Patent ID: 12207624

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring toFIG.1, the present system10includes a platform20, a detector (signal generator)60, a controller100, and at least one remote User Equipment (UE)200, wherein the system is configured for implementing selective behavior modification of a domesticated animal12. Generally, the animal12performs a desired behavior which is sensed by the detector60which in turn sends a signal to the controller100, wherein the controller is configured to subsequently generate (i) a feedback indicator to the animal and (ii) a caretaker message to the caretaker.

The domesticated animal12can be any of a variety of domesticated animals including, but not limited to cats, dogs, pigs, goats, horse, cows. For purposes of description, the present system is set forth in terms of the domesticate animal12being a dog, however it is understood the description is not limited to dogs.

The platform20provides a surface22in proximity to the ground, wherein the surface can be occupied by the animal12. In one configuration, the platform20is a mat28in proximity to the ground, wherein the mat is configured for the animal12to occupy. As the platform20can be the mat28with the controller100and the detector60embedded in the mat, the platform can thus be directly on the ground, without any intervening legs. However, it is understood the platform20can be any of a variety of configurations and heights, which accommodate occupation by the animal12. The platform20can include friction pads24on the surface exposed to the animal12as well as the surface contacting the ground, wherein the friction pads are configured to reducing slipping or the animal relative to the platform and the platform relative to the ground.

The platform20includes or cooperates with the detector60, wherein the detector is configured to detect an event, such as the presence of the animal12relative to the detector or the platform. The detector60generates an electrical signal in response to an event detection, such as a mechanical displacement in the detector, and communicates a corresponding signal to the controller100. The event can be the presence of the animal12in a predetermined area, or passed a predetermined line or area, as well as a weight of the animal, a sound of the animal, or an image of the animal. Thus, the event detection is the signal of the animal12performing or accomplishing the event.

The detector60can be any of a variety of mechanisms for sensing or detecting a weight, a location or presence, or a movement of the animal12. The detector60encompasses detection by any physical phenomenon such as optical, thermal, electrical, mechanical, or electromagnetic. Referring toFIG.2, in one configuration, the detector60is a sensor62which responds to the mass of the animal12such as a weighing scale. The detectors60, such as weight sensors62or scales, can be located on a bottom of the platform20, thus providing an interface to the ground or floor. In one configuration, the sensor62includes a friction reducing surface configured to contact a floor. As seen inFIG.3, the platform20can include a display26connected to the controller100for selectively displaying information, such as a weight of the animal12. As set forth below, the display26can also provide a feedback indicator, such as a light or visible signal to the animal12.

Referring toFIG.4, the platform20can include a first detector60aand a second detector60b, wherein the first detector is a weight sensor and the second detector is an accelerometer, wherein the accelerometer provides a signal to the controller corresponding to movement of the animal. Although two different detectors are shown, it is contemplated that the platform20can include two of the same type of detectors, or more than two detectors, wherein the detectors are all of the same type or different types.

Referring toFIG.5, the platform20is configured as the mat28, wherein the detector60is embedded in the mat, and is a vibration or movement sensor such as an accelerometer, which is triggered by movement or positioning of the animal12on the platform.

As shown inFIG.6, the platform20is configured as the mat28, wherein the detector60is an embedded strain gauge connected to the controller100. Thus, as the animal12steps on the detector, the strain gauge is mechanically displaced and the event is detected.

In the configuration ofFIG.7, the detector60incorporates an RFID reader64, as known in the art. The RFID reader64can detect the presence of proximal RFID tag. The RFID tag can be worn by the animal on a collar, or alternatively embedded in the animal12. Thus, when the RFID tag is within the readable range, the event detection occurs. As set forth above, it is contemplated the controller100can cooperate with a plurality of detectors60, thus as the RFID reader64provides a signal to the controller, a second detector such as an accelerometer or light beam can provide a separate signal to the controller, wherein the controller uses both signals to confirm generation of the feedback indicator and the caretaker message.

Referring toFIG.8, the controller100is located on a bottom of the platform20, wherein the detector60is an RFID reader64connected to the controller.

InFIG.9, the platform20is shown with at least one detector60connected to the controller100, wherein the controller includes an electrical interconnection circuit102interfacing with the detector, an analog to digital conversion circuit104along with a processor106and a communications module108such as a wireless communications circuit with two-way communications and an antenna110.

InFIG.10, the platform20is shown with at least one detector60connected to the controller100, wherein the controller includes the electrical interconnection circuit102interfacing with the detector, the analog to digital conversion circuit104connected to the processor106in communication with the communications module108such as a wireless communications circuit with two-way communications and the antenna110, and wherein the platform includes the local display26.

As seen inFIG.11, in a further configuration, the detector60includes a light source66and a light receiver68configured to provide the light, wherein the light receiver can directly detect light transmitted by the light source. The detector60detects the presence of the animal by disturbance of the light transmission between the light source66and light receiver68. Thus, an interruption of the light signal at the light receiver68indicates a presence of the animal12and thus is an event detection. InFIG.11, the detector60includes the light source66and the light receiver68located, in substantially the same plane. In this configuration, the presence of the animal12is detected by disturbance of the reflected light from objects illuminated by the light source66.

InFIG.12, the platform20is shown with at least one detector60connected to the controller100, wherein the controller includes the electrical interconnection circuit102interfacing with the detector, the analog to digital conversion circuit104in connected to the processor106in communication with the communications module108, such as a wireless communications circuit with two-way communications and the antenna110, wherein the detector is an infrared (IR) sensor70, and thus senses a local infrared radiation, such as associated with the animal12. A signal corresponding to the sensed local infrared radiation is sent from the detector60to the controller100. It is contemplated the IR sensor70can be an active sensor or a passive sensor, as known in the art.

The controller100includes electrical circuits, such as signal processors106, and can be implemented as a programmed desk or laptop computer, as well as a dedicated computer, circuitry, or processors. The controller100can be readily programmed to perform the recited calculations, or derivations thereof, to provide determinations of the detector as set forth herein.

Thus, the controller100can include the electrical circuit102in communication with the detector60. The controller100can regularly poll the detector60or an interrupt signal can be generated by the detector to indicate the event detection to the controller. The controller100can be configured to generate the feedback indicator corresponding to a combination of signals from a plurality of detectors60, wherein the controller employs the signals from the separate detectors to confirm a status, presence, or location of the animal12.

The controller100can also include or be in communication with a local memory112such as a non-volatile storage, and/or a remote storage, such as in the cloud120. The remote storage120can include processing capability or programming such as software as a service as a service (SaaS based AI and/or Machine Learning model) to learn about development and behavior of the respective domesticated animal or breed if the domesticated animal is a pure breed.

The communications module108of the controller100is configured to provide at least one of wireless or wired communication from the controller to the caretaker, such as a UE200of the caretaker. Thus, the controller100can include a transmitter114and a receiver116(shown inFIG.9) configured to provide wireless communication as known in the art. The UE200includes any smart phone, mobile phone, computer, tablet, wearable device, desktop, personal computer, and the like. An exemplary UE200can include a display, a user interface, a processor, a memory storing computer program instructions, a transmitter, and a receiver as known in the art. The UE200is operable to display, receive user inputs via the user interface (text or audio) and is able to transmit and receive data through wired or wireless connections. Examples of wireless UEs200to which communications can be sent are cellphone, personal computer, or ‘smart home’ device such as an Alexa® device of Amazon Technologies, Inc. or Google's Home device.

The system10can include a speaker or sound generator80for creating the feedback indicator that is perceptible by the animal12. The speaker80can be carried by the platform20and can be remote and receive a wireless transmission front the controller100to generate a corresponding sound.

The controller100is configured to generate the feedback indicator to the domesticated animal12and the caretaker message to at least one caretaker.

In generating the feedback indicator, the controller100is configured to generate the feedback indicator (an animal directed alert) alter a predetermined feedback delay from the event detection. If the animal12leaves the platform20prior to expiration of the feedback delay (a minimum period of time), then the controller reverts to await the next event detection. That is, only after the animal12has remained on platform20, or the designated area, for a time which is longer than the feedback delay, does the controller100generate the feedback indicator to the animal. The feedback indicator (animal directed alert) can be any indicator sensed by the animal12, such as a sound, a tone, a bell, whistle, as well as an imparted vibration to the platform20, or a visual signal such as a light which can be from a separate light or the display of the platform, as well as any combination or sub combination of these types of indicators.

The length of the feedback delay between the event detection and the feedback indicator can be set by the controller100to any of a variety of lengths. In one configuration, it has been found effective for the feedback delay between the event detection and the feedback indicator to be between 1 second and 30 seconds, and in further configurations, between 3 seconds and 7 seconds, with a 5 second delay having been appropriate.

If the feedback delay (predetermined amount of time) does not expire with the animal12in the corresponding location, then the controller100reverts to awaiting the next event detection. That is, if the animal12does not remain in the detecting (triggering) location or position for the entire feedback delay (predetermined amount of time), then the controller100does not provide the feedback indicator to the animal.

Conversely, once an animal12learns it will be rewarded for triggering an event detection (such as the animal learning it will be let out when the feedback indicator is given), the animal may then begin to trigger the event detection too often. The controller100includes an adjustable lockout period configured to prevent the animal12from triggering subsequent event detections within the lockout period (predetermined period). That is, the controller100locks out certain event detections from generating feedback indicator. The controller100can go into a lockout mode once the animal12has triggered a given number of event detections within a certain time, or even after a single event detection. The length of the lockout period is the time between the last feedback indicator and the next event detection that results in a feedback indicator. In one configuration, upon the controller100providing the feedback indicator for a given animal12, the controller will then go into the lockout mode for a certain amount of time, during which no feedback indicators will be generated. After the lockout period, the feedback indicator will be generated for that animal12upon the next event detection. The duration of the lockout period can be adjusted by the controller100. By setting the controller100to an appropriate lockout period, the controller can assist in preventing the unwanted behavior of too many feedback indicators and caretaker notifications.

In generating the caretaker message, the caretaker message can be subject to a caretaker delay between the event detection and the transmission of the caretaker message. Typically, the caretaker delay is as long or longer than the feedback delay. While it is contemplated the caretaker delay can be shorter than the feedback delay, such timing can result in “false” alarms with caretaker messages sent without the animal12getting the feedback indicator, it is expected that the caretaker delay will be equal to or slightly greater than the feedback delay.

The caretaker message can be a wireless transmission from the electrical circuit, such as the communications module of the controller to the caretaker, via the UE200. The controller100can be configured to generate the caretaker message to a number of pre-determined UEs200, such as at least one remote wireless device, including a cellphone, a personal computer, or a smart-home device such as Alexa device of Amazon Technology Inc or Google's Home device.

The controller100can include configured to wirelessly transmit the caretaker message such as an SMS, an e-mail, or a notification mobile applications to one or more remote wireless UEs200associated with the caretaker. The controller100can be programmed with the addresses to which the caretaker message is sent. These addresses could be in the form of cellphone numbers, e-mail addresses, IP addresses, or any combination thereof. In one configuration, these addresses can be changed by the user. For example, the cellphone number of a caretaker, such as a dog sitter, can be added if they are placed in charge of the animal12. This could be done via an application on a cellphone.

In addition to transmitting the event detection in the caretaker message, the controller100can include additional data with the caretaker message, including but not limited to physiological data associated with the event detection, such as weight. It is further contemplated, the controller100can transmit the caretaker message to the remote storage for contemporaneous or subsequent analysis. In one configuration, the data at the remote storage120can be accessed by or provided to further caretakers, such as veterinarians or even research institutes.

In one configuration of the controller100, the processor106records time-stamped information relating to the occurrence of the event detection. In those configurations of the platform20that include the weight sensing detector, the controller100can record select time stamped data of the event detection such as the time of the behavior or action time and the sensed weight. The recorded data can be retained in the format of the local non-volatile storage and/or the remote storage in the cloud. The recorded data of the event detection (such as behavior action times, weight, etc.) can also be electronically shared with a remote caretaker, such as a veterinarian. As set forth above, the recorded data also be analyzed at the remote location in a SaaS based AI and/or Machine Learning model to learn about animal breed development and behavior. It is contemplated that the UE200can include software to provide output displays of historic weigh information in any of a variety s of formats, such as but not limited to charts or tables.

In other configurations, the platform20can include or the controller100can be operably connected to additional sensors62incorporated into the platform. The additional sensors62can be configured for sensing heart rate, heart rate regularity, breathing rate, or blood oxygenation levels of the animal as known in the art. The sensors62can also include image capture or optical sensors as well as electrical sensors configured to detect physiological signals from the animal12. Further sensors62can provide local environmental data such as but not limited to temperature humidity and even brightness.

The controller100can also be configured to identify the animal12that triggered the event detection. In one configuration, if there is a larger dog and a smaller dog, the controller100can be configured to relate a given weight or band of weight to the first dog and a different weight or band of weights to the second dog. Thus, the behavior of each dog can be independently tracked by the controller100, and the corresponding feedback delay, feedback indicator, caretaker delay, and lockout period can be applied. It is contemplated a variety of mechanisms can be used to distinguish different animals12, such as weight, RFID tags, image recognition, as well as speech/voice recognition. Thus, as the controller100can distinguish between animals12triggering the event detection, one animal may have a first feedback delay, a first caretaker delay, and a first lockout period and a second animal can have a second feedback delay, a second caretaker delay, and a second lockout period, wherein the delays are different from each other and the lockouts are different from each other. Therefore, the controller100can associate the event detection with a specific animal12and then apply the corresponding feedback delay to generating the feedback indicator, the corresponding caretaker delay in transmitting the caretaker message, as well as the corresponding associated lockout period.

It is contemplated the platform20can be positioned inside an animal housing such as a kennel. The detected physiological signals from the animal12can be used by the facility or the caretaker to measure animal physiology, since in many cases the kennel may be in a stressful environment for the animal, such as extremes of temperature, or prolonged confinement. Measurement of animal stress or other physiological signals can alert the caretaker to problems which need to be addressed.

Referring toFIG.13, in one embodiment, the system10operates by the steps of (i) detecting, from the detector60, the presence of the animal on the platform20; (ii) continuing to monitor the detector to ensure the animal remains on the platform during the feedback delay (a predetermined amount of time); and (iii) upon expiration of the feedback delay (predetermined amount of time), presenting the feedback indicator to the animal.

In one configuration, presenting the feedback indicator to the animal, includes activating the speaker to generate an audible signal after the feedback delay.

In addition, the method can include the step of the controller100generating the caretaker message (such as an electronic message) and transmitting the caretaker message to the caretaker after any caretaker delay (before, at or after expiration of the feedback delay), wherein the caretaker message can be automatically sent to the pre-determined remote UE200, such as a wireless device or devices, such as a cellphone, personal computer, or ‘smart home’ device such as Amazon's Alexa or Google's Home device. The caretaker message can include weight information for general information or recording purposes. Software on the remote wireless UE can provide output displays of historic weigh information such as charts or tables.

In a further configuration, the controller100can be connected either directly or wirelessly to a door or a door actuator, which could be activated on command from the controller. The controller100, in response to the signal from the detector60(the event detection), can instruct the door or actuator so as to selectively let the animal12pass through the door. In select configurations, the controller100is operably connected to the door (or the actuator), wherein the controller can dispose the door (or the actuator) between an open position and a closed position. Thus, the controller100can allow the animal to pass through the door without requiring any caretaker intervention. The present system10can accommodate when the caretaker is remote, such as at work during daytime hours, and the animal12can be given automatic access to a garden area.

In operation, the first step in the use of the present system is to train the animal12. Animals, and in particular canines, can be trained using classical conditioning methods. For example, the Pavlov's Dog technique involves positive reinforcement by means of a reward system when the dog behaves correctly. In the case of the present system, the dog receives a reward (the dog will get let out to relieve itself), once it has completed a certain action (i.e. mounting the platform and waiting for the audible sound (the feedback indicator)).

More specifically, teaching a dog to “place” is a common training practice, such as from the American Kennel Club, How to Teach Your Dog to Go to Their Place, by Stephanie Gibeault, December 2020. The present system10adapts this common command and utilizes it for animal to human communication. For example, the dog learns that its “place” is on the platform when it needs to communicate to a human that it needs to go outside for bathroom purposes.

Thus, the animal12is first trained to carry out a particular behavior, such as going to the platform20, occupying the platform, and waiting until a short predetermined time (the feedback delay) has elapsed (typically on the order of less than 10 seconds) until the feedback indicator is provided, such as the sound. In training, this sound alerts any caretakers within audible range that the animal requires attention, and the appropriate action can be taken such as opening a door.

With suitable training, the dog will gradually associate its own action with a particular desired human reaction. Once this stage is reached the training phase is complete, and the dog can carry out the action autonomously. An advantage of the present system10is that once the training is complete, anybody, not necessarily the original trainer, can understand what the dog is attempting to communicate, in contrast with prior systems in which the caretaker is required to interpret the actions of the dog.

As set forth above, the controller100can also alert remote caretakers by wireless messaging, such as electronic SMS, e-mail or mobile applications notification. This remote messaging is advantageous when the caretaker is temporarily outside audible range of the controller. In addition, this feature allows the remote monitoring of the dog's behavior when the primary caretaker is remote and a secondary caretaker is attending to the dog. Further, the recording of the behavior pattern of the animal allows the event data to be passed to the remote processing where the data can be recorded and analyzed.

As set forth above, the message from the controller100can also be sent to a home monitoring device such as the Alexa® device, which could provide an audible broadcast message throughout a household, or automatically activate a door release mechanism to allow the dog out. By incorporating the voice-based AI-powered digital assistant, the need for the dog to wear a special door-opening device, such as those currently required by current devices on the market is removed.

As set forth above, the controller100can also measure the weight of the animal12while the animal is on the platform20. This additional information can be sent within the caretaker message for the purposes of monitoring weight over time. The capture of weight information can be used in the monitoring and management of weight, weight reduction, growth of young dogs, pregnancy progress.

The disclosure provides a method including the steps of (i) detecting, by the detector60, a presence of the animal12on the platform20, wherein the detecting can be through a periodic polling of the detector, or by an interrupt signal generated by the detector; (ii) continuing to monitor the detector to ensure that the animal remains on the platform for a minimum period of time, such as the feedback delay; and (iii) upon passing the minimum period of time, such as the feedback delay, presenting the feedback indicator to the animal, such as activating a speaker to generate an audible alert.

An additional advantage of the present system10lies in that it can simplify the bathroom training process and enhance the obedience of the animal12. It can also be beneficial to the relationship between the caretaker and their pet or working animal companion, as the system provides another mode of communication.

This disclosure has been described in detail with particular reference to an embodiment, but it will be understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalents thereof are intended to be embraced therein.