Dynamic Portable Virtual Boundary for Pet Containment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing virtual fencing systems for pets are not portable and require physical structures like wire loops and transmitters, making them inflexible and difficult to redefine boundaries without reinstallation, and often rely on aversive training methods that can be ineffective and harmful.

Innovation Solution

A dynamic portable virtual boundary system using a controller and tracking assembly that defines user-defined enclosures or protection areas through GPS and wireless technologies, allowing for real-time modification of boundaries without physical hardware and using audio or stimulation feedback to manage pet movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If wire loop antenna is used to define boundary, then boundary definition is achieved, but portability and flexibility are lost due to removal and reinstallation requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveboundary relocation flexibilityVSAvoidboundary reconfiguration ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wire loop antenna system with an electronic GPS-based virtual boundary system. The boundary is defined by GPS coordinates and transmitted wirelessly to the collar, eliminating the need for physical wire loops that must be manually installed and removed. This substitution enables easy boundary relocation through software configuration rather than physical reinstallation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the physical boundary using GPS coordinate data. Instead of relying on physical wire loops embedded in the ground, the system uses digital representations of boundary locations that can be easily modified and transmitted wirelessly, allowing flexible boundary reconfiguration without physical changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If aversive training methods are used, then boundary learning is achieved, but pet welfare and training effectiveness deteriorate due to fear and aggression risks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveboundary training effectivenessVSAvoidpet fear and aggression

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback-based training system where the collar provides real-time alerts and warnings to the pet as it approaches the virtual boundary. The system uses progressive feedback (visual, auditory, then mild stimulation only if necessary) to guide the pet back into the safe zone, replacing harsh aversive methods with constructive feedback that teaches boundary awareness without causing fear or aggression.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potential harm of shock stimulation into a beneficial training tool by using it only as a last resort after gentle warnings fail. The mild stimulation is immediately followed by positive reinforcement when the pet returns to the safe zone, transforming a potentially harmful element into an effective teaching moment that builds trust rather than fear.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple wire loops are purchased for different locations, then boundary definition at multiple locations is achieved, but system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-location boundary capabilityVSAvoidsystem configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal boundary definition system using GPS coordinates that can be applied at any location without requiring location-specific hardware. The same collar and controller unit can define boundaries at multiple locations by simply updating the GPS coordinate data, eliminating the need for multiple specialized wire loop systems for different locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11246292B2System for providing a dynamic portable virtual boundary

Publication Date: 2022.02.15 INFINITY COLLAR LLC

AI summary

A computerized system for a dynamic portable virtual boundary comprising: a server in communication with a tracking assembly having a server computer readable medium; a portable computer device in communication with the server having a display; a set of server computer readable instructions configured for receiving a boundary information from the portable computer device representing a physical boundary relative to a physical area, receiving a physical location from the tracking assembly, creating an action request according to the physical location and the boundary information, and transmitting the action request to the tracking assembly, and a set of tracking assembly computer readable instructions configured for determining the physical location of the tracking assembly relative to the boundary information, transmitting the physical location to the server, receiving the action request from the server and actuating a behavior action according to the action request.