WO2020215122A1

WO2020215122A1 - Location-based system for pet-based interactions

Info

Publication number: WO2020215122A1
Application number: PCT/AU2020/050393
Authority: WO
Inventors: Josh Fritz
Original assignee: JAF Apps Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2019-04-26
Filing date: 2020-04-23
Publication date: 2020-10-29

Abstract

A location-based system and method for pet-based interactions and communications, configured to receive location data of a user associated with a pet; automatically determine whether the user has entered an area defined by a first geofence based upon the location data; and in response to determining that the user has entered into the area defined by the first geofence, enabling the user to input data onto a noticeboard associated with the area. In another form, a location-based system for pet-based interactions is provided which includes a server configured to: receive location data of a user associated with a pet; automatically determine whether the user has entered into a first location defined by a first geofence based upon the location data; subsequently receive a code from the user, the code associated with a second location, wherein the first geofence does not include the second location.

Description

LOCATION-BASED SYSTEM FOR PET-BASED INTERACTIONS TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001 ] The present invention relates to location-based systems, and in particular, although not exclusively, to websites and applications that enable pet owners to create and view content, reviews and recommendations relating to pets, and to interact with other pet owners and businesses.

BACKGROUND

[0002] In modern times, pets are often considered a member of the family, and their needs and desires are often given high priority. In this regard, pets, and in particular dogs, often build relationships with certain dogs, and not other dogs, much like human relationships. Dog parks have become increasingly popular for such interactions.

[0003] While pets build bonds with each other, they are generally dependent on their owner to enable interactions with other pets with which they have built a bond. In most cases, dog owners just go to dog parks at suitable times (or randomly), until they identify times which are best for the dog and owner. Owners may also connect with each other directly (e.g. by swapping phone numbers), to organise play times at the dog parks.

[0004] A problem with this is that it is based largely upon chance and (at least initially) is consequently inefficient. A further problem is that when a bond is built between dogs, the owners may not necessarily wish to connect with each other outside of the dog park, and thus may be reluctant to share their contact details with each other. Many people consider their phone number, social media account details and the like to be highly personal, and as such, connecting with other pet owners in such a manner, simply to enable basic dog park communication, may not be desirable.

[0005] Online forums exist that provide a certain level of anonymity among pet owners when communicating with each other, but such systems are generally limited to online discussion, rather than real-world interaction among pets.

[0006] Similarly, systems exist which enable pet owners to find pet friendly hotels, to find lost pets, or the like, but such systems are generally very specialised, and are not of much use in day-to-day life.

[0007] As such, there is clearly a need for improved methods and systems for pet-based interactions. [0008] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention is directed to methods and systems for pet-based interactions, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[0010] With the foregoing in view, the present invention, in one form, resides broadly in a location-based system for pet-based interactions, the system configured to:

receive location data of a user associated with a pet;

automatically determine whether the user has entered an area defined by a first geofence based upon the location data; and

in response to determining that the user has entered into the area defined by the first geofence, enabling the user to input data onto a noticeboard associated with the area.

[001 1 ] Advantageously, the system may automatically check in the user to the area (e.g. a dog park), which is simple and convenient for the user. Furthermore, enabling the user to input data onto a noticeboard associated with the area enables interaction in a manner similar to traditional noticeboards, and avoids the spammy nature of many online noticeboards.

[0012] The area may comprise a dog park.

[0013] Information added to the noticeboard may be broadcast to one or more or a plurality of users that have earlier entered the area defined by the first geofence. This enables information to be disseminated to users quickly and efficiently, and without requiring any particular actions from the user.

[0014] The system may enable users to view pet information for pets associated with users that have entered an area defined by the first geofence, e.g. a dog park. This may enable the users to more easily select a dog park (in this example).

[0015] The pet information may include a photograph of the pet. The pet information may include a breed of the pet, an age of the pet, a gender of the pet, and/or a size of the pet.

[0016] The pet information may be void of (i.e. it may not include or may not be associated with) owner information. This may enable interaction to be pet-based, rather than owner based. [0017] The system may enable users to communicate with each other using profiles associated with their pets. The users may communicate via messaging.

[0018] The system may enable users to create subsets of pets. The subsets of pets may correspond to favourite pets.

[0019] The system may enable the user to search for dog parks. The system may enable the user to search for dog parks based upon location. The system may enable the user to retrieve information associated with pets that are associated with users that have entered an area corresponding to a dog park.

[0020] The system may enable a user to search for pet-friendly businesses, e.g. based upon location. The system may enable a user to retrieve information associated with pets that are associated with users that have entered an area corresponding to the business.

[0021 ] The system may be configured to receive a code from the user, the code associated with a location of the business.

[0022] The system may be configured to automatically determine that a user has entered into first location type (e.g. a dog park), but to determine that a user has entered other location types (e.g. a business) based (possibly only) upon a user interaction.

[0023] This may enable the user to be automatically checked into locations of a particular type, but be in control as to whether they check into other location types. As a result, a user may be able to easily and automatically check-in to certain public areas (e.g. dog parks), while retaining control over privacy in other locations.

[0024] The user interaction for the above purpose may include scanning of a machine- readable code associated with a location of the other location type.

[0025] The system may include a store, from which a user may make purchases.

[0026] The system may be configured to generate one or more recommendations for purchase based upon details of the pet associated with a user.

[0027] The recommendations may include products or subscriptions or services that have been selected at least in part according to details of the pet associated with the user. The recommendations may be generated according to details of the user.

[0028] The system may include a plurality of stores from which the user may make purchases in a single shopping cart. [0029] In another form, the invention resides broadly in a location-based system for pet- based interactions including a server configured to:

receive location data of a user associated with a pet;

automatically determine whether the user has entered into a first location defined by a first geofence based upon the location data;

subsequently receive a code from the user, the code associated with a second location,

wherein the first geofence does not include the second location.

[0030] Advantageously, the system described in the paragraph immediately above may enable different actions to be taken at different locations and different locations types. For example, the user may be automatically checked-in to some locations (e.g. dog parks), whereas other locations may require manual checking in. This may enable the user to retain control over privacy in other locations, while still enabling simple checking in to dog parks, for example.

[0031 ] In yet another form, the invention resides broadly in a location-based method for pet-based interactions, the method including:

receiving location data of a user associated with a pet;

automatically determining whether the user has entered an area defined by a first geofence based upon the location data; and

[0032] In yet another form, the invention resides broadly in a location-based method for pet-based interactions including:

receiving location data of a user associated with a pet;

automatically determining whether the user has entered into a first location defined by a first geofence based upon the location data;

subsequently receiving a code from the user, the code associated with a second location,

wherein the first geofence does not include the second location.

[0033] In yet another form, the invention resides broadly in a location-based method for pet-based communications, the method including:

receiving location data of a plurality of users, each user associated with at least one pet;

presenting, to a first user, a list of pets according to a proximity of the first user to the users associated with each of (or others of) the pets based upon the location data; and enabling the first user to communicate to users associated with one or more of the (other) pets through selection of the one or more pets from the list of pets.

[0034] The list may be sorted according to proximity. Preferably, the list is void of identifying information of the users associated with each of (or others of) the pets.

[0035] Preferably, the method includes filtering the pets of the plurality of users according to one or more filter criteria. The filter criteria may include e.g. dog breed criteria.

[0036] Preferably, the users associated with the one or more (other) pets comprises multiple users, wherein the method enables the first user to communication with the multiple users in a group communication.

[0037] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] An embodiment of the invention (and various possible features and functions thereof) will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0039] Figure 1 illustrates a personalised, location-based system for pet-based interactions, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 2 illustrates a screenshot of a pet directory screen of the system of Figure 1.

[0041 ] Figure 3 illustrates a screenshot of a filter selection screen of the system of Figure

1 .

[0042] Figure 4 illustrates a screenshot of a pet details screen of the system of Figure 1.

[0043] Figure 5 illustrates a screenshot of a chat screen of the system of Figure 1 .

[0044] Figure 6 illustrates a screenshot of a favourite pets screen of the system of Figure

1 .

[0045] Figure 7 illustrates a screenshot of a dog park screen of the system of Figure 1.

[0046] Figure 8 illustrates a screenshot of a dog park pet directory screen of the system of

Figure 1.

[0047] Figure 9 illustrates a screenshot of a submit a park screen of the system of Figure 1 .

[0048] Figure 10 illustrates a screenshot of a park details screen of the system of Figure 1 .

[0049] Figure 1 1 illustrates a screenshot of a business directory screen of the system of

Figure 1.

[0050] Figure 12 illustrates a screenshot of a business details screen of the system of Figure 1 .

[0051 ] Figure 13 illustrates a screenshot of a new pet screen of the system of Figure 1 .

[0052] Figure 14 illustrates a screenshot of a messaging screen of the system of Figure 1.

[0053] Figure 15 illustrates a first screenshot of an e-commerce page of the system of Figure 1.

[0054] Figure 16 illustrates a second screenshot of the e-commerce page of the system of Figure 1.

[0055] Figure 17 illustrates a screenshot of a park details screen for a particular dog park in the system of Figure 1 .

[0056] Figure 18 illustrates a screenshot of a“checked in” screen for the particular dog park.

[0057] Figure 19 illustrates a first screenshot of a noticeboard screen for the particular dog park.

[0058] Figure 20 illustrates a second screenshot of the noticeboard screen for the particular dog park.

[0059] Figure 21 (similar to Figure 7) illustrates a screenshot of a dog park screen.

[0060] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061 ] Figure 1 illustrates a personalised, location-based system 100 for pet-based interactions, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system 100 enables pet owners (users) to receive personalised information regarding locations (e.g. dog parks), pet- friendly activities (e.g. cafes that are dog friendly), products, and the system also helps to enable pet-based interaction with other pet owners, without requiring the owners to necessarily connect with each other outside of such pet-based interactions.

[0062] The system 100 includes a server 105 with which an owner 1 10 of a pet 1 15, such as a dog, interacts using a portable computing device 120, such as a smartphone including an application (app) installed thereon. Initially, the owner 1 10 of the pet 1 15 (e.g. a dog) may search for other pets (e.g. other dogs) based upon a location of the owner 1 10, and one or more other criteria. This is particularly useful if the pet 1 15 and owner 1 10 are new to an area, or are just interested in meeting new dogs. (Hereafter, further explanations will be given mostly with reference to dogs, and the terms“pet(s)” and“dog(s)” will be used largely interchangeably, but it is to be understood that this is purely for ease of explanation and the invention is by no means limited to dogs.)

[0063] Figure 2 illustrates a screenshot 200 of a pet directory screen of the system 100. The pet directory screen is displayed on the portable computing device 120 (as are the other screens shown in later Figures).

[0064] The pet directory screen is location based, and is particularly useful for enabling the owner 1 10 to identify other pets 115’ that are nearby and that may also meet one or more other criteria, but it is also particularly useful in connecting (online) to pets that have just been interacted with (e.g. a dog that your dog, or the dog 1 15 of the owner 1 10, just met on a walk or in a dog park).

[0065] The pet directory screen includes a plurality of pet elements 205, which may be filtered using a filter selection element 210. The pet elements 205 of the pet directory screen may be filtered based upon a number of characteristics, such as breed, age, gender and the like.

[0066] Figure 3 illustrates a screenshot 300 of a filter selection screen of the system 100. The filter selection screen includes a plurality of filter selection elements 305, corresponding to a plurality of filters (or filter criteria) which may be used or applied, namely breed, age, gender, status, distance, size and willingness to breed.

[0067] When the user 1 10 updates the filter selection elements 305 of the filter selection screen, the directory screen (Figure 2) is updated to only show pets that meet the filter criteria. As such, the owner is able to exclude pet types that his or her pet (or he or she) is not interested in. [0068] Now turning back to Figure 2, each of the pet elements 205 includes a photograph 215 of the pet 1 15’, a proximity indicator 220, a name element 225, and a home location 230. Furthermore, an activity indicator 235 is displayed on the pet elements 205 which are currently (or very recently) have been active. As an illustrative example, an activity indicator 235 may indicate that the pet 115’ is currently at a dog park or nearby cafe, or indicate that the owner 1 10’ is active on the app.

[0069] Each of the pet elements 205 is individually selectable, whereupon a pet details screen is shown. The pet elements may also be sorted in any suitable manner, including based upon proximity to the current location of the owner 1 10.

[0070] Figure 4 illustrates a screenshot 400 of a pet details screen of the system 100. The pet details screen includes one or more full-size photographs 405 of the pet 115’, as well as an information section 410, which includes details such as pet name, breed, location, activity details and the like.

[0071 ] The pet details screen includes a chat element 415, which enables the owner 1 10 to “message” or otherwise communicate with the owner 110’ of the pet 1 15’, e.g. to organise a time at a local dog park, and the pet details screen also includes an external social media link element 420, which enables the owner 1 10 to view a social media (e.g. Instagram) page that may be associated with the pet 115’.

[0072] Figure 5 illustrates a screenshot 500 of a chat screen of the system 100. The chat screen includes a text input element 505, which enables the owner 1 10 to send messages (i.e. chat messages) to the owner 1 10’ of the pet 115’. The messages are then displayed in chronological order, as outlined in Figure 5. This is particularly useful for organising times for the pets 1 15, 1 15’ to meet (e.g. at a dog park), while remaining pet-based (rather than owner- based).

[0073] The owner 1 10 may select one or more favourite pets 1 15’ using a favourites button 425 on a pet details screen, which in turn provides easy access to a subset of pets 1 15’.

[0074] Figure 6 illustrates a screenshot 600 of a favourite pets screen of the system 100. The favourite pets screen is similar to the pet directory screen, and includes a plurality of pet elements 205, but instead of presenting pets based upon location and filters (as discussed above), it presents pets 115’ which have previously been selected as favourites. This enables the owner 1 10 to simply communicate with such selected subset of pets 1 15’, and identify activity of said subset of pets, which in turn simplifies pet-based interactions with these pets 115’. [0075] In addition to viewing pets based upon their proximity and one or more filters, the system 100 enables the owner 1 10 to view (and explore) locations/areas such as dog parks 125 based upon proximity.

[0076] Figure 7 illustrates a screenshot 700 of a dog park screen of the system 100. The dog park screen includes a map element 705, on which one or more dog park elements 710 are graphically represented at their respective locations on the map element 705. Each of the dog park elements is selectable, whereupon details of the corresponding dog park 125 are provided, and details of pets 115’ at a selected dog park 125 may be viewed in the form of a directory of pets that are at, or have been to, that dog park 125 - see Figures 17-20 below. Figure 21 also illustrates a screenshot of a dog park screen 2100, which also includes a map element 2105 on which one or more dog park elements 21 10 are graphically represented at their respective locations on the map element 2105, and again, each dog park element 21 10 is selectable. The screenshot in Figure 21 is slightly different to the screenshot in Figure 7 in that, in the screenshot in Figure 21 , each dog park element 21 10 for a particular dog park displayed on the map element 2105 provides an indication 21 15 about whether something is occurring“live” at that particular dog park (e.g. this“live” indication 2115 may indicate e.g. that a user who is currently checked in to that dog park has posted content to the noticeboard for that dog park, or is uploading or streaming content live to the noticeboard for that dog park, or the like).

[0077] Figure 8 illustrates a screenshot 800 of a dog park pet directory screen. The dog park pet directory screen is similar to the pet directory screen, and it includes a plurality of pet elements 205, but instead of presenting pets based upon location and filters (or favourites), it presents pets that are at, or have been to, the selected dog park 125.

[0078] The dog park pet directory screen enables the owner 1 10 to get a quick overview of the pets that go to the selected dog park, which in turn enables the owner 1 10 to see what types of pets 1 15’ frequent that dog park 125, and interact with owners 1 10’ of pets 115’ that frequent that dog park.

[0079] The dog park screen may include advertisements, which may be selected according to the location, and/or details of the pet 1 15 or user 1 10. As an illustrative example, a pet friendly cafe may advertise (and the system may cause an advertisement for that cafe to be displayed) when the user is viewing dog parks in an area near the cafe.

[0080] In addition to the dog park pet directory screen, an overview of the dog park 125 may be provided, including numbers and types of dogs that frequent the dog park, which enables the owner to see how big or busy the dog park is. This overview information may include details of the number of dogs currently at the park as well as historical data. [0081 ] When the pet 1 15 and owner 1 10 visit a dog park 125, they are automatically checked in to the dog park, so that other owners 110’ can see that they are at the dog park 125. This applies to all owners 110’ / pets 1 15’, and enables the owners 1 10, 1 10’ to easily see who is (and what pets are) present and where.

[0082] This is achieved by defining a geofence around the dog park 125, which may be manually defined when the dog park is entered or created in the system, or it may be set as an area within a certain distance from a point at the dog park 125 (e.g. 100m from the dog park 125 or within a 100 m radius of a location inside, or at the centre of, the dog park, etc).

[0083] The system may be configured to automatically check-out users when they are (in this example) further than 100m from, or out of, the dog park 125 location (or outside a manually defined geofence).

[0084] By automatically checking in and out owners 110, 110’ and pets 115, 115’, the system enables owners 110, 1 10’ to keep track of activity at the dog parks 125 without being reliant on other owners 110’ manually entering such data, or remembering to check in, and without compromising the owners’ privacy outside of dog parks.

[0085] In some embodiments, the owners 1 10, 110’ may be able to anonymise their activity, or remove automatic check ins from dog parks.

[0086] Each dog park 125 is also (generally) associated with a virtual noticeboard 130, on which owners 1 10, 1 10’ that have visited the dog park may post information in the form of notices. The information may include any suitable type of notice, much like a traditional noticeboard, and enables communication between owners 110, 110’ that visit and have visited the dog park. Owners may also be able to post other forms of content like e.g. videos.

[0087] Only owners 110, 1 10’ who have previously checked into that particular dog park 130 may have permission to post on the noticeboard 130 associated with the dog park 130, however anyone can view and read what is on the noticeboard. This may help to avoid spam and irrelevant posts.

[0088] Any owners 110, 110’ that have previously checked into the park, will (or may) receive a notification each time a new post is posted on the noticeboard. This notification may be turned off for any particular dog park 125 (e.g. the owner no longer visits that dog park), or for a particular owner 110’ (e.g. the owner 1 10 does not wish to receive any further information from that other owner 110’), or be provided or filtered in any way.

[0089] When reporting damage or a problem, the virtual noticeboard may enable the owner to tag the local council (or whoever is responsible for the dog park). The council can reply to a post and say that it has been actioned, if desired.

[0090] Figure 17 illustrates a screenshot of a park details screen for a particular dog park. The particular dog park to which the park details screen in Figure 17 relates might be one of the dog parks represented by a dog park element 710/21 10 in Figure 7 or 21 . The system will cause the park details screen in Figure 17 to be brought up when a user selects the dog park element 710/21 10 for that particular dog park from the dog park screen in Figure 7 or 21 . It can be seen that, in the screenshot in Figure 17, the“Park Details” tab is selected, and under/in this“Park Details” tab there is provided details for the particular dog park, including the address of the dog park, the number of users that have checked in to the dog park, details about extra amenities provided at that dog park (e.g. like a small dog area, agility equipment, seating, fenced/non- fenced, etc).

[0091 ] Figure 18 illustrates a screenshot of a checked in screen for the same dog park as in Figure 17. (This is similar to, or another form of, the dog park pet directory screen in Figure 8.) It can be seen that, in the screenshot in Figure 18, the“Checked in” tab is selected, and under/in this“Checked in” tab there is provided a listing/directory of the pets corresponding to all other users who are currently checked in to the dog park. As the screenshot in Figure 18 also illustrates, an indication is provided to the user (i.e. the user viewing the screen) of which ones of the pets corresponding to other users (of those who are currently checked in to the dog park) the user (i.e. the user viewing the screen) is currently following (or has“favourited”), and an option is provided to allow the user to follow pets corresponding to any of the other (currently checked in) users that the user is not currently following. Although not shown in Figure 18, further down under/in the “Checked in” tab there may also be provided a listing/directory of pets corresponding to other users who have previously checked in to that dog park but who are not currently checked in. And again, for this listing/directory of pets corresponding to other users who have historically/previously checked in to that dog park (but who are not currently checked in there), an option may again be provided to allow the user to follow pets corresponding to any of those other (previously checked in) users that the user is not currently following.

[0092] Figure 19 illustrates a first screenshot of a noticeboard screen for the particular dog park. Figure 19 is again a screenshot for the same dog park as Figure 17 and Figure 18. It can be seen that, in the screenshot in Figure 19, the“Noticeboard” tab is selected, and the virtual noticeboard for this particular dog park is therefore displayed to the user under/in this “Noticeboard” tab. In the screenshot in Figure 19, it can be seen that a prompt is being displayed to the user stating:“Why can’t I post here?” This prompt (or something like it) is displayed if a user views the noticeboard for a particular dog park for which they have not previously checked in. (Recall from above that only owners 1 10, 110’ who have previously checked into that particular dog park 130 may have permission to post on the noticeboard 130 associated with the dog park 130, however anyone can view and read what is on the noticeboard.) Therefore, once (and after) the user has checked in to that dog park, the prompt shown in Figure 19 will no longer be displayed to that user and the user will be able to post to the noticeboard for that dog park. It can also be seen from the screenshot in Figure 19 that, on the noticeboard for the particular dog park in question, content in the form of a video is being live streamed to the noticeboard for that dog park by another user, and this is therefore visible to the user (i.e. the user viewing the screen shown in Figure 19) on the virtual noticeboard. It would also be visible to any other users who are currently checked in to that dog park, or who have previously checked in to that dog park. Note that, as well as or instead of a video that is being streamed live (i.e. in real time), other content might also be displayed on the noticeboard, such as e.g. a video or post that is not necessarily being uploaded/streamed in real time but which is nevertheless being posted by a user who is currently checked in to the dog park (i.e. such content might also be indicated as “live now”), or such content might be posted to the noticeboard by a user who is not currently checked in (and this content may also be displayed on the noticeboard but it may not be indicated as“live now”)..

[0093] Figure 20 illustrates a second screenshot of the noticeboard screen for the particular dog park. In fact, Figure 20 is really just the same screen as shown in Figure 19, but scrolled down (i.e. Figure 20 is just scrolled down from Figure 19). In Figure 20, it can be seen that the virtual noticeboard for the dog park also includes tagged stories (i.e. content which has been uploaded to the noticeboard for the dog park by other users in the past).

[0094] In addition to searching for dog parks, and displaying details of dog parks, and listing users who have checked in (or who are currently checked in) to a dog park, and displaying content on the noticeboard for the dog park, etc, as outlined above, the owner 1 10 may also enter details of (i.e. create or define) new dog parks 125, or dog parks 125 that are otherwise not registered by the system 100.

[0095] Figure 9 illustrates a screenshot 900 of a submit a park screen of the system 100.

[0096] The submit a park screen includes a map element 905, onto which the owner 1 10 may drop a dog park element 910. This enables the owner 1 10 to carefully identify a location of the dog park 125, which may not have a traditional street address, which in turn enables other owners 1 10’ to easily identify the location of the dog park 125. The geo-fence associated with the new dog park may also be defined either manually or as a pre-set radius from the location.

[0097] Once the owner 1 10 has selected the location of the dog park 125, he or she may enter a name of the dog park, and a category of the dog park in a park details screen. Figure 10 illustrates a screenshot 1000 of a park details screen including a park name element 1005 and a park category element 1010.

[0098] The new dog park 125 is then sent to an administrator for approval, and if approved, is entered into the system 100.

[0099] In addition to enabling the identification of dog parks, the system 100 is particularly useful in enabling identification of pet friendly businesses 135, such as dog friendly cafes and restaurants, vets, etc. These businesses 135 may be identified in a similar manner to dog parks.

[00100] Figure 1 1 illustrates a screenshot 1 100 of a business directory screen of the system 100. The business directory screen includes a plurality of business elements 1 105, each associated with a business name, description, location and the like. The business directory screen may be used in association with the dog park screen, e.g. to identify a suitable cafe or vet or the like in proximity to the dog park, or in a stand-alone manner. The business directory screen may list businesses according to location (or distance away from the user), and may also be filtered using filters as described above.

[00101 ] Each of the business elements 1 105 is selectable, whereupon further details of the business are provided. Figure 12 illustrates a screenshot 1200 of a business details screen.

[00102] The business details screen includes a photograph 1205, name and contact details 1210, trading hours 1215, as well as ratings 1220 from other users, and information text element 1225. The business details screen enables the owner 1 10 to get details not only of the business from the business, but also see ratings 1220 from other users of the system 100.

[00103] The business details screen may include details of numbers of dogs that have checked in to the business, as well as details of the dogs, or types of dogs.

[00104] Each of the businesses 135 may include a QR code 140 (or other machine-readable code), that is unique to that business 135. The code 140 may be displayed at an entrance of the business, on tables, counters or menus, which enables pet owners 1 10, 1 10’ to publicly “check in” to the business 135 by the user scanning the QR code, which then causes a code to be sent to the system server to register that the user has checked in to that business. This is useful in that it enables other owners 1 10’ to see the number of pets 115’ that have checked into that business 135 for a particular day (or other period), along with details of the pets 1 15.

[00105] While the business details screen may be particularly useful when searching for pet friendly cafes, it may be used for any type of business, from hospitality businesses, to vets and pet stores, as well as any other type of business.

[00106] When initially using the system, the owner 1 10 will begin by entering details of their pet 1 15 (as will other owners 110’). The details are those of the pet 1 15, such as breed, age, etc, rather than those of the owner 1 10, which enables interactions using the system to be truly pet-based.

[00107] Figure 13 illustrates a screenshot 1300 of a new pet screen.

[00108] The new pet screen includes a profile image element 1305, a plurality of add-photo elements 1310, a breed element 1315, an age element 1320, a gender element 1325, a neutered status element 1330, and a vaccination status element 1335. The new pet screen may also include other details, and a free-text description element, which enables the owner 1 10 to enter free text details relating to the pet, such as preferences of the pet.

[00109] In addition to enabling communication directly between one pet owner and another, the system 100 provides group chat functionality. This is particularly useful as it enables groups of pet owners (and their pets) to communicate about events, about a particular breed, or anything else.

[001 10] Figure 14 illustrates a screenshot 1400 of a messaging screen, which combines a plurality of different conversations, including group conversations, on a single screen. The messaging screen includes a plurality of discussion elements 1405, which, when selected, provide details of the discussion, and enable the owner 1 10 to view and contribute to the discussion.

[001 1 1 ] The system 100 includes an online marketplace including one or more online stores 145 from which the owners 1 10, 1 10’ may purchase one or more items 150. The term“item” is used very broadly, and includes subscriptions (and even services) as well as one-off items and physical products.

[001 12] Based on the information that the owner 1 10 inputs (about their pet) in the setup stage, as well as their interactions, items 150, such as subscriptions (or services that are nearby and relevant based on the inputs), are automatically suggested to the owner 1 10.

[001 13] As an illustrative example, if the pet 1 15 is a small, white coloured dog, a subscription that supplies a white and bright conditioner and shampoo, and a white and bright spritzer (i.e. based on the colour of the dog) that is only 250ml (i.e. based upon the size of the dog) might be suggested monthly. If, on the other hand, the pet 1 15 is a large, black coloured dog, a subscription that supplies a black gloss shampoo and conditioner, and a black gloss spritzer that is 500ml might be suggested monthly.

[001 14] The server 105 may categorise breeds into size, and may generate data based upon age, location or a variety of other factors.

[001 15] While one store 145 is illustrated, a wide variety of stores 145 may be coupled to the server 105, that may be presented as being from individual stores, or from a single source where multiple items may be added to a single shopping cart.

[001 16] Such a configuration enables businesses to set up a presence using the system 100 without requiring a traditional store to be set up online. Similarly, traditional stores may be able to provide products side by side, in a manner that is convenient for the owners 110, 110’.

[001 17] A loyalty card wallet may be provided that enables loyalty cards for multiple pet stores to be stored. The server 105 may then show the owners 110, 110’ how many points they have for each store, and enable scanning of the individual loyalty cards through the app, including for traditional in store purchases.

[001 18] Figure 15 illustrates a first screenshot 1500 of an e-commerce page of the system 100. The e-commerce page includes a popular products element, which includes popular products which are personalised to the pet 1 15.

[001 19] The e-commerce page further includes a plurality of category elements 1510, which relate to categories of items, such as one-off items (products) and subscriptions (and services). When selected, items that fall within that category are displayed for purchase, which may again be personalised according to the pet 1 15.

[00120] Personalisation according to the pet may include personalisation according to direct characteristics of the pet, such as breed, age, etc, and indirect characteristics of the pet, such as location, behaviour and owner information.

[00121 ] Figure 16 illustrates a second screenshot 1500’ of the e-commerce page, which includes further category elements 1510, and a plurality of brand elements 1515. The brand elements 1515 enable the owner to select products (or services) based upon their brand, rather than their category.

[00122] Finally, the e-commerce page includes one or more“featured” or spotlight elements 1520, which provide featured or spotlight items. Examples of featured or spotlight items include new items, and these featured or spotlight products may also be personalised. [00123] The owner 1 10 may add a variety of products to a single shopping cart, regardless of whether they are from multiple stores or not, pay for the items, and have them delivered, much like traditional e-commerce solutions.

[00124] In addition to the directories mentioned above, each owner 110, 1 10’ or account may be associated with a QR code or the like (not shown), which enables owners 110, 1 10’ to connect to each other directly by scanning each others’ QR codes. This alleviates the need to search for the other owner’s pet in the system, and thus provides a further simple way of connecting pets and owners. In this case, the user 1 10 displays the QR code on his or her portable computing device 120, which is scanned by the other user 110’, whereupon a code thereof is sent to the server 105 and associated with the user 1 10, thereby enabling connection.

[00125] While the features of the embodiment described above are largely pet-based, the skilled addressee will readily appreciate that some contact with the owner will (or may) be desirable. As such, an owner name may be entered, as well as owner contact details, such as email address.

[00126] Furthermore, while each owner 1 10, 110’ is illustrated with a single dog 115, 1 15’, each owner 1 10, 1 10’ may be associated with a number of dogs. Similarly, each dog may be associated with more than one owner 1 10, 1 10’, which may share a common account, or have individual accounts.

[00127] The system 100 may be configured to generate notifications to the owner 1 10, 1 10’. As an illustrative example, if an owner hasn’t been to a dog park for a long time, a notification in the form of a prompt may issue, indicating that the dog 1 15 hasn’t been taken to a dog park recently, and prompting the owner 1 10 to obtain details of a dog park.

[00128] Similarly, notifications may issue when favourite dogs check into a local dog park, enabling the owner to walk to the dog park to enable the dogs to play.

[00129] The system 100 may include an advertising module, which is configured to provide personalised advertising to the owners 1 10, 1 10’. This may be achieved using advertising geofences, and one or more other characteristics. As an illustrative example, a cafe may advertise to small dog owners in proximity to the cafe (e.g. 500m from the cafe).

[00130] In addition to the features described above, the system 100 may include a missing dog, or adopt-a-dog functionality, as outlined below.

[00131 ] If the dog 1 15 goes missing, the owner 1 10 may indicate this in the profile of the system, which in such case will automatically list the dog in a missing dogs screen, and put a missing imprint on the dogs photograph(s). The missing dogs screen is similar to the directory, but for missing dogs only, and may be location based.

[00132] Similarly, if a dog is available for adoption, this may be indicated in a similar manner. In such case, the dog profile may include an adoption link, which will open up in the native web browser of the device. This may be available to ordinary owners, but also by pet rescue groups.

[00133] The system 100 may also be used to manage events. In such case, the events may be accessible from the home screen and main menu, and will be displayed based upon proximity or time. Search fields may be used to enable a user to identify events at a desired time (e.g. next weekend), location or type.

[00134] The system may also provide yet further functionality or serve other functions. For example, because the system has information on all of the pets that have profiles in the system, including breed, age, size, date of birth, gender, etc, businesses which advertise or provide products or services via the system may be enabled to make use of this information, not only to provide tailored advertising, but also to provide tailored product or service offerings. For example, a pet grooming businesses may be able to use the pet breed and size information (and possibly other information) to provide instant and automated pet grooming quotes to owners. The system may also allow owners to make bookings for such services, or bookings for other pet -related services.

[00135] Furthermore, the system may provide a“Health Card” (not shown) for individual pets, such that, if e.g. a dog goes to a vet, the vet may have the ability to update the dog’s“Health Card”. For example, if an owner takes their dog to a vet, and the vet advises the owner (or determines) that the dog has a disease (or confirms that the dog has been desexed), the vet can then flag that dog’s profile with that disease (or the fact that it has been desexed) by updating this on the dog’s Health Card. So, if that dog were then to go to a day-care centre soon after and check in, the day-care centre can be instantly alerted from the dogs“Health Card” that the dog has a disease (or that it has been desexed). In this way, the system may enable users/owners, and businesses, to track and trace where does have been to prevent disease spread, better ensure safety, prevent unwanted mating, etc.

[00136] Advantageously, the systems and methods described above enable pet owners to receive personalised information regarding locations (e.g. dog parks), pet-friendly activities (e.g. cafes that are dog friendly), products, services and the like, as well as enable pet-based interaction with other pet owners, without requiring the owners to necessarily connect with each other outside of such pet-based interactions. [00137] Yet further to the above, the system may also allow users to create and share so- called“snippets” (not shown), as discussed below.

[00138] In the present specification, the term“snippet” means a short video, such as a video that is either 1 second or 2 seconds long (or thereabouts). The system may enable users to create and upload snippets featuring their pets. Snippets may be watermarked with a username or profile name associated with the pet (or the owner/user) to enable the creator of the snippet (or the pet of the creator) to be identified (for their own brand recognition).

[00139] It is envisaged that, to create a snippet, a user will typically record a video using the camera of their portable computing device, or alternatively upload a video (that has already been recorded or made) from another source. This video may be of any length. Once the user has finished recording (or uploading) this video, the system may enable them to select a“snippet” length portion or segment from the video, for example, by providing a 1 second or 2 second crop bar which makes it simple for the user to select the 1 or 2 second portion or segment of the video that is to form the“snippet”. Once the snippet has been thus created, the rest of the video (from which the snippet is taken) may be deleted from the system.

[00140] A snippet created by one user may be flagged by another user, e.g. if the other user wishes to use the snippet in the future. Flagged snippets may be watermarked with the creator’s username (or the username associated with the creator’s pet’s profile).

[00141 ] The system may provide a snippet gallery (not shown) where all snippets created by a user are saved after they have been created (or after they have been added to a“loop”-see below). A user may also flag other users’ snippets and these flagged snippets may be saved in the snippet gallery.

[00142] There may be two types of snippet gallery, private and public. The private snippet gallery may contain snippets that have been created but not shared into a loop (see below). These snippets may be e.g. posted as a singular video or a post, or sent as a video in a message, or added to a loop at a later time. Snippets that have been flagged by a user may also be stored in the private snippet gallery, so that they may also be e.g. posted as a singular video or in a post, or sent as a video in a message, or added to a loop at a later time. The public snippet gallery may contain snippets that have been created and shared to a loop. All users (or members of the public, unless a user’s profile is private) can view snippets of other users that are in the public snippet gallery.

[00143] As mentioned above, snippets may be added to a“loop”. Users may choose to create a loop with their followers only, or with the entire public (i.e. all users). A loop is a video thread created from multiple of the 1 second or 2 second snippets. Loops are infinite and there can be potentially thousands of snippets in one loop thread. The snippets are added, and snippets added by“higher ranked” users may be played at or closer to the beginning of the loop. It may be that the snippets that users are able to create are limited to being either 1 second, or 2 second, short videos, and it may also then be that a single loop may contain only snippets that comprise 1 second short videos, or only 2 second short videos. Any user may be able to create a loop thread.

[00144] Music may be added to a loop thread. The user which creates the loop may need to select which section of a song is to be played and repeated throughout the loop. A loop may also be given a title, and it may be expected that other users who join a loop will upload snippets (i.e. short 1 or 2 second videos) that align with, or are consistent with, the title of the loop. As an example, a loop may be entitled“falling asleep”, and the video snippets added would involve snippets posted by users of their pets falling asleep.

[00145] When a user uploads a snippet to a loop, the snippet may be instantly saved to a gallery for the user to see later. The snippet may then become public for other users to save and use in their own video creations.

[00146] When a snippet is uploaded to a loop, users may be able to add one or more hashtags to the snippet. A loop that has been hashtagged may be able to be found within the system, so that other users can find loops related to the relevant hashtags (e.g. searching for the hashtags #frenchbulldog may enable users to find loops featuring French Bulldogs).

[00147] Users may also be able to pause loops and save snippets added to the loop by other users. If a user would like to save a loop as a video, the system may enable them to do so. The system (or the app) will ask them how many snippets prior to the focus snippet and how many snippets after the focused snippet they wish to capture in the video. As a default, the recommended minimum snippets to be included when a loop is saved might be, for example, 1 1 snippets - 5 snippets prior to the focus snippet, and 5 snippets after the focus snippet.

[00148] Users may also be able to make comments on the loop and tag users to refer to certain snippets.

[00149] Once users have uploaded/created snippets to add to loop threads or have flagged snippets from other users, users will be able to create short/long videos made up of multiple other snippets. Users will thus be able to create memes or GIFFs using saved and flagged snippets. These videos/GIFS can then be shared with the user’s profile for their followers and other users to view. If a flagged snippet has been used to create a small video, this video can then also be shared to the creator of the flagged snippet’s“Tagged” section so that they are given some form of recognition.

[00150] The system may enable users to edit/add to their video/gifs using, for example, drawings, filters, music speed effect (e.g. slowdown speed up), etc.

[00151 ] The system may operate such that, in the loop gallery, next to the user's name, there will appear a count. This count may be made up of the following (for example):

- For every loop joined by adding a snippet = 1 point

For every one of your snippets in another persons video/GIF = 1 point

Every time someone flags your snippet = 1 point

[00152] The higher ranked a user’s points are, the more visibly exposed that user's profile becomes.

[00153] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including‘comprises’ and‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[00154] It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1 . A location-based system for pet-based interactions, the system configured to:

receive location data of a user associated with a pet;

2. The location-based system for pet-based interactions as claimed in claim 1 , wherein information added to the noticeboard is broadcast to a plurality of users that have earlier entered the area defined by the first geofence.

3. A location-based system for pet-based interactions including a server configured to: receive location data of a user associated with a pet;

subsequently receive a code from the user, the code associated with a second location, wherein the first geofence does not include the second location.

4. The location-based system for pet-based interactions as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the system enables users to view pet information for pets associated with users that have entered the area/first location defined by the first geofence.

5. The location-based system for pet-based interactions as claimed in claim 4, wherein the pet information includes one or more of: a photograph of the pet, breed of the pet, age of the pet, gender of the pet, and size of the pet.

6. The location-based system for pet-based interactions as claimed in claim 4 or 5, wherein the pet information is void of (i.e. it does not include and is not associated with) user (e.g. pet owner) information.

7. The location-based system for pet-based interactions as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the system enables users to communicate with each other using profiles associated with their pets, optionally via messaging.

8. The location-based system for pet-based interactions as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the system enables users to create subsets of pets.

9. The location-based system for pet-based interactions as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the area/first location defined by the first geofence is a dog park, and the system also enables the user to search for dog parks.

10. The location-based system for pet-based interactions as claimed in claim 9, wherein the system enables the user to search for dog parks based upon location.

1 1 . The location-based system for pet-based interactions as claimed in claim 9 or 10, wherein the system enables the user to retrieve information associated with pets that are associated with users that have entered an area/first location corresponding to a dog park.

12. The location-based system for pet-based interactions as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the system enables the user to search for pet-friendly businesses, optionally based upon location.

13. The location-based system for pet-based interactions as claimed in claim 12, wherein the system enables the user to retrieve information associated with pets that are associated with users that have entered an area/first location corresponding to a business.

14. The location-based system for pet-based interactions as claimed in claim 12 or 13, wherein the system is configured to receive a/the code from the user, and the code is associated with a location of a business.

15. The location-based system for pet-based interactions as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the system is configured to automatically determine that a user has entered into a first location type (e.g. a dog park), but determine that a user has entered other location types (e.g. a business) based upon a user interaction.

16. The location-based system for pet-based interactions as claimed in claim 15, wherein the user interaction includes scanning of a machine-readable code associated with a location of the other location type.

17. The location-based system for pet-based interactions as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the system includes a store or stores from which the user can make purchases.

18. The location-based system for pet-based interactions as claimed in claim 17, wherein the system is configured to generate one or more recommendations for purchase based upon details of the pet associated with the user.

19. The location-based system for pet-based interactions as claimed in claim 18, wherein the recommendations include products or subscriptions or services that have been selected at least in part according to details of the pet associated with the user, and/or at least in part according to details of the user, and/or at least in part according to location.

20. The location-based system for pet-based interactions as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the system includes a plurality of stores from which the user may make purchases in a single shopping cart.

21 . A location-based method for pet-based interactions, the method including:

receiving location data of a user associated with a pet;

22. A location-based method for pet-based interactions including:

receiving location data of a user associated with a pet;

wherein the first geofence does not include the second location.

23. A location-based method for pet-based communications, the method including:

presenting, to a first user, a list of pets according to a proximity of the first user to the users associated with each of (or others of) the pets based upon the location data; and

enabling the first user to communicate to users associated with one or more of the pets through selection of the one or more pets from the list of pets.

24. The location-based method for pet-based communications as claimed in claim 23, wherein the list is sorted according to proximity.

25. The location-based method for pet-based communications as claimed in claim 23 or 24, wherein the list is void of (i.e. it does not include and is not associated with) identifying information of the users associated with each of the pets.

26. The location-based method for pet-based communications as claimed in claim 23 or 24 or 25, wherein the method includes filtering the pets of the plurality of users according to one or more filter criteria.

27. The location-based method for pet-based communications as claimed in any one of claims 23-26, wherein the users associated with the one or more pets comprises multiple users, wherein the method enables the first user to communication with the multiple users in a group communication.