US 8,757,098 B2 · Remote animal training system using voltage-to-frequency conversion

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. Whether one-way or two-way remote control with manual activation by the user, automatic activation by remote sensor detectors, or automatically activated by an on-board microprocessor circuitry sensing the animals own actions, either or all device outputs allow the animal's caretaker the unique capability to select an appropriate level of one of a variety of cue signals at a given moment allowing the animal not to be overwhelmed or to cause any over-reactions.

Claims13

Dependent claims

An animal training device worn by an animal to be trained to apply an electrical impulse stimulation of a plurality of stimulation levels to the animal when the animal makes a behavior which requires correction, the animal training device comprising:

a microprocessor configured to output one of the plurality of stimulation levels of the electrical impulse stimulation as a digital value composed of a plurality of bits, when the animal makes a behavior which requires correction;
a digitally controllable volume control configured to receive the digital value composed of a plurality of bits input from the microprocessor and outputs a voltage proportional to the digital value, wherein the volume control includes:
a wiper register storing the digital value composed of a plurality of bits input from the microprocessor;
and
a resistance element for dividing a highest voltage received from a power source and outputting a voltage having a value proportional to the digital value stored in the wiper register;
an electrical impulse stimulation generator configured to receive the voltage input from the volume control and generating a high-voltage electrical impulse stimulation proportional to the voltage from the resistance element;
and
stimulation terminals for applying the electrical impulse stimulation generated by the electrical impulse stimulation generator to the animal.

5 more elements

An animal training system which includes a remote controller held by a user and a training device worn by an animal to be trained, wherein the remote controller and the training device are configured to communicate with each other by radio frequency (RF) communication,

wherein the remote controller includes:
a stimulation mode selection button for selecting a kind and mode of stimuli to be applied to the animal, the stimuli including at least an electrical impulse stimulation;
a stimulation level setting means for setting a level of electrical impulse stimulation to be applied to the animal;
a RF communication circuitry for transmitting signals including the kind and mode of stimuli and the level of electrical impulse stimulation to the training device through a transmitting antenna;
and
a microprocessor for processing the signals and controlling the RF communication circuitry, and
wherein the training device includes:
a RF communication circuitry for receiving the signals transmitted from the remote controller including a receiving antenna;
a microprocessor configured to output the level of electrical impulse stimulation as a digital value composed of a plurality of bits;
a digitally controllable volume control configured to receive the digital value composed of a plurality of bits input from the microprocessor and outputting a voltage proportional to the digital value, wherein the volume control includes:
a wiper register storing the digital value composed of a plurality of bits input from the microprocessor;
and
a resistance element for dividing a highest voltage received from a power source and outputting a voltage having a value proportional to the digital value stored in the wiper register;
an electrical impulse stimulation generator configured to receive the voltage input from the volume control and generating a high-voltage electrical impulse stimulation proportional to the voltage from the resistance element;
and
stimulation terminals for applying the electrical impulse stimulation generated by the electrical impulse stimulation generator to the animal.

13 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Remote animal training system using voltage-to-frequency conversion

Life of this patent

Remote animal training system using voltage-to-frequency conversion

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims13