiar surface for the dog, incorporates a sensor unit to detect the dog's presence, includes an RF antenna for communication, and can be configured in various sizes and materials to suit different dogs and environments
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines traditional mat materials with electronic components including sensors, controllers, and RF antennas, creating a composite structure that integrates the simplicity of a traditional mat with the functionality of an electronic monitoring system
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
The system enhances the dog's familiarity and comfort in unfamiliar environments by providing visual and sensory cues, while allowing trainers to monitor the dog's location in real-time through a remote unit, ensuring timely corrections or interventions.
Implementation Method 1
The proximity of the dog to the place-marker unit can be sensed
Implementation Method 2
an RF antenna, and a sensor unit. The proximity of the dog to the place-marker unit can be sensed
Data Source
AI summary
A dog place marker system and method providing a place-marker unit formed as a planar mat of a colored single-ply waterproof fabric with a low-profile binding, grommets, and a leash opening, having an electronic subsystem with a main electronic unit, a power unit, a controller, an RF antenna, and a sensor unit. The proximity of the dog to the place-marker unit can be sensed and reported through a remote unit to a person who is not in the immediate vicinity of the dog and the place-marker unit. In a preferred embodiment, an on-dog electronic unit is also provided to enhance the ability to identify a specific dog and provide more detailed information about the dog's position on or near the place-marker unit.