Reconfigurable Animal Training Stimulation Control Logic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic animal training devices lack flexibility in reconfiguring stimulation types, intensities, and modes, with limited user customization options, leading to inefficient training experiences due to complex operation methods and device-specific layouts.
Innovation Solution
An electronic animal training apparatus and system that allows users to reprogram the type, intensity, and mode of stimulation, as well as reconfigure the remote controller's input layout, using a microprocessor and communication interface for external reconfiguration, enabling customizable settings and simplified operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If multiple functions are assigned to one input means (button/switch) to reduce the number of input means, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex operation methods (long press, short press, consecutive presses)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the function assignment of input means changeable and adaptable. The microprocessor allows users to reconfigure which functions are assigned to each button or switch, transforming the static input means into a dynamic system that can adapt to different operational needs. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining a reduced number of input means while allowing the operation method to become simpler through user customization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of function assignment from fixed to variable. By allowing users to modify the mapping between input means and functions through microprocessor control, the system enables parameter changes that resolve the contradiction. Users can optimize the operation method for their specific needs while maintaining device minimization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different arrangements or layouts of input means are provided for each manufacturer or product model, then adaptability to specific product features is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates as users must accustomed to new arrangement layout when purchasing new products
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by creating a standardized input means layout that can serve multiple functions across different product models. The microprocessor enables a single layout configuration to adapt to various product features through software programming, eliminating the need for different physical layouts. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining layout consistency while preserving adaptability to specific product features through multi-functional programming.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the function assignment dynamic rather than static. The same physical layout can be reconfigured through the microprocessor to serve different functions for different product models or user preferences. This dynamic reconfiguration capability resolves the contradiction by maintaining layout consistency while enabling adaptability to specific product features.
3Ease of operation
If traditional partial adjustment or selection of function combinations is provided using slide switch or rotary switch, then ease of operation is improved within limited range, but adaptability deteriorates as the range in which users can change function combinations is extremely limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical switch system (slide switch, rotary switch) with an electronic control system based on microprocessor. This substitution eliminates the physical limitations of mechanical switches and enables extensive function combination ranges. The microprocessor can programmatically assign any function to any input means, providing both simplicity of operation and extensive adaptability, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and adaptability range.
Solution Approach 2:
The microprocessor-based system provides universal function assignment capability, where a single input means can be programmed to perform multiple different functions. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by enabling a wide range of function combinations while maintaining simple operation through consistent input means interaction.
4Adaptability or versatility
If enormous functions are provided by animal training devices to meet technological development, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity deteriorates as the number of input means and their arrangement space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing input means that can perform multiple functions through microprocessor control. Instead of adding separate physical controls for each function, the system uses a reduced set of input means that can be programmatically assigned to control numerous functions. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining adaptability through software while minimizing device complexity in terms of physical input means arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical expansion of input means with electronic/software-based function multiplication. The microprocessor enables a single input means to trigger multiple functions through different press patterns, combinations, or timing, eliminating the need for additional physical controls. This resolves the contradiction by providing enormous functions without increasing input means arrangement complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An animal training apparatus including a stimulation generator/stimulator module to generate the stimulation and deliver the stimulation to the animal, and a microprocessor comprising control logic programmed to control the stimulation generator/stimulator module to deliver the stimulation to the animal when a preset condition is satisfied, wherein at least a portion of the control logic is reprogrammable by a user. Also, an animal training system further includes a remote controller to control the animal training apparatus, wherein at least a portion of user input or functions of the remote controller is reconfigurable by the user. The user may reset, reconfigure, and reprogram the control logic of the animal training apparatus or the user input of the remote controller, or various functions provided by the animal training system.