Wireless Pet Collar Zone Guidance via Double-Indexed Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pet containment systems using GPS technology are limited by accuracy, computational complexity, battery life, and interference from electromagnetic interference (EMI-RFI), making them unreliable and impractical for portable use.
Innovation Solution
A wireless location-assisted zone guidance system with a self-contained collar using a double-indexed array to determine guidance zones based on latitude and longitude, providing behavioral guidance through stimulation, and incorporating GPS or equivalent signals for location determination, with features to discard erratic readings and conserve battery life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If GPS-based wireless containment systems are used, then portability and flexibility are improved, but accuracy and reliability deteriorate due to EMI-RFI interference and computational limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dual-coordinate system as an intermediary layer between GPS signals and zone determination. The latitude/longitude coordinates serve as a reliable reference framework that compensates for GPS inaccuracies caused by EMI-RFI interference. By mapping GPS readings onto this stable coordinate grid, the system achieves both portability and improved reliability in zone guidance.
2Measurement precision
If complex computational algorithms are used for zone determination, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and battery consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-calculates and stores boundary coordinate data for all guidance zones during system setup. Instead of performing complex geometric calculations in real-time, the system simply compares current GPS coordinates against these pre-stored boundary values. This preliminary action transfers computational burden from the portable collar device to the initial setup phase, dramatically reducing real-time processing requirements while maintaining high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the animal's own movement and position changes to trigger zone transitions. When the animal crosses a pre-defined coordinate boundary, the system automatically detects this through coordinate comparison and activates the appropriate guidance response, eliminating the need for continuous complex algorithmic processing.
3Measurement precision
If continuous GPS monitoring is performed, then location accuracy is improved, but battery life deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic GPS monitoring rather than continuous tracking. GPS position readings are taken at predetermined time intervals or when the animal reaches certain movement milestones. This periodic approach maintains sufficient location accuracy for zone determination while dramatically reducing power consumption compared to continuous monitoring, thereby extending battery life.
Data Source
AI summary
A look-up table is defined by at least one reference point, and rows and columns that are offset from the reference. The table rows and columns correspond to ordinate and abscissa data points representing geographic locations. Each data point offset in the table corresponds to a predefined geographic offset. The look-up table contains machine-stored values at each table location, with each value representing a particular one of several guidance zones. The real-time determination of the guidance zone is made by first determining present location using GPS or other wireless location signals. The corresponding table location is identified by calculating latitudinal and longitudinal offsets from a reference point, and using these offsets as the two indices to access a double-indexed array. The value retrieved from the indexed array identifies the guidance zone. Each guidance zone has an associated set of characteristics used to provide behavioral guidance to an animal.