JP2021505198A - Exercise-powered pet tracker system and method - Google Patents

Abstract

A pet tracking device, system, and method is provided that uses a dynamic kinetic energy generator to generate electrical energy that is used to power the pet tracking device. The pet tracking device may include a housing on a wearable item such as a collar attached to the pet, or may be inserted under the pet's skin. [Selection diagram] Fig. 1

Description

Cross Reference This application claims the interests of US Patent Application No. 15 / 833,708 filed December 6, 2017, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

A very common problem for pet owners is the whereabouts or theft of pets. For example, the American Humane Society estimates that more than 10 million dogs and cats are missing or stolen each year in the United States. That is, one in three pets will be missing at some point during their lifetime.

Pet and animal movement tracking devices are known. These known pet and animal movement tracking devices have various performance issues that limit the effectiveness of these devices. These performance issues include battery life, waterproofness, durability, weight, size, failure to update personal and pet details, lost tags and collars, lack of GPS, and / or the need for embedding. I came. For more information on these known pet tracking devices, see https://topdogtips. com / best-dog-gps-collar / and public. homegain. com / pdf / microchipping-whitepaper. It can be found in pdf and these are incorporated herein by reference. One type of known pet tracking mechanism is microchipping, in which a microchip is inserted under the pet's skin. However, only 58% of microchips of microchipped animals have their contact information registered in the database so that they can be contacted. While microchips embedded in pets can only identify a pet that is missing when scanned, in reality this is not the case, and many pet owners also use microchips. I mistakenly believe that the chip is a tracking system that locates pets that are missing. However, all incoming pets may not be scanned for chips at the veterinary hospital, or another person may find and protect the pet, making the microchip completely useless. The microchip is a passive and reactive process: 1) a pet is found and taken to a shelter, 2) the shelter scans the microchip and is trained by employees to scan the microchip. 3) Different microchips use different frequencies so the shelter can read the signal frequency used by the microchip 4) the chip has not failed or migrated so that it cannot be scanned 5) pets The owner of the pet pays to register the chip and it changes over the years, so if you pay every time to update the information, the pet owner may return the pet.

Another known pet tracking device is a pet collar with a Global Positioning System (GPS) system receiver embedded in the collar, which allows pet owners to actually track their movements. it can. The limitation of these known GPS pet tracker collars is that they consume a lot of energy and require frequent recharging of the GPS portion of the collar after extraction or frequent replacement of the battery even with a large, bulky battery. Is. This is annoying to the user and is often not done, but even with a full battery, the battery life is very short. As a result, if a pet wearing a known GPS pet tracker collar with a limited or depleted energy store is missing or stolen, these known GPS pet tracker collars can be of little use. There is sex. In addition, these known GPS pet tracker collars can fall out or come off the pet, making the collar useless for tracking the pet's position.

Therefore, it is desirable to provide an athletic pet tracker that overcomes the above limitations and technical problems with existing pet tracking devices, and this disclosure is directed to this object.

The present disclosure relates generally to the tracking of moving objects, especially to the animal care industry, in particular to systems and methods for tracking the movement of pets.

Methods for animal tracking are disclosed. This method uses a dynamic kinetic energy generator in an animal tracking device to generate electrical energy based on animal motion, store the generated electrical energy in an energy store, and the animal tracking device. Receiving a request to track an animal, receiving a position signal using a position tracking mechanism within an animal tracking device powered by a dynamic kinetic energy generator, and based on the position signal. It may include determining the position of the animal.

This method may include generating electrical energy to convert animal movements into electrical energy. This method may include activating an attention-generating mechanism to indicate that the animal is missing.

In some embodiments, the attention-generating mechanism is one of a light generator and a sound generator. Storing the generated electrical energy in an energy store can include storing the generated electrical energy in a rechargeable battery. Storing the generated electrical energy in an energy store can include storing the generated electrical energy in a capacitor.

The method may include attaching the animal tracking device to an animal or implanting the animal tracking device subcutaneously. The position of the animal can be repeatedly determined with the first frequency before receiving the request to track the animal, and after receiving the request to track the animal, the position of the animal is determined based on the position signal. Is done with a second frequency, the second frequency being higher than the first frequency. The first frequency may be less than 4 times per hour and the second frequency may exceed 4 times per hour or more than 10 times per hour.

A system for animal tracking is disclosed. The system can include an animal tracking device attached to the animal and a back-end system that communicates wirelessly with the animal tracking device, which is an animal tracking mechanism that tracks the current position of the animal. An animal tracking mechanism may include a dynamic kinetic energy generator electrically connected to the animal tracking mechanism, which is capable of generating electrical energy in response to the normal movement of the animal. Has an energy store that feeds the animal tracking mechanism, which is powered by the electrical energy generated by the dynamic kinetic energy generator.

The animal tracking device may include an animal tracking mechanism, a dynamic kinetic energy generator, and a housing that houses the energy store. The housing can be water resistant. Animal tracking mechanisms may include satellite-based global positioning systems.

The animal tracking device is attached to the animal harness or embedded under the animal's skin.

Animal tracking devices are disclosed. The animal tracking device may include an animal tracking mechanism that tracks the position of the animal and a dynamic kinetic energy generator that is electrically connected to the animal tracking mechanism, the dynamic kinetic energy generator being the normal of the animal. It may be possible to generate electrical energy in response to movement, and the animal tracking mechanism may have an energy store that powers the animal tracking mechanism. The energy store can be powered by the electrical energy generated by the dynamic kinetic energy generator.

The animal tracking device may include a housing that houses an animal tracking mechanism, a dynamic kinetic energy generator, and an energy store. The housing can be water resistant. Animal tracking mechanisms may further include satellite-based global positioning systems.

The tracking device is disclosed. The tracking device is a housing, an electronic tracking mechanism that is inside the housing and configured to determine the position of the device, an energy store that is inside the housing and electrically coupled to the electronic tracking mechanism, and an electron that is inside the housing. An energy generator electrically coupled to a tracking mechanism and an energy store, the energy generator configured to power the electronic tracking mechanism and the energy store, a communication module, a controller, and a communication module. Receiving a request to determine the location of the device via, instructing the electronic tracking mechanism to receive radiolocation data, determining the location of the device, and using the communication module of the device. It may include a controller, which is configured to transmit and to transmit position.

The controller may be configured to activate the electronic tracking mechanism from low power mode to high power mode when a request is received. The frequency of position determination and the frequency of device position transitions in high power mode includes the power generated by the electronic tracking mechanism and the power consumed by the communication module, controller, and electronic tracking mechanism. Provides that the net power consumption in minutes is less than 10% of the energy storage capacity.

The energy generator may be a dynamic kinetic energy generator electrically connected to an electron tracking mechanism. The dynamic kinetic energy generator can be configured to generate electrical energy in response to the normal movement of the device.

The controller may be configured to switch between high energy use mode and low energy use mode. The frequency and duration of operation of the communication device or location tracking mechanism can vary between high energy use modes and low energy use modes.

The frequency and duration of operation of the communication device or location tracking transceiver will vary based on sensor data. The sensor data may include one or more of energy generation levels, battery voltage levels, motion sensors, or may be based on position data or tracking data. The duration of operation of the communication device or location tracking transceiver can be lower in the low energy use mode than in the high energy use mode. The frequency of operation of the communication device or position tracking transceiver is lower in the low energy use mode than in the high energy use mode.

The housing can be attached to the object to track it.

The tracking system is disclosed. A tracking system is a back-end system and tracking device that is configured to receive a request to track an object and send the request wirelessly, the housing, and the location of the device within the housing. An electronic tracking mechanism configured to do so, an energy store in the housing that is electrically coupled to the electronic tracking mechanism, and an energy generation that is in the housing and electrically coupled to the electronic tracking mechanism and the energy store. An energy generator configured to power an electronic tracking mechanism and an energy store, a communication module, and a controller to determine the location of a device from a back-end system via a communication module. To receive the request, instruct the electronic tracking mechanism to receive wireless location data, determine the location of the device, and transmit the location of the device via the communication module. It may include a tracking device, including a controller, which is configured as such.

The back-end system causes the back-end system to receive a request to track the device from the user device, receive the determined position of the device from the tracking device, and send the determined position to the user device. And can be further configured to do. Tracking devices, back-end systems, and user devices may all be separated from each other.

The controller may be configured to activate the electronic tracking mechanism from low power mode to high power mode when a request is received, in high power mode depending on the frequency of position determination and the frequency of device position transitions. Includes power generated by the tracking mechanism and power consumed by the communication module, controller, and electronic tracking mechanism to track the location of the missing animal or object. Provides that net power usage is less than 10% of the energy storage capacity within 10 minutes. The energy generator can be a dynamic kinetic energy generator electrically connected to an electron tracking mechanism, the dynamic kinetic energy generator is configured to generate electrical energy in response to the normal movement of the device. ing.

The controller may be configured to switch between high energy use mode and low energy use mode. The frequency and duration of operation of the communication device or location tracking mechanism can vary between high energy use modes and low energy use modes. The frequency and duration of operation of the communication device or location tracking transceiver will vary based on sensor data. The sensor data may include one or more of energy generation levels, battery voltage levels, motion sensors, or may be based on position data or tracking data. The duration of operation of the location tracking transceiver of the communication device may be lower in the low energy use mode than in the high energy use mode. The frequency of operation of the communication device or position tracking transceiver may be lower in the low energy use mode than in the high energy use mode. The housing can be attached to the object to track it.

A method of tracking an object is disclosed. This method uses an energy generator inside the device to generate energy, stores the generated electrical energy in an energy store, and the tracking device receives a request to track the object. And can include receiving a position signal and determining the position of an object based on the position signal using a position tracking mechanism in a tracking device powered by an energy generator.

Generating electrical energy can include converting the movement of an object into electrical energy. This method may include activating an attention generation mechanism to indicate that the object is missing.

Storing the generated electrical energy in an energy store can include storing the generated electrical energy in a rechargeable battery. Storing the generated electrical energy in an energy store can include storing the generated electrical energy in a capacitor.

This method may include attaching a tracking device to an object.

The position of the animal can be repeatedly determined at the first frequency before receiving the request to track the object, and after receiving the request to track the animal, based on the position signal, from the first frequency. The position of the animal is determined with a high second frequency. The first frequency may be less than 4 times per hour and the second frequency may exceed 10 times per hour. The energy generator can be one or more of a dynamic kinetic energy generator, a photovoltaic generator, a thermoelectric generator, or a radio energy harvester. The energy generator can be an electromechanical, piezoelectric, or magnetically electrodynamic kinetic energy generator.

The tracking device is disclosed. The tracking device is a tracking mechanism configured to track the position of the object and a dynamic kinetic energy generator electrically connected to the tracking mechanism to generate electrical energy in response to the movement of the object. The electrical energy generated by the dynamic kinetic energy generator, which is electrically coupled to the dynamic kinetic energy generator configured in and the tracking mechanism and the dynamic kinetic energy generator configured to power the tracking mechanism. It may include an energy store that receives the energy store and a communication device that is configured to transmit the location of the object.

The controller is configured to switch between high energy use mode and low energy use mode. In low energy use mode, the frequency and / or duration of the communication device and / or position tracking mechanism is such that the net energy use of the tracking device is less than or equal to the energy generated by the dynamic motion generator over a period of time. It is further configured. In high energy use mode, the frequency and / or duration of communication devices and / or location tracking mechanisms is more frequent and / or longer duration of communication and / or location determination than in low energy use mode. Further configured to provide.

The frequency and / or duration of operation of the communication device and / or location tracking mechanism can vary between high energy use modes and low energy use modes. The frequency and / or duration of operation of the communication device and / or location tracking transceiver will vary based on sensor data. The sensor data may include one or more energy generation levels, the output signal of the dynamic kinetic energy generator, the battery voltage level, one or more of the motion sensors, or may be based on position data or tracking data.

The frequency and / or duration of the communication device and / or location tracking mechanism is further configured to increase and / or decrease the frequency and / or duration when some movement is detected. Motion can be detected based on the battery level and / or the output signal from the dynamic energy harvester and / or the position data from the position tracking mechanism.

The duration and / or frequency of operation of the communication device and / or position tracking transceiver can be lower in the low energy use mode than in the high energy use mode. The frequency and / or duration of operation of communication devices and / or location tracking transceivers can be lower in low energy use modes than in high energy use modes. The frequency and / or duration of operation of the communication device and / or position tracking mechanism is based on the output signal of the dynamic kinetic energy generator and / or the energy level in the energy generation and / or energy storage and / or the movement of the tracking mechanism. And / or other sensor data and / or may be set based on the signal received by the device.

The frequency and / or duration of the communication device and / or location tracking mechanism is further configured to increase and / or decrease the frequency and / or duration when some movement is detected, and the movement is at the battery level. And / or the output signal from the dynamic energy harvester and / or the position data from the position tracking mechanism.

The frequency and / or duration of the communication device and / or location tracking mechanism may be further configured to increase and / or decrease as the signal is received by the tracking device.

The method, system, or device may include a controller that is configured to switch between high energy use mode and low energy use mode. In low energy use mode, the frequency and / or duration of the communication device and / or position tracking mechanism is such that the net energy use of the tracking device is less than or equal to the energy generated by the dynamic motion generator over a period of time. It can be further configured. In high energy use mode, the frequency and / or duration of the communication device and / or location tracking mechanism is more frequent and / or longer duration of communication and / or location determination than in low energy use mode. Further configured to provide.

The method, system, or device may vary between high energy use mode and low energy use mode and may include the frequency and / or duration of operation of the communication device and / or position tracking mechanism. The frequency and / or duration of operation of the communication device and / or location tracking transceiver can vary based on sensor data. The sensor data may include one or more of the energy generation level, the output signal of the dynamic kinetic energy generator, the battery voltage level, the motion sensor, or may be based on position data or tracking data. The frequency and / or duration of the communication device and / or location tracking mechanism is further configured to increase and / or decrease the frequency and / or duration when some movement is detected. Motion may be detected based on the battery level and / or the output signal from the dynamic energy harvester and / or the position data from the position tracking mechanism.

The method, system, or device may include a lower duration and / or frequency of operation of the communication device and / or position tracking transceiver in the low energy use mode than in the high energy use mode. Communication devices and / or location tracking transceivers may operate less frequently in low energy use modes than in high energy use modes. The frequency and / or duration of operation of the communication device and / or position tracking mechanism is based on the output signal of the dynamic kinetic energy generator and / or the energy level in the energy generation and / or energy storage and / or the movement of the tracking mechanism. And / or other sensor data, and / or may be set based on the signal received by the device. The frequency and / or duration of the communication device and / or location tracking mechanism may be further configured to increase and / or decrease the frequency and / or duration when some movement is detected, and the movement is battery. Judgment is based on level changes and / or output signals from the dynamic energy harvester and / or position data from the position tracking mechanism. The frequency and / or duration of the communication device and / or location tracking mechanism is further configured to increase and / or decrease as the signal is received by the tracking device.

An animal with a motor tracking device. The system diagram of the motion tracking device of FIG. 1 is shown. The details of the motor tracking device of FIG. 1 are shown. The motor tracking device of FIG. 1 in a housing is shown. The energy profile of the tracking device, including the motor tracking device of FIG. 1, is shown. A tracking system using a motion tracking device is shown. A method for determining the position and movement of an animal is shown. Demonstrates how to generate energy for a motor tracking device.

This disclosure is particularly applicable to tracking devices, systems, and methods constructed as described below, and this disclosure is described in this context. However, the devices, systems, and methods have greater utility, such as motor animal tracking devices, systems, and methods that are constructed in other ways and use other mechanisms within the scope of the present disclosure. Is understood. Motor tracking devices can be used to track moving objects such as vehicles and animals, especially land mammals such as humans, dogs and cats.

FIG. 1 depicts an animal 10 with a motor tracking device 14. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the motor tracking device 14 may be attached to or integrated with something that can be worn near the animal 10, such as a collar 12. In an alternative embodiment, the motor tracking device 14 can be implanted or placed under the skin of the animal 10. Thus, the motor tracking device 14 can be worn near or subcutaneously in the animal, or otherwise implanted in or under the skin of the animal. Both wearable and implantable, the motor tracking device 14 is based on a mechanism that locates and tracks movement of the animal and electrical energy based on the regular movement of the animal, such as the normal activity of a pet or other animal. Includes a mechanism to generate. The motion tracking device 14 combines parts of the tracking device technology, parts of the motion-based energy generator technology, and electronic devices configured to balance the tracking and energy generation capabilities of these technologies. As a result, the disclosed kinetic tracking devices maintain sufficient electrical energy generation and storage to maintain sufficient electrical energy production and storage, when battery power is scarce or critical. It is not impossible to determine the position of an animal. It is understood that embodiments of the motor tracking device 14 can have different sizes and shapes.

2 and 3 show further details of the motor tracking device 14. The device 14 may have a housing 20 that houses a position tracking mechanism such as a position tracking transceiver 22. The position tracking transceiver 22 may be a satellite-based positioning system-based integrated circuit or a plurality of circuits constituting the tracking transceiver 22. The tracking transceiver can be a radio location transceiver or receiver. For example, Bluetooth or Mono Internet-based location transceivers, or satellite-based positioning systems, are known GPS systems, Russia-based GLONASS systems, European Union-based Galileo positioning systems, China's Hokuto Navigation Satellite System, India's India. Regional navigation satellite systems, and Japanese https: // en. wikipedia. It may be org / wiki / Quasi-Zenith_Satellite_System. As is well known, the position tracking transceiver 22 can receive signals from multiple satellites and uses satellite signal-based correlation and other known processes to equip animals with motor tracking devices. The position of can be determined.

The device 14 may also include a communication device 23 coupled to the position tracking transceiver 22. The communication device 23 can process the position data generated by the position tracking transceiver 22 and can wirelessly communicate the position data to the tracking system as shown in FIG. 6 and described below. .. The communication device 23 may be electrically coupled to the position tracking transceiver 22. The communication device may be electronically coupled to the location tracking transceiver 22 so that the communication device 22 receives location information from the location tracking transceiver 22. In some embodiments, the components such as the position tracking transceiver 22, the communication device 23, the energy store 24, and the dynamic kinetic energy generator 26, as well as the controller 27, are separate components or one or more. Can be integrated into separate components of.

In some embodiments, the location tracking transceiver may be coupled directly to the communication device, in other embodiments the location tracking transceiver receives location information and processes the information for transition by the communication device. It may be indirectly coupled to a communication device via a prepared processor or the like.

The device 14 can also include an energy store 24 that can be coupled to both the location tracking transceiver 22 and the communication device 23 to provide energy to the location tracking transceiver 22 and the communication device 23. For example, the energy store 24 may be a rechargeable battery, or a combination of rechargeable batteries or storage devices such as capacitors and disposable batteries, or other rechargeable or non-rechargeable energy stores. Alternatively, the energy store may be an energy storage device such as a capacitor. The device 14 may further include an energy generator 26 electrically connected to the energy store 26. In some embodiments, the energy generator 26 is a dynamic kinetic energy generator. As described herein, the dynamic kinetic energy generator can be electromechanical, piezoelectric, or magnetically electrical. In some embodiments, the energy generator 26 can be extended with a photovoltaic generator that converts solar energy into electrical energy, or, for example, a radio energy harvester that converts electromagnetic energy transmitted through radio waves into electrical energy. In some embodiments, the energy generator 26 may be a thermoelectric generator. The energy generator 26 is directly electrically connected to the position tracking transceiver 22 and the communication device 23, such as when the dynamic kinetic energy generator 26 is used without the energy store 24. In some embodiments, the controller 27, the position tracking transceiver 22 and the communication device 23 are electrically coupled directly to the dynamic kinetic energy generator 26 and the energy store.

The dynamic kinetic energy generator 26 provides electrical energy that can be used to convert the movement of a pet or other animal into electrical energy and power the elements of device 14. In some embodiments, the device 14 may have a combination of an energy store and an energy generator that stores energy, provides energy to elements of the system, and produces energy based on animal movement. For example, the dynamic kinetic energy generator 26 is a microgeneration produced by a kinetron, the details of which can be found at www.kinetron.eu/micro-generator-technology/, which is incorporated herein by reference. It may be a device mechanism.

The dynamic kinetic energy generator moves as the location of the system changes with respect to the direction of gravity, or as triggered by the force exerted on the device through the movement of the pet or animal to which it is attached. An eccentric weight 320 is used. The movable eccentric weight is attached to a set of acceleration gears via a shaft 322, and then the micromechanical parts are coupled to the magnetic rotor of the electromagnetic generator, which is all part of the gearbox and rotor assembly 324. Will be done. A mechanical spring system may also be included as part of the gearbox and rotor assembly 324. The mechanical spring accelerates the rotor of the electromagnetic generator. The mechanical spring stores the energy of the eccentric weight when the device is moved until the spring torque reaches a threshold level. When the spring energy reaches the threshold level, the spring energy is released, which accelerates the magnetic rotor and produces electrical energy in the windings of the generator.

The electrical energy produced in the windings of the generator is alternating current, and the direction and frequency of the energy is based on the direction and velocity of rotor movement. The windings are electrically coupled to electrical contacts 302 on the substrate 306 of the electrical component assembly 29. Power is transmitted from the contacts 302 to the various components of the electrical component assembly 29.

In some embodiments, the device 14 may include a manually driven crank, disc, or knob-operated generator. The crank, disc or knob driven generator may be coupled to the controller 27, the communication device 23, and the position tracking transceiver 22 directly or indirectly in place of or in addition to the dynamic kinetic energy generator 16. Generators that operate on hand-up cranks, discs, and knobs, sometimes referred to as wind-up generators or chargers, include cranks, discs, or knobs, which are levers or other mechanical structures. Yes, it is held by the operator's hand. A lever or other mechanical structure is connected to the shaft, which is coupled to the armature of the generator, either directly or through a gearbox. As the handle or lever rotates around the shaft, dynamic energy from can be transmitted to the shaft, then to the gearbox, then to the armature, in the magnetic field caused by the stator of the generator. The armature rotates to generate electrical energy to power the device and / or charge the energy store within the device.

The device 14 may also include an inductive charging system, sometimes referred to as a wireless charging system. In an inductive charging system, the inductive coil of device 14 is located within a charging-based AC electromagnetic field. A charge-based AC electromagnetic field induces an electric current in the coil, which is used to power the device and / or charge the energy store in the device.

The device 14 further has one or more mechanisms, such as a light generator, a sound generator, an amber alert type signal, which can be activated by a signal from the system or device when the animal is believed to be missing. As a result, the person who sees the animal pays attention to the animal. The exterior of the device may also include a phosphorescent material or phosphorescent coating that illuminates the device in the dark, the so-called glow-in-the-dark feature. The device 14 and its housing 20 can be hermetically sealed and waterproof, water resistant, or waterproof if wearable. The device 14 or its enclosure may be made from a biocompatible material if the device 14 is subcutaneous. The backend of device 14 or FIG. 6 can also send a notification when the animal is outside the designated area.

The device 14 may further include a controller 27. The controller 27 may be an integrated circuit or processor configured to control the distribution of power from the generator 26 to the various components of the electrical component assembly 29. The controller 27 also controls the operation of the components of the electrical component assembly 29. In some embodiments, the tracking module, location tracking transceiver, communication device, and controller may be integrated into a single module. A single module can implement functions and circuits for locating devices, communicating locations, and managing energy generation and consumption of device 14. In particular, the controller 27 can control the components to efficiently manage the overall power consumption of the device 14. To minimize energy consumption, the controller can be programmed to connect or disconnect, or activate or deactivate certain components such as communication devices and location tracking transceivers. As described elsewhere herein, the constant operation of location tracking transceivers or communication devices results in the rapid depletion of energy stored within the energy store 24. To manage the power consumption of the device 14 while providing a solid user experience, the controller 27 balances traceability with energy consumption, as described herein.

As shown in FIG. 3, the device 14 includes a power module 304. The power module 304 may include a power store 24, along with other power components such as a rectifier circuit such as an AC-DC converter circuit, the AC-DC converter circuit converting AC energy from the generator 26 into DC energy. For example, power is delivered to the energy store to charge a rechargeable battery or capacitor in the energy store.

The device 14 may also include a sensor module 310. The sensor module may include various sensors for tracking device location and other environments as well as system data. For example, the sensor module 310 includes a thermometer for recording temperature, a battery charge state, a voltmeter for measuring the power consumption of any one device of the module or component, and an ammeter for measuring the power generated by the generator 26. Can include or be coupled to voltmeters. The sensor module 310 may also include, or be coupled to, an accelerometer or gyroscope for measuring the movement of the device 14.

As mentioned above, the controller is powered by energy from batteries and electronic circuits and / or programmed to manage the energy and functionality of the components and modules of the device and electrical component assembly 29.

The device 14 and each electrical component and module may operate in both a low energy mode, which consumes relatively low energy, and a high energy mode, which consumes relatively high energy or more energy than the low energy mode. .. High energy modes are associated with active use of devices, modules, or components. For example, in high energy mode, GPS actively receives signals from orbiting satellites and / or calculates the position of the device based on these signals and communicates the signal or the calculated position for transmission 23. Is sending to. In high energy mode, the controller 27 can continuously activate the GPS module to determine, store and / or communicate the location of the tracking device. In some embodiments, in high energy mode, the controller 27 activates the GPS module for continuous operation, calculating and reporting location data, eg, every 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 30 seconds, or 1 minute. be able to.

In low energy mode, the GPS or position tracking transceiver may be in sleep mode and is not actively processing satellite signals or communicating with communication devices. In some embodiments of the low energy mode, the controller 27 can activate the GPS module at regular and constant durations to determine, store, and / or communicate the location of the tracker. For example, a duration of 10 seconds, 30 seconds, or 1 minute for a period of 5 or 10 minutes.

In low energy mode, the controller activates the telecommunications module frequently for a short duration to send and / or receive messages about the status and / or location of the tracker. For example, you can activate a telecommunications module, connect to a network such as a cellular network, connect to a back-end system (see below), send or receive the latest information, and then return to sleep or standby.

In high energy mode, the controller activates the telecommunications module more often and / or for a longer period of time to send and / or receive messages about the status and / or location of the tracker. The electronic circuits and / or ICs also activate the GPS module more often to determine, store, and / or communicate the position of the tracker in a faster and / or more accurate way.

In some embodiments, the device can operate in low power mode before receiving a request to track an object. Before the request is received, the position of the animal or object can be repeatedly determined at the first frequency, eg, less than 4 times per hour. After receiving a request to track an animal or object, the device may switch to a high power usage mode in which the position of the animal is determined based on the position signal at the second frequency, the second frequency being the second. Greater than 1 frequency. For example, the second frequency may be greater than 4 times per hour and less than 10 times per hour, especially during low energy generation periods.

In low energy use mode, the frequency and / or duration of the communication device and / or location tracking mechanism is that the net energy use of the tracking device can be less than or equal to the energy produced by the energy generator over a period of time. Further configured to provide. For example, a device can measure voltage changes in an energy store over a period of time, or the energy produced by an energy generator and the energy used by device components such as communication modules, position transceivers, etc. Yes, the controller determines if the device is consuming more energy for a period of time, such as 5 minutes. If the device is consuming more energy than it is producing, the controller reduces the frequency and duration of operation of the communication module and / or position module (or sensor module) and / or both. there is a possibility.

In high energy use mode, the frequency and / or duration of the communication device and / or location tracking mechanism provides a more frequent and / or longer duration of communication and / or location determination than in low energy use mode. It is further configured as. In high energy use modes, for example, the use of net energy is such that the energy stored in the energy store is exhausted at a rate of more than 10% per hour, as described herein. It is possible to measure the net energy use or voltage change of the energy store over a period of time.

The frequency and / or duration of operation of the communication device and / or location tracking transceiver can vary based on sensor data. The sensor data may include one or more of the energy generation level, the output signal of the dynamic kinetic energy generator, the battery voltage level, the motion sensor, or may be based on position or tracking data. Frequency and / or frequency of operation if the sensor data indicates excessive energy production, for example, if net energy production is certain, or if the battery sensor indicates an increase in stored energy over a period of time. The duration can be increased.

The frequency and / or duration of the communication device and / or location tracking mechanism is further configured to increase and / or decrease the frequency and / or duration when some movement is detected. Movement is based on an increase in battery level, or a decrease in the speed at which battery energy is consumed, for example by measuring these characteristics and regular intervals and comparing current measurements with previous measurements. Can be detected. Motion can also be determined based on output signals from the dynamic energy harvester and / or position data from the position tracking mechanism. For example, when a position measurement at a given point in time is greater than a predetermined threshold distance from a previous measurement, or when the velocity calculated based on the measurement data is greater than the threshold.

The frequency and / or duration of operation of the communication device and / or position tracking mechanism is the output signal and / or energy generation of the dynamic kinetic energy generator, and / or the energy level in the energy storage, and / or the tracking mechanism. It may be set based on motion-based data and / or other sensor data, and / or signals received by the device, based on the energies described herein.

The frequency and / or duration of the communication device and / or location tracking mechanism is further configured to increase and / or decrease the frequency and / or duration when some movement is detected, and the movement is at the battery level. And / or the output signal from the dynamic energy harvester and / or the position data from the position tracking mechanism. For example, when the measured value exceeds a threshold indicating large power generation, the frequency or duration may increase, and below the threshold, the frequency or duration may decrease.

The controller 27 is programmed to optimize functionality and minimize energy consumption in both low energy and high energy modes. One way to achieve this is for the telecommunications module and / or GPS module to operate in various settings of frequency and duration of use to achieve low energy and high energy modes. These settings can be based on the amount of energy generated by the tracking device, the amount of energy remaining in the battery, the speed of movement of the tracking device, and the received position request of the device or the position tracking mode of the device. ..

Low or high energy mode is switched on remotely by sending a signal to the tracker's electronics, that is, switching to high energy mode when the tracker's quick and accurate position is needed (in an emergency). Can be done.

The controller is based on pre-programmed time, events, algorithms, information from sensor modules (energy generation, voltage level, frequency, etc.), information from energy harvesters, mobile sensors, information from temperature sensors, batteries. It switches between high energy mode and low energy mode based on information from the level, location information from the GPS module, or external information received by the telecommunications module.

The controller also has information from sensor modules such as pre-programmed time, events, algorithms, motion-based information from energy harvesters, information from motion sensors, information from temperature sensors, information from battery level, GPS modules. Different frequency and / or duration settings for the communication and / or GPS module, and / or any other electronic component on the electronic circuit, based on information from, or external information received by the telecommunications module. Update or switch.

FIG. 4 depicts a device 14 including an energy generator 26 and an electrical component assembly 29 stacked in a housing 400. The housing 400 can be a multi-part housing such as a two-part housing as shown in FIG. The housing 400 includes a base 404 and a cover 402. The stacked energy generator 26 and electrical component assembly 29 are held in the base 404 and cover 402 and in the cavity of the device 14 formed between them. The base can also include a junction 406 that attaches the device 14 to the animal or otherwise attaches it to the animal. For example, the coupling 406 can engage the harness, such as a collar, directly or indirectly to attach the device 14 to the animal or other object being tracked.

FIG. 5 shows the difference in energy use between the embodiment of device 14 disclosed herein and other devices such as high energy consuming rechargeable devices. The battery replacement and discharge line 502 shows the high discharge rate 504 of such a device, and the external recharge or replacement cycle 506 used by such a device. During use, such devices are periodically depleted of power, but with the device 14 and the energy usage control implemented by the controller 27, a discharge that depicts energy usage in low energy mode 512 and high energy mode 514. As shown in line 510, the discharge time can be significantly extended. With the addition of energy generators such as the dynamic kinetic energy generators and controls described herein, the device can generate, store, and use energy to power the device indefinitely. For example, in a low energy use mode combined with dynamic energy harvesting provided by a dynamic energy generator, the device can maintain a substantially full charge, as depicted by the low energy line 522. .. In some embodiments, the device can maintain a substantially full charge even in high energy mode, as depicted by the high energy discharge line 526, especially during high dynamic energy generation.

FIG. 6 shows a tracking system 30 that utilizes a motion tracking device 14. The system can include one or more animals 10 having a motor tracking device 14, each of which wirelessly communicates with the tracker backend system 34 via a communication path 32. The communication path 32 may be one or more of wired or wireless communication paths such as a WiFi network, a cellular network, and a digital data network. In operation, the tracking device 14 receives a signal from a particular animal as described above and generates position data (or the position data is the tracking backend 34 when the device 14 communicates satellite data to the backend. The animal's position data can be communicated to the backend 34 across the communication path 32). Alternatively, the tracking device may have a mark, such as a barcode or electronic signature, which the user scans to identify the animal or download the animal's location information to the backend 34. May be good.

The backend 34 is implemented using one or more computing resources, such as one or more server computers, one or more cloud computing resources, and computing resources from Amazon Web Services / Systems (AWS). Can be done. In some embodiments, the tracking device 14 can communicate directly with the animal owner's computer 38 to allow the animal owner to track the animal 10. The animal owner's computer 38 can be a processing unit device having a processor, memory, display, and connection circuits that can connect to and interact with the backend 34. For example, the animal owner's computer 38 may be a personal computer, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a smartphone device such as an Apple eyephone or an Android operating system based device, a mobile phone or a terminal.

The back-end system 34 can provide various tracking services based on the position data of each animal. For example, the back-end system 34 can generate and provide a user interface to the animal owner's computer 38, which is connected to the back-end 34 across the communication path 32. For example, the backend 34 can provide animal position data to the animal owner. The back-end system 34 can also provide other services to the animal owner. For example, the back-end system 34 provides a mobile application (which each animal owner can download) that can be used by animal owners to guide or guide animal owners to their animals based on location signals. Can have.

FIG. 7 shows a method 40 for determining the position / movement of an animal. In this method, a signal can be received from the tracking mechanism 42 to determine the position of the animal44. In some embodiments, the device 14 shown in FIGS. 2-3 may receive signals from multiple position satellites and may generate animal positions using the well-known techniques described above. In another embodiment, the device 14 receives signals from a plurality of position satellites and communicates those signals from the plurality of position satellites to a plurality of backend systems, which is a signal of the plurality of position satellites. To generate the position of the animal by correlating. The method may then send the location to owner 46. In an alternative method, the tracking device 14 can send its location data directly to the owner.

In some embodiments, the device can include a switch, such as a button that can be pressed, flipped, or otherwise toggled to activate the device. In such an embodiment, a switch or button is toggled to activate the device, locate the animal, and help alert the animal owner to the location of the animal. For example, when someone encounters an animal using device 14, they may press the push-to-activate button. If the device is in a low energy mode, such as sleep mode, the device wakes from low power sleep mode to active mode. The position tracking transceiver then begins receiving position signals from, for example, an orbiting satellite. The communication device is activated after the device receives a position signal sufficient to determine the position of the animal. The communication device can then send a location signal or the location of the device 14 to the backend system 34 with a message indicating that the animal push-to-activate button has been activated. The back-end system then sends a message to the animal owner's device, such as a mobile phone, to alert the animal owner that the animal has been found.

In some embodiments, the device activates the tracking device when the tracking device is removed from or is about to be removed from an object or animal to which the tracking device is attached, with or from a portion of the sensor module. May include a separate, prank sensor.

In some embodiments, animal owners may be aware that their animal is missing. The device 14 can then be activated to receive location information and search for animals. In such an embodiment, the animal owner can send a message to the device 14 through the backend system. The device may be in low power mode, in which only the communication device is active or intermittently active to receive the signal. After the signal is received, the device that emits light or other sound on the device 14 can be activated to alert nearby people to the presence of an animal that is missing, as described above. The position tracking transceiver is then activated to begin receiving position signals, for example from orbiting satellites or based on nearby cell phone tower data. After the device receives a sufficient amount of position signal to determine the position of the animal, the position information can be transmitted to the communication device. The communication device can then transmit the position signal or the position of the device 14 to the backend system 34. The back-end system can then send a message through the back-end system to the animal owner's device, such as a mobile phone, to alert the animal owner to the location of the animal. Location information is updated periodically at preset time intervals until an animal is found.

In some embodiments, the device 14 can continuously track the position of the animal. For example, the device may sleep in low power mode and wake up at preset intervals such as every 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, and so on. During the boot period, the device wakes from low power sleep mode to active mode. The position tracking transceiver then begins receiving position signals from, for example, an orbiting satellite or a nearby cell tower. The communication device is activated after the device receives a position signal sufficient to determine the position of the animal. The communication device can then transmit the position signal or the position of the device 14 to the backend system 34. The back-end system then sends a message to the animal owner's device or stores the location information for later retrieval by the animal owner.

FIG. 8 shows a method 50 of generating energy for a motor tracking device. A dynamic kinetic energy generator (such as the dynamic kinetic energy generator 26 in FIG. 6) can generate electrical or dynamic energy during the normal movement of the animal 52. In some embodiments, energy may be continuously generated to power the elements of the tracking device 14 and / or to store it in an energy storage device. In some embodiments, the dynamic kinetic energy generator can periodically generate energy as the animal moves to provide energy to a depleted energy store. In all of the embodiments, the energy generated by the dynamic kinetic energy generator can be used to power the tracking mechanism 54. In some embodiments, energy may be provided to the energy store for storage and subsequent use by device 14.

The above description has been described with reference to specific embodiments for purposes of explanation. However, the above exemplary discussion is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit disclosure to the exact form disclosed. Many modifications and changes are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments are selected and described to best illustrate the principles of the present disclosure and its practical application, whereby those skilled in the art will appreciate the variety with various modifications suitable for the present disclosure and the particular application intended. It will be possible to make the best use of various embodiments.

The systems and methods disclosed herein may be implemented via one or more components, systems, servers, appliances, and other sub-components, or may be distributed among such components. .. When implemented as a system, such a system may include and / or include, among other things, components such as software modules, general purpose CPUs, RAMs, etc. found in general purpose computers. In an implementation where innovation resides on a server, such a server may include or accompany components such as CPU, RAM, etc., such as those found in general purpose computers.

Moreover, the systems and methods herein can be achieved through implementations with completely different or completely different software, hardware, and / or firmware components beyond those identified above. With respect to such other components (eg, software, processing components, etc.) and / or computer-readable media related to or embodying the invention, for example, aspects of the innovation herein are numerous. It can be implemented consistently with a general purpose or special purpose computing system or configuration. Various exemplary computing systems, environments, and / or configurations that may be suitable for use with the innovations herein are, but are not limited to, personal computers, servers, or routing / connection components. Such as server computing devices, handheld or laptop devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based systems, set-top boxes, home appliances, network PCs, other existing computer platforms, one or more of the above systems or devices. It may include software or other components within, or embodied in, such as distributed computing environments.

In some embodiments, aspects of the system and method may be achieved or performed, for example, through or by logic and / or logic instructions involving program modules that are executed in connection with such components or circuits. .. In general, a program module may include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform a particular task or implement a particular instruction herein. The present invention may also be implemented in the context of distributed software, computers, or circuit settings where the circuits are connected via communication buses, circuits or links. In a distributed configuration, controls / instructions can come from both local and remote computer storage media, including memory storage devices.

The software, circuits, and components herein include and / or are also available for one or more types of computer-readable media. The computer-readable medium can be any available medium that resides on, is associated with, or is accessible by such circuits and / or computing components. By way of example, but not limited to, a computer-readable medium may include a computer storage medium and a communication medium. Computer storage media are volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable, implemented in any way or technique for storing information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. The medium is included. Computer storage media include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disk (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage device, Alternatively, it includes, but is not limited to, any other medium that can be used to store the desired information and can be accessed by the computing components. The communication medium may include computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, and / or other components. Further, the communication medium may include a wired medium such as a wired network or a direct wired connection, however, any such type of medium herein does not include a temporary medium. Any combination of the above is included within the scope of computer readable media.

In this description, terms such as components, modules, devices, etc. may refer to any type of logical or functional software element, circuit, block, and / or process that can be implemented in various ways. For example, the functions of various circuits and / or blocks can be combined with each other into any other number of modules. Each module is software stored in tangible memory (eg, random access memory, read-only memory, CD-ROM memory, hard disk drive, etc.) read by a central processing unit to implement the features of the innovations herein. It can even be implemented as a program. Alternatively, the module can include programming instructions that are transmitted to a general purpose computer or processing / graphics hardware over the transmitting carrier. Modules can also be implemented as hardware logic circuits that implement the features embraced by the innovations herein. Finally, the module can be implemented using special purpose instructions (SIMD instructions), field programmable logic arrays, or any combination thereof that provides the desired level of performance and cost.

As disclosed herein, features consistent with this disclosure may be implemented via computer hardware, software, and / or firmware. For example, the systems and methods disclosed herein can be embodied in various forms, including, for example, data processors such as computers, including databases, digital electronic circuits, firmware, software, or combinations thereof. In addition, although some of the disclosed implementations describe unique hardware components, systems and methods consistent with the innovations herein are any combination of hardware, software, and / or firmware. Can be implemented in. Moreover, the above features and other aspects and principles of the innovations herein can be implemented in a variety of environments. Such environments and related applications are specifically constructed to perform the various routines, processes, and / or operations according to the invention, or selectively activated or reactivated by code to provide the required functionality. It can include a configured general purpose computer or computing platform. The processes disclosed herein are not inherently relevant to any particular computer, network, architecture, environment, or other device and are implemented by a suitable combination of hardware, software, and / or firmware. obtain. For example, various general purpose machines can be used with programs written according to the teachings of the present invention, or it may be more convenient to build dedicated equipment or systems to perform the required methods and techniques.

Methods and aspects of the system described herein, such as logic, include field programmable gate arrays (“FPGA”), programmable array logic (“PAL”) devices, electrically programmable logic and memory devices, standard cells. It can also be implemented as a function programmed into any of a variety of circuits, including base devices and programmable logic devices (“PLD”) such as application-specific integrated circuits. Some other possibilities for implementing the embodiment include memory devices, microcontrollers with memory (such as EEPROM), embedded microprocessors, firmware, software, and the like. In addition, embodiments may be embodied in microprocessors with software-based circuit emulation, individual logic (sequential and combinations), custom devices, fuzzy (neural) logic, quantum devices, and hybrids of any of the above device types. .. The underlying device technology includes various component types, such as metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor ("MOSFET") technologies such as complementary metal oxide semiconductors ("CMOS"), and emitter-coupled logic ("ECL"). ), Such as bipolar technology, polymer technology (eg, silicon-coupled polymers and metal-conjugated polymers-metal structures), mixed analog and digital, and the like.

The various logics and / or features disclosed herein use any number of combinations of hardware and firmware in terms of their behavior, register transfer, logic components, and / or other characteristics. Also note that and / or can be validated as data and / or instructions embodied in various machine-readable or computer-readable media. Computer-readable media on which such formatted data and / or instructions can be embodied include, but are not limited to, non-volatile storage media of various formats (eg, optical, magnetic or semiconductor storage media). Included, but not temporary media. Throughout the description, terms such as "comprise" and "comprising" are not exclusive or exhaustive, but inclusive, that is, "include," unless otherwise explicitly required by the context. Should be interpreted in the sense that "is not limited to that." Words that use the singular or plural also include the plural or singular, respectively. Moreover, the terms "specification", "below", "above", "below", and similarly important terms refer to the application as a whole, not to any particular part of the application documents. If the word "or" is used with respect to a list of two or more items, the word means any of the following interpretations of the word, that is, any of the items in the list, or all the items in the list. And covers the combination of items in the list.

Although certain presently preferred embodiments of the present invention have been specifically described herein, those skilled in the art to which the present invention will be able to modify and modify the various embodiments shown and described herein. It will be clear that it can be done without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is intended to be limited only to the extent required by applicable legal rules.

Although the above has referred to a particular embodiment of the present disclosure, modifications of the present embodiment can be made without departing from the principles and spirit of the present disclosure, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art will understand that it is defined.

Claims (101)

A way to track animals
Using the animal tracking device's dynamic kinetic energy generator to generate electrical energy based on animal motion,
To store the generated electrical energy in the energy store,
Receiving a request to track the animal by the animal tracking device and
Receiving a position signal using a position tracking mechanism within the animal tracking device powered by the dynamic kinetic energy generator.
Determining the position of the animal based on the position signal
Including methods. The method of claim 1, wherein producing the electrical energy further comprises converting the movement of the animal into electrical energy. The method of claim 1, further comprising activating an attention-generating mechanism to indicate that the animal is missing. The method according to claim 3, wherein the attention generation mechanism is one of a light generator and a sound generator. The method of claim 1, wherein storing the generated electrical energy in an energy store comprises storing the generated electrical energy in a rechargeable battery. The method of claim 1, wherein storing the generated electrical energy in an energy store comprises storing the generated electrical energy in a capacitor. The method of claim 1, further comprising attaching the animal tracking device to the animal. The method of claim 1, further comprising implanting the animal tracking device subcutaneously. The position of the animal is repeatedly determined at a first frequency before receiving the request to track the animal, and after receiving the request to track the animal, based on the position signal. The method according to claim 1, wherein the determination of the position of the animal is performed at a second frequency, and the second frequency is higher than the first frequency. The first frequency is less than 4 times per hour.
The method of claim 9, wherein the second frequency exceeds 4 times per hour or more than 10 times per hour. A system for tracking animals
With the animal tracking device attached to the animal,
A back-end system that wirelessly communicates with the animal tracking device.
The animal tracking device further comprises an animal tracking mechanism that tracks the current position of the animal and a dynamic kinetic energy generator that is electrically connected to the animal tracking mechanism.
The dynamic kinetic energy generator is capable of generating electrical energy in response to the normal movement of the animal.
The animal tracking mechanism has an energy store that powers the animal tracking mechanism.
A system in which the energy store is powered by the electrical energy generated by the dynamic kinetic energy generator. 11. The system of claim 11, wherein the animal tracking device further comprises a housing that houses the animal tracking mechanism, the dynamic kinetic energy generator, and the energy store. 12. The system of claim 12, wherein the housing is water resistant. 11. The system of claim 11, wherein the animal tracking mechanism further comprises a satellite-based global positioning system. 11. The system of claim 11, wherein the animal tracking device is attached to the animal harness. 11. The system of claim 11, wherein the animal tracking device is implanted under the skin of the animal. A device that tracks animals
An animal tracking mechanism that tracks the position of the animal,
A dynamic kinetic energy generator electrically connected to the animal tracking mechanism, which is capable of generating electrical energy in response to the normal movement of the animal.
An animal tracking mechanism having an energy store that supplies power to the animal tracking mechanism.
A device in which the energy store is powered by the electrical energy generated by the dynamic kinetic energy generator. 17. The device of claim 17, further comprising a housing that houses the animal tracking mechanism, the dynamic kinetic energy generator, and the energy store. 18. The device of claim 18, wherein the housing is water resistant. 17. The device of claim 17, wherein the animal tracking mechanism further comprises a satellite-based global positioning system. It ’s a tracking device,
With the housing
An electronic tracking mechanism in the housing configured to determine the position of the device.
An energy store in the housing that is electrically coupled to the electronic tracking mechanism.
An energy generator in the housing that is electrically coupled to the electron tracking mechanism and the energy store and is configured to power the electron tracking mechanism and the energy store.
Communication module and
It ’s a controller,
Receiving a request to determine the position of the device via the communication module
Instructing the electronic tracking mechanism to receive radio position data and
Determining the position of the device
To transmit the position of the device via the communication module,
The controller, which is configured to do
A tracking device. The controller is further configured to activate the electronic tracking mechanism from low power mode to high power mode when the request is received, the frequency of the position determination in the high power mode and the position of the device. The frequency of transitions includes the power generated by the electronic tracking mechanism and the power consumed by the communication module, controller, and electronic tracking mechanism, and the net power consumption in 10 minutes is the energy storage capacity. 21. The device of claim 21, which provides less than 10% of. The energy generator is a dynamic kinetic energy generator electrically connected to the electron tracking mechanism.
21. The device of claim 21, wherein the dynamic kinetic energy generator is configured to generate electrical energy in response to the normal movement of the device. 21. The device of claim 21, wherein the controller is configured to switch between a high energy use mode and a low energy use mode. 21. The device of claim 21, wherein the frequency and duration of operation of the communication device or position tracking mechanism varies between the high energy use mode and the low energy use mode. 25. The device of claim 25, wherein the frequency and duration of the operation of the communication device or location tracking transceiver varies based on sensor data. 26. The device of claim 26, wherein the sensor data comprises one or more of an energy generation level, a battery voltage level, a motion sensor, or is based on position data or tracking data. 22. The device of claim 22, wherein the duration of the operation of the communication device or the position tracking transceiver is shorter in the low energy use mode than in the high energy use mode. 22. The device of claim 22, wherein the frequency of said operation of the communication device or said position tracking transceiver is lower in the low energy use mode than in the high energy use mode. 21. The device of claim 21, wherein the housing is attached to the object to track the object. A back-end system that is configured to receive a request to track an object and to send the request wirelessly.
It ’s a tracking device,
With the housing
An electronic tracking mechanism that resides in the housing and is configured to determine the position of the device.
An energy store in the housing that is electrically coupled to the electronic tracking mechanism.
An energy generator in a housing that is electrically coupled to the electron tracking mechanism and the energy store and is configured to power the electron tracking mechanism and the energy store.
Communication module and
It ’s a controller,
Receiving the request from the back-end system to determine the location of the device via the communication module.
Instructing the electronic tracking mechanism to receive radio position data and
Determining the position of the device
A controller and a controller configured to transmit the position of the device via the communication module.
With a tracking device and
A tracking system equipped with. The back-end system receives the request from the user device to track the device, receives the determined position of the device from the tracking device, and the determined position to the user. 31. The system of claim 31, further configured to transmit to and to perform. 32. The system of claim 32, wherein the tracking device, the backend system, and the user device are all separated from each other. The controller is further configured to activate the electronic tracking mechanism from low power mode to high power mode when the request is received, the frequency of the position determination in the high power mode and the position of the device. The frequency of transitions includes the power generated by the electronic tracking mechanism and the power consumed by the communication module, controller, and electronic tracking mechanism, and the net power consumption in 10 minutes is the energy storage capacity. 31. The system of claim 31, which provides less than 10% of. The energy generator is a dynamic kinetic energy generator electrically connected to the electron tracking mechanism.
31. The system of claim 31, wherein the dynamic kinetic energy generator is configured to generate electrical energy in response to the normal movement of the device. 31. The system of claim 31, wherein the controller is configured to switch between a high energy use mode and a low energy use mode. 31. The system of claim 31, wherein the frequency and duration of operation of the communication device or position tracking mechanism varies between the high energy use mode and the low energy use mode. 37. The system of claim 37, wherein the frequency and duration of the operation of the communication device or location tracking transceiver varies based on sensor data. 36. The system of claim 36, wherein the sensor data comprises one or more of an energy generation level, a battery voltage level, a motion sensor, or is based on position data or tracking data. 32. The system of claim 32, wherein the duration of the operation of the communication device or the position tracking transceiver is shorter in the low energy use mode than in the high energy use mode. 32. The system of claim 32, wherein the frequency of said operation of the communication device or said position tracking transceiver is lower in the low energy use mode than in the high energy use mode. 31. The system of claim 31, wherein the housing is attached to the object to track the object. A way to track objects
Generating using an energy generator in the device and
To store the generated electrical energy in the energy store,
Receiving a request to track the object by the tracking device,
Receiving a position signal using a position tracking mechanism within the tracking device powered by the energy generator
Determining the position of the object based on the position signal
Including methods. 43. The method of claim 43, wherein generating the electrical energy further comprises converting the movement of the object into electrical energy. 43. The method of claim 43, further comprising activating an attention generation mechanism to indicate that the object is missing. 43. The method of claim 43, wherein storing the generated electrical energy in an energy store comprises storing the generated electrical energy in a rechargeable battery. 43. The method of claim 43, wherein storing the generated electrical energy in an energy store comprises storing the generated electrical energy in a capacitor. 43. The method of claim 43, further comprising attaching the tracking device to the object. Prior to receiving the request to track the object, the position of the animal is repeatedly determined at a first frequency, and after receiving the request to track the animal, said based on the position signal. 43. The method of claim 43, wherein determining the position of the animal is performed at a second frequency, the second frequency being higher than the first frequency. The first frequency is less than 4 times per hour.
47. The method of claim 47, wherein the second frequency is greater than 4 times per hour or more than 10 times per hour. 47. The method of claim 47, wherein the energy generator is one or more of a dynamic kinetic energy generator, a photovoltaic generator, a thermoelectric generator, or a radio energy harvester. 47. The method of claim 47, wherein the energy generator is an electromechanical, piezoelectric, or magnetically electrodynamic kinetic energy generator. With a tracking mechanism configured to track the position of objects,
A dynamic kinetic energy generator electrically connected to the tracking mechanism, which is configured to generate electrical energy in response to the movement of the object.
An energy store that is electrically coupled to the tracking mechanism and the dynamic kinetic energy generator configured to power the tracking mechanism and receives electrical energy generated by the dynamic kinetic energy generator.
A communication device configured to transmit said position of said object, and
A tracking device. 53. The device of claim 53, wherein the controller is configured to switch between a high energy use mode and a low energy use mode. In the low energy use mode, the frequency and / or duration of the communication device and / or the position tracking mechanism is such that the net energy use of the tracking device is generated by the dynamic motion generator over a period of time. The device of claim 54, further configured to be less than or equal to energy. In the high energy use mode, the frequency and / or duration of the communication device and / or the position tracking mechanism is more frequent and / or more of the communication and / or position determination than in the low energy use mode. The device of claim 54, which is further configured to provide a longer duration. 54. The device of claim 54, wherein the frequency and / or duration of operation of the communication device and / or the position tracking mechanism varies between the high energy use mode and the low energy use mode. 53. The device of claim 53, wherein the frequency and / or duration of said operation of the communication device and / or position tracking transceiver varies based on sensor data. 58. The device of claim 58, wherein the sensor data comprises one or more of an energy generation level, a dynamic kinetic energy generator output signal, a battery voltage level, a motion sensor, or is based on position or tracking data. .. The frequency and / or duration of the communication device and / or the position tracking mechanism is further configured to increase and / or decrease the frequency and / or duration when some movement is detected.
58. The device of claim 58, wherein the movement is detected based on the output signal from the battery level and / or the dynamic energy harvester and / or the position data from the position tracking mechanism. 54. The device of claim 54, wherein the duration and / or frequency of the operation of the communication device and / or the position tracking transceiver is lower in the low energy use mode than in the high energy use mode. 54. The device of claim 54, wherein the frequency and / or duration of the operation of the communication device and / or the position tracking transceiver is lower in the low energy use mode than in the high energy use mode. The frequency and / or duration of operation of the communication device and / or the position tracking mechanism is the output signal and / or energy generation and / or energy level and / or tracking of the dynamic kinetic energy generator. 53. The device of claim 53, which is set based on mechanism motion-based data and / or other sensor data and / or signals received by said device. The frequency and / or duration of the communication device and / or the position tracking mechanism is further configured to increase and / or decrease the frequency and / or duration when some movement is detected.
63. The device of claim 63, wherein the movement is determined based on changes in battery level and / or output signals from a dynamic energy harvester and / or position data from the position tracking mechanism. 63. The communication device and / or the frequency and / or duration of the position tracking mechanism is further configured to increase and / or decrease when a signal is received by the tracking device. Device. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is configured to switch between a high energy use mode and a low energy use mode. In the low energy use mode, the frequency and / or duration of the communication device and / or position tracking mechanism is less than or equal to the energy generated by the dynamic motion generator over a period of time for the net energy use of the tracking device. The method according to any of the preceding claims, further configured as described above. In the high energy use mode, the frequency and / or duration of the communication device and / or the position tracking mechanism is more frequent and / or more of communication and / or position determination than in the low energy use mode. The method according to any of the preceding claims, further configured to provide a longer duration. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the frequency and / or duration of operation of the communication device and / or the position tracking mechanism varies between the high energy use mode and the low energy use mode. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the frequency and / or duration of the operation of the communication device and / or the position tracking transceiver varies based on sensor data. The sensor data includes one or more of the energy generation level, the output signal of the dynamic kinetic energy generator, the battery voltage level, the motion sensor, or any of the preceding claims based on position data or tracking data. The method described in. The frequency and / or duration of the communication device and / or the position tracking mechanism is further configured to increase and / or decrease the frequency and / or duration when some movement is detected.
The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the movement is detected based on the output signal from the battery level and / or the dynamic energy harvester and / or the position data from the position tracking mechanism. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the duration and / or frequency of said operation of the communication device and / or said position tracking transceiver is lower in said low energy use mode than in said high energy use mode. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the frequency of operation of the communication device and / or the position tracking transceiver is lower in the low energy use mode than in the high energy use mode. The frequency and / or duration of operation of the communication device and / or the position tracking mechanism is the output signal and / or energy generation and / or energy level and / or tracking of the dynamic kinetic energy generator. The method of any of the preceding claims, set based on the mechanism's motion-based data and / or other sensor data and / or signals received by said device. The frequency and / or duration of the communication device and / or the position tracking mechanism is further configured to increase and / or decrease the frequency and / or duration when some movement is detected.
The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the movement is determined based on changes in battery level and / or output signals from the dynamic energy harvester and / or position data from the position tracking mechanism. The preceding claim, wherein the frequency and / or duration of the communication device and / or the position tracking mechanism is further configured to increase and / or decrease when a signal is received by the tracking device. The method described in either. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is configured to switch between a high energy use mode and a low energy use mode. In the low energy use mode, the frequency and / or duration of the communication device and / or the position tracking mechanism is such that the net energy use of the tracking device is generated by the dynamic motion generator over a period of time. The system according to any of the preceding claims, further configured to be less than or equal to energy. In the high energy use mode, the frequency and / or duration of the communication device and / or the position tracking mechanism is more frequent and / or more of communication and / or position determination than in the low energy use mode. The system according to any of the preceding claims, further configured to provide a longer duration. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the frequency and / or duration of operation of the communication device and / or the position tracking mechanism varies between the high energy use mode and the low energy use mode. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the frequency and / or duration of the operation of the communication device and / or the position tracking transceiver varies based on sensor data. The sensor data includes one or more of the energy generation level, the output signal of the dynamic kinetic energy generator, the battery voltage level, the motion sensor, or any of the preceding claims based on position data or tracking data. The system described in. The frequency and / or duration of the communication device and / or the position tracking mechanism is further configured to increase and / or decrease the frequency and / or duration when some movement is detected.
The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the movement is detected based on the battery level and / or the output signal from the dynamic energy harvester and / or the position data from the position tracking mechanism. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the duration and / or frequency of the operation of the communication device and / or the position tracking transceiver is lower in the low energy use mode than in the high energy use mode. .. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the frequency of the operation of the communication device and / or the position tracking transceiver is lower in the low energy use mode than in the high energy use mode. The frequency and / or duration of operation of the communication device and / or the position tracking mechanism is the output signal and / or energy generation and / or energy level and / or tracking of the dynamic kinetic energy generator. The system according to any of the preceding claims, which is set based on the motion-based data of the mechanism and / or other sensor data and / or the signal received by the device. The frequency and / or duration of the communication device and / or the position tracking mechanism is further configured to increase and / or decrease the frequency and / or duration when some movement is detected.
The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the movement is determined based on changes in battery level and / or output signals from the dynamic energy harvester and / or position data from the position tracking mechanism. The preceding claim, wherein the frequency and / or duration of the communication device and / or the position tracking mechanism is further configured to increase and / or decrease when a signal is received by the tracking device. The system described in either. The device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is configured to switch between a high energy use mode and a low energy use mode. In said low energy use mode, the frequency and / or duration of the communication device and / or position tracking mechanism is such that the net energy use of the tracking device is less than or equal to the energy generated by the dynamic motion generator over a period of time. The device according to any of the preceding claims, further configured in. In the high energy use mode, the frequency and / or duration of the communication device and / or the position tracking mechanism is more frequent and / or more of communication and / or position determination than in the low energy use mode. The device according to any of the preceding claims, further configured to provide a longer duration. The device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the frequency and / or duration of operation of the communication device and / or the position tracking mechanism varies between the high energy use mode and the low energy use mode. The device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the frequency and / or duration of said operation of the communication device and / or position tracking transceiver varies based on sensor data. The sensor data includes one or more of the energy generation level, the output signal of the dynamic kinetic energy generator, the battery voltage level, the motion sensor, or any of the preceding claims based on position data or tracking data. The device described in. The frequency and / or duration of the communication device and / or the position tracking mechanism is further configured to increase and / or decrease the frequency and / or duration when some movement is detected.
The device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the motion is detected based on the output signal from the battery level and / or the dynamic energy harvester and / or the position data from the position tracking mechanism. The device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the duration and / or frequency of operation of the communication device and / or the position tracking transceiver is lower in the low energy use mode than in the high energy use mode. The device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the frequency of the operation of the communication device or the position tracking transceiver is lower in the low energy use mode than in the high energy use mode. The frequency and / or duration of operation of the communication device and / or the position tracking mechanism is the output signal and / or energy generation of the dynamic kinetic energy generator, and / or the energy level and / or the energy level in the energy storage. The device according to any of the preceding claims, which is set based on the movement-based data of the tracking mechanism and / or other sensor data and / or the signal received by the device. The frequency and / or duration of the communication device and / or the position tracking mechanism is further configured to increase and / or decrease the frequency and / or duration when some movement is detected.
The device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the movement is determined based on changes in battery level and / or output signals from the dynamic energy harvester and / or position data from the position tracking mechanism. The preceding claim, wherein the frequency and / or duration of the communication device and / or the position tracking mechanism is further configured to increase and / or decrease when a signal is received by the tracking device. The device according to any.