Wireless Pet Guidance System Using Hybrid Position Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pet containment systems using GPS and radio links face limitations such as low accuracy, high computational demands, battery life issues, interference from environmental factors, and reliance on static structures or aversive stimulation, which can confuse and misbehave pets.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained wireless location-assisted zone guidance system that uses GPS and inertial navigation to provide positive reinforcement stimuli, allowing pets to be guided back into safe zones with a fully portable and efficient system that adapts to various environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If GPS and radio link systems are used for pet containment, then location tracking capability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to low accuracy and environmental interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple location determination technologies (GPS, inertial navigation, Wi-Fi positioning) into a hybrid system that fuses data from different sources to achieve higher measurement precision than any single system could provide alone
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces inertial measurement units and other sensor systems as intermediary components that provide continuous position data even when GPS signals are blocked or inaccurate, acting as a bridge to maintain location precision in challenging environments
2Measurement precision
If complex GPS processing and computational algorithms are implemented, then location accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides computational tasks between the portable device (running complex fusion algorithms) and external servers (handling map data and zone definitions), reducing the computational burden on the portable device while maintaining high location accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-processes and stores reference data (maps, zone boundaries, Wi-Fi hotspot locations) in advance, so that during operation only lightweight real-time position calculations are needed rather than complex full-scale processing
3Measurement precision
If continuous GPS monitoring and frequent position calculations are performed, then location precision is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic position updates at strategically determined intervals rather than continuous monitoring, with the update frequency adapting based on whether the pet is stationary or moving and on proximity to zone boundaries, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining adequate location precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs full position calculations only when necessary (when approaching zone boundaries or when the pet is moving), and uses simpler estimation methods during periods when the pet is stationary or far from boundaries, reducing overall computational energy expenditure
4Manufacturing precision
If static containment structures like fences are used, then boundary definition is improved, but adaptability deteriorates because they are fixed in location and interfere with activities
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces physical mechanical containment structures (fences, walls) with a software-based virtual boundary system that uses electronic position tracking and wireless communication to define and enforce containment zones, eliminating the need for fixed physical infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamically adjustable containment zones that can be easily reconfigured through software without physical reconstruction, allowing boundaries to adapt to different environments, activities, and user needs while maintaining precise boundary definition
5Reliability
If aversive stimulation methods are used to enforce boundaries, then containment effectiveness is improved, but pet behavior deteriorates due to confusion and misbehavior
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback loops that monitor pet position, movement direction, and velocity, using this information to adjust stimulation timing and type to provide gentle guidance rather than harsh punishment, thereby maintaining containment effectiveness while avoiding negative behavioral impacts
Solution Approach 2:
The system varies stimulation parameters (intensity, duration, type) based on real-time conditions such as how far the pet has crossed the boundary, the direction of movement, and environmental context, transitioning from aversive to more gentle guidance approaches that maintain effectiveness without causing misbehavior
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 based upon a comparison to an approximate center of the safe zone.