CN113873878A

CN113873878A - Pet waste apparatus, method and system for user control

Info

Publication number: CN113873878A
Application number: CN202080037850.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: A·J·库克; K·J·奥古斯蒂尼亚克; K·W·格鲁贝
Original assignee: Brilliant Pet 2 LLC
Current assignee: Brilliant Pet 2 LLC
Priority date: 2019-03-19
Filing date: 2020-03-16
Publication date: 2021-12-31
Also published as: CN118000105A; EP3941189A4; WO2020190868A1; EP3941189A1

Abstract

A pet waste machine is configured to capture animal information and a process of animal waste. The pet waste machine includes a planar surface configured to receive pet waste, wherein a roll of liner is disposed on the planar surface. A stock enclosure for containing a clean stock of rolls of liner is connected to the waste station. A take-up assembly attached to one end of the pet waste machine is configured to dispose of the soiled liner by taking up and sealing the soiled portion of the liner. The control and drive module is connected to the pet waste machine and is configured to detect animal activity. The control and drive module includes an activity sensor. The network connection is connected to the control and drive module and is capable of transmitting data obtained by the pet waste machine.

Description

Pet waste apparatus, method and system for user control

Cross Reference to Related Applications

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No.62/820,626 filed on 3/19/2019, a partial continuation application of co-pending U.S. patent application No.16/513,000 entitled "marker for pet waste liner roll" filed on 16/7/2019, a continuation application of U.S. patent application No.16/210,938 entitled "pet waste paper marker" filed on 5/12/2018, a continuation application of U.S. patent application No.15/449,771 entitled "automatic dog waste device" filed on 3/2017, a partial continuation application of co-pending U.S. patent application No.15/344,209 entitled "pet waste cartridge" filed on 4/11/2016, and a benefit of U.S. provisional application No.62/345,500 filed on 3/2016 and a patent application No.62/351,792 filed on 3/8/2016, and (2) a continuation of U.S. patent application serial No.15/344,209 entitled "pet waste cartridge" filed 2016, 11, 4, 2016 for the benefit of U.S. provisional application serial No.62/345,500 filed 2016, 8, 3, 2016, 62/351,792 filed 2016, 6, 17, 2016, and 62/250,615 filed 2015, 11, 4, 2016; U.S. patent application serial No.16/513,000 entitled "marker for pet waste liner roll" filed on day 7, month 16, 2019 is also a continuation of U.S. patent application serial No.15/449,771 entitled "automatic dog waste device" filed on day 3, month 3, 2017, which is a continuation of the copending U.S. patent application serial No.15/344,209 entitled "pet waste cartridge" filed on day 4, month 11, 2016, and claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application serial No.62/345,500 filed on day 8, month 3, 2016 and application serial No.62/351,792 filed on day 17, month 6, 2016, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Technical Field

The invention relates to a pet waste machine, a method of operation, and a pet waste removal and monitoring system. More specifically, the present invention describes a wirelessly connected pet waste machine capable of remote control and health diagnosis.

Background

Self-cleaning pet waste machines are commonly used to collect and dispose of urine and feces from animals, which allows the animal to deposit the waste in appropriate areas of the room, leaving the pet owner free from the unpleasant smell of the waste and the hassle of manually cleaning the waste. Typically, self-cleaning pet waste machines include a platform configured to receive pet waste with a roll of absorbent pad extending across the platform. The roll of liner is typically placed in a compartment at one end of the pet waste machine and pulled from the platform, wound on a rod connected to an actuator, and then placed in a compartment at the other end of the pet waste machine. When the actuator rotates the rod, the pad is pushed across the platform and tucked into the compartment. In some self-cleaning machines, the actuator is manually operated by the pet owner. Alternatively, other pet waste machines operate on automated systems, which automatically advance the liner after the pet exits the machine.

However, current pet waste machines are unable to analyze the waste and determine whether the liner is clean or soiled, whether there is liquid or solid waste, to distinguish between liquid and solid waste, and whether the waste is normal or abnormal. They typically fail to track the number of visits the pet has made to the machine, nor to propel the liner based on information detected on the liner or user preferences. Furthermore, current pet waste technology does not enable pet owners to remotely monitor, program and control pet waste machines or alert users to abnormal usage patterns or other health anomalies. In addition, current pet waste technology cannot determine the inventory level of pad supply (pad supply) in the machine.

Accordingly, there is a need to provide an improved automatic pet waste station that is capable of monitoring the health of a pet and providing wireless remote monitoring for the pet owner.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention relates to a pet waste machine that may be configured to detect animal activity of a pet on a liner to provide a user interface with the ability to propel the liner and clean pet waste. The pet waste machine includes a flat surface or substantially flat surface configured to receive pet waste, wherein a supply of padding is disposed on the flat surface. The reserve housing is for holding a supply of clean pad connected to a waste station. A take-up assembly is attached to one end of the pet waste machine and is configured to dispose of the soiled liner by rolling up and sealing the soiled portion of the liner.

In several embodiments, the present invention relates to a control and drive module connected to a pet waste machine and configured to capture pet information. Additionally, a network connection may be connected to the control and drive module and transmit pet information obtained by the pet waste machine. Other embodiments of the invention relate to sensor angles in sensor systems.

The invention also relates to a method of operating a pet waste machine, wherein the pet waste machine captures pet information and transmits the pet information to a server. Further, the server may be configured to analyze the pet information to generate user data, which may be communicated to the user interface.

Other embodiments of the present invention relate to a system for operating a pet waste machine. In one embodiment, the system may include a pet waste machine, a server, and a user interface. The pet waste machine in the system includes a control and drive module including a sensor system for detecting pet information and a motor for actuating the liner roller. In other embodiments, the server may be in wired or wireless communication with the pet waste machine. In some embodiments, the server may be in wireless communication with the user interface.

Drawings

Embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the following drawings, which indicate various details of the automatic or manual roll-of-pad system of the present invention. The principal features and advantages of the invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims and accompanying drawings where:

fig. 1 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention showing a pet voided on a roll of fecal liner.

Fig. 2 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention showing a pet waste machine that propels a soiled pad.

Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of the invention, illustrating an outline view of a pet waste machine.

Figure 4 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention showing the platform and lower portion of the liner roll assembly.

Fig. 5 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention showing a rotatable cover to the liner roll assembly.

Figure 6 shows one embodiment of the control and drive module connected to the take-up assembly.

FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of a control and drive module.

FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment of the components of the take-up rod and end cap.

Figure 9 shows an embodiment of a waste cartridge ready for disposal.

Figure 10 shows an embodiment of mounting a roll of liner in a waste machine.

Fig. 11 shows one embodiment of installing a waste liner on a pet waste machine.

Fig. 12 shows another embodiment of installing a waste liner on a pet waste machine.

Fig. 13 illustrates one embodiment of inserting a roll of liner into a stock assembly.

Fig. 14 shows an embodiment of removing a waste cartridge from a winding assembly.

FIG. 15 illustrates one embodiment of the transmission and drive attachment in the take-up assembly.

FIG. 16 shows another embodiment of the transmission and drive attachment in the take-up assembly.

FIG. 17 illustrates one embodiment of attaching a liner to a take-up rod.

Fig. 18 shows one embodiment of the gear engagement between the control and drive module and the take-up spindle.

Fig. 19 shows another embodiment of attaching the liner to the take-up rod.

Fig. 20 illustrates one embodiment of a crank handle.

FIG. 21 illustrates one embodiment of a foot pedal.

FIG. 22 illustrates one embodiment of a step roller.

Figure 23 shows another embodiment of mounting a waste cartridge.

Figure 24 shows one embodiment of an installed waste cartridge.

Figure 25 shows another embodiment of an installed waste cartridge.

Fig. 26 illustrates one embodiment of a pet waste machine configured for operation.

FIG. 27 illustrates one embodiment of a sensor system for detecting pets.

FIG. 28 illustrates one embodiment of a sensor system of the control and drive module.

FIG. 29 illustrates another embodiment of a sensor system of the control and drive module.

FIG. 30 illustrates another embodiment of a sensor system of the control and drive module.

Figure 31 shows an embodiment of a fecal pad.

Fig. 32 shows an embodiment of a method used in the present invention.

FIG. 33 illustrates one embodiment of a graphical user interface.

FIG. 34 illustrates another embodiment of a graphical user interface.

FIG. 35 illustrates another embodiment of a sensor system for detecting pets.

FIG. 36 illustrates another embodiment of a sensor system of the control and drive module.

Figure 37 shows one embodiment of a sensor mark on a fecal pad.

Fig. 38 illustrates one embodiment of a pet waste machine system.

FIG. 39 illustrates another embodiment of a graphical user interface.

FIG. 40 illustrates another embodiment of a graphical user interface.

FIG. 41 illustrates another embodiment of a graphical user interface.

Detailed Description

As shown in fig. 1, one embodiment of the present invention is directed to a pet waste machine 10, alternatively referred to herein as a pet waste station 10, having a waste collection medium 12, alternatively referred to herein as a pad stock 12. The waste collection medium 12 may include various forms such as, but not limited to, a roll of liner, a pleated liner, an accordion sheet, a cut sheet, or an absorbent particulate material. The pet waste machine 10 includes a planar surface 16 configured to receive pet waste 24, with a roll of liner 26 disposed on the planar surface 16. It should be understood that the planar surface 16 is a generally planar surface and may be non-planar, such as curved at various locations. A reserve housing 18 for containing a clean reserve of a roll of liner 26 is connected to the waste station 14. A take-up assembly 20 attached to one end of the pet waste machine 14 is configured to dispose of the soiled liner by rolling and sealing the soiled portion of the liner. The pet waste machine 14 detects pet waste 24 after the pet 22 enters and exits the pet waste machine 14. After the pet 22 exits the pet waste machine 14, the roll of liner 26 may be advanced by removing and sealing a portion of the liner 12 into the take-up assembly 20, and feeding a clean portion of the roll of liner 26 from the stock assembly 18 to the flat surface 16.

In another embodiment of the invention, the pet waste machine is configured with a carrier zone, as shown in fig. 1, where a pet 22 drains waste 24 on the exposed portion of the liner 12. The carrier zone is followed by a storage zone, as shown in fig. 2, where the pet waste machine 14 advances the liner 12 containing the waste 24 into a take-up assembly 28. As shown in FIG. 8, the take-up assembly 28 includes a take-up rod or core 28 and an end cap 42 attached to the end of the core 28. The core 28 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction which winds the liner 12 around the core 28 and seals it within the take-up assembly 20 for disposal.

In one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in fig. 4 and 5, the structure of the take-up assembly 20 and the reserve housing 18 includes lower

cylindrical portions

30 and 29, respectively, that are hingedly connected to rotatable covers 34 and 32, respectively. Similarly, the outer structure of reserve assembly 18 includes a lower cylindrical portion 29 connected to a rotatable cap 32 by a hinge.

With regard to the roll of liner 26, when contained within the storage assembly 18, its axis is located below the planar surface 16, and the fecal liner portion 12 stretches across the base 16 to a core 28 also located below the planar surface 16. As shown in fig. 1, 2, 3 and 26, this configuration creates sufficient friction and tension across the extended fecal pad 12 and avoids catching or interfering with the rolling of the soiled portion of the pad roll 26 within the rolling assembly 20. In addition, this configuration enables the soiled pad 12 to be wrapped into the roll-up assembly 20 without contacting other parts of the pet waste machine 10, thereby ensuring a sanitary environment. In addition, by closing the

covers

32 and 34 on the store and take-up assembly, the tension and friction across the stretch liner 12 can be further increased.

In one embodiment of the invention, the roll of liner 26 is used to absorb pet waste, as shown in fig. 27. In one embodiment, the roll of liner includes an absorbent facing material on a roll of liner and a non-absorbent backing material on the roll of liner. In another embodiment, as shown in figure 31, the fecal liner includes a nonwoven spunbond fabric 270 on a top layer 272 for tear resistance, an absorbent middle layer 274, a bottom layer 276, and a plastic non-absorbent bottom layer 278 for preventing leakage of liquid and solid fecal material. In addition, the absorbent middle layer 274 can include superabsorbent polymers attached between the top layer 272 and the bottom layer 276, respectively. The pet liner 12 may also include a top layer of non-dusting paper that allows for the removal of other layers.

The pet liner 12 may be configured to include a two, three, four, or five layer structure in which an absorbent layer and a non-absorbent or non-permeable layer are intermixed. The pet liner 12 may also be configured to have a single layer with absorbent and non-absorbent properties on opposite sides of the single layer.

Fig. 8-9 illustrate an embodiment of the waste cartridge 44. In one aspect, the waste cartridge 44 includes the liner 26 rolled around the core 28, with the core 28 secured by end caps 42 attached to the ends of the core 28. The end cap 42 generally includes a gear 38 to mesh with teeth on a corresponding gear 38 connected to the removable control and drive module 36 (or referred to herein as the control module 36). The control and drive module 36 is keyed to one side of the take-up assembly 20 with a pair of guide pins 40, with the gear 38 extending through one side of the take-up assembly to engage the same meshing teeth on the gear 38 on the end cap 42, allowing the core 28 to rotate in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 2.

As shown in fig. 19, the roll of liner 26 is connected to the core 28 by a pin 54 on the core 28, the pin 54 being press fit through a hole in the liner 26. Alternatively, the roll of liner 26 may be configured to be attached to the core 28 by an adhesive material or device, such as, but not limited to, tape, hook and loop fasteners, or snaps. Fig. 9 and 24 show that one end of a roll of liner 26 can be fed through a slot in a core 28, with the liner 26 mounted in the lower cylindrical portion of a reserve housing 29. As shown in fig. 1, 2, 3, 24, 25 and 26, the other end of the liner 26 is inserted through a slot in the core 28 and into the lower cylindrical portion 30 of the take-up assembly 30 with the lower cylindrical covers 32 and 34 of the reserve housing 18 and the take-up assembly 20 closed and a portion of the liner 12 stretched across the base.

Fig. 9, 10 and 30 show indicia 46, the indicia 46 being positionable on the edge of the liner 12 to enable the pet waste machine 14 to read and provide information regarding the orientation of the indicia 46. For example, the markings 46 on the liner 12 enable the machine to determine and report the amount of clean liner remaining on the roll. Alternatively, the markings 46 on the liner 12 may enable the user interface to advance the liner 12a distance.

Fig. 11-18 depict an embodiment in which the pet owner 48 mounts the liner 12 on the core 28. Installation may be accomplished by stretching the liner 12 from the roll of liner 26 across the flat surface 16 to the core 28, with the clip 52 and tip 50 at one end of the core 28 providing a frictional force against the liner 26. The tip 50 provides friction on the pad 12 to ensure that the pad 12 does not slip off the clip 52 during counterclockwise rotation of the rod within the housing of the take-up assembly 20.

Fig. 20-22 illustrate an embodiment of how a pad may be manually advanced across the planar surface 16. In one embodiment, a crank handle 56 is mechanically connected to the core 28 to propel the soiled pad 12. In another embodiment, the soiled pad 12 may be propelled by the user 48 stepping on the pedal 58. As shown in fig. 22, the foot rollers 60 are mechanically connected to the core 28 to propel the liner after the pet 22 has discharged excreta on the liner 12.

In one embodiment, the control and drive module 36 is connected to the pet waste machine 10 and is configured to detect animal activity. Fig. 18 shows the engagement of the same gears on the end cap 38 and on the gear drive 39 on the removable control and drive module 36 during installation of the take-up rod 28 in the take-up assembly 20. Fig. 6 and 7 illustrate a removable control and drive module 36 for controlling movement of the mat 12 across the planar surface 16 of the machine 14.

The control module 36 may include a sensor system. In some embodiments, as shown in fig. 38, the sensor system 3810 may include at least one activity sensor 3812, a camera 3814, or a weight sensing device 3818. The activity sensor 3812 may include any power transfer sensor known in the art, such as a motion sensor or a proximity sensor. In addition, the sensor system 3810 may be configured to include different types of activity sensors 3812, such as infrared sensors and magnetic sensors. Fig. 27-30 illustrate a sensor system 261 that captures information on the pet waste machine 10. In one embodiment, the activity sensor 260 in the sensor system 261 may be configured to capture the presence of the pet 22 through motion detection 262. The motion detection may be achieved by infrared detection or optical detection. The cameras 3814 included in the sensor system 3810 may be capable of capturing photographs and video. Further, when the sensor system 3810 is in the dark, the camera 3814 may be configured to operate in a nighttime infrared mode to capture images or video. Additionally, the weight sensing device 3818 may be configured to capture the mass of an object present on the flat surface 3804. Sensor system 3810 may also be configured to alert the machine of an error notification if an object is detected for a long period of time ("continuous detection"). Time intervals for continuous detection may include, but are not limited to, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, and 15 minutes. For example, an animal staying on a flat surface for a long time would be considered an anomaly, which would inform a prompt to a user interface to investigate the flat surface by viewing an image or physically examining the flat surface. Alternatively, placing the pet waste machine close to an object may cause the sensor to detect the object and prompt for an error notification. In another embodiment, the pet system 3800 may be configured wherein the control module 3808 is not coupled to the pet waste machine 3802. Accordingly, the control module 3808 operates remotely from the pet waste machine 3802 and communicates directly or wirelessly with the pet waste machine 3802 and the server 3822. In the remote embodiment, the control module 3808 retains the same functionality, except that the drive mechanism is retained in the pet waste machine 3802. For example, in one embodiment, the control module 3808 is a stand-alone device having a camera 3814 and a sensor 3812 that is independent of the pet waste machine 3802. In a further embodiment, pet system 3800 may include pad 3806, control module 3808, server 3822, and user interface 3820. This embodiment allows the user greater portability since the pet waste machine 3802 is no longer required.

The weight sensing 3818 device may be attached at the bottom of the planar surface, embedded in the planar surface, or connected in other ways known in the art. It will be appreciated that any suitable weighing scale may be used, for example a mechanical scale or a digital scale. The weight sensing device 3818 may be configured to record the weight of the pet and record each weighing on the server 3822. Pet waste machine 3802 may also be configured to notify user interface 3820 when pet weight fluctuations exceed a predetermined value.

In another embodiment, as shown in fig. 36, the sensor system 3600 may include an activity sensor 3602, the activity sensor 3602 angled 3608 from about 45 below the horizontal line 3604 to about 45 above the horizontal line 3604, preferably between 5 and 15 above the horizontal line 3604. The positive angle 3606 of the sensor avoids false positive detections due to reflections from flat surfaces and objects around flat surfaces. Alternatively, the activity sensor and camera may be placed at a higher position than the activity sensor placement shown in fig. 35. The elevated height enables the sensor to avoid false positive detections due to reflections from flat surfaces.

The sensor system may also include a lower sensor 3610. In one embodiment, the lower sensor is a motion sensor, which may be an infrared sensor or an optical sensor. Further illustrated in fig. 35 is an embodiment 3500 in which activity sensor 3504 is located above the level of pad 3508. Also shown are a reserve housing 3510 and a take-up assembly 3502. The sensor 3504 transmits, for example, infrared transmissions 3506 across the pad 3508 to detect pets on the pad 3506.

As shown in FIG. 34, graphical user interface 3400 has embedded software that enables the user interface to manage the operation of machine 14. In one embodiment, graphical user interface 3400 displays notifications 3402 and

action icons

3404, 3406, 3408, 3410, 3412, 3414, 3416, and 3418. In one embodiment, the user interface determines the length of the pad being advanced (partial, half, or full) based on the markings on the pad. For example, the entire sheet on the pad may contain 5 indicia; thus, the user interface may select a push of 0-5 markers in the application, which pushes the pad accordingly. Further, the user interface may program a timer in the server or machine to advance the liner.

In another embodiment, the server may be configured to detect errors in the operation of the pet machine and notify the user interface. For example, when the server detects that the pad supply in the pet waste machine is empty, the server may send an error notification to the user interface that the pad supply is empty. In another example, the server may be further configured to send an error notification to the user interface when a motor problem is detected. For example, the motor may be specified to operate within a predetermined current range. If the current supplied to the motor is outside the current range, an error notification associated with a motor problem may be triggered. In some embodiments, the server may be configured to stop operation of the pet waste machine upon detection of an error in the machine. Further, the user interface may be configured to clear the error after viewing the notification, which allows the pet waste machine to resume operation.

The user also has the ability to select the machine size, liner size, and roll length. In some embodiments, the pet waste machine may be configured to expand by disengaging the extendable portions of the pet waste machine and pulling them out. Thus, the size of the pad increases with the expansion of the pet waste machine. In one embodiment, the pet waste machine may be expandable or collapsible, providing the machine with three possible sizes: small, regular or large. The size of the entire sheet of the pad stock corresponding to the size of these pet waste machines may be 3 marks, 5 marks, or 7 marks, respectively. It should be understood that the machine may be further expanded or contracted in size. It will also be appreciated that the size of the pad stock may vary and therefore the threshold value of the marking may also vary.

In another embodiment, as shown in fig. 28 and 29, the control and drive module 36 includes a lower sensor 264 that may be configured to detect the indicia 268 via IR, UV or other detection 266 as the liner 12 is advanced from the reserve housing 18 across the planar surface 16 to the take-up assembly 20. In another embodiment 3700, as shown in fig. 37, the markings on the pad 3702 may be made up of a solid line 3704, a dashed line 3706, a single solid shape 3708, or shading 3710 on the pad 3702. In addition, the indicia on the pad may be designed to be imperceptible to the human eye.

As mentioned above, there are several methods of operating pet waste machines and monitoring pet health. In one embodiment 3200, as shown in fig. 32, machine 3220 captures pet information 3202 through a sensor system and records 3202A pet information 3202 on server 3240. Server 3240 analyzes pet information 3202 and generates user data, which may include images, videos, analytics, notifications, and commands. In one embodiment, the user data may include: animal detection, animal identification, and health issues or attributes. It should be understood that the user data may originate from sources other than servers, such as users. Thereafter, the server transmits 3206 the user data to the user interface 3230. Upon receiving the transmission 3208, the user interface may issue a command 3212 to the machine 3220. When the machine receives the command 3216, the server 3240 logs the command 3212A. The method may be performed by a pet waste machine system 3800 (as shown in fig. 38 or any other variation disclosed herein).

In another embodiment, server 3240 looks at user data and formulates commands to a pet waste machine. Examples of commands may be, but are not limited to, advancing an entire sheet of the pad, partial sheets of the pad, waiting for another cycle to advance the pad, or capturing additional images of the flat surface. In some embodiments, the server 3240 may be configured to delay advancing the liner for a period of time ("exit delay"). In one embodiment, the server may implement exit delays to account for the animal returning to the machine quickly after exiting, which would count the subsequent return as one visit rather than two separate visits. Examples of time intervals for exit delay may include, but are not limited to, 10 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute, 3 minutes, 5 minutes, and 10 minutes. It should be understood that the user may set or alter the exit delay period.

In another embodiment, the pet information captured by the sensor system may be pet actions. Alternatively, the pet information may be an image 3204 of a flat surface captured by a camera in the sensor system. Further, the server may be configured to analyze the image and generate user data based on the image characteristics. The image characteristics may be based on the type of waste, the consistency of the waste, the color of the waste, or the presence of blood in the waste. After the server 3240 analyzes the image and generates user data, the server may transmit the user data to a user interface 3230 for the user to view the results 3210. Alternatively, the server 3240 may be configured to transmit the image to the user interface 3230 for analysis of the image 3214 by the user, where the user interface 3230 may be used to mark the image features 3214 or edit notes, which are recorded at the server 3214A. In one embodiment, as shown in fig. 40, the user interface 4000 provides a tab 4004 to characterize the captured image 4002 and options to further describe the image in a memo box 4006. The label 4004 can be used to determine the presence of a pet, an insult characteristic (e.g., an insult type, a health issue or attribute), or an error in an image. In addition, the present embodiment may also allow a user to confirm analysis of content in an image provided by the server 3240 via the user interface 3230.

The server 3240 may also be configured to analyze images of the pet liner to determine the presence of feces. In one aspect, if server 3240 detects solid waste in the image, server 3240 may be configured to issue a command to pet machine 3220. Example commands may be to indicate full sheet advance, partial sheet advance, no sheet advance, or a notification user interface. In another embodiment, server 3240 may be configured to detect liquid excreta in an image, and upon detection issue a command to pet machine 3220. In some embodiments, the pad store may be configured to include an additive that reacts with the liquid waste to produce a high contrast color, which facilitates detection of the liquid waste. Examples of commands may be, but are not limited to, wait: if a large amount of liquid waste is detected, an additional test is performed before propulsion, if a normal amount of liquid waste is detected, two additional tests are performed, or if a minimum amount of waste is detected, three additional tests are performed. A substantial amount of waste may be defined as at least 30% of the pet liner; a normal amount of pet litter may be defined as 10% to 30% of the pet mat; the minimum amount of pet waste may be defined as less than 10% of the pet liner. It should be understood that the threshold amount of waste may vary and that the user may vary the threshold amount according to their preferences.

The pet information captured by pet machine 3220 may also include the frequency with which the pet visits the waste machine within a given time frame. For example, the server 3240 may be programmed with a threshold number of visits the pet should make to the pet waste machine in a given time. When the number of visits within a given time period exceeds a threshold, the server notifies the user interface 3230. It should be understood that the user may set the threshold of access and the length of the time period. If the number of visits exceeds a threshold number of visits to the pet waste machine, this may be a signal to the user that the pet may have a health problem. In addition to detecting possible health issues, the server 3240 may be configured to automatically propel the liner after a predetermined number of pet visits. For example, the server 3240 may be programmed to automatically advance the pad after detecting 1 to 5 visits. It should be understood that the range of the predetermined number of accesses may be varied by the user.

The server 3240 may also be configured to analyze the images and determine a cleanliness level of the pad. The liner cleanliness may be related to the type of waste on the pet liner and the amount of waste on the pet liner. In one embodiment, the server 3240 may be programmed to classify the amount of waste present in the image as large, normal, or minimal. A substantial amount of waste may be defined as at least 30% of the pet liner; a normal amount of pet litter may be defined as 10% to 30% of the pet liner; the minimum amount of pet waste may be defined as less than 10% of the pet liner. It should be understood that the threshold amount of waste may vary and that the user may vary the threshold amount according to their preferences. Alternatively, the server 3240 may transmit an image to the user interface 3220 to determine the cleanliness of the pad. As mentioned in the previously described embodiments, user data relating to pad cleanliness may be used to determine pad advancement. In another embodiment, the server 3240 can be programmed to classify waste as liquid or solid.

As mentioned above, systems for monitoring and removing pet waste may have several configurations. As shown in fig. 38, a system 3800 for monitoring pet activity and removing waste may be configured to include a pet waste machine 3802, a user interface 3820, and a server 3822, wherein these elements communicate 3801 wirelessly or directly. Direct communication may include mounting the components on a circuit board assembly of another component, hard wiring the components together, or tying the components together via a data cable. It should be understood that the data cable includes any known cable for transmitting data, such as USB and ethernet cables. The wireless communication between the elements includes any known method of wirelessly transmitting data, such as WiFi, bluetooth, cellular communication, or radio communication.

Pet waste machine 3802 may include a flat surface 3804, a liner roll 3806, a control and drive module 3808, and a weight sensing device 3818. The control and driver module 3808 may include a network connection 3816 and a sensor system 3810, which sensor system 3810 may further include an activity sensor 3812 and a camera 3814.

In one embodiment, server 3822 may be in wireless communication with both pet waste machine 3802 and user interface 3820. In another embodiment, the server 3822 may be in direct communication with the pet waste machine 3802 and in wireless communication with the user interface 3820. For example, in one embodiment, the server 3822 is a processing unit installed in the circuitry of the pet waste machine 3802, wherein the pet waste machine 3802 performs the functions of the server 3822 in the previous embodiments. In another embodiment, server 3822 may be in direct communication with user interface 3820 and in wireless communication with pet waste machine 3802. Alternatively, server 3822, pet waste machine 3802, and user interface 3820 may all be in direct communication with one another. In an alternative embodiment, pet waste machine 3802 may be configured to communicate directly with user interface 3820, while server 3822 communicates wirelessly with pet waste machine 3802 and user interface 3820.

Additionally, other embodiments of the system may include a weight sensing device 3818 coupled to the planar surface 3804. The weight sensing device 3818 may be configured to record the weight of the pet and record each weighing on the server. Subsequently, the pet waste machine 3802 may be configured to notify the user interface 3820 when the pet weight fluctuates beyond a predetermined value. Additionally, the weight sensing device 3818 may be configured to capture the weight of excrement left after an visit, which may be used to monitor the health of the pet, manage the advancement of the pad stock, or manage the inventory of the pad stock.

The user interface 3820 may be configured to control pad advancement based on the image of the flat surface 3804 after the pet exits the pet waste machine 3802. In one embodiment, pet waste machine 3802 may be configured to notify user interface 3820 of pet activity, where the notification enables a user to remotely capture an image of the liner, enabling the user to advance the liner based on the image. In another embodiment, the sensor system 3808 captures an image of the flat surface 3804 and transmits a notification along with the picture to the user interface 3820 that enables the user to decide whether to advance the pad. Alternatively, the user may advance the pad without viewing an image of the flat surface 3804.

In another embodiment, the server 3822 is configured to determine an inventory level of rolls of padding in the pet waste machine. Referring to fig. 37, the server may be configured to associate the number of markings or indications passed by the sensor with the remaining reserve in the pad. For example, the pads may be marked with identifying marks at intervals, which may be related to the amount of pad consumed, such as: 1/4 for consumed pads, 1/2 for consumed pads, 3/4 for consumed pads, and all pads consumed. Examples of such markings or indications include, but are not limited to, shading 3710 on the cushion, solid markings 3708, perforations or dashed lines 3706, or solid lines 3704. Further, the pads may be marked with a distinctive color at specific intervals detected by the sensor system. In addition, the indicia on the pad may be designed to be imperceptible to the human eye. In another embodiment, the server may be configured to notify the user interface when the pad reserve is below a predetermined level (e.g., pad remaining 1/2 or less).

Portions of the liner may also be advanced with regularly spaced markings. For example, the entire sheet on the pad may contain 5 indicia; thus, the user interface may select a push of 0-5 markers in the application, which pushes the pad accordingly. It should be understood that the number of marks in the entire sheet may vary depending on the size of the machine and the size of the pad stock. The pet waste machine may also be configured to expand or contract to additional sizes based on user preferences, which may change the size of the pad stock and the number of indicia in the entire sheet. In one embodiment, the pet waste machine may be extended or retracted in two sizes, providing three sizes: small, regular or large. The size of the entire sheet of the pad stock corresponding to the size of these pet waste machines may be 3 marks, 5 marks or 7 marks, respectively. It will be appreciated that the size of the machine may be further expanded. It will be appreciated that the size of the pad stock may vary and therefore the threshold value of the marking may also vary.

In another embodiment, server 3822 may be configured to automatically rearrange pads when the reserve level is below a predetermined level and rearrange pad reserves based on a user's desired inventory level and arrangement history. As shown in fig. 41, in addition to an image 4102 of a flat surface, the user interface 4100 may be configured to show a padding stock 4104 remaining in the pet waste machine. Recommendations for rearranging the pad reserve may also be transmitted to the user. In one aspect of the invention, the server or commands from the user interface manage pad usage. For example, when a predetermined portion of the liner has been used, paper usage may be slowed to save liner stock.

The servers 3822 may also be configured to take into account the number of clean pad reserve rolls in addition to the rolls in use. Accordingly, server 3822 may be configured to rearrange more pad reserves when the remaining amount of clean pad reserve falls below a predetermined value. Alternatively, server 3822 may be configured to transmit user data to user interface 3820 informing the user that the pad stock level is low, wherein the user may rearrange additional pad stock through user interface 3820.

In one embodiment, the weight sensing device 3818 captures the weight of the pet during each visit to the pet waste machine 3802. In one aspect, the server 3822 sets a threshold weight for the pet and notifies the user interface 3820 when the measured weight exceeds the threshold. In another aspect, the server 3822 notifies the user interface 3820 of the unappealing weight trend. For example, the weight trend is to increase or decrease the weight over a period of time. The time period may be one week, one month, or one year.

Fig. 33 and 34 depict

graphical user interfaces

3300, 3400 displayed on one embodiment of the user interface of the present invention. The graphical user interface 3300 of fig. 33 shows example command options or features 3302, 3304, 3306 accessed by a user selecting a

feature

3308, 3310. The graphical user interface 3400 of fig. 34 shows a user notification 3402 along with

various command options

3404, 3406, 3408, 3410, 3412, 3416, 3418 that may be selected by the user. Fig. 39 depicts a main user interface 3900. The "view" icon 3902 enables a user to view the area inside and around the flat surface of the 3908 pet waste machine. An "advance sheet" icon 3904 enables a user to advance a sheet. The "advance sheet" 3904 command can be done after viewing the waste image of the flat surface or without viewing the waste image. The machine selection icon 3906 enables a user to select different pet waste machines in a given system.

By combining a control and driver module 3808 coupled with the pet waste station 3802, a server 3822 in communication (wireless or direct) with the control and driver module 3808, and a user interface 3820 in communication (wireless or direct) with the server 3822, the present invention provides valuable information to the user as well as the ability to remotely manage the pet waste station 3802. For example, the user may be informed of pet activity, such as the number and type of visits to the pet waste station per day. This activity may be due to health issues if it is different from the pet's historical activity. In one embodiment, the server 3822 may alert the user via the user interface 3820 with a health notice or data when such an abnormal deviation occurs. Similarly, if the number of accesses exceeds a threshold (e.g., a threshold set by a user), server 3822 may issue a notification of such an event. In another embodiment, the server 3822 may propel the pad 3806 after the sensor system 3810 detects the fecal matter. The server 3822 may advance the pads 3806 at different intervals depending on the type of waste detected by the sensor system 3810. For example, as shown in fig. 41. The server may be configured to advance the pad after a single solid waste detection 4104, and may also be configured to advance the pad after multiple liquid waste detections 4106. In one embodiment, weight sensors 3818 are added under the liner for monitoring the weight of the pet over time. Again, if server 3822 determines an abnormal trend, a health notification is issued to the user via user interface 3820. In another embodiment, the weight sensor 3818 provides information about stool weight to the server 3822.

The embodiment of the present invention using the camera 3814 to capture an image of the excreta adds another significant feature to the present invention. For example, the fecal images on the pad 3806 are used to generate health notifications or data to the user and to manage the use of the pad. The images are transmitted to a server 3822, which may communicate such images to the user interface 3820 and/or analyze health attributes of the images or issues associated with the images, as well as generate health notifications or health data to the user interface 3820. For example, server 3822 may detect blood in stool while analyzing the image. Such detection prompts the user interface 3820 to send a health notification. This image is accessed by the user at the user interface 3820 and may be tagged and stored by the user, thus making it available for later analysis by the pet health professional. The stored images are also tagged with a date to provide information on when the event occurred. A similar sequence is followed for exceptionally damp or mucous stools, stools exhibiting an unusual color, or stools containing foreign matter. The images and health notifications provide the user with an early and real-time indication of health issues, and store such data to help determine health trends. In terms of pad management, in one embodiment, images from the camera 3818 are used to determine the amount and type of waste on the pad 3806 and pad cleanliness. For example, if the user prefers to save liner paper, the advance of the paper may need to be abandoned until sufficient urine has accumulated to justify such an advance. The server 3822 may also prompt the user to rearrange more pad stock when a predetermined amount of paper has been used. Alternatively, the user may indicate via the user interface 3820 a decrease in pad speed or advance interval to save paper until the reserve can be replenished.

These and other aspects of the present invention facilitate providing a user with information regarding the use of a pet waste station, health information regarding a pet using the station, and a goal for control of the operation of the station even if the user is remote from the pet waste station.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the subjoined claims.

Claims

1. A pet waste station comprising:

a planar surface configured to receive pet waste on a portion of a pad reserve disposed on the planar surface;

a supply housing for receiving a clean portion of the pad supply therein, connected to a first end of the pet waste station;

a take-up assembly comprising a take-up housing coupled to a second end of the pet waste station, the take-up housing configured to roll up and seal a soiled portion of the pad store for disposal, wherein the soiled portion of the pad store is capable of containing pet waste; and

a control and drive module coupled to the pet waste station, wherein the control and drive module includes a sensor system in communication with a server, wherein the server generates user data from pet information provided to the server by the sensor system.

2. The pet waste station of claim 1, wherein the server is in direct communication with the pet waste station.

3. The pet waste station of claim 1, wherein the server is in wireless communication with the pet waste station.

4. The pet waste station of claim 1, wherein the user data is transmitted from the server to a user interface.

5. The pet waste station of claim 1, wherein the sensor system includes at least one sensor, wherein the sensor is positioned above the level of the flat surface.

6. The pet waste station of claim 5, wherein the sensor is angled between-45 ° below the horizontal plane and 45 ° above the horizontal plane.

7. The pet waste station of claim 5 wherein the sensor is angled between 5 ° and 15 ° above the horizontal.

8. The pet waste station of claim 1, including at least one camera capable of capturing images of the planar surface.

9. The pet waste station of claim 1, further comprising a weight sensing device disposed below the planar surface and in communication with the control and drive module.

10. A method of operating a pet waste machine, wherein the pet waste machine comprises a planar surface and a control module, wherein the control module comprises a sensor system and a network connection, wherein the method comprises the steps of:

(a) capturing pet information at the planar surface of the pet waste machine using a sensing system;

(b) sending the pet information to a server using the network connection;

(c) analyzing the pet information to generate user data; and

(d) transmitting the user data to a user interface.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the pet information of step (a) includes pet athletic data.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein in step (a), the pet information comprises capturing an image of the flat surface using a camera in the sensor system.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein in step (c), the server reviews the user data and formulates commands to the pet waste machine.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein in step (c), the server analyzes the image and generates user data based on image characteristics.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein after step (d), the image is provided to a user interface.

16. The method of claim 10, wherein in step (c), the user data further comprises a number of visits by the pet to the pet waste machine, and after step (d), the user interface is notified when a threshold number of visits is exceeded.

17. The method of claim 12, wherein in step (c), the server analyzes the image of the excrement.

18. The method of claim 10, wherein in step (c), the server detects solid waste on a pad and, after step (d), instructs the control module to advance the pad.

19. The method of claim 10, wherein in step (c), the server detects liquid waste on a pad and, after step (d), waits for at least a second detection of liquid waste on the pad before instructing the control module to advance the pad.

20. The method of claim 12, wherein after step (d), presenting user data to a user interface, the user data further comprising an image of pet waste.

21. The method of claim 12, wherein in step (c), the server analyzes the image and detects a health attribute associated with the waste.

22. The method of claim 12, wherein in step (c), the server analyzes the image and determines pad cleanliness.

23. A system for monitoring and removing pet waste, comprising:

a pet waste machine comprising a planar surface, wherein the planar surface is configured to receive pet waste on a portion of a waste collection medium disposed on the planar surface;

a control module comprising a sensor system and a network connection, wherein the control module is in communication with the pet waste machine;

a server for sending or receiving information, wherein the server is in communication with the control module; and

a user interface in wireless communication with the server, wherein the user interface displays user data.

24. The system of claim 23, wherein the server is in direct communication with the control module.

25. The system of claim 23, wherein the server is in wireless communication with the control module.

26. The system of claim 23, wherein the server is configured to analyze activity on the flat surface for health issues.

27. The system of claim 23, wherein the waste collection medium is a pad supply.

28. The system of claim 27, wherein the server is configured to determine an inventory level of a pad reserve in the pet waste machine.

29. The system of claim 27, wherein the server is configured to rearrange pad reserves when inventory falls below a predetermined level.

30. The system of claim 23, wherein the sensor system further comprises a camera, wherein the camera captures an image of the pet waste on the planar surface.

31. The system of claim 30, wherein the image is evaluated by the server to determine an excreta characteristic.

32. The system of claim 30, wherein the image is transmitted to the user interface, wherein the user interface provides a means for characterizing the pet waste.

33. The system of claim 23, wherein the sensor system further comprises a weight sensing device, wherein the weight sensing device captures the weight of the pet, wherein the weight of the pet is further communicated to the user interface.