Abstract:
A pet monitoring device is disclosed that&#39;s wearable by a pet for recording and communicating the pet&#39;s movements within an environment in which radio frequency identifier (RFID) tags have been strategically placed. The device includes: a transmitter configured to send a radio signal to an area surrounding a pet&#39;s location; a receiver configured to receive a reflected radio signal from an RFID tag within the area; a processor configured to identify the RFID tag of the reflected radio signal; and a database in which the processor stores times and locations of identified RFID tags in the environment such that the times and locations are indicative of behavior of the pet in the environment. The device can be used for behavioral analysis, tracking key indicators related to the well-being of the pet, such as when a pet eats and drinks water, and how the pet behaves during recovery from an injury.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to pets, and more particularly to remotely monitoring the activities of pets. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Pets are often left alone for long periods of time due to people needing to leave the home for work, shopping, and enjoying life outside the home. Often, pets are left at home alone with no one to take care of them or monitor their actions. If a pet gets loose and runs loose outside, the owner will not discover this until their return to the home. Likewise, if a pet has a medical problem, or destroys some property in the home while left unsupervised, there is no way that an absent pet owner can know of this problem until he or she returns home and witnesses the situation personally. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides an intelligent pet collar having a processing system that collects and transmits data on a pet&#39;s movements and conditions to a pet owner or pet care professional. The intelligent collar records the actions of an animal when encountering RFID tags placed throughout an environment and transmits messages to the pet owner or caregiver through a communication network. Placement of RFID tags is may include in front of a webcam, on a sofa, near the pet owner&#39;s bed, front door, pet door, food or water bowl or play area. When a pet comes within proximity of an RFID tag, the time and duration of the pet&#39;s proximity to the RFID tag is recorded by the intelligent collar and transmitted to the pet owner over a communication network such as the Internet. The pet owner can receive messages from the pet collar over an interface operating on a computing device, and program triggers for generating messages and review logs to perform behavior analysis and interpretation of pet&#39;s activities. The collar can be used by veterinarians, pet breeders, and pet walkers for behavioral analysis, tracking key indicators related to the well-being of the pet. Knowing when an ill pet is drinking water and how the pet behaves during recovery is essential information for care providers. The pet collar can also be used to show how the pet reacts to a new environment. 
     A general aspect of the invention is a pet monitoring device wearable by a pet for recording and communicating the pet&#39;s movements within an environment in which radio frequency identifier (RFID) tags are placed. The pet monitoring device includes: a transmitter configured to send a radio signal to an area surrounding a pet&#39;s location; a receiver configured to receive a reflected radio signal from an RFID tag within the area; a processor configured to identify the RFID tag of the reflected radio signal; and a database in which the processor stores times and locations of identified RFID tags in the environment such that the times and locations are indicative of behavior of the pet in the environment. 
     In some embodiments, the processor is configured to enter a powermode sleep state. 
     In some embodiments, the device further includes: a removable storage medium in which the database can be stored. In further embodiments, the removable storage medium is contained inside the pet monitoring device behind an access door. 
     In some embodiments, the device further includes: a camera, and wherein the database is configured to store images captured by the camera. 
     In some embodiments, the device further includes: a microphone, and wherein the database is configured to store audio captured by the microphone. In further embodiments, the audio captured by the microphone is determined by the processor to be indicative of a pet in distress by comparing the captured audio to control samples stored in the database. In further embodiments, the audio captured by the microphone is determined by the processor to be a distress bark. 
     In some embodiments, the device further includes: a communication link configured to transmit portions of information stored in the database over a communication network to a remotely-located user. In further embodiments, the processor is configured to operate the communication link upon detection of a trigger condition. 
     In some embodiments, the device further includes a speaker, wherein the processor is configured to controllably transmit sounds via the speaker. In further embodiments, the sounds transmitted via the speaker include sound files received over the communication link from the communication network. 
     In some embodiments, the identified RFID tags are associated with locations within the environment. In further embodiments, the locations within the environment include a location in which a pet typically drinks water. In further embodiments, the locations within the environment include a location in which a pet typically rests. In further embodiments, the locations within the environment include a location where there is a one of either a door or a window. 
     Another general aspect of the invention is a method of monitoring a pet from a remote location. The method includes placing a pet monitoring device on a pet collar, the device being configured to detect individual radio frequency identifier (RFID) tags in an environment in which a plurality of RFID tags have been placed; generating a log entry when an RFID tag is detected, and updating the log entry when the RFID tag is no longer detected; comparing the log entry to at least one trigger condition; and sending a notification over a communication network to a remote user if the trigger condition is met. 
     In some embodiments, the method further includes: periodically transmitting a radio signal that is capable of reflection by an RFID tag in the environment, and sending a message over the communication network that no RFID tags have been detected for a period of time. 
     In some embodiments, the method further includes: including a microphone in the pet monitoring device; recording a control sample audio file captured by the microphone onto a storage medium in the pet monitoring device; associating a trigger condition with the recorded control sample audio file; capturing a subsequent audio file with the microphone; comparing the subsequent audio file with the control sample audio file; and sending a distress notification if the subsequent audio file is sufficiently similar to the control sample audio file. In further embodiments, the subsequent audio file is sufficiently similar to the control sample audio file if a threshold percentage of data points in both audio files are equivalent. 
     In some embodiments, the method further includes: activating at least one of the group of devices consisting of a camera, a microphone, and a motion detector, and capturing input from the activated device; comparing input from the activated device to a control sample; and sending an additional distress notification to a remote user over a communication network. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Many additional features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from reading the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying figures: 
         FIG. 1  is a front view of a pet wearing a collar having a system for detecting the presence of RFID tags, the system being fastened to the collar. 
         FIG. 2  is a top view of the pet shown in  FIG. 1  in an environment having RFID tags placed at various locations of interest so as to detect pet movements to the locations. 
         FIG. 3A  is a block diagram of the system worn by the pet in  FIG. 1 , showing functional components of the system. 
         FIG. 3B  is another block diagram of the system worn by the pet in  FIG. 1 , showing additional functional components. 
         FIG. 4  is a block diagram showing the system worn by the pet in  FIG. 1 , the system being in communication over a communication network with a remote device. 
         FIG. 5  is a screen layout of an exemplary main interface screen displayed on the remote user device shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  is a screen layout an exemplary user interface screen showing query options available to the user of the exemplary main interface screen of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 7  is a screen layout of an exemplary user interface screen showing various trigger conditions that are available to the user of the exemplary main interface screen of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 8  is a screen layout of an exemplary user interface screen showing various options available to the user of the exemplary main interface screen of  FIG. 5  for controlling devices located in the pet&#39;s environment and the monitoring system located on the pet&#39;s collar. 
         FIG. 9  is a screen layout of an exemplary user interface screen showing the record and classify options available to the user of the exemplary main interface screen of  FIG. 5  for training the system located in the pet&#39;s collar shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B . 
         FIG. 10  is data table showing an exemplary format for recording and storing data records on the removable storage medium a database containing pet activity log, triggers selected by a user from the interface screen shown in  FIG. 7 , and control samples obtained from training the system using the interface shown in  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 11  is a flow chart showing an operative sequence of steps for detecting RFID tags and updating the database in the format shown in  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 12  is a flow chart showing an operative sequence of steps for detecting that no RFID tags are reflecting signals from the system attached to the pet collar and allowing a remote user to control devices in the environment shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 13  is a flow chart of an operative sequence of steps executed by the system shown in  FIG. 2  to compare inputs received from devices in the pet environment shown in  FIG. 2  as well as on the pet collar to identify a distress condition and send notifications to a user device connected to the network. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a pet  100  is shown wearing a collar  102  having system  104  that periodically transmits radio frequency signals and receives signals reflected by radio frequency identifier (RFID) tags  108  placed throughout environment  106  ( FIG. 2 ) that reflect the signals transmitted by system  104 , and also add identifiers to the reflected signal that indicate when the pet  100  is near the various RFID tags  108  placed in environment  106 . Over time, by examining which RFID tags were detected, at what time they were detected, and for how long they were detected, system  104  can characterize pet&#39;s  100  behavior, and generate a message that conveys to a remotely-located pet owner the pet&#39;s  100  condition and behavior. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 2 , the pet  100  is typically monitored in an environment  106 . By placing RFID tag  108 - 1  near the pet&#39;s  100  bed  110 , system  104  can determine when pet  100  is in its bed and for how long. Similarly, by placing RFID tag  108 - 2  near the pet&#39;s  100  water bowl  112 , system  104  can determine when the pet  100  is near its water source and for how long, thus providing some indication of a pet&#39;s water consumption. RFID tags  108  can be placed elsewhere for useful data collection. For example RFID tag  108 - 3  near front door  114  can indicate when and for how long pet  100  approaches and remains near the front door of environment  106 , for example if someone comes to front door  114  and rings a doorbell, delivers a package, or simply is the pet owner returning to environment  106 . Similarly, RFID tag  108 - 4  can be placed near pet door  116 , to monitor the pet&#39;s  100  trips to an outdoor area. Similarly, the placement of RFID tags  108  can provide triggering of additional devices such as camera  120 , microphone  122 , or speaker  124 . Similarly, motion detectors  126  can be placed within environment  106 , to activate devices  120 ,  122  and  124 . 
       FIGS. 3A and 3B  show system  104 . In an embodiment shown in  FIG. 3A , system  104  includes camera  140 , microphone  142 , and speaker  144 , which can be activated by system  104 , either by triggers set by the pet owner, or by remote operation by the pet owner.  FIG. 4  shows a logical view of system  104 , and includes processor  130 , radio transmitter  132 , and receiver  134  configured to poll, detect, and store data in database  136 . System  104  is powered by battery  138 . In an embodiment, communications module  146  is included to facilitate transmission and receipt of communications between system  104  and a remotely-located pet owner in communication with system  104  over a communication network. 
     On the back side of system  104 , shown in  FIG. 3B , storage compartment  148  includes a removable door  150  that retains and protects removable storage medium  152  within system  104 . Removable storage medium  152  stores database  136 , readable by external devices such as computers, smart phones, and other devices that include a removable storage drive that is configured to accept removable storage medium  152 . In an embodiment, removable storage medium  152  is a magnetic storage medium similar to those found in small consumer electronics, such as a secure digital (SD) card used in smart phones, cameras, and the like, which may contain as much as 128 GB of available storage space, suitable for storing database  136  as well as recorded video and audio from camera  140  and microphone  142  on system  104 . SD cards are small, durable, and are widely used by a variety of devices and are the preferred embodiment of removable storage medium  152 . Removable storage medium  152  is placed in the back side of system  104  to protect it from a dog that scratches itself, as well as moisture that a pet may encounter. 
       FIG. 4  also shows system  104  in communication with network  158  and a remotely-located user device  160 . Network  158  is typically a public communication network, such as the Internet, and may include various cloud configurations of computers linked together to perform communication and software services to users. Device  160  is typically a mobile computing/communicating device carried by the pet owner, such as a smart phone, notebook computer, palmtop computer, laptop computer, and the like, that is capable of communicating over network  158  to other devices, such as system  104 . Device  160  provides a user interface  170  to the pet owner, by which the pet owner receives messages from system  104 , and interacts with system  104  and cameras  120  and  140 , microphones  122  and  142 , speakers  124  and  144 , and motion detectors  126 . 
       FIG. 5  is a depiction of user interface  170  as displayed to the pet owner on device  160 . As shown, user interface  170  includes selectable options that allow a pet owner to control system  104  and obtain desired information regarding pet  100 . Display  172  displays messages received from system  104 . In an embodiment, display  172  controllably displays views from cameras  120  and  140 . Query option  174  allows a pet owner to request information from system  104 , such as “locate my pet,” “generate status report,” and the like. Set/modify triggers option  176  allows the pet owner to set event thresholds that triggers messages being generated and sent to the pet owner. Control devices option  180  allows the pet owner to operate cameras  120  and  140 , microphones  122  and  142 , speakers  124  and  144 , and motion detectors  126  ( FIG. 2 ). Train system option  182  allows the pet owner to classify data observed by system  104  and attach meaning to it. For example, when pet  100  exhibits a condition of stress, such as whining, or intense, prolonged barking, the pet owner can activate microphone  122  on system  104  to capture the sound and save it in database  136 . By indicating to system  104  that such recorded sounds are indications of distress, system  104  can compare the stored sounds of distress to sounds captured later in time by microphone  122  and make a determination as to whether or not pet  100  is in distress. 
       FIG. 6  is an interface screen  184  that is presented on device  160  when a pet owner selects query option  174 . Screen  184  presents queries that a user can execute on system  104  to retrieve data stored in database  136 . For example, selection of locate my pet  186  by the pet owner causes system  104  to look up in database  136  the last location recorded in which system  104  detected RFID tag  108 . Selection of generate report  188  causes  104  to generate a report based on entries stored in database  136 , such as which RFID tags  108  were detected and for how long. For example, a status report can indicate that pet  100  left bed  110  to go to water bowl  112  three times over the course of a period of time, only to return to bed  110  and not going outside through pet door  116 . Likewise, a status report can indicate that pet  100  was near front door  114  at 1 PM, which would indicate to the pet user that an expected visit from someone, such as a package delivery service or child returning home from school, has been detected. For specific information, selecting the option of search database  190  engages a database management system that allows the user to search database  136  for specific information stored therein. 
     Directing attention to  FIG. 7 , selection of set/modify triggers option  178  results in screen  192  being displayed to the pet owner on device  160 . Screen  192  is a configuration interface that allows the pet owner to customize the generation of messages sent by system  104  to device  160 . Examples include multiple inputs that can be selected either by a check mark or by a number of occurrences of a specific event. For example goes outside option  194  allows a user to be alerted if pet  100  goes outside once, or a set number of times. Goes near water bowl option  196  provides a similar input for pet  100  approaching water bowl  112  (once or for a number of occurrences). Active period observed option  198  can be selected to trigger user notification if pet  100  is active for a configurable period of time. Inactive period observed option  200  can be selected to trigger user notification if pet  100  is inactive for a configurable period of time. Distress detected option  202  can be selected to notify the user if pet  100  has exhibited signs of distress. For example, observable behavior such as barking, making sounds while sedentary and the like can indicate distress. If pet  100  is located in pet bed  110 , and is inactive but whining may indicate that pet  100  is in pain from illness or injury. 
     Directing attention to  FIG. 8 , remote control of devices in environment  106  and on system  104  is a useful feature of system  104 . In some embodiments, where system  104  incorporates devices such as camera  140 , microphone  142 , speaker  144  and the like, activating these devices as well as other devices in environment  106 , such as camera  120 , microphone  122 , speaker  124  or motion detector  126 . Selection of control devices option  180  displays interface  204  on device  160 . Interface  204  allows the pet owner to select individual devices for remote control, such as activating camera  120  (option  206 ) or camera  140  (option  208 ), microphone  122  (option  210 ) or microphone  142  (option  212 ), speaker  124  (option  214 ) or  144  (option  216 ), and motion detectors  126  (option  218 ). Additional controls are included in embodiments, such as volume option  220 , for controlling speaker volume, or direction option  224  for manipulating camera  120  or  140 . 
     Directing attention to  FIG. 9 , is an exemplary interface  230  that executes on a user&#39;s device and gathers training information regarding the user&#39;s pet during a configuration period to provide accurate notifications while a pet is monitored through system  104  detecting the various RFIDs  108  and gathering inputs from cameras  120 , microphones  122 , and motion detectors  126 . For example, when pet  100  is agitated and barking loudly, for example an alarm bark, the user can activate training screen  230 , and from screen  230  activate microphone  122  or microphone  142  to record the alarm bark and store it for comparison in database  136 . In an embodiment, record option  232  allows the user to turn on and off microphone  122  or microphone  142  to capture a specific sound that the pet owner wants to classify as indicating a specific condition, such as distress, as exhibited by intense, prolonged barking, or by whining. Once the sound is captured through the selection of record option  232 , selecting the classify option  234  allows the user to generate a tag that is stored with the recording in database  136 , which generates a control sample to which behaviors observed by system  104  are compared. By training system  104  to compare observed inputs with stored control sample, system  104  incorporates intelligence that is useful in generating notifications sent to the user of device  160 . 
     Directing attention to  FIG. 10 , an exemplary layout  240  of database  136  is shown. In an embodiment, database  136  contains log  242  showing times and durations for pet  100  being near various RFID tags  108  located in environment  106 . As shown, pet  100  is detected near RFID tag  108 - 1  at  9 : 22 : 18 , which is associated with pet bed  110 . Detection of RFID tag  108 - 1  continues until 9:24:51, a duration of two minutes and 33 seconds. No RFID tags are detected until 9:24:58, seven seconds later, when RFID tag  108 - 3 , associated with front door  114 , is detected. Detection of RFID tag  108 - 3  lasts for 19 seconds, and then no additional detection occurs for another ten seconds, at which time RFID tag  108 - 2  is detected, which is associated with water bowl  112 . Detection of RFID tag  108 - 2  lasts for one minute and 20 seconds, indicating that pet  100  is near water bowl  112  for an amount of time that could indicate pet  100  is drinking water. At 9:27:01, RFID tag  108 - 4  is detected, and there is no time out entry listed, indicating that pet  100  has returned to bed  110  and is there at the time database  136  is viewed by the user. Returning to  FIG. 6 , selection of locate pet option  186  causes processor  130  to search database  136  until it finds the last entry in the log  242 , characterized by a lack of entries for time out and duration. Selection of generate report option  188  causes log  242  to be shown on display  172 . Selection of search database option  190  allows a user to search for a specific time of day, or by specific RFID tag detection instance. Returning to  FIG. 7 , triggers set by use of screen  192  are shown below log  242  in triggers section  244 . As shown, because goes near water bowl  112  was selected as a trigger in  FIG. 7 , triggers section  244  contains an entry for when the log entry for RFID-2 showed a duration of 1:20, a notification was sent to device  160  across network  158  eight seconds after detection of RFID-2 was lost, informing the user that pet  100  was near water bowl  112 . In an embodiment, the duration of time spent near water bowl  112  is also provided in the user notification. 
     Below triggers section  244 , control samples section  246  shows one entry, having the description of distress bark. This is the result of selecting train system option  230  shown in  FIG. 9 , where the pet owner recorded pet  100  barking in what the pet owner recognized as a bark that pet  100  makes when distressed. When comparisons of observed inputs are made, they are made against the samples stored in control samples section  246 . 
     Below control samples section  246  is video files section  248 , which contains stored video segments recorded by camera  140 . As explained above, database  136  is stored on removable storage medium  152 , so that a veterinarian or pet owner can review the contents of database  136  on another device such as a computer or smart phone. However, in some embodiments, the contents of database  136  are readable by processor  130  on system  104 , which can then relay the contents by transmitter  132  to communications network  158  and ultimately to a remote user of device  160 . 
       FIG. 11  is a flow chart of a sequence of operative steps  250  executed to monitor a pet&#39;s activities and issue notifications to a pet owner or other user. At step  252 , system  104  detects a signal reflected from RFID tag  108 . At step  254 , processor  130  then creates a database entry in database  136  that includes the time at which receiver  134  received a signal reflected by RFID tag  108 . At step  256 , the RFID tag detected at step  252  is determined to be no longer reflecting a signal emitted by transmitter  132 . At step  258 , the log entry created at step  254  is updated to indicate when loss of the reflected signal from RFID tag  108  occurred and the duration for which the signal was received before it was lost. Typically, pet  100  will move from RFID tag  108  to another, so that a handoff of signal is achieved when receiver  134  loses a reflected signal from RFID tag  108  but soon detects a different RFID tag  108 , such as when pet  100  is moving around between areas within environment  106 . In this manner, a tracking function is performed in that the pet&#39;s  100  movements are observed and recorded and log  242 . At step  260 , the log entry created at steps  254  and  258  is compared against entries stored in trigger section  244 . Based on triggers set by the pet owner in screen  192 , various notifications can be formed at step  204 . Different RFID tags  108  can have different, distinguishing labels associated with them within database  136 , such as “bed,” “water bowl” “front door,” “pet door,” “kitchen,” “back yard,” etc., to quickly inform a user as to the location of pet  100  at different times within the status report period. The process of monitoring pet  104 &#39;s location and recording them in database entries over time allows generation of a report that reflects pet  104 &#39;s movements within environment  106 . Characteristics of pet  104 &#39;s behavior can be identified and provided in notifications at step  262  to a user over network  158 . These notifications can either be pushed by processor  130  to a user based on triggers or simply by scheduled reports, or retrieved on demand by the user from database  136 . 
       FIG. 12  is a flow chart of a sequence  280  of operative steps executed to determine whether or not a pet is in distress and to send a notification to a remotely-located user regarding a distressed pet. Under normal operation, pet  100  should interact with RFID tags  108  placed throughout environment  106 . RFID tags  108  activate based on close proximity to transmitter  132 , so RFID tags  108  are placed where pet  100  is anticipated as being near, for example water bowl  112 , bed  110 , etc. But placing RFID tag  108 - 4  near pet door  116  can provide useful information that indicates that pet  100  is experiencing digestive or urinary problems due to frequency of passing through pet door  116  or spending more time than usual near water bowl  112  and RFID tag  108 - 2 . Likewise, if pet  100  is not leaving bed  110  and RFID tag  108 - 1  continues to register for extended periods of time, these conditions may indicate a sick or injured pet. Similarly, while pet  100  can move around freely while its movements are recorded by system  104  upon detection of its signals reflected by the various RFID tags  108  and received by receiver  134 , it is the absence of a reflected signal over time that triggers a notification to a user in an embodiment. This could indicate pet  100  is lying down out of range of an RFID tag  108 , for example, when due to illness or injury pet  100  is uncharacteristically inactive. At step  282 , processor  130  enters a powermode sleep state in which battery power is conserved. In normal operation during this sleep state, transmitter  132  periodically broadcasts an RF signal at a frequency that RFID tags  108  are designed to reflect. When an RF signal is detected by receiver  134  (step  284 ), processor  130  enters a wake-on-radio state (step  285 ) and communicates with the RFID tag  108  from which a signal was received. As long as at least one of RFID tags  108  is detected by receiver  134  during a broadcast period, conditions are considered normal as pet  104  is located and recognized by system  104  as being near one of RFID tags  108 . As not every configuration will have complete coverage by placement of RFID tags  108 , and blind spots may be present in an area in which RFID tags  108  are deployed, and there may be situations where pet  100  moves temporarily into a blind spot. At step  286 , a period of time passes where a reflected signal from any RFID tag  108  is not received. At step  287 , a notification is formed by processor  130  as a text or email message and sent over network  158  to a remotely-located user carrying computing device  160 . In an optional step  288 , system  104  receives a control devices command from the user, and the user may activate cameras  120  or  140 , microphones  122  or  142 , speakers  124  or  144 , or motion sensors  126  located throughout environment  106 , such as inside a home or in a backyard or patio, and under the control of processor  130 . At step  290 , outputs from these devices are sent by communication module  146  over network  158  to remote device  160  ( FIG. 4 ). By activating cameras  120  or  140 , a user can visually verify the presence or absence of pet  100 . Similarly, by activating microphone  122  and speaker  124 , and using voice, the user can call the name of pet  100  over speaker  124  and then listen for a sound made by pet  100  and picked up by microphone  122 . If camera  140  doesn&#39;t convey the visual image of pet  100  and microphone  124  doesn&#39;t pick up any sounds made by pet  100 , this may be an indication that pet  100  has escaped and is running loose. 
       FIG. 13  is a flow chart of a sequence of operative steps  300  executed to determine a pet&#39;s level of distress. At step  302 , using input from microphone  122  or  142  during a monitoring period, processor  130  can detect sounds made by pet  100 . For example, an extended period of intense barking can indicate the presence of an intruder. Based on individual configuration, such as by training processor  130  as to what constitutes an “alarm bark” made by a dog, as opposed to a boredom bark from the dog, processor  130  can compare microphone inputs at step  304  to control samples stored in database  136  at section  246  ( FIG. 9 ) to trigger a notification being sent to the user when an alarm bark is detected, while ignoring boredom barks which do not match the control sample stored in section  246 . Similarly, the time a notification is received can be informative to a user. For example, if pet  100  barks loudly and intensely when a postal carrier drops mail into a mailbox, or a deliver service rings a doorbell, causing pet  100  to react, a notification received at a certain time of day that pet  100  is making noise can serve as confirmation that another event has occurred, such as mail has been delivered or a package has been left on a doorstep. When such events occur, at step  306 , a distress notification is formed by processor  130  and sent to the user over network  158 . A period where processor  130  doesn&#39;t detect any RFID tags  108  may indicate a distress condition for pet  100 . In such a case, processor  130  may activate devices such as cameras  120  and  140 , microphones  122  and  142 , and motion sensors  126  at step  308 . Inputs received from these activated devices are analyzed at step  310 . Processor  130  analyzes camera, inputs to determine movement within a camera view, simply by comparing images received from cameras  120  and  140 . If images from camera inputs are not changing, this may indicate that pet  100  is not moving, as a pet in motion within a camera view would result in a change in image over time. Image comparison is a relatively simple comparison, where pixel values are compared individually from a single camera view from a first time to the same camera view at a later time. If the image changes, so do the pixel values associated with the later-in-time image. This analysis can be performed on all cameras in environment  106 , including camera  140  on system  104 . Similarly, if cameras  120  and  140  are not showing changing images, inputs from microphones  122  and  142  can be examined for detected sounds. For example, a whining sound from pet  100  picked up on mic  142  can indicate that pet  100  is in distress. Inputs from microphones  122  in environment  106  may also indicate a reason for pet  100  remaining out of view of cameras  120  and  140 , for example of loud noises from a thunderstorm or other source frighten pet  100  and cause it to hide somewhere out of view and away from RFID tags  108 . If pet  100  is hiding under a bed or behind between a wall and a sofa for example, camera  140  on collar  102  may simply show a black screen as there is not enough light to capture any meaningful images, and pet  100  might remain hidden until it feels danger has passed and it comes out of hiding. Once analysis is complete, depending on inputs identified as changing, system  104  sends a distress notification to the user at step  306 . 
     While a system and method for performing remote monitoring of a pet have been described and illustrated in detail in the preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that numerous modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope as set forth in the following claims.