Patents by Inventor Rodney P. Landers

Rodney P. Landers has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20240003690
    Abstract: A fully self-contained portable location tracking device autonomously compares a current location with a latitude-longitude map stored in memory. The latitude-longitude map stores guidance zone values indicative of a predetermined safe zone, progressive alert zones, and a predetermined reference point. The guidance zone values represent actions to be taken based upon current location. When initiated by some combination of current location or zone value, location history, and time, or when otherwise queried, the tracking device transmits the offset from reference location, rather than actual current location data, to at least one wireless communications monitoring apparatus. The monitoring apparatus also stores a copy of the latitude-longitude map and reference point. Using the received offset, the monitoring apparatus knows both the location of the location tracking device and the actions to be taken based upon current location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2023
    Publication date: January 4, 2024
    Inventor: Rodney P. Landers
  • Patent number: 11713968
    Abstract: A fully self-contained portable location tracking device autonomously compares a current location with a latitude-longitude map stored in memory. The latitude-longitude map stores guidance zone values indicative of a predetermined safe zone, progressive alert zones, and a predetermined reference point. The guidance zone values represent actions to be taken based upon current location. When initiated by some combination of current location or zone value, location history, and time, or when otherwise queried, the tracking device transmits the offset from reference location, rather than actual current location data, to at least one wireless communications monitoring apparatus. The monitoring apparatus also stores a copy of the latitude-longitude map and reference point. Using the received offset, the monitoring apparatus knows both the location of the location tracking device and the actions to be taken based upon current location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: GPSip, Inc.
    Inventor: Rodney P. Landers
  • Patent number: 11516994
    Abstract: A collar-mounted location sensor and stimulation unit includes a body. A generally planar stimulation unit and differential 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 differential impedance to protect and benefit both the body and mind of the animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: GPSip, Inc.
    Inventor: Rodney P. Landers
  • Patent number: 11246291
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Inventors: Rodney P. Landers, Kevin L. Nieuwsma, Chad R. James
  • Publication number: 20210190503
    Abstract: A fully self-contained portable location tracking device autonomously compares a current location with a latitude-longitude map stored in memory. The latitude-longitude map stores guidance zone values indicative of a predetermined safe zone, progressive alert zones, and a predetermined reference point. The guidance zone values represent actions to be taken based upon current GC location. When initiated by some combination of current location or zone value, location history, and time, or when otherwise queried, the tracking device transmits the offset from reference location, rather than actual current location data, to at least one wireless communications monitoring apparatus. The monitoring apparatus also stores a copy of the latitude-longitude map and reference point. Using the received offset, the monitoring apparatus knows both the location of the location tracking device and the actions to be taken based upon current location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2019
    Publication date: June 24, 2021
    Applicant: GPSip, Inc.
    Inventor: Rodney P. Landers
  • Patent number: 11019807
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: GPSip, Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney P. Landers, Kevin L. Nieuwsma, Chad R. James, Patrick J. Krekelberg
  • Publication number: 20210080595
    Abstract: A fully self-contained portable location tracking device autonomously compares a current location with a latitude-longitude map stored in memory. The latitude-longitude map stores guidance zone values indicative of a predetermined safe zone, progressive alert zones, and a predetermined reference point. The guidance zone values represent actions to be taken based upon current location. When initiated by some combination of current location or zone value, location history, and time, or when otherwise queried, the tracking device transmits the offset from reference location, rather than actual current location data, to at least one wireless communications monitoring apparatus. When further security is desired, the transmitted offset is also digitally encrypted or otherwise obfuscated. The monitoring apparatus also stores a copy of the latitude-longitude map and reference point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2020
    Publication date: March 18, 2021
    Applicant: GPSip, Inc.
    Inventor: Rodney P. Landers
  • Patent number: 10893662
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: GPSip, Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney P. Landers, Kevin L. Nieuwsma
  • Patent number: 10820575
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: GPSIP, Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney P. Landers, Kevin L. Nieuwsma, Chad R. James, Michael D. Erickson, Patrick J. Krekelberg, Gregory M. Anderson
  • Patent number: 10624319
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: GPSip, Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney P. Landers, Kevin L. Nieuwsma
  • Patent number: 10470437
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: GPSip, Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney P. Landers, Kevin L. Nieuwsma, Chad R. James, Michael D. Erickson
  • Patent number: 10455810
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: GPSIP, Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney P. Landers, Kevin L. Nieuwsma, Chad R. James, Michael D. Erickson, Gregory M. Anderson, Patrick J. Krekelberg
  • Patent number: 10405520
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: GPSIP, INC.
    Inventors: Rodney P. Landers, Kevin L. Nieuwsma, Chad R. James, Michael D. Erickson
  • Patent number: 10342218
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: GPSIP, Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney P. Landers, Kevin L. Nieuwsma, Chad R. James
  • Patent number: 10292365
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: GPSIP, Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney P. Landers, Kevin L. Nieuwsma, Chad R. James
  • Publication number: 20190141953
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2019
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Applicant: GPSip, Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney P. Landers, Kevin L. Nieuwsma, Chad R. James, Michael D. Erickson, Patrick J. Krekelberg, Gregory M. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20190133084
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2018
    Publication date: May 9, 2019
    Applicant: GPSip, Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney P. Landers, Kevin L. Nieuwsma
  • Patent number: 10251371
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: GPSIP, Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney P. Landers, Kevin L. Nieuwsma, Chad R. James, Michael D. Erickson, Gregory M. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20190021283
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2018
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Inventors: Rodney P. Landers, Kevin L. Nieuwsma, Chad R. James, Michael D. Erickson
  • Patent number: 10172325
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: GPSIP, Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney P. Landers, Kevin L. Nieuwsma, Chad R. James, Michael D. Erickson, Patrick J. Krekelberg