Abstract: A system for repelling a pet from at least one predetermined area includes a first device adapted for positioning at the predetermined area. The first device includes at least one of a first receiver and a first transmitter. A second device is adapted for placement on the pet. The second device includes at least one of a second receiver and a second transmitter. At least one of the first device and the second device is configured to warn the pet when the second device approaches the at least one predetermined area, and thereby train the pet to stay away from the predetermined area.

Abstract: Methods and systems to increase protection of personnel during K9 deployments include receiving contextual and situational data from mobile devices associated with a plurality of officers at a scene, a mobile device associated with a K9 handler at the scene, and a device associated with a K9 at the scene, wherein each of the mobile devices and the device are communicatively coupled to one or more networks; determining safety conditions of each of the plurality of officers based on the contextual and situational data; and notifying any of the plurality of officers and the K9 handler via the associated mobile devices of unsafe conditions based on the determining.

Abstract: Provided is a system and method for preventing an animal being managed by a human from approaching a certain area using image recognition technology. This system includes an apparatus put on the animal, and a marker having either a preset color or a preset shape or both and installed in the certain area. The apparatus put on the animal includes a camera to capture a ground surface image of a movement path of the animal, a stimulus applying means to apply a stimulus to the animal, a memory to store an image of the marker, and a control unit, and operates the stimulus applying means to apply a stimulus to the animal when an image matched with the image of the marker stored in the memory is recognized in the image captured by the camera as the animal moves.

Abstract: A multifunction dog training collar for pet behavior modification is provided. The collar may operate in multiple modes including a remote training mode, a confinement mode, and an anti-bark mode. In the remote training mode, a dog trainer may use a hand-held remote to apply a stimulus to correct misbehavior. In the confinement mode, the collar will apply a stimulus when the dog approaches or crosses a pre-defined boundary. In the anti-bark mode, the collar will apply a stimulus when the dog barks.

Abstract: A training system for a pet of a user with a smart phone includes at least one collar module that is adapted to be fixed with and deliver a stimulus to the pet. Each collar module includes an enclosure, at least one stimulus transducer, and a circuit that includes at least a power source, a wireless receiver capable of receiving an instruction signal from the portable electronic device, and a memory. The at least one stimulus transducer may be an audio transducer, a vibration transducer, an electrostatic shock transducer, or the like. A software application resident on the portable electronic device is adapted to display on the display screen a choice of actuators for the user representing one of the at least one stimulus transducers, and a pet's name in the case of multiple pets. A barking control and virtual fence arrangement is further included.

Abstract: An accessory unit is provided for a remotely controlled animal training system. The accessory unit may include a battery, a receiver, a light source, functional unit, a connection and a control. In embodiments, the control may be operable to determine a function and an intensity for the light source based on the received signal and power the light source based on the determined function and intensity. The determined function may cause the light source to flash or illuminate at the highest intensity. The functional unit may be a pressure sensor unit, a GPS unit or a compass.

Abstract: An electronic pet gate. The electronic pet gate includes a gate transmitter generating a barrier field and a gate receiver generating a deterrent stimulus in the presence of the barrier field. The gate transmitter includes a loop antenna in a low profile elongated sill and a barrier signal generator. The loop antenna transmits the barrier signal and has an elongated geometric shape configured to shape the radiated electromagnetic field into a truncated ellipsoid. The truncated ellipsoidal barrier field has significant field strength along the length of the low profile sill and minimal field strength along the sides of the low profile sill. The low profile sill is designed to securely rest on the floor to block access to an area restricted to a pet without being a substantial physical impediment or hazard to people passing over low profile sill.

Abstract: A system and method for remote guidance of a dog or other suitable animal to and from a selected location using GPS related triangulation methods. The system using a series of audible cues or electrical shocks to guide the dog from a current location to a target location by continually monitoring the current GPS location of the dog and establishing a waypoint target for the animal as it moves. The system issues cues such as audible signals to control the dog and keep it confined within a suitable corridor so that the next waypoint may be attained. Using the invention, a dog owner can control the movement of the dog as the owner moves in its proximity, thereby creating an invisible tether or “virtual leash” or to the animal.

Abstract: An animal tracking system may include an actuator with a generator that creates electrical energy upon motion of the actuator. The system may utilize the electrical energy to transmit a signal to determine the location of an animal. The system also utilizes the electrical energy to notify the animal when it reaches a predefined location.

Abstract: An animal data communication system, including a rover unit to be carried by an animal, an animal accessory device to interact with the rover unit and/or animal, at least one detector to detect an occurrence of an action engaged in by the animal, and to generate a signal indicative of a detected action, a processing unit to generate animal data identifying the detected action based on the generated signal, and a communication unit disposed on at least one of the rover unit and the animal accessory device to transmit the animal data over a network in response to an occurrence of one or more particular conditions associated with the detected action.

Abstract: A system for invisible fencing for animals, that is a device mounted on animals. The device checks Global Navigation Satellite System (“GNSS”) position measurements against an area that is defined in the device. The area can be defined as a combination of several areas with different characteristics. An area may also be defined as dynamic. The system calculates the shortest distance to this area based on actual GNSS position. If position measurements show that the animal has a position that is outside the area, correction will be performed as a combination of audio signal and electric shock. The correction is made by increasing the audio frequency proportionally with the calculated distance to the area. When the audio frequency has reached an upper limit, one single electric shock is given, and possible further correction is resumed from the position where the electric shock was given.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a method of controlling a position of an animal includes tracking a position of the animal using a positioning system, such as a global positioning system. A time-varying position of a base object is also tracked using the positioning system, and a relative position of the animal with respect to the base object is determined, based on the positions of the animal and the base object. When the relative position exceeds a minimum value, a stimulus is provided to the animal to encourage the animal to reduce the relative position. A user of the system may define a region for the animal using a map of the surrounding territory.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an animal training apparatus for locating a collar transceiver using a Global Positioning System (GPS), and a method of controlling the the same. The animal training apparatus includes a portable device, and a collar transceiver. The portable device includes a portable device GPS reception unit, a key input unit, a portable device control unit, a display unit, and a portable device wireless communication unit. The collar transceiver includes a collar wireless communication unit, a collar GPS reception unit, a photodetector, a light output unit, a beep tone output unit, and a collar control unit.

Abstract: The present invention seeks to prevent damage to property resulting from an animal's separation anxiety which occurs when a pet owner departs, while minimizing the period of time the dog is confined. The device incorporates an automatically releasing door of a kennel or leash. For instance, the owner of a canine can place the dog in a kennel prior to leaving his or her residence. The owner can initiate a timer on the kennel or leash, and the kennel door opens or leash releases after a pre-determined amount of time, such as 30 minutes.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling and monitoring an animal that includes receiving a plurality of GPS coordinates defining a boundary of a predetermined area in which the animal is to be confined, receiving, via a transceiver, at least one location signal indicating a position of the animal upon which the receiver is mounted via a housing, monitoring, via at least one sensor, a physiological condition of the animal, determining, via a processor in electrical communication with the receiver, whether the animal is within a predetermined distance of a predetermined area, which is defined by a plurality of GPS coordinate, based upon the at least one location signal, and administering a stimulus to the animal via at least one stimulus device attached to the housing and in electrical communication with the processor upon a determination that the animal is within the predetermined distance of the predetermined area.

Abstract: A system for controlling and monitoring animals, the system including control devices that are able to be fitted to the animals and arranged for communication with one another. Each control device is capable of determining the position of an animal relative to a second animal as well as the distance between animals and the relative movement of animals fitted with the control device. The system of control devices also includes a stimulus device that allows stimuli to be applied to an animal or animals based on the relative position, movement and/or distance of the respective animals to one another.

Abstract: A custom-shaped wireless fence system is provided that contains one or more dogs in a user-defined containment area without the need for a physical fence or underground wire. The system, which is easy to set up and use, includes at least three base units and at least one collar and, preferably, a remote controller. A virtual fence is defined around the containment area, as well as around optional exclusion zones within the containment area, during system set up through communication between the base units and a trackable device as the user walks around the desired border. Visualization software enables the user to verify that the location of the fence is as desired and that the system is operating properly using a computing device having a display screen. In use, the system employs improved filtering of consecutive distance measurement values taken between the base units and the collar to discount errant measurement values in terms of their contribution to the current calculation of the dog's location.

Abstract: A custom-shaped wireless fence system is provided that contains one or more dogs in a user-defined containment area without the need for a physical fence or underground wire. The system, which is easy to set up and use, includes at least three base units and at least one collar and, preferably, a remote controller. Each of the base units and the at least one collar includes a TCXO for reducing clock speed variation between the base and collar units, preferably to +/?5 ppm, to effectively eliminate communication errors between the base and collar units.

Abstract: Systems and methods of determining a boundary area for animals, including a transmitter unit to generate and transmit a plurality of boundary signals, a receiver unit having one or more sensors to detect one or more characteristics of the boundary signals, and a user interface configured to communicate with the receiver unit, the user interface including a boundary program component to sequentially acquire boundary data corresponding to the plurality of boundary signals at a series of boundary perimeter locations, and to transmit the acquired data and instructions to the receiver unit to enable the receiver unit to determine proximity of the receiver unit relative to each perimeter location.

Abstract: A radial-shaped wireless fence system is provided that contains one or more dogs in a user-defined area without the need for a physical fence or underground wire. The system includes a base unit and at least one collar, and is easy to set up and use. Each of the base unit and the one collar include a component for reducing clock speed variation between the base and collar units, preferably to +/?5 ppm, to effectively eliminate communication errors between the base and collar units.

Abstract: A custom-shaped wireless fence system is provided that contains one or more dogs in a user-defined containment area without the need for a physical fence or underground wire. The system, which is easy to set up and use, includes at least three base units and at least one collar and, preferably, a remote controller. Each of the base units and the at least one collar includes a component for reducing clock speed variation between the base and collar units, preferably to +/?5 ppm, to effectively eliminate communication errors between the base and collar units.

Abstract: A radial-shaped wireless fence system is provided that contains one or more dogs in a user-defined area without the need for a physical fence or underground wire. The system includes a base unit and at least one collar, and is easy to set up and use. Each of the base unit and the one collar include a temperature compensated crystal oscillator for reducing clock speed variation between the base and collar units, preferably to +/?5 ppm, to effectively eliminate communication errors between the base and collar units.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a method of controlling a position of an animal includes tracking a position of the animal using a positioning system, such as a global positioning system. A time-varying position of a base object is also tracked using the positioning system, and a relative position of the animal with respect to the base object is determined, based on the positions of the animal and the base object. When the relative position exceeds a minimum value, a stimulus is provided to the animal to encourage the animal to reduce the relative position. A user of the system may define a region for the animal using a map of the surrounding territory.

Abstract: The invention relates to a proximity detection system. The invention provides a proximity detection system comprising a generator that generates a magnetic field that establishes a boundary, where the generator is capable of receiving radio frequency signals. Also provided is a radio frequency device that sends radio frequency signals, the radio frequency device being capable of sensing the magnetic field and generating a radio frequency response. In the proximity detection system, the generator generates the magnetic field for a first predefined time period, and thereafter senses for a radio frequency response signal from the radio frequency device within a second predefined time period. The invention also provides for shaping proximity detection zones by overlaying magnetic field boundaries to produce a different boundary. The invention also provides for varying the strength of magnetic fields by adjusting a width of a timed pulse.

Abstract: An electronic pet gate. The electronic pet gate includes a gate transmitter generating a barrier field and a gate receiver generating a deterrent stimulus in the presence of the barrier field. The gate transmitter includes a loop antenna in a low profile elongated sill and a barrier signal generator. The loop antenna transmits the barrier signal and has an elongated geometric shape configured to shape the radiated electromagnetic field into a truncated ellipsoid. The truncated ellipsoidal barrier field has significant field strength along the length of the low profile sill and minimal field strength along the sides of the low profile sill. The low profile sill is designed to securely rest on the floor to block access to an area restricted to a pet without being a substantial physical impediment or hazard to people passing over low profile sill.

Abstract: An integrated apparatus and method is provided for a collar that is configured to operate as part of a wireless fence system that contains and monitors the location of a dog within containment; area defined by the wireless fence system and further configured to provide GPS tracking capability when the dog has escaped from the containment area As long as the dog remains in the area defined by the wireless fence, the collar operates solely in a wireless fence mode, communicating with the transmitters used as part of the wireless fence system. The OPS tracking function remains “asleep” and is not activated unless and until the dog escapes. Once GPS mode is activated, fence mode is shut down and operation of the GPS enables the dog owner or other individual to receive SMS messages and/or email with information on the dog's location on a smart-phone, tablet or PC.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring and controlling animal behavior are disclosed. According to an aspect, a system comprises a computing device comprising at least one processor and memory. The system includes a detection electrode and an animal signaling device. The computing device is configured to detect a change of an electrical capacitance at a detection electrode. The computing device is also configured to determine a position of an animal based on the change in the electrical charge. Further, the computing device is configured to control the animal signaling device to communicate a signal in response to determining the position of the animal.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for monitoring the movement of an animal. An animal transceiver unit is placed on the animal for transmitting and receiving signals. A base transceiver unit for transmitting and receiving signals relative to the animal transceiver unit is operated to monitor relative movement of the animal transceiver unit and the base transceiver unit. An indication of the relative distance between the base transceiver unit and the animal transceiver unit is provided in response to signal communication between the animal and base transceiver units.

Abstract: An animal training device and system which uses a voltage to frequency conversion technology (VFC) providing the capability to adjust in gradual incremental levels upward and downward for consistent and individual electronic control of separate output to an animal undergoing training to learn new behaviors which are desired by its owner/handler/trainer. The device is contained in a housing which is worn around the neck of an animal by means of a collar strap or attached to a harness that properly fits onto an animal. The primary use is with dogs, but all kinds of domestic animals may be trained using this device. This VFC technology is offered in a variety of electronic platforms.

Abstract: A custom-shaped wireless fence system is provided that contains one or more dogs in a user-defined containment area without the need for a physical fence or underground wire. The system, which is easy to set up and use, includes at least three base units and at least one collar and, preferably, a remote controller. Each of the base units and the at least one collar includes a component for reducing clock speed variation between the base and collar units, preferably to +/?5 ppm, to effectively eliminate communication errors between the base and collar units.

Abstract: A custom-shaped wireless fence system is provided that contains one or more dogs in a user-defined containment area without the need for a physical fence or underground wire. The system, which is easy to set up and use, includes at least three base units and at least one collar and, preferably, a remote controller. Each of the base units and the at least one collar includes a TCXO for reducing clock speed variation between the base and collar units, preferably to +/?5 ppm, to effectively eliminate communication errors between the base and collar units.

Abstract: A radial-shaped wireless fence system is provided that contains one or more dogs in a user-defined area without the need for a physical fence or underground wire. The system includes a base unit and at least one collar, and is easy to set up and use. Each of the base unit and the one collar include a temperature compensated crystal oscillator for reducing clock speed variation between the base and collar units, preferably to +/?5 ppm, to effectively eliminate communication errors between the base and collar units.

Abstract: A transmitter for driving a perimeter wire of an animal control system, in which a collar is attached to an animal, and the collar has a signal receiver configured to receive signals outputted to the perimeter wire by the transmitter. The collar is adapted to trigger a control stimulus responsive to detecting a pre-determined signal pattern received at the signal receiver. Different collars have different pre-determined signal patterns. The transmitter has a user interface allowing the transmitter to be configured to output the pre-determined signal pattern for a particular collar. In one aspect, the transmitter monitors current in the wire and adjusts signal magnitude driving the wire and achieves more consistent stimulus activation and detects system abnormalities. Data defining patterns for the different signal types can be stored in a database and be assembled into an appropriate pattern for a particular collar by a microprocessor.

Abstract: A radial-shaped wireless fence system is provided that contains one or more dogs in a user-defined area without the need for a physical fence or underground wire. The system includes a base unit and at least one collar, and is easy to set up and use. Each of the base unit and the one collar include a component for reducing clock speed variation between the base and collar units, preferably to +/?5 ppm, to effectively eliminate communication errors between the base and collar units.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic fence apparatus using a GPS, which sets a boundary of an activity area of an animal by using GPS information, determines a position of the animal, and prevents the animal from escaping from the set activity area by applying a vibration or an electronic stimulation when the animal approaches the boundary of the activity area. Accordingly, it is possible to inform the user of a state of the animal while controlling the animal not to escape from a predetermined area by setting the electronic fence through GPS information, detecting the position of the animal, and generating a sound or applying the vibration or the electronic stimulation to the animal when the animal approaches the electronic fence.

Abstract: Systems and methods of tracking an object within the field of view of an image sensing device. The system can include an animal control system having an image sensing system to determine a location of a pet within a field of view of the image sensing device, a controller to define a pet containment border within the field of view and to compare the location of the pet relative to the defined border, and a transmitter to transmit a stimulation signal to the pet to encourage or discourage the pet from crossing the border based on the comparison.

Abstract: A novel dog training device for preventing a dog from breaking before the dog's trainer releases the dog to retrieve an object is disclosed herein. The dog training device comprises: a restraining strap for restraining the dog; a device body attachable to the ground; and a pin assembly that includes a releasable strap pin. The pin assembly is connected to the device body. The restraining strap is attached to the releasable strap pin and configured to loop around the dog. The releasable strap pin includes a catch configured to engage a movable latch positioned adjacent to the strap pin, and the movable latch is connected to an actuator configured to move the latch in a back and forth direction to thereby engage or disengage the latch from the catch. The actuator is activated by a remote control device.

Abstract: A method of using radio frequency identification (RFID), in particular ultra high frequency (UHF) RFID, is described, which keeps pets from accessing forbidden areas. The pet wears a device which is preferably powered by the animal's own activity, converted to electrical power by a motion harvesting system to recharge a battery. The device uses an RFID reader to detect and identify RFID tags placed at boundaries of areas to which the pet is forbidden to enter, and sets off an alarm to warn the pet if it is approaching such an area. Because the RFID tags are individually identifiable, the forbidden area alarm can be configured to the pet, allowing use in a multiple-pet household.

Abstract: An animal data communication system, including a rover unit to be carried by an animal, an animal accessory device to interact with the rover unit and/or animal, at least one detector to detect an occurrence of an action engaged in by the animal, and to generate a signal indicative of a detected action, a processing unit to generate animal data identifying the detected action based on the generated signal, and a communication unit disposed on at least one of the rover unit and the animal accessory device to transmit the animal data over a network in response to an occurrence of one or more particular conditions associated with the detected action.

Abstract: A custom-shaped wireless fence system is provided that contains one or more dogs in a user-defined containment area without the need for a physical fence or underground wire. The system, which is easy to set up and use, includes at least three base units and at least one collar and, preferably, a remote controller. Each of the base units and the at least one collar includes a component for reducing clock speed variation between the base and collar units, preferably to +/?5 ppm, to effectively eliminate communication errors between the base and collar units.

Abstract: A custom-shaped wireless fence system is provided that contains one or more dogs in a user-defined containment area without the need for a physical fence or underground wire. The system, which is easy to set up and use, includes at least three base units and at least one collar and, preferably, a remote controller. Each of the base units and the at least one collar includes a TCXO for reducing clock speed variation between the base and collar units, preferably to +/?5 ppm, to effectively eliminate communication errors between the base and collar units.

Abstract: An electronic fence system capable of guiding animals under training to return to a predetermined restricted area is disclosed. The fence system may utilize either a plurality of loops to determine direction of travel for a receiver unit or, alternatively, a GPS system. For embodiments utilizing the GPS system, electronic fences are defined in relation to GPS location information. A lock-down mode is used to contain an animal to a very constricted area when a control command is received to initialize the lock down mode or upon a specified condition. Specified conditions include the animal approaching or entering a specified area or, alternatively, a threshold level of charge being reached for a battery that provides power for the receiver unit. A smart phone is communicatively coupled to a controller or interface device which, in turn, is communicatively coupled to a trainer/receiver.

Abstract: A process for deterring behavior of pets which includes providing a device comprising a reflective metalized plastic sheet having a thickness of about 0.5 to 10.0 mils, having a reflective and non-reflective side and capable of making a sound when the sheet is flexed by pressure from a pet, a fibrous layer, and a decorative fabric layer, where the layers are joined together to form the device, and the reflective side of said reflective plastic layer is oriented outward, where the device is capable of being folded or rolled-up, and when placed on an object, the device deters pets from getting on said object.

Abstract: A tether device allows a pet to roam freely within a pre-defined area of space while restricting the pet from moving beyond the perimeter of a pre-defined area. The location of the perimeter is programmed into the tether device by providing distance and angular coordinates of the distal end of the tether from the tether device. The location of the pet, once attached to the tether device is likewise determined by the combination of coordinates. When the microcontroller senses the pet is nearing the perimeter of the pre-defined area, a lock mechanism is activated which prevents further movement in a direction that will exceed the perimeter, and only allows movement of the pet away from the perimeter. The lock mechanism may have a cushioning mechanism to prevent a hard stop. The tether device can also generate alarm tones to alert the user and/or train the pet.

Abstract: A wireless fencing system comprises a tetherless leash, a programming fixture, and, optionally, a terminal. The tetherless leash, which is attached to a monitored animal, establishes a “virtual” (i.e., barrier-free) perimeter based on geo-coordinates. The tetherless leash also monitors the position and movement of an animal relative to the virtual perimeter, and delivers warnings, corrections, and praise to the animal in accordance with its programming. The programming fixture serves as a user interface during programming operations, since there are no exposed buttons by which a user can directly program the device. The wireless fencing system does not expand the perimeter in response to perimeter breach of a monitored animal. Rather, a protocol that monitors the animal's speed and location direction of movement relative to the perimeter and/or outbound way points is used.

Abstract: Systems for containing, training, and tracking pets utilize electronic pet tags or collars, including IR reception and two-way RF communication. An aimable IR directional zone defining unit includes selectable different modes of operation relative to a pet collar or tag. A RF base station arranged to communicate with an pet collar or tar includes is arranged to automatically communicate with at least one terminal responsive to a receipt of a RF signal indicative of at least one of: condition of the pet, behavior of the pet, and proximity of the pet to the base station. The base station may further generate a user-perceptible alarm signal. A handheld remote controller adapted to communicate with the electronic pet collar or tag includes memory for digital media files, and an audio output element to deliver audible pet training instructions from the memory element.

Abstract: Described is an animal data communication system for detecting particular conditions and actions of an animal, compiling information indicative of the detected conditions and actions, communicating the information to a remote location, and presenting the information at the remote location. The animal data communication system includes a carried device and an interfacing device. The carried device detects particular conditions and actions of the animal and compiles the corresponding information. The carried device is in communication with the interfacing device and transmits the information to the interfacing device. The interfacing device communicates the information to a network. The user of the animal data communication system accesses the network by way of a display device, which is in communication with the network, and perceives the information. The display device is disposed at a location remote to the animal such that the user can perceive the information at the remote location.

Abstract: Described is an animal containment/repellant system for, among other things, containing an animal within a containment area and simultaneously repelling the animal from a restricted area. More specifically, the animal containment/repellant system includes multiple signal transmitting antennas that simultaneously define multiple cooperating containment areas, restricted areas, or combination of containment and restricted areas.

Abstract: A radial-shaped wireless fence system is provided that contains one or more dogs in a user-defined area without the need for a physical fence or underground wire. The system includes a base unit and at least one collar, and is easy to set up and use. Each of the base unit and the one collar include a temperature compensated crystal oscillator for reducing clock speed variation between the base and collar units, preferably to +/?5 ppm, to effectively eliminate communication errors between the base and collar units.

Abstract: A radial-shaped wireless fence system is provided that contains one or more dogs in a user-defined area without the need for a physical fence or underground wire. The system includes a base unit and at least one collar, and is easy to set up and use. Each of the base unit and the one collar include a component for reducing clock speed variation between the base and collar units, preferably to +/?5 ppm, to effectively eliminate communication errors between the base and collar units.