Wireless Pet Zone Guidance System Using Segmented Stimuli
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pet containment systems using GPS and radio links face limitations such as accuracy issues, high computational requirements, battery life constraints, and interference from environmental factors, leading to ineffective training and potential harm to pets.
Innovation Solution
A wireless location-assisted zone guidance system with a self-contained collar that uses GPS and inertial navigation to provide positive stimuli for guiding pets back into a safe zone, employing a data table to define geographically specific zones and varying stimuli based on the pet's location and movement direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS and radio link systems are used for pet containment, then location tracking capability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to environmental interference
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the containment area into multiple zones (safe zone, first alert zone, second alert zone) with different stimulus levels. This segmentation allows the system to provide differentiated guidance based on the pet's location, improving effective tracking precision by accounting for zone-specific conditions while reducing the impact of environmental interference on overall system performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the output of stimulation apparatus based on the pet's movement direction and zone location. When the pet moves toward the safe zone, positive reinforcement is provided; when moving away, corrective stimulation is applied. This dynamic response compensates for GPS accuracy variations by adapting to real-time pet behavior and environmental conditions.
2Measurement precision
If complex GPS processing and computational algorithms are implemented, then location determination capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a data table to store pre-defined zone boundaries and characteristics, avoiding complex real-time geometric calculations. By segmenting the containment area into discrete zones with stored coordinates, the system simplifies location determination while maintaining accuracy, reducing computational requirements and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a simplified digital representation (copy) of the physical containment area using coordinate data stored in a data table. This digital copy allows for efficient location matching and zone determination without requiring complex spatial algorithms, reducing computational burden while preserving location determination accuracy.
3Productivity
If continuous GPS monitoring and frequent stimulus output are provided, then training effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides stimuli periodically based on the pet's zone transitions and movement patterns rather than continuously. GPS monitoring is activated at key moments (zone entry/exit, boundary approaches) rather than constant tracking. This periodic operation maintains training effectiveness by providing timely reinforcement while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies stimulation selectively based on the pet's behavior and zone location rather than uniformly across all conditions. Positive reinforcement is provided only when moving toward the safe zone, and corrective stimulation only when appropriate boundaries are approached. This partial action approach maintains training effectiveness while minimizing unnecessary energy expenditure.
4Productivity
If multiple stimulation apparatus with varied output are used, then behavioral guidance effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a single stimulation apparatus capable of providing multiple types of stimuli (positive reinforcement, corrective stimulation, alert signals) rather than separate apparatus for each function. The processor controls the apparatus to deliver different stimulus types based on the pet's location and behavior, achieving multi-functionality while reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system varies the output parameters of the stimulation apparatus (intensity, duration, type of stimulus) based on the pet's zone location and movement direction. By changing stimulation parameters rather than using multiple apparatus, the system achieves differentiated behavioral guidance while maintaining a simple device architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
An assisted guidance region has a plurality of zones, each with an associated set of characteristics used to provide behavioral guidance to an animal Behavioral guidance is extended to a wayward dog who has moved outside of the assisted guidance region by providing stimuli to shepherd the dog back into a safe zone. Positive stimuli are provided when the dog is moving in a direction back towards the safe zone, by providing a safe zone or similar stimulus. Movement away from the safe zone will trigger the unit to deliver a non-aversive second alert zone stimulus. Movement that isn't getting closer or further away triggers a first alert zone stimulus. Calculation of relative movement direction with regard to the safe zone is preferably based upon a comparison of sequential data table position displacements from an approximate center of the safe zone or from a manually selected location.