Abstract: An assisted guidance region has a plurality of zones, each with an associated set of characteristics used to provide behavioral guidance to an animal. Behavioral guidance is extended to a wayward dog who has moved outside of the assisted guidance region by providing stimuli to shepherd the dog back into a safe zone. Positive stimuli are provided when the dog is moving in a direction back towards the safe zone, by providing a safe zone or similar stimulus. Movement away from the safe zone will trigger the unit to deliver a non-aversive second alert zone stimulus. Movement that isn't getting closer or further away triggers a first alert zone stimulus. Calculation of relative movement direction with regard to the safe zone is preferably based upon a comparison of sequential data table position displacements from an approximate center of the safe zone or from a manually selected location.

Abstract: A look-up table is defined by at least one reference point, and rows and columns that are offset from the reference. The table rows and columns correspond to ordinate and abscissa data points representing geographic locations. Each data point offset in the table corresponds to a predefined geographic offset. The look-up table contains machine-stored values at each table location, with each value representing a particular one of several guidance zones. Each guidance zone is associated with behavioral guidance provided to an animal Real-time determination of a current guidance zone is made by first determining present location. The corresponding table location is identified by calculating latitudinal and longitudinal offsets from a reference point, and using these offsets as the two indices to access a double-indexed array. The offsets are selectively subjected to a scalar conversion to accommodate large land areas while limiting the amount of memory required to store the table.

Abstract: A collar-mounted location sensor and stimulation unit includes a body. A generally planar stimulation unit and impedance-based fur detector in combination protect the animal from harmful stimulation. At least one sensory stimulator is configured to provide at least one of auditory, kinesthetic, and visual stimulation responsive to an output of a location sensor. One or more of a voltage, current, oscillation frequency, extent of modulation, or other output characteristic of the stimulation unit output is varied responsive to the detected fur impedance to protect and benefit both the body and mind of the animal.

Abstract: A wireless location assisted zone guidance system incorporates dynamically variable intervals between sequential position requests. Variables used to influence the duration of a current interval between sequential position requests include: location within a current zone; displacement rate within a zone; and output from sensors such as secondary low power location sensors, inertial sensors, and biometric sensors. Preferably, the sensors are not being used to try to determine precise position, but instead to indicate a degree of uncertainty in the current position. When this degree of uncertainty is sufficient to merit added processing and associated energy consumption, a new wireless location determination will be made.

Abstract: A collar-mounted location sensor and stimulation unit includes a body. Quick-mount retention clips extend from the body superior and inferior lateral edges, bend in a 90 degree angle towards the center, and extend toward each other for a short distance before terminating. A flexible collar is pinched between the quick-mount clips, then released to expand within the space between retention clips and the ends of the body. A generally planar stimulation unit and impedance-based fur detector in combination protect the animal from harmful stimulation. At least one sensory stimulator is configured to provide at least one of auditory, kinesthetic, and visual stimulation responsive to an output of a location sensor. An electrode cover in a first disabling position electrically isolates the plurality of stimulation electrodes from animal, and in a second enabling position permits electrical engagement between the plurality of stimulation electrodes and a fur of the animal.

Abstract: A look-up table is defined by at least one reference point, and rows and columns that are offset from the reference. The table rows and columns correspond to ordinate and abscissa data points representing geographic locations. Each data point offset in the table corresponds to a predefined geographic offset. The look-up table contains machine-stored values at each table location, with each value representing a particular one of several guidance zones. The real-time determination of the guidance zone is made by first determining present location using GPS or other wireless location signals. The corresponding table location is identified by calculating latitudinal and longitudinal offsets from a reference point, and using these offsets as the two indices to access a double-indexed array. The value retrieved from the indexed array identifies the guidance zone. Each guidance zone has an associated set of characteristics used to provide guidance.

Abstract: An assisted zone guidance system automatically activates a stored assisted guidance region based upon collar position at initiation, relative location of one or more assisted guidance regions, and possible query results. The assisted guidance regions are stored within a look-up table that is defined by at least one reference point, and rows and columns that are offset from the reference. The table rows and columns correspond to geographic locations. The value retrieved from the indexed array is used to either create a new assisted guidance region, select an assisted guidance region that contains the current collar location, or if the collar is not within a region to select an adjacent assisted guidance region. Each assisted guidance region contains a plurality of guidance zones that each have an associated set of characteristics used to provide behavioral guidance to an animal.

Abstract: A look-up table is defined by at least one reference point, and rows and columns that are offset from the reference. The table rows and columns correspond to ordinate and abscissa data points representing geographic locations. Each data point offset in the table corresponds to a predefined geographic offset. The look-up table contains machine-stored values at each table location, with each value representing a particular one of several guidance zones. The real-time determination of the guidance zone is made by first determining present location using GPS or other wireless location signals. The corresponding table location is identified by calculating latitudinal and longitudinal offsets from a reference point, and using these offsets as the two indices to access a double-indexed array. The value retrieved from the indexed array identifies the guidance zone. Each guidance zone has an associated set of characteristics used to provide behavioral guidance to an animal.

Abstract: Individual zones are defined within a multi-zone assisted guidance region by storing a zone GPS data point target width, assigning GPS data points located within a perimeter and within the target width to a second zone, allotting GPS data points located interior of and distinct from the second zone and within the target width to a first zone; and finally ascribing unassigned GPS data points located interior of and distinct from the first zone to a safe zone. Adjacent guidance zones have unique stimulation that acts through different neurological access channels to provide behavioral guidance to an animal. The stimulation may be varied based upon direction of travel relative to a safe zone center point, and may also be varied based upon a level of training calculated during active system operation.

Abstract: An assisted guidance region has a plurality of zones, each with an associated set of characteristics used to provide behavioral guidance to an animal. Behavioral guidance is extended to a wayward dog who has moved outside of the assisted guidance region by providing stimuli to shepherd the dog back into a safe zone. Positive stimuli are provided when the dog is moving in a direction back towards the safe zone, by providing a safe zone or similar stimulus. Movement away from the safe zone will trigger the unit to deliver a non-aversive second alert zone stimulus. Movement that isn't getting closer or further away triggers a first alert zone stimulus. Calculation of relative movement direction with regard to the safe zone is based upon a comparison to an approximate center of the safe zone.

Abstract: A wireless location assisted zone guidance system incorporates dynamically variable intervals between sequential position requests. Variables used to influence the duration of a current interval between sequential position requests include: location within a current zone; displacement rate within a zone; and output from sensors such as secondary low power location sensors, inertial sensors, and biometric sensors. Preferably, the sensors are not being used to try to determine precise position, but instead to indicate a degree of uncertainty in the current position. When this degree of uncertainty is sufficient to merit added processing and associated energy consumption, a new wireless location determination will be made.

Abstract: A collar-mounted location sensor and stimulation unit includes a body. Quick-mount retention clips extend from the body superior and inferior lateral edges, bend in a 90 degree angle towards the center, and extend toward each other for a short distance before terminating. A flexible collar is pinched between the quick-mount clips, then released to expand within the space between retention clips and the ends of the body. A generally planar stimulation unit and impedance-based fur detector in combination protect the animal from harmful stimulation. At least one sensory stimulator is configured to provide at least one of auditory, kinesthetic, and visual stimulation responsive to an output of a location sensor. An electrode cover in a first disabling position electrically isolates the plurality of stimulation electrodes from animal, and in a second enabling position permits electrical engagement between the plurality of stimulation electrodes and a fur of the animal.

Abstract: A fully self-contained collar monitors the location of a pet. A look-up table has rows and columns representing geographic location, and machine-stored values at each table location represent a particular one of several guidance zones. The real-time guidance zone determination is made by first determining present location. The corresponding table location value representing guidance zone is retrieved. Each guidance zone has an associated set of characteristics used by collar electronics and stimulus generators to generate well defined and positive stimulus to train the pet to stay within a predetermined area. In addition, using location history the collar electronics also predictively alerts the pet of an impending exit from a safe zone. This departure alert may be further combined with inertial validation and dynamic position request intervals to provide a much more reliable and robust system that is then able to much more efficiently and effectively train a pet.

Abstract: A look-up table is defined by at least one reference point, and rows and columns that are offset from the reference. The table rows and columns correspond to ordinate and abscissa data points representing geographic locations. Each data point offset in the table corresponds to a predefined geographic offset. The look-up table contains machine-stored values at each table location, with each value representing a particular one of several guidance zones. The real-time determination of the guidance zone is made by first determining present location using GPS or other wireless location signals. The corresponding table location is identified by calculating latitudinal and longitudinal offsets from a reference point, and using these offsets as the two indices to access a double-indexed array. The value retrieved from the indexed array identifies the guidance zone. Each guidance zone has an associated set of characteristics used to provide behavioral guidance to an animal.

Abstract: A wireless location assisted zone guidance system incorporates dynamically variable intervals between sequential position requests. Variables used to influence the duration of a current interval between sequential position requests include: location within a current zone; velocity within a zone; and output from sensors such as secondary low power location sensors, inertial sensors, and biometric sensors. Preferably, the sensors are not being used to try to determine precise position, but instead to indicate a degree of uncertainty in the current position. When this degree of uncertainty is sufficient to merit added processing and associated energy consumption, a new wireless location determination will be made.

Abstract: An assisted zone guidance system automatically activates a stored assisted guidance region based upon collar position at initiation, relative location of one or more assisted guidance regions, and possible query results. The assisted guidance regions are stored within a look-up table that is defined by at least one reference point, and rows and columns that are offset from the reference. The table rows and columns correspond to geographic locations. The value retrieved from the indexed array is used to either create a new assisted guidance region, select an assisted guidance region that contains the current collar location, or if the collar is not within a region to select an adjacent assisted guidance region. Each assisted guidance region contains a plurality of guidance zones that each have an associated set of characteristics used to provide behavioral guidance to an animal.

Abstract: A collar-mounted GPS and stimulation unit includes a body. Quick-mount retention clips extend from the superior and inferior lateral edges, bend in a 90 degree angle towards the center, and extend for a short distance before terminating. The preferred embodiment collar mounted GPS unit is preferably slightly wider than a standard nylon dog collar. The collar is made of a flexible material, such as nylon, leather and most other common collar materials, and can operatively be pinched to fit in between the quick-mount clips, then released to expand into normal shape within the space between the retention clips and the ends of the collar-mounted GPS and stimulation unit. A special stimulation unit is used in combination to protect the animal from harm.

Abstract: A look-up table is defined by at least one reference point, and rows and columns that are offset from the reference. The table rows and columns correspond to ordinate and abscissa data points representing geographic locations. Each data point offset in the table corresponds to a predefined geographic offset. The look-up table contains machine-stored values at each table location, with each value representing a particular one of several guidance zones. The real-time determination of the guidance zone is made by first determining present location using GPS or other wireless location signals. The corresponding table location is identified by calculating latitudinal and longitudinal offsets from a reference point, and using these offsets as the two indices to access a double-indexed array. The value retrieved from the indexed array identifies the guidance zone. Each guidance zone has an associated set of characteristics used to provide behavioral guidance to an animal.

Abstract: Individual zones are defined within a multi-zone assisted guidance region by storing a zone GPS data point target width, assigning GPS data points located within a perimeter and within the target width to a second zone, allotting GPS data points located interior of and distinct from the second zone and within the target width to a first zone; and finally ascribing unassigned GPS data points located interior of and distinct from the first zone to a safe zone. If there is not enough total width between perimeter points in a region to provide all zones at the target width, a data point width of more exterior zones are preferentially electronically maintained at the target width and more interior zones are reduced or eliminated. In addition, adjacent guidance zones have unique stimulation that acts through different neurological access channels to provide behavioral guidance to an animal.

Abstract: A look-up table is defined by at least one reference point, and rows and columns that are offset from the reference. The table rows and columns correspond to ordinate and abscissa data points representing geographic locations. Each data point offset in the table corresponds to a predefined geographic offset. The look-up table contains machine-stored values at each table location, with each value representing a particular one of several guidance zones. Each guidance zone is associated with behavioral guidance provided to an animal. Real-time determination of a current guidance zone is made by first determining present location. The corresponding table location is identified by calculating latitudinal and longitudinal offsets from a reference point, and using these offsets as the two indices to access a double-indexed array. The offsets are selectively subjected to a scalar conversion to accommodate large land areas while limiting the amount of memory required to store the table.