Patent Publication Number: US-2013239905-A1

Title: Hand controller and smart phone system for electronic trainer

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present U.S. Utility patent application claims priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/532,491, entitled “Hand Controller for Electronic Trainer” filed on Sep. 8, 2011, and to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/540,169, entitled “Hand Controller for Electronic Trainer” filed on Sep. 28, 2011. The present U.S. Utility patent application claims priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(e) or §120 to and is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. Utility application Ser. No. 13/528,156, entitled “Smart Phone Based Electronic Fence System” filed on Jun. 20, 2012 (Docket Number DT013) and which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/499,018 and which is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. Utility application Ser. No. 12/611/856 (Docket Number DT012) filed on Jan. 15, 2009. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a hand controller or transmitter for use with an electronic training systems which may include electronic fence systems. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     In general, electronic trainers and electronic fences for containing an animal are known. In the prior art fence systems, a cable has typically been buried within the ground to define a fenced in area. An animal wearing an associated collar would be stimulated when within a specified range or distance from the buried (or exposed) cable. Generally, through using a radio signal obtained from the electronic wires, an electronic shock, vibration, or both of them simultaneously can be transferred to an animal. Such a fence system thus operates to control an animal&#39;s movement within the fenced in area. 
     Additionally, in reference to the above cited application to which this application claims priority, electronic fences are defined that use GPS to define a fence area, or more accurately, an area within which an animal is to be contained. An invisible electronic fence (I-Fence) refers to a system for defining a certain range of areas whereby a moving object including a pet animal, a hunting dog, and a working dog movement is contained and/or monitored. Thus an I-Fence is a system that supports monitoring and tracking the animal&#39;s location by radiating a control signal in accordance with a communication protocol if he or she is out of the range. 
     In some embodiments of the electronic fences to which this application claims priority, the fence system includes logic that only stimulates the animal when the animal is exiting the fenced area and not when the animal is approaching to enter the fenced area. 
     One aspect of the various electronic fence systems and training systems is that the controller of a fence system or a training system is held by a user in the user&#39;s hand. Accordingly, the user is not able to use the hand for other purposes without putting the controller (transmitter) down. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, the present invention provides a controller that allows the controller to be worn on a user&#39;s hand (front or back), in the palm of the hand, one the user&#39;s fingers (front or back side), a wrist, an arm or a leg to enable the user to wear the controller without necessarily losing the ability to use his or her hand. 
     To accomplish this, the controllers of the various embodiments of the invention define a shape that supports the controller being worn by the user. In one embodiment, the controller includes attachment points that allow straps to be fastened to the controller to allow the user to wear the controller. The attachment points are disposed to allow the controller to be worn in a direction that is orthogonal to the direction of the hand or parallel to the direction of the hand. Alternatively, the controller includes a clipping mechanism to allow the controller to be clipped, for example, to the back of the user&#39;s hand or fingers. In yet another embodiment, the controller itself is shaped to substantially circumvent the user&#39;s hand or fingers so that the user does not have to exclusively hold the controller. 
     As another aspect of the embodiments of the present invention, the controller defines an internally curved shape to allow the controller to be worn more comfortably around a curved shape body part such as the back of the hand, a wrist, an arm or a leg. As yet another aspect of the invention, the controller includes in some embodiments, at least one outwardly extending portion that further includes at least one control element to facilitate access to the at least one control element by a finger or thumb. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a functional block diagram of an electronic fence system according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a functional block diagram of an electronic fence system according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a functional illustration of an alternative electronic fence system according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a functional block diagram of a hand held transmitter unit for an animal training system according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a plurality of diagrams that illustrate hand held controller responses in relation to transmitter commanded intensity curves that reflect operation of a controller according to one embodiment of the invention for the Rise mode of operation. 
         FIGS. 6 and 7  are perspective views of a transmitter or controller according to embodiment of the invention. 
         FIGS. 8 and 9  illustrate front and side views of a controller according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIGS. 10 and 11  illustrate perspective views of an alternative embodiment of the invention of a hand controller. 
         FIGS. 12 and 13  illustrate front and side views of controller according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIGS. 14 and 15  illustrate front and side views of a controller according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 16  is an exemplary figure that illustrates a controller being worn in an orientation that is substantially parallel to a direction of a hand to which the controller is attached according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 17  is a system diagram that illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention that includes a control unit and a transmitter unit. 
         FIG. 18  is a diagram that illustrates one embodiment of a training system. 
         FIG. 19  is a functional diagram that illustrates one embodiment of a removable control element. 
         FIG. 20  illustrates a control element attached to a ring according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 21  illustrates a plurality of control elements attached to a wrist band. 
         FIG. 22  illustrates an alternative embodiment in which a extension having a control element is removable. 
         FIG. 23  is a functional block diagram of a controller according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 24  is a functional block diagram of a controller according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. 
         FIGS. 25 and 26  are flow charts that illustrate alternative embodiments of the invention for programming a controller. 
         FIG. 27  is a diagram illustrating a training system and operation of the training system according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 28  is a functional block diagram of a computing unit according to one embodiment of the invention that is configured to program control elements of a controller. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG. 1  is a functional block diagram of an electronic fence system according to one embodiment of the invention. Referring to  FIG. 1 , an electronic fence system  100  capable containing animals within an electronic fence and of guiding animals to return to a control area is shown. The electronic fence system  100  includes a transmitter unit  104  for generating radio frequency (RF) signals wherein the transmitter unit is operable to select between at least one of a plurality of functions and to generate a control command over a communication link  102  specifying at least one of vibration, high-frequency beep, vibration with high frequency beep, shock and shock intensity. The electronic fence system further includes a receiver unit  108  for receiving the transmitted RF signals and the control command wherein the receiver unit  108  initiates a stimulation based upon the control command. Receiver unit  108 , in one embodiment, further includes a plurality of antennas structurally arranged in relation to a collar worn by an animal to receive radio frequency communication signals from a plurality of devices. In one embodiment, receiver unit  108  includes one antenna for receiving control commands from transmitter unit  104  and one antenna for receiving global positioning system (GPS) signals from which a receiver unit location may be determined by receiver unit  108 . In one particular embodiment, at least one of the antennas is disposed within a collar that is attached to receiver unit  108 . 
     Receiver unit  108  further includes a first receiver unit module for receiving control commands from the transmitter unit and a second receiver unit module for receiving satellite information from a plurality of GPS satellite transceivers  112 . Such satellite information may be used to perform triangulation calculations to determine a location. Receiver unit  108  is operable to define an electronic fence based upon a specified location in relation to the a determined location based on satellite information  114  received through the second receiver unit module and further wherein the specified location is based upon one of a receiver unit location or a coordinate defined in a control command received from transmitter unit  104 . As may be seen, three fenced in areas are created. Each fenced in area  120 ,  116  and  124  is a circle defined by a radius in relation to a specified location. In the example of  FIG. 1 , a location is specified by a location of receiver unit  108 . Thus, fenced in area  120  is based upon a radius  128  from the location of receiver unit  108 . Fenced in area  116  is based upon a radius  132  from the location of receiver unit  108 . Fenced in area  124  is an example of a “lock down” mode fence area in which a small fenced area is created in relation to a location of receiver unit  134 . The lock down mode of operation is one in which control command is transmitted to the receiver unit by the transmitter unit to prompt the creation of a small “lock-down” electronic fenced in area to contain an animal so that it can be found or secured. 
       FIG. 2  is a functional illustration of an electronic fence system  200  according to one embodiment of the invention. As may be seen, an irregular shaped fence boundary for an electronic fence  204  encompasses receiver unit  108 . Devices having previously defined reference numerals are the same as before. Thus, the fence boundary of electronic fence  204  encompasses lock-down electronic fence  124 . One aspect to the embodiment of  FIG. 2  is that the fence boundary of fence  204  is defined by straight lines between each of a plurality of designated points  208 - 224 . In one embodiment, designated points for defining the boundary of fence  204  may be made by the user physically going to the designated points  208 - 224  and then hitting a designation button on one of the transmitter unit  104  or receiver unit  108 . 
     Alternatively, the user may draw a figure on a display of a device (e.g., a computer or transmitter unit  104 ) wherein the user designates the points on the display. The associated device, e.g., transmitter unit  104 , then determines actual coordinates of the designated locations and then transmits the designated location coordinates to receiver unit  108  to enable receiver unit  108  to activate electronic fence  204  to correspond with the designation locations  208 - 224  that define the boundary of fence  204 . Receiver unit  108  compares its current location as determined by communication signal  114  received from satellite transceiver  112  to specified location coordinates  208 - 224 . In the described embodiment, these location coordinates  208 - 224  are transmitted from transmitter  104  to receiver  108  in communication link  228 . 
       FIG. 3  is a functional block diagram that illustrates an additional aspect of the embodiments of the invention. Namely, an electronic fence system  300  is operable to define a plurality of electronic fences for a plurality of groups of receiver units. For example, a first plurality of receiver units having a group ID  304 , as indicated by the diagonal shading, are within an electronic fence  308 . These receiver units correspond to a common group ID. Thus, fence  308  is used to contain all animals having this common group ID  304 . Pluralities of receiver units have a common group ID of  312  correspond to electronic fence  316 . These receiver units are illustrated with the horizontal shading. 
     Finally, a receiver unit  320  within electronic fence  324  that is a lock-down mode fence. Thus, for example, receiver unit  320  may originally had the ability to wander within electronic fence  316  (assuming it had a group ID  312 ) but for one of a plurality of reasons, the lock-down mode was triggered for receiver unit  320  thereby creating electronic fence  324 . 
     As may be seen here in  FIG. 3 , three electronic fences are shown. A fence  316  defines an area that encompasses a fence  308 . Thus, fence  308  is concentric in relation to fence  316 . In the example of  FIG. 3 , a user defines a fence boundary by defining at least one of a specified location and a distance from the specified location. For example, based on a received control command from transmitter unit  330  received over communication link  334 , receiver unit  304   a  is operable to designate its current location as a fence center. Accordingly, a boundary of fence  308  is a function of a distance  338  (e.g., a radius  338 ) from the designated location while a boundary of fence  316  is a function of a distance  342  (e.g., a radius  342 ) from the designated location. In operation, for example, in one embodiment, the designated location is a location of receiver unit  304   a  at a time a specified control command is received from transmitter unit  330 . 
     In an alternate embodiment, a user defines a fence boundary by defining GPS identified location designations on the transmitter unit  330  and then transmits fence boundary information in a control signal to receiver unit  304   a . In one particular embodiment, the user draws a fence boundary pattern on a display of transmitter unit  330  to identify the fence boundary. The fence boundary for fences  308  and  316  are for use in a normal mode of operation. 
     In one embodiment of the invention, the fence system supports a lock-down mode of operation in which a small defined fence area is activated having a specified radius from a receiver location at the time the lock-down mode is initialized or activated. The lock-down mode may be activated upon receiving a control command from transmitter unit  330 , upon satisfying a specified condition (e.g, approaching a specified area or location, upon losing radio contact with transmitter unit  104 , or upon reaching a specified battery condition (e.g., only twenty percent charge remaining for the receiver unit  108  battery). Thus, a specified level of depletion of charge may trigger the lock-down mode to facilitate the animal wearing receiver unit  320  being found more readily. As may be seen, fence  324  is concentric in relation to fence  316  but not in relation  308 . 
     Each of  FIGS. 1-3  describe aspects of an electronic fence system according to various embodiments of the invention. Additionally, training systems that are used to teach an animal to fetch, to stay, to return, etc. may be implemented solely as training systems or as training systems that also include electronic fence related functionality. With respect to training systems, many different types of stimulation and many different stimulation modes may be implemented to assist in the training of an animal. 
       FIG. 4  is a functional block diagram of a hand held transmitter/controller unit for an animal training system according to one embodiment of the invention. As may be seen, a response shown at  404  associated with transmitter unit  400  indicates current stimulation level. The stimulation is based upon selection of associated stimulation levels for a Jump mode and/or by use of a Rise mode button. Thus, transmitter unit  400  includes a Jump mode button  408  for selecting the Jump mode of operation, a Rise mode button  412  for selecting a Rise mode of operation, as well as a plurality of circuit blocks  416 - 428  shown in dashed lines to indicate internal device elements that control the operation of the transmitter unit and the associated response in the receiver/trainer. Each of the circuit blocks may be formed as discrete state logic or circuit elements or by computer instructions stored in memory and executed by a processor. Thus, the circuit blocks  416 - 428  include logic blocks that support the Jump mode of operation, the Rise mode of operation, and RF front end for upconverting an outgoing signal produced by the logic blocks or the processor to a radio frequency for wireless transmission and, of course, a processor block which control and defines operation of the transmitter unit. 
     Generally, the Jump mode refers to stimulation instantly jumping to a user selected stimulation level upon depression of the Jump mode button. This level typically is less than a maximum stimulation level but can be defined to be a maximum stimulation level. The Rise mode of operation refers to stimulation levels gradually increasing as long as the Rise mode button is depressed until a specified (e.g., Jump Mode stimulation level) or a maximum level of stimulation is reached. 
     If the any of the logic blocks or the processor block produces an output signal in a digital form, analog-to-digital conversion circuitry is included to enable the RF front end to up-convert an outgoing signal from a low frequency (either baseband or an intermediate frequency) to a radio frequency for wireless transmission. The RF front end may implement either a two-step process or a single step process for up-converting to RF. One of average skill in the art may readily determine particular RF front designs appropriate for the present application. 
     As may also be seen, the hand held transmitter (controller) unit  400  includes communication logic  432  for communicating with a plurality of devices including external computing devices (laptop computer, desktop computer, computer tablet, cell phone, etc.). Communication logic  432  includes logic that support communicating according to various protocols such as IEEE 802.11 (any), Bluetooth, RFID communication protocols, etc. This transmitter/controller  400  of  FIG. 4  includes functionality and logic that may be used in any embodiment of a controller including but not limited to controller  600  (described below in this document starting with  FIG. 8 ). Transmitter unit/controller  400  also includes audio processing logic  436 , controller logic  440 , and a microphone  444 . Audio processing logic is operable to process and digitize ingoing audio received by microphone  444 . Controller logic  440  is configured to define operational logic to support the functionality described here in this document. For example, controller logic  440  includes logic for receiving control element programming information to support user-based programming/selection of the functions that are assigned to the control elements of controller  400 . In the described embodiment, the list of selectable functions that may be assigned to the control elements of controller  400  include generation of vibration, generation of audio (either tone or voice commands), Jump mode electric stimulation, Rise Mode electric stimulation, Nick, etc. When the controller is part of an electronic fence system (in one alternative embodiment), electronic fence functions may also be assigned to the control elements of control element  400 . Controller logic  440 , therefore, is configured to process programming commands, whether entered manually or received from a remote computing unit, to assign selected functions to the control elements of the controller (as will be described in relation to subsequent figures). 
       FIG. 5  is a plurality of diagrams that illustrate hand held controller responses in relation to transmitter commanded intensity curves that reflect operation of a controller according to one embodiment of the invention for the Rise mode of operation. Generally, these illustrated responses show transmitter/controller commands or control signals that are transmitted to a receiver/trainer to prompt a corresponding response. Referring to  FIG. 5 , it may be seen that, upon depression of the Rise mode button, that the commanded intensity  500  of the stimulation increases from a currently defined level to a previously defined maximum level. The intensity may be commanded in any one of a plurality of different methods as will be described in greater detail in reference to at least one figure that follows. The left hand side of  FIG. 5  illustrates the response, according to one embodiment of the invention, of the controller in relation to the commanded intensity shown on the right hand side of the figure at the points identified by the dashed arrows. Upon an initial depression of the Rise Mode button, the commanded intensity is the currently defined level (for normal operation). This level of intensity and the corresponding response  504  is as shown by the dashed line  508 . The commanded intensity then increases until the Rise Mode button is released or, as shown on the bottom left and bottom right diagrams, when the maximum level is reached. The response  512  illustrates response when the commanded intensity  600  has reached the maximum level as indicated by dashed line  516 . 
     The maximum level may be predefined by the user or within internal controller logic. In the described embodiment, the predefined maximum level defined by the user cannot exceed the maximum level defined with the internal controller logic and can only be set to a value that is less than or equal to the maximum level defined within the controller logic. 
     After a specified period of the stimulation being at the maximum level, the intensity drops down immediately at a single point to the currently defined level as is indicated by the two commanded intensity curves. This may be seen on the time line at “Maximum Period”. Thus, when the Rise mode button is initially depressed, the response shows an intensity level that begins at the currently defined level. Thereafter, the intensity level increases until a maximum intensity is reached. The response for the maximum intensity is the lower of the display graphs on the left hand side of the figure (response  512 ). Once a maximum period has been reached for the commanded intensity, the intensity level drops to the currently defined level and the response of the upper left hand side of the Figure occurs again. 
     Thus, the response gradually increases from the response  504  to the response  512  on the left hand side of the figure from initial depression of the Rise mode button until the maximum commanded intensity is reached. From that point forward until a maximum period is reached, response  512  is seen. After the maximum period is reached, though, for the commanded intensity, the response instantly reverts from the bottom left hand of the chart to the upper left hand since, as shown on the right hand side, the commanded intensity drops instantly. 
       FIGS. 6 and 7  are perspective views of a transmitter or controller according to embodiment of the invention. Referring to  FIG. 6 , a controller  600  (a transmitter) includes a strap  602  for securely attaching the controller  600  to the bank of a hand, to the fingers of a user&#39;s hand, or to an arm, wrist or leg. As may be seen, a plurality of control elements  604  are disposed on an outer surface of a main portion  606  of controller  600 . Control elements  604  may comprise one or more of push button switches, rotary switches having multiple switch positions, potentiometers, on/off switches, etc. Referring to  FIG. 7 , at least one control element  608  is disposed on an upper surface of an extending portion  610  that extends outwardly and substantially orthogonal from an upper end of a main portion  606  of controller  600 . As may be seen, if the main portion  606  is oriented in a vertical manner, the outwardly extending portion  610  extends from the upper end of main portion  606  in a substantially horizontal manner. Strap  602  attaches at an outer end of the outwardly extending portion  610  and to a bottom end of the main portion  606  of controller  600 . One aspect of outwardly extending portion  610  is that it provides a support for control element  608  to allow access by a thumb of the hand to which the controller  630  is attached. 
     One aspect of the controller shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7  is that the controller defines a shape along an interior surface of the controller that is curved in shape. This curved shape facilitates the controller being worn on a backside of a hand (side opposite of the palm where controllers are traditionally held), on the user&#39;s fingers, or on a wrist, arm or leg. The controller may be worn on the backside of the fingers allowing one or more of the control elements to be accessed and/or depressed between the thumb and forefinger or on the interior of the fingers. Of course, each controller of the various embodiments may always be held in the palm of the hand too as traditional transmitters/controllers are held. The curved shape allows the controller to be worn as described in a manner that is comfortable and secure. A traditionally shaped controller (substantially flat) cannot be worn securely or comfortable on a backside of a hand or a wrist, arm or leg even if such controller includes straps for securing the controller to the user. 
     One aspect of the embodiments of the present invention is the straps, for example, straps  602  of  FIGS. 6 and 7 , allow the controller to be attached to the hand, fingers, arm or leg. In the described embodiments, the straps are adjustable and may be secured to the controller to facilitate the controller being worn in a desired orientation at a desired location. For example, the straps may be attached in a manner that the controller can be worn across the backside of the hand perpendicular to a direction of the hand and fingers (with a strap configuration as shown here in  FIGS. 68 and 69 ), or in a manner that the controller is worn parallel to the direction of the hand and fingers as shown below in  FIG. 78 . While not shown explicitly in  FIGS. 68 and 69 , main portion  606  may also include supporting structure on the sides on main portion  606  so that a strap to be oriented to allow the controller to be worn orthogonally to the orientation shown here. As such, the controller may be worn in a manner that is substantially parallel to the direction of the hand as shown in  FIG. 78  below. 
       FIGS. 8 and 9  illustrate front and side views of a controller  600  according to one embodiment of the invention. As may be seen, controller  600  includes control elements  604  and  608  as described in relation to  FIGS. 6 and 7 . Additionally, as the side view of  FIG. 9  illustrates, the controllers of the various embodiments of the invention, including controller  600  here, define an internally curved surface  632  to allow the controller to be comfortably and securely worn on an outer surface (back side) of a hand, on the user&#39;s fingers, or on an arm, wrist or leg. Internally curved surfaced  632 , in the described embodiment, includes at least two curved portions having different radii that define the curve. Specifically, a first curved portion  634  defines a curve that substantially matches a curved shape of a back of a hand while a second curved portion  636  defines a curve that joins outwardly extending portion  610 . 
     One advantage of a controller defining such a curved shape on an interior surface is that the controller may be worn in a manner that does not interfere with the user&#39;s ability to use his hand(s) for other purposes such as driving an off road vehicle or holding a hunting weapon while allowing the user to quickly and easily get to the controller to press a button that prompts the controller to transmit an associated control command to an animal wearing an associated receiver. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 8 , the control elements shown generally at  604  on the embodiment of controller  600  include five control elements. Control element  636 , supports selection between collars while in a training mode of operation in one embodiment. Thus, control element comprises a rotary switch that allows for selection of a plurality of positions (e.g., five positions in one embodiment). Each of the five positions is associated with one specific receiver (dog collar). Each training command signal for an associated stimulation, therefore, is transmitted with an ID that corresponds to or is in association with a selected receiver. 
     Control element  638  allows a user to select a desired intensity level for a given stimulation type. In one embodiment of the invention, the intensity level is based only on a current setting of control element  638 . In another embodiment, an intensity level is stored for each associated receiver for at least one type of stimulation. Thus, as the user rotates control element  636  to select a different receiver, controller  600  is configured to recall the last selected intensity level for any subsequent stimulation commands that are transmitted to the newly selected receiver. When the user adjusts the intensity with control element  638 , the adjusted intensity level is then stored for use in subsequent stimulations whenever the newly selected receiver is the currently selected receiver. 
     In the various embodiments of controller  600 , each of control elements  640 ,  642  and  644  are programmable and may be associated with any one of a plurality of training functions. For example, one control element may be programmed for a “nick” type of stimulation, while another may be programmed for a “rise” or “jump” type stimulation. The “nick” type of stimulation is a short duration shock. Jump and rise type stimulations are as previously discussed. Other types of stimulation that may be associated with these control elements include the generation of a vibration or a sound. The sound can include a recording of a user&#39;s voice command such as “stop” or “come”. 
     Referring again to control element  636 , a plurality of positions may be programmed to correspond to the selection of a plurality of receivers. In one embodiment, however, positions may also be programmed for other functionality. In one embodiment, one switch position of control element  636  is programmed to deactivate one or more of the other control elements “lock” current settings and prevent inadvertent activation of the associated functions. In essence, the corresponding control elements are disabled. In another embodiment, one or more of the switch positions may be associated with a launcher. The launcher may be either a dummy launcher or a bird launcher. As such, when control element  636  is rotated to select a dummy launcher, for example, depression of a control element such as control element  644  will cause controller  600  to transmit a launch command with the ID of the selected dummy/bird launcher to prompt the selected dummy launcher to fire and launch a dummy. From this point forward, all references to operation in relation to a dummy launcher should be understood to, alternatively, be references to operation in relation to a bird launcher as well. 
     As another aspect of the embodiment of controller  600 , the simultaneous depression of multiple control elements may be used to select between modes of operation instead of assigning switch positions of control element  636  to select modes of operation. In one embodiment, depression of control elements  642  and  644  at the same time for a specified duration prompts the controller to operate as a trainer to generate training commands to selected receivers as discussed above. Depression of control elements  640  and  644  at the same time for the specified duration prompts the controller to operate as a remote for a dummy launcher. When operating as a dummy launcher, depression of a specified or programmed control element  608  or  640 - 644  prompts the controller  600  to transmit a launch command to a selected or associated dummy launcher to prompt the dummy launcher to fire and launch a dummy. In this embodiment, control element  636  may be used to select one of a plurality of dummy launchers. In a dummy launcher mode of operation, control element  636  is used to select a dummy launcher. In a training mode of operation, control element  636  is used to select a training collar for training commands. When operating in a dummy launch mode, therefore, the launch command is transmitted with a dummy launcher ID that corresponds to the selected dummy launcher when control element  644  is depressed. 
     Subsequently, depression of control elements  642  and  644  will cause controller  600  to revert back to operation as a trainer controller and the various control elements and associated intensity levels will revert back to prior settings and/or current settings. It should be understood that the specific combinations of control elements and associated functionalities are exemplary. Other combinations of simultaneous depression of control elements may be used to achieve similar or different functionality. For example, a different combination of simultaneous depression of control elements may be used to select between dummy launcher mode and training mode. Additionally, a combination of control elements may be specified to select a dual mode in which some control elements are assigned training functionality and at least one control element is assigned dummy launcher functionality (e.g., to transmit a launch command to a specific dummy launcher).  FIGS. 23 and 24  herein illustrate exemplary embodiments of controller  600  configurations for training and launching modes of operation. 
       FIGS. 10 and 11  illustrate perspective views of an alternative embodiment of the invention of a hand controller  650 . Referring to  FIG. 10 , at least one control element  652  is disposed on an upper surface of an outwardly extending portion  654  that extends outwardly and substantially orthogonal from a main portion  656  of controller  650 . As may also be seen, at least one control element  658  is disposed on an outer surface of the main portion  656  of controller  650 . Additionally, at least one control element  660  is disposed on an outwardly extending portion  662 . This configuration is one that allows a user to access a control element (here, control element  660 ) with an index finger while controller  650  is being worn on the back side of the hand orthogonal to the direction of the hand. While the illustrated configuration of control elements  658  are different from the prior figures, it should be understood that any configuration of control elements  658  may be placed on the outer back side surface of a controller (here, controller  650 ).  FIG. 11  merely illustrates controller  650  from a different perspective angle. 
     The embodiments of  FIGS. 10 and 11  include a plurality of outward extending portions that each include a plurality of control elements that may be accessed by a user&#39;s thumb and or fingers, such as the index finger, while the controller is being worn on a back side of the user&#39;s hand. It should be understood that, while not shown here, controller  650  includes a strap or clip that may be used to secure the controller to the user in at least one orientation in relation to the hand. 
       FIGS. 12 and 13  illustrate front and side views of controller  650  according to one embodiment of the invention. Elements described before in relation to  FIGS. 10 and 11  won&#39;t be described again. Referring to  FIG. 13 , it may be seen that controller  650  defines an internally curved surface shown generally at  664  to enable the controller to be comfortably worn on a backside of a hand as described in relation to prior embodiments. Internally curved surface  664  includes a first curved portion shown at  666  and a second curved portion shown at  668 . 
       FIGS. 14 and 15  illustrate front and side views of a controller  700  according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. As may be seen in  FIG. 76 , controller  700  includes at least one control element  702  on an outer surface of a main portion  704  of controller  700 . Additionally, controller  700  includes at least one control element  706  on an outwardly extending portion  708  that extends outwardly and substantially orthogonal from main portion  704 . In contrast to prior embodiments, however, outwardly extending portion  708  is shaped in a manner that allows at least one control element  706  to be disposed on a side surface of outwardly extending portion  708  in contrast to a top surface of the outwardly extending portion. While not shown here, control elements may also be included on the top surface of outwardly extending portion  708 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 15 , the at least one control element  706  is shown on a front side of outwardly extending portion  708  when controller  700  is oriented as shown wherein outwardly extending portion  708  extends to the right. In the embodiment of  FIGS. 14 and 15 , the at least one control element  706  may be disposed on either side of outwardly extending portion  708  according to whether controller  700  is intended to be used on a right hand or a left hand. Alternatively, in an embodiment that includes at least two control elements  706 , one control element may be placed on either of two sides of outwardly extending portion  708  of controller  700  or upon a top or bottom surface. For example, a control element  706  may be placed on both a front side and a backside of outwardly extending portion  708 . Moreover, in yet another embodiment, a control element  706  may also be placed on a top surface of outwardly extending portion  708 . 
     Controller  700 , as in the other embodiments, defines an interior curved surface shown generally at  710  that further defines a first curved portion  712  and a second curved portion  714 . These first and second curved portions  712  and  714  support the controller being worn on a backside of a hand or on the fingers or even an arm, wrist or leg in addition to being worn on a palm. Moreover, though now shown here, it should be understood that controller  700  (as do all the controllers) includes a strap such as strap  1502  of  FIGS. 68 and 69  or a clip (not shown) to secure the controller to the user or a strap such as strap  752  of controller  750  described below. 
       FIG. 16  is an exemplary figure that illustrates a controller being worn in an orientation that is substantially parallel to a direction of a hand to which the controller is attached according to one embodiment of the invention. Specifically, controller  750  is shown in which a strap  752  is attached to attachment points disposed on the sides of controller  750 . With this configuration for the strap  752 , the controller  750  may be worn as shown in relation to the hand (axially parallel to the hand). 
       FIG. 17  is a system diagram that illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention that includes a control unit and a transmitter unit. A controller system  800  includes a control unit  802  that communicates over a short distance communication link  804  with a transmitter unit  806 . Transmitter unit  806  then communicates with a remote receiver unit being worn by an animal being trained over communication channel  808 . In the described embodiment, communication link  804  comprises a personal area network protocol communication link such as Bluetooth. Alternatively, communication link  804  may operate according to a WLAN communication protocol such as IEEE 802.11 or according to another communication protocol. Transmitter  806  further communicates with a receiver unit over communication channel  808  using a communication channel for training devices that comprise a transmitter unit and a receiver unit as described above. Typically such a communication channel is characterized by a lower frequency communication channel that has a longer range. 
     One noteworthy aspect of the embodiment of  FIG. 17  is that the control unit  802  may be made to be much smaller and lighter than a traditional transmitter/control unit because the transmission power requirements are much lower because the communication link is a short distance communication link between the control unit and the transmitter unit. Because the transmission power level is lower, the unit comprises a smaller and lighter battery to support the wireless communications with transmitter  806 . Additionally, lower power and smaller components may be used within the transceiver circuitry of controller  802  in relation to transmitter unit  806  and all in one units. 
     Control unit  802  shows a strap  752  (from  FIG. 16 ) that is connected to an attachment point  810  that is disposed on a side of controller  802 . Alternatively, a strap  602  as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7  may be connected to attachment points  812  and  814 . As may also be seen, control unit  802  includes a control element  812  and control elements  818 . These control elements can comprise any one or more of the control elements described above in relation to the various embodiments of the invention. Finally, transmitter  806  includes an antenna  820  that supports the communication channel with the receiver as described above. Transmitter  806  further includes at least one attachment point  822  for attaching a strap or belt to secure the transmitter unit to the user or a structure or device. 
     In the embodiment of controller system  800 , control elements may be disposed on either one or both of controller  802  and transmitter  806  according to design requirements. Not all control elements are required to be located on control unit  802 . 
     The control elements in the various embodiments of the invention may readily be in any one of a plurality of known types of buttons, switches or dials. For example, in one embodiment of controller  700 ,  750  or  802 , one control element comprises a dial. Such a dial, for example, may be used to select an intensity level of an associated stimulation. While not shown explicitly in  FIGS. 17 and 18 , a controller may have a pair of outwardly extending portions  708  wherein, when the controller is worn substantially parallel to the direction of the hand, a first outwardly extending portion  708  extends between the thumb and index finger while a second outwardly extending portion  708  extends between the index finger and the middle finger. In such an embodiment, control elements  706  may be similar or of different types. For example, one might be a push button to activate a stimulation while the other comprises a dial for selecting an intensity level. 
     One additional aspect to the described embodiments of  FIGS. 1-16  is that the controller, in one embodiment, is operable to communicate directly with a receiver worn by the animal being trained. This embodiment requires transceiver circuitry and battery power sufficient to transmit a sufficiently strong signal. Thus, for example, the embodiment may require a larger and heavier battery. Alternatively, a controller according to the various embodiments of the invention, may include low power communication circuitry for communicating with a transmitter unit that communicates with the receiver worn by the animal. This embodiment is illustrated in  FIG. 17 . Such communications may be via a tether or a short distance wireless communication channel such as Bluetooth. In yet another embodiment, the control elements include circuitry that allows them to communicate with circuitry within the controller via a wireless communication links such as Bluetooth. In this embodiment, the control elements may readily be replaced with control elements of a different type to vary the functionality of the controller and the associated control commands that are ultimately transmitted to the receiver. 
     In one embodiment, one of the control elements is configured to support a “settings lock” mode which prevents operational settings to be changed while the lock mode is supported. In one particular embodiment, one of the control elements and associated hardware within the controller is configured to allow a user to select between one of a plurality of receivers (i.e., dog being trained) and a lock mode. In this particular embodiment, program settings may be modified in the settings lock mode even though current user settings cannot be modified. 
     In yet another alternative embodiment, the control elements are formed to allow removal and replacement. Each control element includes transceiver circuitry to support wireless communications between the control element and the controller/transmitter. 
       FIG. 18  is a diagram that illustrates one embodiment of a training system. A training system  850  includes a transmitter or controller  854 . Controller  854  may have, but is not required for this embodiment, a curved interior surface as shown generally at  858 . Controller  854  generates control commands that are transmitted to receiver  862  via a first communication link  866 . More specifically, receiver  862  is coupled to communicate via antenna  870 . Antenna  870  and receiver  862  are structurally attached to a collar  874 . 
     One aspect of the embodiment of training system  850  is that at least one control element such as control element  878  is detachable from controller  854 . Control element  878  includes a plurality of contact points  882  that allow control element to establish electrical contact with controller  854  when control element  878  is attached to controller  854 . In one embodiment, at least 4 contact points  882  are disposed on control element  878  to support charging and powering the control element as well as to support communications between the control element  878  and the controller  854 . Additionally, control element  878  is configured to communicate via a wireless communication link  886  with controller  854 . 
       FIG. 19  is a functional diagram that illustrates one embodiment of a removable control element. Control element  878  of  FIG. 19  includes a plurality (here, four) contact points  882 . Additionally, as shown, control element  878  includes transceiver circuitry  890  that transmits and receives communication signals via antenna  894  in its communications with controller  854 . It should be understood that antenna  894  may readily be configured to be a part of the casing of control element  878  and need not be visible as demonstrated in  FIG. 19 . One advantage of having a detachable control element that is configured to support wireless communications is that the control element may be attached to a matching wristband or ring such that the operator is able to fully use both hands while having at least one control element in a location where it can readily be accessed. 
       FIG. 20  illustrates a control element attached to a ring. More specifically, a ring  900  includes a base  904  that is configured to receive and securely hold control element  878 .  FIG. 21  illustrates a plurality of control elements attached to a wrist band. More specifically, a wrist band  910  includes a base  914  that is configured to receive and securely hold at least one control element  878  though a plurality of control elements  878  are shown in  FIG. 21 . 
       FIG. 22  illustrates an alternative embodiment in which a extension having a control element is removable. Referring to  FIG. 22 , a controller  950  includes a removable extension  954  that further includes a control element  958 . Extension  954  is configured to be attached to a ring  962  (or alternatively a bracelet or other device). As may be seen, controller  950  also includes control elements  966 . In the described embodiment, control elements  966  are removable. Alternatively, one or more of control elements  966  are not removable. Finally, removable extension  954  includes circuitry  970  for communicating wirelessly, through the contact points shown generally at  974  and for receiving and storing electrical power through contact points  974 . Circuitry  970  includes a battery in one embodiment for storing the received power. 
       FIG. 23  is a functional block diagram of a controller according to one embodiment of the invention. Controller  600 , as previously described, includes a processor or processing logic, operational logic and memory, and communication circuitry to support operations as described through out this document. One aspect illustrated here in  FIG. 23  is that controller  600  may be configured to operate as a trainer or as a remote for a dummy launcher. The mode in which trainer  600  operates maybe selected either by selection or depression of a specified switch or switch position or by activation of a specified combination of switches. Referring back to  FIG. 8 , for example, a specified switch position of control element  636  may be used to select the dummy launcher mode of operation in which controller  600  operates as a remote for at least one dummy launcher. Alternatively, the simultaneous depression of a plurality of control elements such as control elements  642  and  644  in one embodiment may be used to select the dummy launcher or training modes of operation. 
     Continuing to refer to  FIG. 23 , it may be seen that controller  600  may be configured to operate in a training mode or a dummy launch mode. In the training mode, exemplary control element function assignments are shown. In the illustrated configuration, a Nick function is assigned to control element  608 . Thus, upon depression of control element  608 , either temporary or prolonged, a Nick control command is transmitted to a selected trainer or receiver as selected by control element  636 . The intensity of the Nick stimulation may be predefined or it may be as specified by control element  638 . Depression of control element  640  activates the Jump mode as described elsewhere herein this document. Depression of control element  642  activates a Vibrate mode. Depression of control element  644  activates the Rise mode as described elsewhere herein this document. Depression of any of these or another control element may also be used to activate an audible tone depending upon configuration of controller  600 . It should be understood that the term “activate” means that an associated control command is generated to prompt the receiver (trainer) to activate the associated functionality (Nick mode stimulation, Jump mode stimulation, Rise mode stimulation, Vibrate mode stimulation, or Audible mode stimulation. 
     As may further be seen, when in a Dummy Launch Mode of Operation, control element  636  may be used to select an associated launcher. Thereafter, based upon configuration, another control element (e.g., control element  608  or control element  644 ) may be used to prompt controller  600  to transmit a launch command for the selected launcher. 
     As may further be seen, when in a Dummy Launch Mode of Operation, control element  636  may be used to select an associated launcher. Thereafter, based upon configuration, another control element (e.g., control element  608  or control element  644 ) may be used to prompt controller  600  to transmit a launch command for the selected launcher. 
       FIG. 24  is a functional block diagram of a controller according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. Controller  600 , as previously described, includes a processor or processing logic, operational logic and memory, and communication circuitry to support operations as described through out this document. One aspect illustrated here in  FIG. 24  is that controller  600  may be configured to operate as a trainer and as a remote for a dummy launcher. Referring back to  FIG. 8 , for example, a specified switch position of control element  636  may be used to select a dual mode of operation in which controller  600  operates as a remote for at least one dummy launcher and as a controller. The simultaneous depression of a plurality of control elements such as control elements  642  and  644  in one embodiment may be used to select the dual mode of operation. 
     Continuing to refer to  FIG. 24 , it may be seen that controller  600  may be configured to operate in a training mode and as a remote for a dummy launcher. In the illustrated configuration, the launch function (to operate as a remote for a launcher) is assigned to control element  608 . Thus, upon depression of control element  608 , a launch control command is transmitted to a launcher. In one embodiment, the launcher is selected or specified by control element  636 . If a receiver is selected by control element  636 , then depression of control element  640  activates the Jump mode as described elsewhere herein this document. Depression of control element  642  activates a Vibrate mode. Depression of control element  644  activates the Rise mode as described elsewhere herein this document. Depression of any of these or another control element may also be used to activate an audible tone depending upon configuration of controller  600 . It should be understood that the term “activate” means that an associated control command is generated to prompt the receiver (trainer) to activate the associated functionality (Nick mode stimulation, Jump mode stimulation, Rise mode stimulation, Vibrate mode stimulation, or Audible mode stimulation. 
       FIG. 25  is a flow chart that illustrates a method to program a controller without an external computing device according to one embodiment of the invention. The first step of the method is to detect simultaneous depression of at least two control elements ( 1000 ). To activate a programming mode, the at least two control elements must be depressed for a specified duration. Accordingly, the next step is to monitor a duration of simultaneous depression of the at least two control elements ( 1004 ) and, upon determining that the duration has exceed a specified amount, to enter into a programming mode ( 1008 ). Once in a programming mode, the method includes monitoring switch actions to determine desired programming. Thus, the controller is configured to and operates to detect entry of specified switch actions and compare to list of specified switch actions ( 1012 ). Finally, the controller is operable to assign functions to control elements based on the specified switch actions ( 1016 ). 
       FIG. 26  is a flow chart that illustrates a method to program a controller via an external computing device according to one embodiment of the invention. The first step of the method is to generate a display on a screen of the computing device or unit of a controller image and its programmable control elements ( 1020 ). The second step is to generate a list of programmable functions ( 1024 ). In one embodiment, non-programmable functions (if any) are also shown for clarity. Thereafter, the computing device is configured to generate a prompt for the user to select a function and an associated control element until either all programmable functions or all programmable control elements have been programmed ( 1028 ). Thereafter, the computing device is configured to establish a communication link with the controller by way of wired or wireless media ( 1032 ) and to transmit a list of assigned functions to the controller to enable controller to assign functions to associated control elements as selected by user ( 1036 ). 
       FIG. 27  is a diagram illustrating a training system and operation of the training system according to one embodiment of the invention. As may be seen, a computing unit  1102  is operable to communicate with a controller  1104  that, in turn, is operable to communicate with a trainer/receiver unit  1106  that is worn by the animal under training Computing unit  1102  may be any one of a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a computer tablet, a smart-phone or other cellular device, or another other computing unit with a display that can support generating a display of programming options for a user to assign to various control elements of controller  1104 . 
     Accordingly, computing unit  1102  is operable to establish a communication link with controller  1104  ( 1108 ). Additionally, computing unit  1102  is configured to display programming options for the various control elements of controller  1104  ( 1112 ). In one embodiment, computing unit  1102  generates an image of controller  1104  with numbers or letters used to identify which control elements of control element  1104  may be programmed. Additionally, computing unit  1102  generates a list of selectable functions in a manner that allows the user to associate desired functions to selected control elements. Some of the selectable functions may, in turn, have selectable options. For example, for Jump Mode of operation, the user needs to select a Jump Mode stimulation level. Thus, as a part of displaying programming options, computing unit  1102  displays options that correspond to the selectable functions (such as the stimulation level for the Jump Mode operations). Once the user is finished selecting functions and associated control elements, computing unit  1102  transmits selected functions in relation to the control elements to controller  1104  over the established communication link ( 1116 ). It should be understood that the step of establishing a communication link between computing unit  1102  and controller  1104  may be performed either before or after, the user makes programming selections for the control elements of controller  1104 . 
     Once controller  1104  receives the programming selections in step  1116 , controller  1104  stores the programming functions in relation to the control elements ( 1120 ). Thereafter, controller  1104  monitors the control elements for user selection ( 1124 ). Once a user selection of a control element is determined to have occurred by controller  1104 , controller  1104  determines what function is being activated or selected by the user. Thereafter, controller  1104  transmits control/training commands based on the selected control element ( 1128 ) to prompt the trainer/receiver unit  1106  to perform the associated function. 
       FIG. 28  is a functional block diagram of a computing unit according to one embodiment of the invention that is configured to program control elements of a controller. Referring to  FIG. 28 , a computing device, which may be any of a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a computer tablet, or a smart phone (or other similar device) is shown. Computing unit  1102  includes a display  1150  that displays images for a user to view as specified by control signals transmitted by display processing logic and circuitry  1152 . In the described embodiment, circuitry  1152  is configured to generate control commands to generate a display of a controller whose image is stored in digital form within memory  1154 . Controller programming logic  1156  is operable to generate options for user selection that are displayed on display  1150  as specified by display processing logic and circuitry  1152 . Generally, programming logic  1156  communicates with circuitry  1152  to generate user selectable options for programming a controller in a manner desired by a user. More specifically, options are generated to allow the user to select from a list of selectable functions and to assign the selected functions to any one of a number of control elements that are shown on an image shown on display  1150 . Additionally, where applicable, programming logic  1156  also causes selectable options that correspond to the selectable functions (and even non-selectable functions) to be displayed to prompt the user for an associated selection or entry. One example discussed in relation to  FIG. 27  is the specification of a Jump Mode stimulation level if the Jump Mode options is selected. In one embodiment, display  1150  comprises a touch screen to receive user input. In another embodiment, keystrokes are monitored to determine user selection. Specific instructions are generated for the user to enter a selection in a specified manner. 
     Computing unit  1102  further includes communication logic and circuitry  1158  that communicates with controller for training animals according to any one of a plurality of known communication protocols. Additionally, in one embodiment, computing unit  1102  further includes a controller communication protocol logic block  1160  that includes communication protocol that is for communicating with the remote controller. Thus, computing unit  1102  transmits selected functions and associated control elements assignments to the controller. Further, when appropriate, computing unit  1102  also transmits associated functional parameters such as, for the Jump Mode, an associated stimulation level for when the Jump Mode is activated. 
     The invention disclosed herein is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms. Specific embodiments therefore have been shown by way of example in the drawings and detailed description. For example, anyone of the embodiments for control elements and their disposition or placement on a transmitter or control unit may be used for anyone of the plurality of controller/transmitter configurations. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the claims.