Patent Description:
A number of wearable electronics have been designed for humans. Many of these "wearables" are focused on health and wellness. These fitness wearables are typically in the form of a bracelet and are designed to collect information from the user. These fitness wearables monitor the activity and heart rate of the user using a gyroscope and/or heart rate sensor and transmit that data to the user.

Other wearables are focused on connectivity. These wearables are typically in the form of a "smartwatch" and are designed to present information from the user's smartphone to the user. These smartwatches receive notifications from the user's smartphone via Bluetooth or from a server via Wi-Fi, alert the user with a sound or vibration and then present that notification visually on a screen.

Still other wearables provide a measure of interactivity. For example, many of the more feature-packed smartwatches allow the user to answer phone calls using a built-in microphone and speaker. In another example, many of the more feature-packed smartwatches allow the user to input information using their voice, hand gestures, a stylus or mechanical components on the watch. Many of these feature-packed smartwatches also incorporate the fitness components of provided by fitness wearables.

<CIT> discloses an animal collar system for monitoring an animal, an animal collar device for monitoring an animal, and a method for operating an animal collar device monitoring an animal.

An animal collar system according to the claimed invention is defined in claim <NUM>. Advantageous embodiments of the animal collar system according to the claimed invention are the subject of dependent claims <NUM>-<NUM>.

In some embodiments, the first elongate patch antenna may have a non-planar shape. The first end and the second end may each comprise a curved end. According to the claimed invention, the animal collar device comprises a second coil antenna carried by the circuit board and coupled to the processor. The second coil antenna may comprise an elongate coil segment, and a feed arm coupled between the elongate coil segment and the processor. The second coil antenna may comprise a mount comprising a retention arm coupled to the circuit board, and an inner antenna arm extending from the retention arm and within the elongate coil segment.

More specifically, the mount may comprise an outer arm extending from the retention arm and radially around the elongate coil segment. The mount may comprise a dielectric material. The animal collar device may comprise a housing carrying the circuit board, the at least one sensing component, the first elongate patch antenna, and the processor. Each of the plurality of slots may comprise substantially parallel sides, and a curved end extending into the substantially parallel sides.

An animal collar device according to the claimed invention is defined in claim <NUM>. Advantageous embodiments of the animal collar device according to the claimed invention are the subject of dependent claims <NUM>-<NUM>.

A method for operating an animal collar device monitoring an animal according to the claimed invention is defined in claim <NUM>. Advantageous embodiments of the method according to the claimed invention are the subject of dependent claims <NUM> and <NUM>.

Yet another aspect, not according to the claimed invention, is directed to a method for making an animal collar device for monitoring an animal and in communication with a mobile device associated with a user and a base station. The method may include coupling at least one sensing component to be carried by a circuit board and configured to collect data about the animal, and coupling a first elongate patch antenna to be carried by the circuit board and comprising a first longitudinal side and a second longitudinal side opposing the first longitudinal side, and a first end and a second end opposing the first end. The first and second ends may be between the first and second longitudinal sides, and the second longitudinal side may comprise a plurality of slots. The method may include coupling a processor to be carried by the circuit board and to be coupled to the at least one sensing component and the first elongate patch antenna, the processor configured to communicate the data about the animal to the base station and the mobile device.

The present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which several embodiments of the invention are shown. This present disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout, and base <NUM> reference numerals are used to indicate similar elements in alternative embodiments.

Referring initially to <FIG>, an animal collar system <NUM>, according to the present disclosure, for monitoring an animal <NUM> is now described. The animal collar system <NUM> illustratively includes a mobile device <NUM> (e.g. a smart phone device, a tablet computing device, a desktop computing device) associated with a user <NUM>, a base station <NUM>, and an animal collar device <NUM> in communication with the mobile device and the base station. The animal collar device <NUM> may also be in communication with a satellite <NUM> to provide a geolocation value. For example, the satellite <NUM> may be part of a global positioning system (GPS).

The animal collar device <NUM> illustratively comprises a plurality of monitoring/sensing components <NUM> configured to collect data about the animal <NUM>. For example, the plurality of sensing components <NUM> may comprise one or more of a heart rate sensor, a body temperature sensor, and a gyroscope sensor. The animal collar device <NUM> illustratively comprises a plurality of communication components <NUM> configured to communicate the data about the animal <NUM> to the base station <NUM> and the mobile device <NUM>. The plurality of communication components <NUM> may comprise one or more of an antenna, a wireless transceiver, and a wireless encoder/decoder circuit.

The animal collar device <NUM> illustratively comprises a battery <NUM> coupled to the plurality of sensing components <NUM> and the plurality of communication components <NUM>. The animal collar device <NUM> illustratively comprises a processor <NUM> coupled to the battery <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may comprise an integrated circuit (IC) processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a low power general purpose computing platform (e.g. Arduino).

The processor <NUM> is configured to determine whether the plurality of communication components <NUM> is connected to one or more of the base station <NUM> and the mobile device <NUM> to provide a location of the animal <NUM> relative to the base station and the mobile device. The processor <NUM> is also configured to cause the plurality of communication components <NUM> to transmit the data about the animal <NUM> via an external network <NUM> (e.g. the Internet).

Referring now additionally to <FIG>, the animal collar device <NUM> illustratively includes a first housing section 113a, and a second housing section 113b coupled to the first housing section 113a. The first and second housing sections 113a-113b may comprise a dielectric material, for example, a polymer plastic material. The coupling may be accomplished by an ultrasonic welding, an adhesive material, or a mechanical interface lock, for example. The first housing section 113a comprises a visual indicator opening <NUM>. The animal collar device <NUM> illustratively comprises a collar assembly <NUM> coupled to the second housing section 113b.

The collar assembly <NUM> comprises a retainer device <NUM>, and a strap <NUM> extending through the retainer device and to wrap around the animal <NUM>. The retainer device <NUM> comprises a base <NUM> coupling to the second housing section 113b and a retention arm <NUM> defining a slot to receive and retain the strap <NUM>. The second housing section 113b illustratively includes an interface <NUM> for coupling to the base <NUM>, and a charging port opening <NUM>. The interface <NUM> comprises a ramp <NUM>, and first and second opposing slots 126a-126b receiving the retainer device <NUM>.

Referring now additionally to <FIG>, the animal collar device <NUM> illustratively includes a tracker circuit <NUM> carried by the first housing section 113a. The tracker circuit <NUM> comprises a circuit board <NUM> (e.g. a dielectric printed circuit board), a battery <NUM> carried by the circuit board, a processor <NUM> carried by the circuit board and coupled to the battery, a first coil antenna <NUM> carried by the circuit board and coupled to the processor, a second patch antenna <NUM> carried by the circuit board and coupled to the processor, an additional circuit board <NUM> (e.g. dielectric printed circuit board), and a haptic feedback motor <NUM> carried by the additional circuit board and coupled to the processor.

Referring now to <FIG>, the first coil antenna <NUM> illustratively includes an elongate coil segment <NUM>, and a feed arm <NUM> coupled between the elongate coil segment and the processor <NUM>. As will be appreciated, the first coil antenna <NUM> may comprise a geolocation receive antenna, for example, configured to receive signals from the GPS system.

The first coil antenna <NUM> also includes an antenna mount <NUM> coupled to the first housing section 113a. The antenna mount <NUM> may comprise a dielectric material, such as a plastic polymer material. The antenna mount <NUM> illustratively includes a cylindrical arm <NUM> extending within a distal portion of the elongate coil segment <NUM> opposite the feed arm <NUM>. The antenna mount <NUM> also includes a clip interface <NUM> to engage a peripheral portion <NUM> of the circuit board <NUM>.

As perhaps best seen in <FIG>, the antenna mount <NUM> also defines a retention slot <NUM> for receiving adjacent portions of the first housing section 113a. As will be appreciated, the retention slot <NUM> prevents the antenna mount <NUM> from rotating during operation, which would in turn rotate the elongate coil segment <NUM> and undesirably change receive characteristics of the first coil antenna <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, the second patch antenna <NUM> illustratively includes a primary conductive member <NUM> extending longitudinally and having opposing first and second ends 144a-144b. The primary conductive member <NUM> may comprise an electrically conductive material, for example, copper or aluminum. The second patch antenna <NUM> may comprise a wireless local area network (WLAN) antenna operable in one or more of several wireless standards, for example, cellular <NUM>/<NUM>, Bluetooth, ZigBee, or low power high frequency. As will be appreciated, the second patch antenna <NUM> may provide a wireless connection to one or more of the mobile device <NUM> and the base station <NUM>.

The primary conductive member <NUM> illustratively comprises first and second longitudinal sides 145a-145b extending between the first and second ends 144a-144b and being substantially parallel with each other (i.e. ±°<NUM> of parallel). The second longitudinal side 145b defines a plurality of slots 146a-146c extending inwardly (<NUM>-<NUM>% of the total width between the first and second longitudinal sides 145a-145b) and transverse (e.g. substantially perpendicular to the second longitudinal side 145b, i.e. ±°<NUM> of perpendicular) to the second longitudinal side. Each of the slots 146a-146c comprises substantially parallel sides (i.e. ±°<NUM> of parallel), and a closed curved end. Also, the second longitudinal side 145b is convex curved in shape, and the first longitudinal side 145a is straight. The first and second ends 144a-144b are also straight and substantially parallel with each other (i.e. ±°<NUM> of parallel).

As perhaps best seen in <FIG>, the second patch antenna <NUM> is coupled to the first housing section 113a along an upper peripheral wall <NUM>. Also, the second patch antenna <NUM> is curved to fit the shape of the upper peripheral wall <NUM>. In particular, the second patch antenna <NUM> is curved between the first end 144a and the first slot 146a, and the second end 144b and the third slot 146c.

Referring now to <FIG>, the battery <NUM> comprises a battery housing <NUM>, a sealed battery cell <NUM> (e.g. lithium ion battery cell) carried by the battery housing, and a connector <NUM> coupled thereto. The connector <NUM> comprises a female plug receptacle with two pin receiving openings, and a pair of connector wires coupled between the two pin receiving openings and respective terminals on the sealed battery cell <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, the animal collar device <NUM> illustratively includes a charging connector <NUM> coupled to the tracker circuit <NUM>. The charging connector <NUM> comprises a charging port <NUM>, and a flexible connector layer <NUM> coupled between the tracker circuit <NUM> and the charging port. The charging port <NUM> is carried by the charging port opening <NUM>. The flexible connector layer <NUM> comprises a flexible dielectric layer, and electrically conductive traces on the flexible dielectric layer defining a plurality of connector pads on a distal end thereof. As will be appreciated, the tracker circuit <NUM> may include a surface mount technology (SMT) connector for receiving the flexible connector layer <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, the collar assembly <NUM> comprises a retainer device <NUM>, and a strap <NUM> extending through the retainer device and to wrap around the animal <NUM>. The retainer device <NUM> comprises a base <NUM> coupling to the second housing section 113b and a retention arm <NUM> defining a slot to receive and retain the strap <NUM>. The retention arm <NUM> illustratively includes first and second pins 155a-155b coupled at opposite ends of the base <NUM> and extending through passageways in the retention arm <NUM>. In some embodiments, the retention arm <NUM> may comprise a fabric piece. The base <NUM> comprises a latch interface <NUM> for mechanically locking onto the interface <NUM> of the second housing section 113b.

Referring now additionally to <FIG>, another embodiment of the base <NUM> is now described. In this embodiment of the base <NUM>, those elements already discussed above with respect to <FIG> are incremented by <NUM> and most require no further discussion herein. This embodiment differs from the previous embodiment in that this base <NUM> illustratively includes a belt clip interface <NUM> for attachment to a collar of the animal <NUM>. Here, the base <NUM> illustratively includes a cover <NUM> for the charging port.

Referring again briefly and additionally to <FIG>, the base <NUM> comprises a latch interface <NUM> for mechanically locking onto the interface <NUM> of the second housing section 113b. The latch interface <NUM> comprises a latch arm <NUM> to latch on the interface <NUM> of the second housing section 113b. In particular, the base <NUM> includes opposing first and second lateral ridges 258a-258b for respectively slidingly engaging the first and second opposing slots 126a-126b of the second housing section 113b. As this sliding action proceeds, the latch arm <NUM> engages the ramp <NUM> and elastically bends upward until a most distal portion of the latch arm <NUM> reaches the end of the ramp <NUM>, which causes this latch arm to return to a non-flexed state, thereby latching onto the end of the ramp. It should be appreciated that the latching mechanism of the embodiment of the base <NUM> from <FIG> operates similarly.

Referring again to <FIG> and now <NUM>, an animal collar system <NUM> for monitoring an animal <NUM> (e.g. canine, cat) is now described. The animal collar system <NUM> illustratively includes a mobile device <NUM> associated with a user <NUM>, a base station <NUM> (e.g. a WiFi base station, or a cellular base station), and an animal collar device <NUM>.

The animal collar device <NUM> comprises a circuit board <NUM>, a plurality of sensing components 107a-107n carried by the circuit board and configured to collect data about the animal <NUM>, and a cellular transceiver <NUM> (e.g. <NUM> cellular wireless transceiver) coupled to the processor <NUM>. The plurality of sensing components 107a-107n illustratively includes a gyroscope device 107a, an altimeter device 107b, and a temperature sensor 107n, for example. Of course, other embodiments may include other sensing components, such as a heart rate sensor.

The animal collar device <NUM> comprises a first elongate patch antenna <NUM> carried by the circuit board <NUM> and coupled to the cellular transceiver. The first elongate patch antenna <NUM> comprises an electrically conductive material, for example, one or more of aluminum, copper, silver, or gold.

The first elongate patch antenna <NUM> comprises a first longitudinal side 145a and a second longitudinal side 145b opposing the first longitudinal side, and a first end 144a and a second end 144b opposing the first end. The first and second ends 144a-144b are between the first and second longitudinal sides 145a-145b. The second longitudinal side 145b illustratively includes a plurality of slots 146a-146c.

The animal collar device <NUM> include a processor <NUM> carried by the circuit board <NUM> and coupled to the plurality of sensing components 107a-107n and the first elongate patch antenna <NUM>. The processor <NUM> is configured to communicate the data about the animal <NUM> to the base station <NUM> and the mobile device <NUM>.

The animal collar device <NUM> illustratively comprises a housing 113a-113b carrying the circuit board <NUM>, the plurality of sensing components 107a-107n, the first elongate patch antenna <NUM>, and the processor <NUM>. Each of the plurality of slots may comprise substantially parallel sides, and a curved end extending into the substantially parallel sides. In particular, the housing illustratively includes a first housing section 113a, and a second housing section 113b.

As perhaps best seen in <FIG>, the first elongate patch antenna <NUM> has a non-planar shape and is carried by the first housing section 113a. In particular, the first end 144a and the second end 144b each comprises a curved end. From a top plan view, the first elongate patch antenna <NUM> is U-shaped. Also, it can be see that the first elongate patch antenna <NUM> abuts and follows the shape of the first housing section 113a. Moreover, the first housing section 113a illustratively includes a plurality of protrusions 170a-170c to extend respectively through the plurality of slots 146a-146c. As will be appreciated, this may prevent movement of the first elongate patch antenna <NUM> during jarring movement from the animal <NUM>.

The animal collar device <NUM> illustratively comprises a geolocation receiver <NUM> coupled to the processor <NUM>, and a second coil antenna <NUM> coupled to the geolocation receiver and carried by the circuit board <NUM> and coupled to the processor <NUM>. In some embodiments, the geolocation receiver <NUM> may comprise a GPS receiver. The second coil antenna <NUM> comprises an electrically conductive material, for example, one or more of aluminum, copper, silver, or gold. The second coil antenna <NUM> comprises an elongate coil segment <NUM>, and a feed arm <NUM> coupled between the elongate coil segment and the processor <NUM>. The second coil antenna <NUM> comprises an antenna mount <NUM> to be coupled to the circuit board <NUM>. The antenna mount <NUM> comprises a retention arm <NUM> coupled to the circuit board <NUM> (i.e. retaining and clipping the circuit board), an inner antenna arm <NUM> extending from the retention arm and within the elongate coil segment <NUM>, and an outer arm <NUM> extending from the retention arm and radially around the elongate coil segment. For example, the antenna mount <NUM> may comprise a dielectric material, such as a polymer plastic.

Further, the animal collar device <NUM> illustratively includes a haptic feedback motor <NUM> coupled to the processor <NUM>. The haptic feedback motor <NUM> is configured to generate a mechanical indication to the animal <NUM> when desired. For example, during training, the haptic feedback motor <NUM> may be used to provide feedback to the animal <NUM> when correction is needed. Additionally, the animal collar device <NUM> illustratively includes an audio indicator 177a (e.g. a speaker) coupled to the processor <NUM> and configured to generate an audio alert (e.g. audio melody) to provide positive feedback to the animal <NUM> during training.

The animal collar device <NUM> illustratively includes a visual indicator 177b (e.g. an LED) coupled to the processor <NUM> and configured to generate a visual alert to provide positive/negative feedback to the animal <NUM> during training. Also, the visual indicator 177b may be configured to provide illumination when the animal <NUM> is traversing a dark area (e.g. when walking the animal at night).

The animal collar system <NUM> illustratively includes a local beacon <NUM>, which comprises a beacon wireless transmitter configured to broadcast a beacon signal, and a beacon battery coupled to the wireless transmitter. In some embodiments, the beacon wireless transmitter comprises one or more of a Bluetooth wireless transmitter, and a ZigBee wireless transmitter. The animal collar device <NUM> includes a companion local wireless transceiver (or receiver) <NUM>, and a third antenna <NUM> coupled thereto configured to receive the beacon signal. The processor <NUM> is configured to generate a received signal strength value for the beacon signal to provide a proxy value for a distance to the local beacon <NUM>. The local beacon <NUM> may be positioned in a home of the user <NUM>, and the processor <NUM> is configured to generate an alert indication (e.g. a text/chat/email message to the mobile device <NUM>, or a notification message to the mobile device) when the distance to the local beacon <NUM> exceeds a threshold. In other words, when the animal <NUM> has left the home, the user <NUM> would be notified (i.e. acting as a virtual leash of sorts). In some embodiments, the processor <NUM> is configured to generate a corrective indication to the animal <NUM> when the distance to the local beacon <NUM> exceeds the threshold. For example, the processor <NUM> is configured to activate one or more of the haptic feedback motor <NUM>, the audio indicator 177a, and the visual indicator 177b.

In some embodiments, the processor <NUM> is configured to cooperate with the local beacon <NUM> in a reverse fashion, in other words, providing a keep out zone for the animal <NUM>. Here, the processor <NUM> is configured to generate the corrective indication to the animal <NUM> when the distance to the local beacon <NUM> is less than the threshold. For example, the local beacon <NUM> may be placed in the kitchen, and when the animal <NUM> approaches the kitchen, the corrective indication to the animal would guide the animal away.

Another aspect is directed to a method for operating an animal collar device <NUM> monitoring an animal <NUM>. The animal collar device <NUM> is in communication with a mobile device <NUM> associated with a user <NUM> and a base station <NUM>. The animal collar device <NUM> comprises at least one sensing component 107a-107n to be carried by a circuit board <NUM> and configured to collect data about the animal <NUM>, and a first elongate patch antenna <NUM> to be carried by the circuit board. The first elongate patch antenna <NUM> comprises a first longitudinal side 145a and a second longitudinal side 145b opposing the first longitudinal side, and a first end 144a and a second end 144b opposing the first end. The first and second ends 144a-144b are between the first and second longitudinal sides 145a-145b, and the second longitudinal side comprises a plurality of slots 146a-146c. The method comprises operating a processor <NUM> to be carried by the circuit board <NUM> and to be coupled to the at least one sensing component 107a-107n and the first elongate patch antenna <NUM>, the processor configured to communicate the data about the animal <NUM> to the base station <NUM> and the mobile device <NUM>.

Yet another aspect, not according to the claimed invention, is directed to a method for making an animal collar device <NUM> for monitoring an animal <NUM> and in communication with a mobile device <NUM> associated with a user <NUM> and a base station <NUM>. The method includes coupling a plurality of sensing components 107a-107n to be carried by a circuit board <NUM> and configured to collect data about the animal <NUM>, and coupling a first elongate patch antenna <NUM> to be carried by the circuit board and comprising a first longitudinal side 145a and a second longitudinal side 145b opposing the first longitudinal side, and a first end 144a and a second end 144b opposing the first end. The first and second ends 144a-144b are between the first and second longitudinal sides 145a-145b, and the second longitudinal side comprises a plurality of slots 146a-146c. The method includes coupling a processor <NUM> to be carried by the circuit board <NUM> and to be coupled to the plurality of sensing components 107a-107n and the first elongate patch antenna <NUM>, the processor configured to communicate the data about the animal <NUM> to the base station <NUM> and the mobile device <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, an exemplary user interface for the mobile device <NUM> is shown. In some embodiments, the mobile device <NUM> is configured to execute a companion software application for the animal collar device <NUM>. As will be appreciated, the companion software application may operate as a native mobile operating system application or a webpage application (e.g. Web <NUM>). <FIG> include a home screen interface <NUM> for the companion software application. The home screen interface <NUM> illustratively includes a control ribbon interface <NUM> having a plurality of quick access buttons 1002a-1002e. The plurality of quick access buttons 1002a-1002e comprises a tone button 1002a (activating the audio indicator 177a), a vibrate button 1002b (activating the haptic feedback motor <NUM>), a track button 1002c (activating the geolocation receiver <NUM>), a light button 1002d (activating the visual indicator 177b), and a leash button 1002e (activating the local transceiver <NUM> for detecting the local beacon <NUM>). The home screen interface <NUM> illustratively includes a daily summary interface <NUM>, an hourly summary interface <NUM>, and a lower ribbon interface <NUM>. The daily summary interface <NUM> illustratively comprises a progress gauge <NUM>, and a calendar button <NUM>. When the calendar button <NUM> is clicked, the companion software application transitions to a calendar interface <NUM>. The calendar interface <NUM> illustratively comprises a monthly aggregate interface <NUM>, and a calendar interface <NUM> for viewing respective data for days. The monthly aggregate interface <NUM> comprises a plurality of data values (i.e. active minutes, steps, distance traveled, and adventures). Helpfully, the calendar interface <NUM> includes respective gauges for how much activity has been registered for each day in the month.

When the track button 1002c is clicked, the companion software application transitions to a tracking interface <NUM>. The tracking interface <NUM> illustratively comprises the same lower ribbon interface <NUM>, and a map interface <NUM> showing a location of the animal collar device <NUM> via the geolocation receiver <NUM>.

Claim 1:
An animal collar system (<NUM>) for monitoring an animal (<NUM>), the animal collar system comprising:
a mobile device (<NUM>) associated with a user (<NUM>);
a base station (<NUM>); and
an animal collar device (<NUM>) comprising
a circuit board (<NUM>),
at least one sensing component (<NUM>) carried by the circuit board and configured to collect data about the animal,
a first elongate patch antenna (<NUM>) carried by the circuit board and comprising
a first longitudinal side (145a) and a second longitudinal side (145b) opposing the first longitudinal side, and
a first end (144a) and a second end (144b) opposing the first end, the first and second ends being between the first and second longitudinal sides, the second longitudinal side comprising a plurality of slots (146a-146c),
a second coil antenna (<NUM>) carried by the circuit board, and
a processor (<NUM>) carried by the circuit board and coupled to the at least one sensing component, the first elongate patch antenna, and the second coil antenna, the processor configured to communicate the data about the animal to the base station and the mobile device.