Virtual Fence Boundary Transitions for Stimulus Collar Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing virtual fencing systems for livestock management face challenges in efficiently transitioning animals between boundaries and applying stimuli to prevent unauthorized entry into exclusion zones, particularly in large areas with complex terrain.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for controlling stimulus collars worn by animals, which include a controller interfaced with a location sensor to monitor boundary specifications, identify transition zones, and adjust boundaries to include or exclude areas based on collar locations, applying stimuli as necessary to maintain animal containment within defined zones.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the boundary is expanded to include transition zones, then the flexibility and smoothness of boundary transitions is improved, but the area of the exclusion zone increases and may include areas where animals should not be restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveboundary transition flexibilityVSAvoidexclusion zone area

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The boundary transition process is segmented into multiple discrete steps, where the boundary is expanded incrementally rather than all at once. Each step creates a smaller transition zone that is manageable and can be adjusted independently, allowing the system to achieve smooth transitions while controlling the area affected at any given time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The boundary is made dynamic through iterative adjustment. The system continuously monitors animal locations and adjusts the boundary size and position in multiple steps, transforming from a static boundary to a dynamic one that adapts to animal movement patterns. This allows the transition zone to be temporary and reducible, minimizing the overall exclusion area while maintaining transition flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If the boundary size is reduced to exclude areas from transition zones, then the precision of animal containment is improved, but the smoothness of boundary transitions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanimal containment precisionVSAvoidboundary transition smoothness

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary expansion of the boundary to create transition zones before final containment is established. This preliminary action allows animals to be gradually guided into the desired area through multiple small adjustments rather than abrupt changes, maintaining smooth transitions while achieving precise final containment boundaries.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The boundary adjustment process maintains continuity through multiple iterative steps rather than discrete abrupt changes. The system continuously monitors animal positions and makes small incremental adjustments to the boundary, ensuring that the transition remains smooth and continuous while progressively achieving the precise final containment area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple iterations of boundary expansion are applied, then the ability to manage complex terrain and large areas is improved, but the time required for boundary transitions increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomplex terrain management capabilityVSAvoidboundary transition time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The complex boundary transition process is segmented into multiple smaller iterative steps, each handling a specific portion of the overall transition. This segmentation allows the system to manage complex terrain by breaking it down into manageable segments that can be adjusted independently and in parallel where applicable, reducing the total time compared to a single monolithic adjustment process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies partial actions in each iteration, expanding the boundary only to the extent necessary for that specific step rather than attempting complete transition in one action. This partial action approach allows multiple iterations to proceed efficiently, with each iteration making targeted adjustments that collectively achieve the full transition goal in less total time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS12532865B2System and method for controlling animals

Publication Date: 2026.01.27 AGERSENS PTY LTD

AI summary

A method for controlling a stimulus apparatus configured to be worn by an animal, the stimulus apparatus comprising a controller interfaced with a location sensor and at least one stimulus output for providing a stimulus to the animal, the method comprising: receiving a boundary specification and monitoring the location of the stimulus apparatus with respect to the boundary defined by the boundary specification; determining an expanded boundary; identifying a transition condition including a transition zone, the transition zone comprising at least a portion of the expanded boundary; monitoring the location of the stimulus apparatus; determining that the location of the stimulus apparatus is within the transition zone; in response, reducing the size of the boundary such that the boundary includes the transition zone and excludes at least a portion of the boundary before expansion, and associated system and device.