Smart Collar Zone Detection Using Passive RFID Intermediaries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for preventing animals from entering restricted zones, such as pet collars with RFID tags, face challenges with high power consumption and limited range, making them impractical for effective zone definition and animal training.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing multiple powered transceivers, such as Bluetooth or WIFI emitters, to create defined zones by determining signal strength and establishing perimeters, allowing the smart collar to accurately determine proximity to warning or prohibited zones with reduced power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If RFID tags are used to define restricted zones, then the animal can be detected when close to the zone, but the power consumption increases significantly and the effective range is limited to a couple of inches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces RFID tags as intermediary objects placed in the environment rather than requiring the collar to actively scan for zones. The passive RFID tags reflect signals back to the collar, allowing zone detection without the collar needing to transmit high-power signals continuously. This mediator approach enables two-way communication where the environment (RFID tags) and the wearable (collar) both contribute to the detection mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar performs periodic scanning for RFID tags at lower power levels rather than continuous high-power transmission. The system activates the transceiver at intervals to detect passive RFID tags in the vicinity, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining effective zone detection capability when the animal approaches restricted areas.
2Length of stationary object
If high power is used to extend RFID signal range, then the effective reach increases, but the battery life decreases and frequent recharging is required
Solution Approach 1:
Passive RFID tags serve as intermediaries that extend the effective range without requiring power in the collar. The tags are powered by the collar's signal when in proximity, creating an extended detection range through the environmental tags rather than through high-power continuous transmission from the collar.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic low-power scanning instead of continuous high-power transmission. The collar activates its transceiver at intervals to detect passive RFID tags, extending effective range while maintaining acceptable battery life through duty-cycled operation.
3Duration of action of moving object
If a larger battery is used to extend operational duration, then the power consumption capacity increases, but the device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent shifts the power burden from the collar to the environmental RFID tags. Passive RFID tags store energy temporarily and transfer it to the collar during detection events, effectively extending operational duration without requiring a larger battery in the wearable device.
Solution Approach 2:
By using periodic scanning at lower power levels, the system extends operational duration on smaller batteries. The duty-cycled operation reduces average power consumption, allowing acceptable battery life with smaller, lighter battery packs in the collar.
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
This approach enables the creation of accurate and effective restricted zones with low power consumption, allowing for efficient animal training and prevention of zone entry, while reducing the need for frequent recharging and larger batteries.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the plurality of powered transceivers has a unique identification location, a location, and are configured to emit a signal
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for deterring animals, such as pets, from entering, getting onto, or being in certain defined zones/locations created by a user. The pet monitoring system includes a smart collar configured to communicate with a plurality of powered transceivers/transmitters, particularly Bluetooth transmitters and transceivers. Each of the transceivers or transmitters has a unique ID associated with it. The smart collar, a smartphone or other wireless communicating device can read and record the signal strength of each of the transmitters at various locations and use that information to create prohibited zones that can be downloaded onto the smart collar. The smart collar can also contain a stimulus emitter for providing a warning to the animal and a communication device configured to alert the owner.