WEARABLE CANINE AND FELINE COLLARE WITH CAMERA AND ADDED FEATURES

Abstract

A multifunction animal collar. The collar including a plurality of electronic components for collecting and transmitting audio and visual information to and from a remote user in real time. The plurality of electronic components including a satellite communication chip, a GPS chip, a camera, a thermographic camera, infrared camera, a microphone, a speaker, and a light. The satellite communication chip capable of transmitting and receiving viewed images and sounds to a remote user for viewing on an external electronic device and back to the animal in real time.

Claims

1-19. (canceled)

20. An animal collar, comprising: an elongated band having a circumference with a top portion and an opposing bottom portion, the band configured to encircle the neck region of an animal; at least one electronic component housed within the elongated band and capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from an external network or device in real time; a stem having a snorkel shape extending upward from the top portion of the band away from the neck of the animal and forward toward the head of the animal, the stem housing at least one imaging component; and a light positioned on the stem to illuminate an area in front of the animal.

21. The animal collar of claim 20, wherein the at least one electronic component includes a satellite communication chip and at least one of a power supply device, circuit board, wiring, memory device, microprocessor, and global positioning system communication chip.

22. The animal collar of claim 20, further comprising at least one of a microphone, a speaker, or a combination thereof, at least one of which is positioned on the animal collar adjacent to the stem.

23. The animal collar of claim 22, wherein audio signals received by the microphone may be transmitted to the external network or device in real time via satellite transmission and audio signals received from the external network or device may be transmitted through the speaker in real time via satellite transmission.

24. The animal collar of claim 22, wherein an external user can control operation of at least one of the microphone, the speaker, and the light in real time via the external network or device.

25. The animal collar of claim 20, wherein the external device is a computer, mobile phone, satellite phone, tablet, smart phone, or an Internet-enabled device.

26. The animal collar of claim 20, wherein the at least one imaging component includes at least one of: (i) a thermal imaging camera and thermal imaging sensor, (ii) an infrared camera and infrared imaging sensor, and (iii) a web-enabled camera.

27. The animal collar of claim 26, wherein images or video data captured by the at least one imaging component may be transmitted to the external network or device in real time via satellite transmission.

28. The animal collar of claim 20, wherein the collar interacts with an auxiliary electronic device in a vicinity of the animal, such that an external user may have two-way audio and visual communication with the animal by accessing the auxiliary electronic device over a network.

29. An animal collar, comprising: an elongated band having a circumference and configured to encircle the neck region of an animal; and a stem having a snorkel shape extending upward from the elongated band away from the neck of the animal and forward toward the head of the animal, the stem housing a light to illuminate an area in front of the animal.

30. The animal collar of claim 29, further comprising at least one electronic component housed within the elongated band and capable of: (i) transmitting and receiving data to and from an external network or device in real time, and/or (ii) activating the light.

31. The animal collar of claim 30, wherein the at least one electronic component includes a satellite communication chip and at least one of a power supply device, circuit board, wiring, memory device, microprocessor, and global positioning system communication chip.

32. The animal collar of claim 30, further comprising at least one of a microphone, a speaker, or a combination thereof, at least one of which is positioned on the collar adjacent to the stem.

33. The animal collar of claim 32, wherein audio signals received by the microphone may be transmitted to the external network or device in real time via satellite transmission and audio signals received from the external network or device may be transmitted through the speaker in real time via satellite transmission.

34. The animal collar of claim 32, wherein an external user can control operation of at least one of the microphone, the speaker, and the light in real time via the external network or device.

35. The animal collar of claim 30, wherein the external device is a computer, mobile phone, satellite phone, tablet, smart phone, or an Internet-enabled device.

36. The animal collar of claim 30, wherein the collar interacts with an auxiliary electronic device in a vicinity of the animal, such that an external user may have two-way audio and visual communication with the animal by accessing the auxiliary electronic device over a network.

37. An animal collar, comprising: an elongated band having a circumference and configured to encircle the neck region of an animal; at least one electronic component housed within the elongated band and capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from an external network or device in real time; and a stem having a snorkel shape extending upward from the top portion of the band away from the neck of the animal and forward toward the head of the animal, the stem housing at least one imaging component.

38. The animal collar of claim 37, wherein the at least one imaging component includes at least one of: (i) a thermal imaging camera and thermal imaging sensor, (ii) an infrared camera and infrared imaging sensor, and (iii) a web-enabled camera.

39. The animal collar of claim 37, wherein the at least one electronic component includes a satellite communication chip and at least one of a power supply device, circuit board, wiring, memory device, microprocessor, and global positioning system communication chip.

40. The animal collar of claim 37, further comprising at least one of a microphone, a speaker, or a combination thereof, at least one of which is positioned on the collar adjacent to the stem or on the stem.

41. The animal collar of claim 40, wherein audio signals received by the microphone may be transmitted to the external network or device in real time via satellite transmission and audio signals received from the external network or device may be transmitted through the speaker in real time via satellite transmission.

42. The animal collar of claim 40, wherein an external user can control operation of at least one of the microphone, the speaker, and the light in real time via the external network or device.

43. The animal collar of claim 42, wherein the external device is a computer, mobile phone, satellite phone, tablet, smart phone, or an Internet-enabled device.

44. The animal collar of claim 37, wherein the collar interacts with an auxiliary electronic device in a vicinity of the animal, such that an external user may have two-way audio and visual communication with the animal by accessing the auxiliary electronic device over a network.

45. A method of utilizing an animal in law enforcement activities, comprising the steps of: (i) placing an animal collar onto a neck of an animal, the animal collar comprising: an elongated band having a circumference and configured to encircle the neck region of an animal, and a stem having a snorkel shape extending upward from the band away from the neck of the animal and forward toward the head of the animal, the stem housing a light; and (ii) activating the light to illuminate an area in front of the animal.

46. The method of claim 45, further comprising the step of (iii) instructing the animal to perform a task via an external network or device.

47. The method of claim 46, further comprising the step of (iv) analyzing data received from at least one electronic component housed within the elongated band of the animal collar in real time to determine an appropriate action.

48. The method of claim 46, wherein the external network or device is a computer, mobile phone, tablet, smart phone, or an Internet-enabled device.

49. The method of claim 45, wherein the animal collar further comprises at least one imaging component that includes at least one of: (i) a thermal imaging camera and thermal imaging sensor, (ii) an infrared camera and infrared imaging sensor, and (iii) a web-enabled camera, wherein an external user can control operation of the at least one imaging component in real time via an external network or device.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] FIG. 1 shows the back view of the device, according to the present invention;

[0020] FIG. 2 shows the bottom view of the device, according to the present invention;

[0021] FIG. 3 shows the front view of the device, according to the present invention;

[0022] FIG. 4 shows the left side view of the device, according to the present invention;

[0023] FIG. 5 shows the right side view of the device, according to the present invention;

[0024] FIG. 6 shows the top view of the device, according to the present invention;

[0025] FIG. 7 shows an isometric view of the device, according to the present invention; and

[0026] FIG. 8 shows a view of the device in use, according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] The following detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, which are also referred to herein as “examples,” are described in enough detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. The embodiments may be combined, other embodiments may be utilized, or structural, and logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0028] Before the present invention is described in such detail, however, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particular variations set forth and may, of course, vary. Various changes may be made to the invention described and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation, material, composition of matter, process, process act(s) or step(s), to the objective(s), spirit or scope of the present invention. All such modifications are intended to be within the scope of the disclosure made herein.

[0029] Unless otherwise indicated, the words and phrases presented in this document have their ordinary meanings to one of skill in the art. Such ordinary meanings can be obtained by reference to their use in the art and by reference to general and scientific dictionaries.

[0030] References in the specification to “one embodiment” indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

[0031] The following explanations of certain terms are meant to be illustrative rather than exhaustive. These terms have their ordinary meanings given by usage in the art and in addition include the following explanations.

[0032] As used herein, the term “and/or” refers to any one of the items, any combination of the items, or all of the items with which this term is associated.

[0033] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0034] As used herein, the terms “include,” “for example,” “such as,” and the like are used illustratively and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0035] As used herein, the terms “preferred” and “preferably” refer to embodiments of the invention that may afford certain benefits, under certain circumstances. However, other embodiments may also be preferred, under the same or other circumstances.

[0036] Furthermore, the recitation of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are not useful, and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the invention.

[0037] As used herein, the terms “front,” “back,” “rear,” “upper,” “lower,” “right,” and “left” in this description are merely used to identify the various elements as they are oriented in the FIGS, with “front,” “back,” and “rear” being relative to the apparatus.

[0038] These terms are not meant to limit the elements that they describe, as the various elements may be oriented differently in various applications.

[0039] As used herein, the term “coupled” means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature and/or such joining may allow for the flow of fluids, electricity, electrical signals, or other types of signals or communication between two members. Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature.

[0040] It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element without departing from the teachings of the disclosure.

[0041] The invention is directed to be an interactive dog, cat, and working animal collar that allows the user to interact with their pet or working animal in real time via satellite transmission through any computer, mobile phone, tablet, smart phone, or other Internet enabled device worldwide. The interactive collar further includes GPS satellite tracking and thermal and infrared imaging sensors. Cameras (standard, infrared, and thermographic), a speaker and a microphone are built into the collar to allow for real time live audio and visual communication and interaction with pets and working animals. The collar additionally includes a light for illumination of dark areas when walking the animal or preforming tasks.

[0042] Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1-8 show the device, generally referred to as collar 10. The collar 10 has a circumference and is designed, sized, and configured to encircle the neck and head region of a pet or working animal 1 upon which the collar 10 is placed. The collar 10 preferably is provided in two sizes to accommodate all sizes and types of animals. The collar 10 includes a clasp 111. The clasp 111 allowing for removal and application of the collar 10 to the pet or working animal 1. The clasp 111 is located at a bottom of the collar 10 when it is worn on the pet or working animal 1 and adjustable to ensure that the collar 10 is securely affixed and comfortably worn by the animal 1. The collar 10 is designed for placement behind the ears of the animal 1 wherein, the collar 10 is fitted closely and securely to the animals 1 head region. The internal surface of the collar 10 may include an anti-slip or anti-skid surface to prevent movement of the collar 10 after it is placed onto the animal.

[0043] A top portion 100 of the collar 10, opposite the clasp portion 111, includes the primary electronic components of the collar 10 which are located within the housing 101 and an interior cavity of the collar 10. This interior cavity provides a location for many of the electrical components and associated power supply, circuitry, and wiring of the collar 10. These electrical components will include an electronic circuit board, internal memory, and a microprocessor with programmable logic to coordinate all of the associated electronic components and in communication with the various other electrical components of the collar 10. Within this housing 101 of the top portion 100 is a satellite communication chip 102, a global positioning system (GPS) communication chip 103, a speaker 104, a microphone 105 and the necessary peripheral electrical components to ensure proper operation of the collar 10.

[0044] The top portion 100 includes a stem 120. The stem 120 extends upward from the collar 10 opposite the clasp 111 and forward towards the direction of the head of the pet or working animal wearing the collar 10. In profile the stem 120 is snorkel shaped. The stem 120 is centrally located on the top portion 100 of the collar 10 and designed for placement central to the head of the animal 1 wearing the device 10. The snorkel shape and size of the stem 120 allow it to protrude over the head of the animal 1 where its capabilities and components can be fully utilized.

[0045] The stem 120 includes several useful imaging components that capture real time images seen by the animal 1. These imaging components are a thermal imaging camera 121 and sensors, an infrared camera, a standard web camera 122 for visibility in normal light, and a light source 123. The thermal imaging camera 121 is capable of receiving an infrared signal and processing this signal for use on an external device. The camera images, both thermal 121 and standard 122 are in communication with the satellite communication chip 102 and when in communication with a network or the Internet, a user may remotely view the images an external electronic device, such as a computer, smart phone, tablet, or other similar electronic device in real time as events are occurring. Further, a user may utilize the internal electronics to switch between the various cameras available to optimize the viewed image in real time.

[0046] The thermal imaging camera 121 and associated sensors enable the owner/handler to view hidden obstructions that may not be detected through normal imagery visible during the day and at night. This thermal camera 121 is most beneficial in tasks that are conducted when visibility is low or in rescue and recovery missions in perilous or obstructed environments and in searching around obstacles, under ruble, or within buildings. These thermal images can be extremely valuable in transmitting the captured heat signature of the surroundings back to the handler in real time when time is of the essence.

[0047] Adjacent to the stem 120 is the microphone 105 and the speaker 104. The microphone 105 and the speaker 104 allow for the transmission of sound from the collar 10 to a remote user and conversely from the animal 1 to the remote user. The speaker 104 and microphone 105 are in communication with the satellite communication chip 102 and when in communication with a network or the Internet, a user may remotely and audibly communicate through an external electronic device, such as a computer, smart phone, tablet, or other similar electronic device to help save lives while monitoring and instructing the animal from a remote location.

[0048] In its preferred use, the collar 10 is designed for use on a working dog in search and rescue missions in disaster situations to help save lives. Accordingly, the collar 10 can be placed onto a trained animal 1 and the animal sent on a search and rescue mission. The handler can connect to the device remotely with an electronic device utilizing the satellite communication chip 102 and communicate to the animal via the speaker 104 and view images from the cameras 121, 122 and hear sounds via the microphone 105. The handler is then able to utilize the skills of the animal 1 to complete tasks without placing the handler into harms way or further allowing the animal 1 to reach areas that could otherwise not be reached by the handler.

[0049] In addition to the search and rescue features for saving lives, the collar 10 and its two-way audio and visual display in real time to a remote location provides many positive benefits to both the animal 1 and the handler/owner. Accordingly, the collar 10 will assist various agencies in public service related tasks, such as apprehension, evacuation, security patrol, military patrol and reconnaissance, and boarder patrol and reconnaissance. These features will be of particular importance in saving lives in search, rescue, and recovery operations after natural disasters, structural collapses, terroristic events, or other similar large or small scale events that require searching through rubble, debris, wreckage or other elements that include small and dangerous places that are difficult for humans to access. Additionally, the collar 10 allows owners to connect and communicate with a beloved animal when they are away or at home. The collar 10 also allows pets to communicate with their owner if they stray or suffer from separation anxiety or lack of attention. Further, the collar 10, through its two-way audio and video features in real time allows an owner/handler to comfort a lost or stray pet until the pet is rescued. Still further, the collar 10 allows an owner to monitor their pet from a remote location in real-time to ensure the safety of their pet.

[0050] While the invention has been described above in terms of specific embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these disclosed embodiments. Upon reading the teachings of this disclosure many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind of those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains, and which are intended to be and are covered by both this disclosure and the appended claims. It is indeed intended that the scope of the invention should be determined by proper interpretation and construction of the appended claims and their legal equivalents, as understood by those of skill in the art relying upon the disclosure in this specification and the attached drawings.