Abstract:
A system for communicating information between a handler at a first location and an animal at a second location includes a local communication unit operated by the handler, and a remote communication unit mounted to the animal. The handler initiates messages, which can be visual or auditory (for example live or pre-recorded voice or tones), or in other forms, and transmits signals corresponding to these messages to the animal, or a person, such as a rescuee, in the vicinity of the animal. In this manner the handler gains communication access to locations the animal has reached, which locations may otherwise be inaccessible to the handler. The remote unit may also be configured to provide information back to the handler, such location information and visual and/or sound information of the environment to which the wearing animal has transported the remote unit. Such information is useful for facilitating a rescue effort, identifying dangerous conditions, and so forth.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention relates to wireless transmission of messages, and more particularly, to wireless transmission of messages between a local communication unit operated by an animal handler and a remote communication unit worn by the animal.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     Throughout human history, animals have played important roles in peoples&#39; lives. Besides their obvious use as food, animals have provided labor, transportation, companionship, and have assisted humans in hunting and herding. One important role that animals play in modern society involves search-and-rescue operations. Animals, primarily dogs, can often enter into places that are too remote, rugged, or dangerous for a human rescuer. A dog&#39;s keen senses of smell and hearing are invaluable in aiding to locate trapped, injured or lost victims. However, once a dog does find a such a victim, there is a limit as to how much information can be communicated to or from the victim. It would be useful to have a way to communicate information to a victim, and also have a way for victims to communicate information back to the human rescuers, so that the human rescuers can be advised of and prepared to handle medical or other conditions, or be warned of dangers or other issues related to the rescue. Providing information, instructions or simply comfort to the victim in these situations can be very important.  
         [0003]     In more casual applications, it will be appreciated that animals are helpful in initiating contact and conversation between people. Pets such as dogs are, unlike their owners, typically uninhibited about approaching other people, or other pets and their owners. In addition, people are generally initially more receptive to strange or unknown animals than they are to strange or unknown people. Thus owners can rely on a pet to “break the ice” with a stranger, gaining an entrée so that the owner can then initiate an interaction with the stranger.  
         [0004]     Thus it would be useful to exploit these unique abilities of animals to facilitate tasks such as search and rescue, or mere social interaction.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0005]     In accordance with the invention, there is provided a communication system that includes a local communication unit and a remote communication unit in wireless communication with each other. The remote communication unit is configured to be mountable to an animal and to present to the animal or to a person in the vicinity of said animal an action that is initiated at the local communication unit.  
         [0006]     Further in accordance with the invention, there is provided a remote communication unit configured for wireless communication with a local communication unit. The remote communication unit includes a mounting portion for mounting the remote communication unit to an animal, a communication circuit configured to receive signals from the local communication unit, and at least one transducer for presenting information to the animal or to a person in the vicinity of the animal in response to the received signals.  
         [0007]     Further in accordance with the invention, there is provided a local communication unit configured for wireless communication with a remote communication unit adapted for mounting to an animal. The local communication unit includes an input device through which an operator initiates an activity at the remote communication unit, and a communication circuit configured to send signals associated with the activity to the remote communication unit.  
         [0008]     Further in accordance with the invention, there is disclosed a communication method including initiating a message at a first location, and presenting the message at a second location using a transducer mounted to an animal.  
         [0009]     Further in accordance with the invention, there is disclosed a communication system that includes a means for initiating a message at a first location, and means for presenting the message at a second location using a transducer mounted to an animal.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0010]     The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description, serve to explain the principles and implementations of the invention.  
         [0011]      FIG. 1  is a diagrammatic view of a system in accordance with the invention, including a local and remote communications units which are shown mounted on a collar;  
         [0012]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram showing some details of a remote communications unit in accordance with the invention;  
         [0013]      FIG. 3  is a diagrammatic view a system in accordance with a further aspect of the invention; and  
         [0014]      FIG. 4  is a front elevational view of a local handheld communications unit in accordance with the invention.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0015]     Embodiments of the present invention are described herein in the context of a method and apparatus for wireless transmission using device worn by an animal. Those of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the following detailed description of the present invention is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Other embodiments of the present invention will readily suggest themselves to such skilled persons having the benefit of this disclosure. Reference will now be made in detail to implementations of the present invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The same reference indicators will be used throughout the drawings and the following detailed description to refer to the same or like parts.  
         [0016]     In the interest of clarity, not all of the routine features of the implementations described herein are shown and described. It will, of course, be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made in order to achieve the developer&#39;s specific goals, such as compliance with governmental or application- and business-related constraints, and that these specific goals will vary from one implementation to another and from one developer to another. In accordance with the invention, a system  100  for effecting communication between an operator or handler and an animal is shown in  FIG. 1 . The term “handler” will be used to not only include the standard definition of an animal handler, but will also include pet owners and others who are interacting with the disclosed invention. System  100  includes a handheld wireless local communication unit  101  having a microphone  102  for voice pick-up, a push-to-talk switch  104 , and an antenna  106 . The handheld wireless local communication unit  101  is shown as a standalone unit, but it will appreciated that its functionality can instead be integrated into other devices. Standard circuitry and other components (not shown) are provided to enable the operator or handler to communicate message wirelessly from local communication unit  101  to a remote communication unit  108  disposed on collar  110 . The operator speaks into microphone  102 , which converts the operator&#39;s voice to electrical signals. In accordance with standard practice, these are then amplified and converted to RF (radio frequency) signals which are transmitted by antenna  106 , typically in modulated form. The RF transmissions may be terrestrial or satellite transmissions, and are conducted consistent with existing regulatory constraints. The frequencies and applications of the wireless transmission are preferably different from those used in cellular communication. Thus reliance on the cellular infrastructure is preferably avoided, particularly in applications involving emergency/rescue situations in which, for example due to remoteness, cellular reception may be compromised. This may not always be the case, and it is contemplated that in other situations and applications, cellular networks can provide an expedient means for the signal transmission.  
         [0017]     Prior to speaking, the operator can depress switch  104  to activate the circuitry. Alternatively, voice activation circuitry (not shown) can be employed in lieu of switch  104  for purposes of convenient operation and/or battery power conservation. The RF signals (denoted at  112 ) representative of the operator&#39;s voice are emitted substantially in real-time by antenna  106  and received by remote unit  108 . It will be appreciated that while explained primarily in terms of the operator&#39;s voice, other signals and information can also be conveyed wirelessly and in substantially the same manner, including signals designed to trigger different types of alarms or pre-recorded messages stored and/or generated by either local unit  101  or remote unit  108 .  
         [0018]     Remote communication unit  108  is detachably mounted to collar  110 , which is configured to be worn by an animal, for example around the neck of a dog. A mounting portion ( FIG. 3 ) is provided, for example in the form of loops though which the collar  110  passes, or complementary disengageable snaps provided on both the unit  108  and collar  110 , or Velcro™, buttons, straps, ore other means of detachably coupling the two components. While described in terms of attachment to a collar, it will also be appreciated that communication unit configurations, for example those consistent with attachment to and/or integration with harnesses, backpacks, saddles, headbands, ear clips, body bands, leg bands, chest plates, saddle bags pouches and so forth, are of course possible, and would be designed to comfortably and securely conform to the size, anatomy and disposition of the animal. In addition, the remote unit  108  could be built into a bag or other attachment (not shown) so that it can be attached to an existing collar, harness, or saddle. Further, unit  108  may be built into a headphone, earplug, or implant, and may be permanently attached, removably attached or integrated into a collar, harness, saddle or the like.  
         [0019]     Antenna  114  receives RF signals  112 , which are then conveyed to appropriate circuitry ( 115 ,  FIG. 2 ) which amplifies (and demodulates) them, for, in the case of voice signals, conversion into audible signals by speaker (or loudspeaker)  116 . The converted audible message can then be heard by the animal wearing the device, or by people and/or animals in the vicinity thereof. It is contemplated that the volume from speaker  116  can be controlled and can alternatively be made sufficiently low to be audible exclusively to the animal, so that system  100  can be operated to provide commands to the animal to which people or other animals in the vicinity may not be privy. Alternative methods for accomplishing this is using speakers (not shown) implanted in the animal&#39;s ear canal or other locations, headphones placed over the animal&#39;s ears, ear phones, ear clips, and so forth. The volume and location of speaker  116  and remote unit  108  are also managed so as to avoid interference from ambient noise, by for example disposing the speaker close to the wearing animal&#39;s ear. Volume control of speaker  116  can be effected remotely from unit  101 , or locally, using a suitable knob (not shown) located on unit  108 .  
         [0020]     While the various components of remote communication unit  108  are shown as being integrated into the same device and sharing a common housing, this is optional, and it is contemplated that these components can be separated out, for example a separate power pack (not shown) disposed elsewhere in the collar  110  for better accessibility, an antenna  114  that is located, either fixed or adjustable, in a more prominent location for improved signal reception, a speaker disposed closer to the animal&#39;s ear, and so forth.  
         [0021]     The system of the invention can optionally be provided with other features, as described with reference to  FIG. 2 , which is a block diagram of a remote communication unit  200  similar to unit  108 . An information acquisition portion  202  and an information presentation portion  204  are each coupled to an antenna  206  by way of a diplexer circuit  208 . Information acquisition portion  202  includes a GPS (global positioning system) receiver  210 , camera  212 , and microphone  214 . These devices gather information from the surroundings of communication unit  200  and convey this information wirelessly to local communication such as unit  101  described above, transmission circuit  216 . Specifically, position information indicative of the location of unit  200  is acquired by GPS receiver  210  and communicated to the handler at the local communication unit. Such location information can have obvious advantages, for example when worn by rescue dogs. Video information, which may be still or moving footage, is obtained by camera  212 , and sound information is obtained by microphone  214 . The video and sound information are also communicated to the handler at the local unit.  
         [0022]     Information presentation unit  204  is serves to present information at remote unit  200 . Such information can be live (real-time) or pre-recorded voice messages presented by speaker  218 . Live messages are provided by a person such as the handler speaking into the microphone of the local communication unit, which transmits these wirelessly to remote unit  200 . Antenna  206  receives the wireless RF signals, which are suitably conditioned/filtered by diplexer  208  and forwarded to receiver circuit module  220  and on to speaker  218  for re-conversion to sound signals. Pre-recorded messages that originate at the local communication unit, which would be configured to store such messages in any known medium, for example in a magnetic, optical or electronic (RAM/ROM/EPROM/flash memory) form, are similarly wirelessly transmitted for presentation at remote unit  200  by speaker  218 . Alternatively, similar storage can be provided by a storage device  222  disposed in remote unit  200 , and the message can be read from the storage device at the instigation of an action, such as the press of a button, at the local unit. A synthesizer module  224  can optionally be provided upstream of speaker  218  in order to alter the sounds or voices from the speaker. For instance, if the collar on which remote communication unit  200  is to be worn by a large dog, the voice synthesizer module  224  can operate to modify the voice message so that the voice was played deeper or gruffer in tone, as if the large dog itself were speaking. Similarly, if the collar  110  was being worn be a small dog, the voice synthesizer module could modify the voice message so that the voice was played higher in pitch and softer in tone. Control of the synthesizer tone, pitch and other parameters can be conducted remotely via the local communication unit, or it can be conducted using input devices such as knobs, switches and so forth provided on unit  200 . It will be noted that both the live and pre-recorded messages can be passed through the synthesizer  224 . It will also be noted that sounds presented by speaker  218 , or by other such transducers (not shown), are not restricted voice messages. Instead (or in addition), tones can be presented, which the hearer, including the wearing animal, can interpret based on pre-agreed conditions or training. Such tones can be useful in order to maintain secrecy of communication, as others within hearing range may not be privy to their meaning, which can be useful in some situations.  
         [0023]     In addition to audible signals, visual messages and signals can be presented by presentation unit  204 . For example, a bank of LEDs  226  can be provided, and patterns of these LEDs can be activated depending on the message intended to be conveyed. Activation of the LEDs, or other visual transducers such as incandescent lights and so forth, can be conducted remotely by the handler at the local communication unit. Other forms of signaling can be achieved using a vibration transducer  228  to provide vibrations of pre-selected frequencies, amplitudes, and so forth to which the wearing animal can be trained to respond.  
         [0024]     It will be appreciated that  FIG. 2  is a high-level diagrammatical illustration of one manner of implementing the various features and functionalities of the system  100  of the invention, and that other implementations are also possible. For instance, the GPS receiver  210 , camera  212  and microphone  214 , or other devices could each be provided with its own dedicated transmitter (not shown). In addition, transmission of signals from GPS receiver  210 , camera  212  and microphone  214  can be conducted in real-time, at distinct intervals. Additionally, the system can be configured so that the GPS receiver  210 , camera  212  and microphone  214  or other devices do not transmit their detected information, and instead store it for later review, using a storage device such as storage device  222 , or they can both transmit and store this information.  
         [0025]      FIG. 3  shows a system  300  in accordance with a further aspect of the invention. A handheld wireless local communication unit  302  is in RF communication with a suite of remote units mounted to collar  304 . The remote units include a transceiver unit  306  configured to receive and transmit RF signals  308 . These signals correspond to voice, tone and other signaling information being transmitted from the handler or operator at local communication unit  302 , for example voice commands for the animal wearing the transceiver unit  306 , or voice messages to a rescuee that the wearing animal has reached, consistent with the description above. They can also correspond to electronic commands transmitted from the local communication unit  302  to the transceiver unit  306  to cause the transceiver unit to issue tones or other types of signals of an audible, visible, or tactile (for example vibrations, mild electric shock, and so forth) or other sensory nature. Such electronic commands are triggered by the handler, for example when the handler presses an associated button on the local communication unit  302  or otherwise performs a particular action which triggers the desired response at the transceiver unit  306 . They may also be triggered at the unit  306 , for example by rescuee reached by the wearing animal, in which case the rescuee can press a button provided on the unit  306  to hear a pre-recorded message. For audible signals, including voice, one or more speakers such as speaker  310  is provided. Other sensory outputs are provided by other known types of transducers (LEDs for light, electrodes for electric shock, mechanical vibrators for vibrational signals, and so forth). It will be appreciated that the term “transducer” as used herein refers to any device that converts an electrical signal to a non-electrical signals, and vice versa. Other components of transceiver unit  306  are antenna  312  for receiving the RF signals  308  from local communication unit  302 , and suitable circuitry (not shown) for converting and processing said received signals such proper triggering of audible, visible and other transducers is performed. A microphone  314  is also provided for detecting sounds from the environment of transducer unit  306 , which sounds are then processed for transmission back to local communication unit  302  as described above. Although speaker  310  and microphone  314  are shown as part of one package, it will be appreciated that separate packages for these two components are possible.  
         [0026]     The suite of remote units mounted to collar  304  and in communication with local communication unit  302  also includes GPS locator unit  316  and video camera unit  318  disposed in a different location on collar  304 . GPS locator unit  316  can transmit location information to the handheld local communication unit  302  via antenna  319 . Similarly, video camera unit  318  can transmit video information to the handheld local communication unit  302  via antenna  320 . A mounting portion  321  is provided, which, as shown, consists of loops though which the collar  304  passes. Alternatively, complementary disengageable snaps (not shown) can be provided on both the unit  318  and collar  304 . Velcro™, buttons, straps, and other means may also be provided as the mounting portion. As discussed above, it is contemplated that camera unit  318  and/or GPS locator unit  316  can be in communication with transceiver unit  306 , either through direct wiring or wirelessly, such that they rely on some of the circuitry of transceiver unit  306  to effect communication with local communication unit  302 . It is also contemplated that camera unit  318  and/or GPS locator unit  316  can be in the same package, and can be configured to store data for later review rather than, or in addition to, transmitting the data to local communication unit  302 .  
         [0027]     In  FIG. 4 , a handheld local communication unit  400 , such as unit  302 , is shown in greater detail. Antenna  402  receives RF signals from the suite of remote communication units worn by the animal. These signals are converted to electrical signals and processed for presentation to the operator. In the case of audio signals, they are presented as sounds by speaker  404 . Similarly, visual information is presented on a display  406 , for example configured to display video scenes from camera unit  318 , and/or visual indications of location from GPS locator  316 , and/or various other information such as status information, power information, and indications of inputs entered by the operator at the local communication unit  400 . The information provided may be simple in nature, or it may include sophisticated displays of myriad information, such as images superimposed on a moving map, floor plan, schematic or other graphical device indicating where the moving animal is or has been relative to its environment. Multiple displays can also be used, each dedicated to a specific set of information, such as for video scenes from camera unit  318 , status information, and so forth. Controls (not shown) may be provided to adjust the display parameters, such as brightness, power-down duration, and so on. Similar controls (not shown) can be provided to adjust the view provided from the camera unit  318 , such as zoom, focus, and so forth. In input jack  408  is provided for connecting a headset (not shown), and at least one knob  410  can be provided for volume control of the headset and/or speaker  404 . A microphone  409  is also provided for sound pick-up.  
         [0028]     There are numerous applications for the system, devices and methods of the invention in addition to those described above. These include use for sending training or directional commands to a wearing animal. The system could also be used to warn people to stay back from the animal wearing the device. In the case of an animal being used as a companion animal to a person, the device could be used to send encouraging words to the person. Further, such a device could be used to provide mobility to Alzheimer&#39;s sufferers and others with serious disabilities. Such a disabled person could safely go for a walk with a dog fitted with the disclosed invention, because the disabled person would always be in voice contact with caregivers, and the caregivers would be able to track the location of the disabled person. Caregivers who take pets to retirement homes to comfort the lonely could provide additional cheer with a dog that not only offered something for the individual to pet but spoke to the individual by name. This would provide greater personal interaction, which would provide a greater sense of comfort to the recipient. Other applications include monitoring and interaction with elderly independent live-alones, companionship and monitoring capability for Alzheimer patients on walks.  
         [0029]     In addition to the search and rescue, novelty caregiver and companionship applications of the invention, it is also contemplated that the invention can be used for security and patrol. As in the other applications, the invention, by way of the remote communication unit with the accompanying video, audio and locative and other information acquisition features provided, enables the handler at the local communication unit to know where the wearing animal is and to see and hear the surroundings of the animal where the animal is and what the animal is seeing and hearing, enabling a more interactive experience with the animal. Such an interaction is enhanced when coupled with the handler&#39;s ability to send commands to the animal, such as in which direction to travel, how far to travel, to move towards or away from objects of interest or potential harm, approach certain people, avoid others, and so forth. Specifically, the invention could greatly expand security and patrolling options such as in fenced-in equipment storage yards, warehouses or large areas that need to be patrolled or secured. A dog as the wearing animal for instance could cover the terrain much faster and, depending upon the equipment being used, provide real-time feedback to the handler, thus allowing the handler to limit those areas or situations which would deserve a closer inspection. Further, through voice commands the handler can direct the dog to specific locations prior to the handler having to inspect these areas himself. Such applications would in essence reduce the number of false alarms or unnecessary investigations because areas could be patrolled by the dog.  
         [0030]     It will also be appreciate that the search and rescue applications of the invention include wilderness search and rescue, disaster search and rescue, and buildings search and rescue and/or evacuation. Using the invention, ground could be covered much faster, areas could be reviewed remotely and the dog or wearing animal can be given specific commands to search certain areas. This enables a dog to be handled in areas not visible to the handler, in the dark and over distances or in high sound ambient situations where hand-signals or yelling commands to the dog are ineffective. The invention, when using the preferred non-cellular type of wireless communication, is particularly useful in search and rescue situations in wilderness because of the potential absence of cell phone coverage or in disaster situations where cell phones may be inoperable and consequently would be useless as a means of telemetry to and from the dog.  
         [0031]     An example of a novelty application of the invention is as follows: A pet owner could talk into his local communication unit and his voice would be heard from the speaker on his pet&#39;s collar giving the impression the pet is speaking. As entertainment for children, adults or a party gag this interaction with the pet allows the owner to fantasize how his pet (or how THE OWNER) would talk to other people. The owner becomes a “Pettriloquist,” talking to others through his pet.  
         [0032]     This would prove a significant icebreaker providing liberties that one could take with others, for example of the opposite sex, at the dog-park, coffee house or any setting, and not be perceived as offensive. A pet owner could also at a distance have a conversation through the pet with someone else. The voice synthesizer of the invention could modify the owner&#39;s voice to a breed-specific selection. For instance, the owner&#39;s voice would be masked big and burly for a Saint Bernard or soft and squeaky for a Pekinese. The situations where individuals could derive amusement from being a “Pettriloquist” is limited only by ones imagination, for example, a four member family with three dogs singing Happy Birthday to mom. Of course the invention is not limited to dogs and is equally applicable to other domesticated animals, such as cats, potbellied pigs and horses.  
         [0033]     While embodiments and applications of this invention have been shown and described, it would be apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that many more modifications than mentioned above are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The invention, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims.