Virtual Paw Buttons for Portable Dog-Owner Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication devices for dogs are bulky, non-portable, and require continuous monitoring, making effective two-way communication between dogs and owners cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A portable communication device that projects virtual buttons onto the ground, allowing dogs to select commands with their paws, using an IR emitter, camera, and processor to facilitate wireless communication with the owner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional button arrays are used for dog communication, then communication functionality is achieved, but the device becomes bulky and non-portable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses virtual button images projected onto the ground as a copy of the traditional physical button array. The IR emitter projects transparent or semi-transparent images of buttons that the dog can see and step on, eliminating the need for large physical buttons while maintaining the communication interface functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical button array with an optical projection system. Instead of physical buttons that occupy space, the system uses infrared light projection to create virtual buttons on the ground, substituting mechanical interaction with optical field interaction detected by the IR sensor.
2Reliability
If continuous monitoring systems are used, then communication reliability is improved, but the device complexity and portability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system activates communication only when needed - when the dog steps on a virtual button. The IR sensor detects the interruption of the infrared field and automatically initiates the communication sequence, eliminating the need for continuous monitoring or manual activation by the owner.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of continuous monitoring, the system uses periodic or event-driven activation. The communication function is triggered periodically or when an event occurs (dog stepping on button), reducing power consumption and system complexity while maintaining reliability when communication is actually needed.
3Stability of the object's composition
If fixed location button arrays are used, then communication stability is achieved, but the system lacks portability for various locations
Solution Approach 1:
The communication interface becomes dynamic and portable. The virtual button projection can be positioned anywhere on the ground, and the entire system can be moved to different locations. The projection angle and position can be adjusted dynamically to suit different environments and dog positions.
4Ease of operation
If traditional command training is used, then communication initiation is achieved, but two-way communication effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides immediate feedback when the dog steps on a virtual button. The IR sensor detects the button press, the processor identifies the selected command, and the owner's device receives and displays the message. This closed-loop feedback system ensures the communication is effectively transmitted and received, reducing information loss.
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
Enables efficient, timely, and effective two-way communication between dogs and owners, reducing the need for continuous monitoring and allowing communication in various locations.
Implementation Method 1
A portable communication device which is a collar worn around a dogs neck projecting a series of virtual buttons onto the ground... An adjustable IR emitter is moved vertically to adjust position of display so that the dog can easily see and touch the images.
Implementation Method 2
A camera module is provided to record angle of infrared light emitted by the IR emitter module. A sensor module receives information of the angle of infrared light from the camera module and analyzing the information to determine location of the infrared light broken
Data Source
AI summary
A portable communication device for initiating communication between the dog and the dog owner is disclosed. The device comprises an IR emitter module projecting the series of virtual buttons on the ground and displaying images of the virtual buttons that can be pressed by the paw of the dog. A camera module is provided to record angle of infrared light emitted by the IR emitter module. A sensor module receives information of the angle of infrared light from the camera module and analyzing the information to determine location of the infrared light broken in order to indicate at least one virtual button selected by the dog from the series of virtual buttons. A processor module is configured to perform confirmation regarding selection made by the dog through and passing of information of the at least one virtual button selected by the dog to the dog owner.