Pet Tracking Device Integrating Bluetooth Beacons and GPS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pet tracking technologies are limited by their reliance on static information, lack of real-time location updates, high costs, and the need for continuous connectivity, which can compromise pet safety and owner peace of mind.
Innovation Solution
A comprehensive pet locating system that integrates Bluetooth technology, Wi-Fi connectivity, cloud services, cellular communication, and GPS tracking into a single device, providing real-time location monitoring, visual illumination to enhance visibility, and user-friendly features like LED indicators and a power switch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional pet tracking methods (ID tags or microchips) are used, then the system is simple and low-cost, but real-time location updates are not provided and pets cannot be tracked dynamically
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple technologies (Bluetooth beacons, Wi-Fi, GPS, cellular communication) into a single integrated pet tracking device. This merging approach enables real-time location tracking while managing complexity through consolidation rather than separate systems
Solution Approach 2:
The tracking device performs multiple functions including proximity detection via Bluetooth, location tracking via GPS, communication via cellular and Wi-Fi, and visual signaling via LED lights. This multi-functionality addresses the need for real-time tracking while providing additional safety features
2Productivity
If GPS tracking devices are used, then real-time location updates are provided, but costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses GPS selectively rather than continuously - activating GPS only when needed for location tracking while relying on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for proximity detection. This partial action approach reduces overall system cost while maintaining real-time tracking capability when required
Solution Approach 2:
By combining low-cost Bluetooth beacons and Wi-Fi with GPS and cellular communication, the system provides comprehensive tracking functionality at a more affordable price point than GPS-only devices
3Reliability
If continuous Wi-Fi connections are used for tracking, then connectivity is maintained, but costs increase and pets may become lost when outside designated premises
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a cloud-based server as an intermediary that receives data from multiple sources (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS, cellular) and processes location information. This intermediary approach maintains reliability by cross-referencing data from multiple sources while reducing costs through efficient data processing
4Ease of manufacture
If packet polling is used to detect when pets leave premises, then cost is reduced, but real-time monitoring is compromised and response time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors pet location through multiple channels (Bluetooth beacons, Wi-Fi, GPS) rather than using intermittent packet polling. This continuous monitoring enables immediate detection when pets leave premises while the cloud server efficiently processes data to maintain cost-effectiveness
Data Source
AI summary
A pet locating system and method includes a pet tracking device to be worn by a pet, with the device including a Bluetooth scanner to monitor a status of a presence or an absence of Bluetooth beacons within a predefined area, a Wi-Fi module to connect to a wireless network to communicate the status with a cloud-based server, a cellular modem to communicate the status with the cloud-based server when the device is outside a range of the wireless network, and a GPS receiver to obtain location data of a pet wearing the device and communicate the location data with the cloud-based server.