Wireless Pet Containment Using Offset Lookup Table
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pet containment systems face limitations such as inaccuracy, high computational demands, battery life issues, and interference from electromagnetic interference (EMI-RFI), making them unreliable and impractical for controlling a pet's territory, especially in dynamic environments.
Innovation Solution
A wireless location-assisted zone guidance system using a self-contained collar with a processor, memory, and GPS technology to define and manage geographically specific guidance zones, providing behavioral stimuli based on location data, and incorporating a data table with latitude and longitude offsets to determine and manage containment zones efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If GPS-based wireless containment systems are used, then pet containment flexibility and portability are improved, but accuracy and reliability deteriorate due to EMI-RFI interference
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the containment area into multiple zones with different levels of EMI-RFI interference. The processor segments the operational environment and selects appropriate location determination methods based on the current zone, using GPS in low-interference areas and alternative methods in high-interference areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer (the processor with multiple location determination algorithms) that mediates between the GPS signal and the containment control system. When GPS is unreliable, the intermediary switches to alternative methods like dead reckoning or cellular triangulation, ensuring continuous reliable operation.
2Measurement precision
If complex computational algorithms are used for location determination, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies computational algorithms selectively rather than continuously. The processor uses simpler, lower-power methods when high precision is not required and reserves complex algorithms for situations where location accuracy is critical, such as when the pet approaches boundary zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the computational complexity based on real-time conditions. The processor monitors location uncertainty and switches between algorithmic approaches, using more computationally intensive methods only when necessary to maintain acceptable accuracy levels.
3Reliability
If fixed containment structures are used, then reliability is improved, but adaptability and ease of operation worsen due to installation complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical mechanical containment structures (fences, walls) with an electronic/software-based system. The containment boundaries are defined by software coordinates rather than physical barriers, allowing the same reliable containment functionality to be achieved with full location flexibility.
4Ease of operation
If leash-based restraint systems are used, then control over pet movement is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to tangling and entrapment issues
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the mechanical leash-and-stake system with an electronic collar-based system. The containment boundary is enforced through electronic signals and behavioral stimuli rather than physical restraint, eliminating the tangling and entrapment problems inherent in mechanical leash systems.
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 provides accurate and humane pet containment with extended battery life, reducing computational complexity and interference issues, allowing for flexible and portable pet training without the need for external infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
a GPS receiver to receive satellite signals and determine the geographic location of the collar
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 guidance.