Pet Tag Bluetooth Beacon for Safe Remote Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current pet identification methods, such as RFID microchips, require close proximity to read the identification signal, posing risks when dealing with scared or injured animals, and lack efficient anonymous notification systems for owners.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing a Bluetooth low energy beacon on a pet identification tag that transmits a unique identification and serial number to a portable device, allowing owners to input and store information, which can be accessed by third parties to locate and notify the owner from a safe distance, using Bluetooth, GPS, and mobile communication standards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If RFID microchips are used for pet identification, then pet identification capability is improved, but close proximity contact is required which creates safety risks for scared or injured animals

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepet identification capabilityVSAvoidsafety risks to animals

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a portable electronic device as an intermediary between the finder and the animal. The device wirelessly communicates with the microchip from a distance, eliminating the need for direct physical contact with the scared or injured animal while still enabling identification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical close-proximity reading system with a wireless communication system. The portable electronic device uses wireless signals to communicate with the microchip, substituting the mechanical requirement of holding the animal with a non-contact electromagnetic communication method.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If close proximity reading is used to read microchip information, then identification accuracy is improved, but response time is significantly increased due to animal control involvement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveidentification accuracyVSAvoidresponse time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the finder to independently read and process microchip information using a portable electronic device, eliminating the need to contact animal control for identification. This self-service approach significantly reduces response time while maintaining identification accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent prepares the portable electronic device in advance with the necessary software and communication capabilities, so that when a lost animal is found, the identification can immediately occur without waiting for animal control resources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If pet owner contact information is displayed on tags, then owner notification is improved, but owner privacy and safety are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveowner notification capabilityVSAvoidowner privacy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces the portable electronic device and microchip system as intermediaries to handle owner notification. Instead of displaying contact information on visible tags, the system securely stores owner information in the microchip and retrieves it through wireless communication, mediating between the finder and owner while protecting privacy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts contact information from visible public tags and stores it securely within the microchip system. This separates the public identification function from the private contact information, allowing notification capability while removing exposed privacy risks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 safe and anonymous identification and notification of lost pets from a distance, reducing the risk of approaching fearful or injured animals and providing efficient communication between finders and owners.

Implementation Method 1

transmitting a Bluetooth low energy beacon transmission signal containing a unique identification and serial number from an identification tag

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBluetooth low energy transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10575496B2System for identifying a lost/stray animal from a safe distance and notifying the owner if desired

Publication Date: 2020.03.03 LASHER DANIEL J

AI summary

A method of identifying and assisting an animal comprises: transmitting a unique identification and serial number from an identification tag coupled to the animal to a first portable electronic device; inputting owner information from the first portable electronic device; receiving the unique identification and serial number from an identification tag by a second electronic device; and receiving the owner information on the second portable electronic device.