Geofence Boundary Indicator for Dynamic Pet Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pet training systems are limited in dynamically controlling pet boundaries, especially in public areas, and lack a social element for connecting pet owners, making it cumbersome to manage pet movements and interactions.
Innovation Solution
A pet training system with a GPS-enabled dog collar and a mobile app that allows users to set dynamic geofence boundaries, providing proximity notifications and social network features to manage pet interactions and connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed invisible fences with wires or stakes are used to restrict pets to a boundary, then the pet can be contained within a fixed area, but the boundary cannot be changed without physically removing and repositioning the wire or stakes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wire-based invisible fence system with an electronic GPS-based system. The collar device communicates with a remote device via wireless communication to establish and modify geofence boundaries, eliminating the need for physical wire installation and repositioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic geofence boundaries that can be easily modified through software. The remote device allows users to change boundary coordinates and parameters without physical intervention, making the boundary adaptable to different locations and requirements.
2Ease of operation
If GPS-based training systems with remote applications are used to locate and shock pets, then pet location can be tracked and shocks delivered remotely, but the system requires the user to independently notice when the pet approaches a boundary and manually deliver shocks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic feedback mechanisms where the collar device continuously monitors GPS location and communicates with the remote device. When the pet approaches or crosses the geofence boundary, the system automatically triggers warnings or shocks without requiring user intervention, providing real-time feedback on pet location relative to boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs boundary monitoring and correction actions autonomously. The collar device and remote device work together to detect boundary violations and deliver appropriate corrections without requiring the user to continuously monitor the pet's location or manually intervene.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing invisible fences are used for outdoor use in public places, then pets can be contained within a boundary, but the fixed boundary setup is not practical for general outdoor use in public places
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the fixed mechanical wire fence with a software-based geofence system that uses GPS coordinates. This allows the boundary to be easily repositioned to any location in public places without physical installation, making the system practical for outdoor use in various environments.
4Adaptability or versatility
If existing pet training systems are used, then pet location tracking and boundary control are possible, but there is no social element that allows pet owners to connect and learn about one another
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the remote device, including GPS tracking, geofence management, and social networking capabilities. The system provides both pet training functionality and social connection features through a single integrated platform, allowing owners to interact and share information about their pets.
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, dynamic boundary control for pets in various environments and facilitates social connections among pet owners through geofence management and proximity notifications.
Implementation Method 1
a first dog collar including a GPS receiver and a processor operably configured to determine if the first dog collar is at or outside of a first user-selected geofence boundary
Data Source
AI summary
A pet-related system with a first dog collar operably configured to determine if the first dog collar is at or outside of a first user-selected geofence boundary; and a mobile electronic device communicatively coupled to the first dog collar. The mobile electronic device is operably configured to display a user interface of a first instance of a pet-related social network application associated with a first social network identity; receive a user input selecting the first user-selected geofence boundary of the first dog collar; communicate the first user-selected geofence boundary to the first dog collar; and receive a proximity notification of the mobile electronic device's proximity to a second mobile electronic device communicatively coupled to a second dog collar and operably configured to execute instructions of a second instance of the pet-related social network application associated with a second social network identity.