WO2023062369A1

WO2023062369A1 - Animal to human communication device and method

Info

Publication number: WO2023062369A1
Application number: PCT/GB2022/052596
Authority: WO
Inventors: Robbie MANGHER; Ranjot NANDHRA; Kiran NANDHRA; Matthew Thomas
Original assignee: Talking Dog Training Limited
Priority date: 2021-10-13
Filing date: 2022-10-12
Publication date: 2023-04-20
Also published as: GB2611770A; GB202114640D0

Abstract

Typically, communication between animals and their care giver is problematic. An animal may give signs and indications as to their wants and needs, and a care giver must decipher the signs and indications to determine what the animal is trying to communicate. However, it may not always be apparent what an animal is trying to communicate with their behaviour. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an improved animal to human communication device and method. The present disclosure provides an animal to human communication device 100 for allowing an animal to communicate with an animal care giver, the device 100 comprising: a plurality of tiles 112A-D configured to be actuable by an animal; a transmitter 126 configured to send an electronic message to a predetermined electronic device 130; and a processor 124 configured to generate and send the electronic message, via the transmitter 126, upon actuation of one of the plurality of tiles 112A-D; wherein a content of the electronic message is at least partially dependent on the actuated one of the plurality of tiles 112A-D.

Description

ANIMAL TO HUMAN COMMUNICATION DEVICE AND METHOD

Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure relates generally to an animal to human communication device and method and finds particular, although not exclusive, utility in providing a communication device with which an animal may send their care giver electronic messages.

Background

Typically, communication between animals, such as pets or captive animals, and their care givers is problematic. An animal may give signs and indications as to their wants and needs, and a care giver must decipher the signs and indications to determine what the animal is trying to communicate. For example, a dog may lick their lips in a particular way to indicate that they are hungry or thirsty, or bark next to or scratch at an external door in order to be let out of the house. Animal behaviour may become familiar to care givers over time, or may have been taught by the care giver to the animal, such that some form of basic communication is possible between an animal and a care giver.

However, it may not always be apparent what an animal is trying to communicate with their behaviour. For example, a dog barking at a door may mean that the dog wishes to go outside, or that the dog has heard an unfamiliar sound outside and is notifying their owner. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an improved animal to human communication device and method.

Aspects of the present disclosure seek to provide an animal to human communication device and method that alleviates these problems with prior known systems. In particular, aspects of the present disclosure seek to provide an animal to human communication device and method that allows an animal to send electronic messages to their care giver.

Summary

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an animal to human communication device for allowing an animal to communicate with an animal care giver, the device comprising: a plurality of tiles configured to be actuable by an animal; a transmitter configured to send an electronic message to a predetermined electronic device; and a processor configured to generate and send the electronic message, via the transmitter, upon actuation of one of the plurality of tiles; wherein a content of the electronic message is at least partially dependent on the actuated one of the plurality of tiles.

The communication device may be particularly useful for allowing a pet or other domesticated animal to communicate with their owner. Furthermore, the pet may send electronic communications to the owner even when the owner is away from the home or otherwise separated from their pet.

The electronic message may comprise a text-based message. The text-based message may be an SMS, an EMS, an IM and/or an email. Alternatively, the text-based message may be an in-app message or notification. In this way, an animal care giver may receive messages from their animal via their existing electronic device. Alternatively or additionally, the electronic message may comprise an audible message. The audible message may be predetermined. For example, the audible message may include a spoken request for the animal to be fed or let out into the garden. In this way, blind or partially sighted humans may interpret the message which may be sent by an assistance animal. The electronic message may comprise an MMS and/or an image, such as an image of the animal. The image, such as an image of the pet, may be shown on the electronic device when the electronic message is received.

The electronic device may be a personal computing device. For example, the electronic device may be a smartphone, a laptop, a desktop computer, a tablet computer, a smartwatch, a personal digital assistant or any other known internet-enabled device or SIM- enabled device. Alternatively, the electronic message may be sent to a predetermined online account, said account being accessible across a number of electronic devices. For example, the electronic message may be sent to an email address, a mobile phone number, a social media account, or any other account or service accessible by an animal care giver. As a further alternative, the electronic device may be a server configured to forward the electronic message, or a second electronic message related to the first electronic message, to a personal computing device.

Each tile may comprise an electronic switch or other sensor, such as a vibration sensor. In this way, an animal may actuate the tile by touching or moving the tile. A tile may be actuated by any lateral movement, such as touching or moving the tile. Each tile may be waterproof, splash proof or water resistant. Each tile may comprise normally-open or normally-closed contacts. Each tile may be a button. The animal to human communication module may further comprise a loudspeaker device. The loudspeaker device may be operable by the processor to emit an audible message. The processor may be configured to operate the loudspeaker device to emit the audible message upon sending of the electronic message. Alternatively or additionally, the processor may be configured to operate the loudspeaker device to emit a second audible message upon actuation of the one of the plurality of tiles. The first and/or second audible message may comprise a spoken component related to the content of the electronic message. For example, if the content of the electronic message includes a request for a treat, the audible message may include the spoken word “treat”, such that the animal may be given audible notification that the message has been sent successfully. As an alternative example, the first and or second audible message may comprise a generic or customisable tone to notify the animal that the message has been successfully sent. In this way, the animal may understand that the device is working in a way in which they are familiar or have been trained.

The animal to human communication module may further comprise an optical feedback device configured to provide a message optically. The processor may be configured to operate the optical feedback device to emit the optical message upon sending of the electronic message. Alternatively or additionally, the processor may be configured to operate the optical feedback device to emit a second optical message upon actuation of the one of the plurality of tiles. The first and/or second optical message may comprise a light, an array of lights, a display, or some other device capable of providing an optical message. For example, if the content of the electronic message includes a request for a treat, the display may show the word “treat”. As an alternative example, the first and or second optical message may comprise a generic or customisable optical display to notify the animal that the message has been successfully sent. In this way, the animal may understand that the device is working in a way in which they are familiar or have been trained. The display may therefore give the animal visual feedback that the message has been sent successfully, which may be particularly relevant should the animal have a hearing disability.

The device may comprise a first module comprising the plurality of tiles in communication with a second module comprising the transmitter. The second module may be internet enabled and/or comprise a subscriber identity module (SIM). In this way, the first module may be placed in a position most convenient for an animal whilst the second module may be placed in a position most suitable for sending the electronic message. For example, the second module may be placed in a position with optimal wireless reception. Additionally, the second module may be placed out of reach of the animal to avoid or reduce damage to the second module. The first and second modules may communicate via a wired or wireless connection, such as Bluetooth, Radio Frequency (RF), long range (LoRa), WiFi and/or any other known connection type. The device may comprise a third module including the loudspeaker device. Alternatively, the loudspeaker device may be arranged on the first and/or second modules.

The first module including the plurality of tiles may comprise a plurality of submodules. The plurality of submodules may be distributed. For example, the first module may comprise a first submodule including a first tile, a second submodule including a second tile, and a third submodule including a third tile. The first tile may be positioned next to an external door of the home and be used to alert an animal care giver that the animal wishes to go outside. The second tile may be positioned next to a food dispenser and be used to alert an animal care giver that the animal wishes to have some food. The third tile may be positioned outside the home and may be used to alert an animal care giver that the animal would like an external door to be opened to enter the building, or an awning to be deployed to provide shade or cover from rain. In this way, the tile an animal must press, actuate or otherwise move laterally to send a particular electronic message may be adjacent to the relevant item or structure, thereby being more intuitive for the animal. Alternatively, each of the plurality of submodules may be positioned adjacent to each other of the plurality of submodules, such that each of the submodules are positioned in the same location. In this way, the animal may go to a single location to have access to each of the tiles.

The processor may be configured to delay, inhibit or prevent a second electronic message being sent within a predetermined period following the first electronic message being sent. The predetermined period may be 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 20 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute, 2 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, or any other desired length of time. In this way, the animal care giver may not be inundated with messages from their animal.

The animal to human communication device may further comprise a receiver. The receiver and transmitter may be combined in a transceiver. The receiver may be positioned in the second module.

The receiver may be configured to receive a first communication from the predetermined electronic device. In response to receipt of the first communication, the processor may be configured to delay, inhibit or prevent electronic messages being sent from the module to the predetermined electronic device for a user selectable period of time, or until a second communication is received from the predetermined electronic device. In this way, an animal care giver may snooze or disable the device.

The receiver may be configured to receive a second communication from the predetermined electronic device. The second communication may cause the loudspeaker device to emit an audible message. The audible message may be predetermined or may be customisable by a user. For example, a user may record a voice note to be played to their animal.

The device may be in communication with a home automation system. The device may be operable, in response to a communication from the predetermined electronic device, to operate a component of the home automation system. For example, a user may, via the device, open a door or a pet flap, operate an automatic water or food dispenser, open or close an awning, adjust the temperature of a room, turn on a light, initiate cleaning with a robot vacuum cleaner, operate a sound system, operate an Al virtual assistant, operate or give instructions to a robotic assistant or operate any other known home automation or smart home enabled product or device.

The user may be presented, via their electronic device, with one or more suggested actions to take following the receipt of the electronic message. The suggested action(s) may be predetermined and based on the actuated tile and/or content of the message. For example, if the animal actuated a tile asking to be let outside, the user may be provided with a suggestion to operate the home automation system to open an external door. Accordingly, a user may need only take a single action to confirm that the suggested action should be carried out.

Each tile of the plurality of tiles may have a cross-sectional area of at least 150mm². Each tile of the plurality of tiles may have a cross-sectional area in the range 50mm² to 25000mm², 75mm² to 22500mm², 100mm² to 20000mm², 125mm² to 18000mm², or any other desirable size. In a preferred example, each tile may have a width and length of approximately 105mm such that they each have a cross-sectional area of 11025mm² . Each tile may have a depth in the range 1mm to 100mm, 3mm to 75mm, 5mm to 50mm, 10mm to 40mm, or 15mm to 35mm. In a preferred example, each tile has a depth of approximately 25mm. In this way, an animal may use their paw, nose or other extremity to actuate only a single tile at a time.

Each tile of the plurality of tiles may be spaced from each other tile of the plurality of tiles by at least 1mm, 2mm, 3mm, 5mm or 10mm. Each tile of the plurality of tiles may be spaced from each other tile of the plurality of tiles by distance in the range 0.1mm to 30mm, 0.2mm to 25mm, 0.5mm to 20mm, 0.6mm to 15mm, or any other desirable distance, particularly when tiles are positioned at different locations around the house. In this way, the tiles may be sufficiently spaced to prevent or reduce the likelihood of an animal actuating multiple tiles simultaneously.

Each tile of the plurality of tiles may have a unique colour, shape, pattern, texture, size and/or scent. In this way, an animal may be trained to associate a particular colour, shape, texture, size and/or scent with a message request the animal would like to send to their owner.

The animal to human communication device may further comprise a power source. The power source may include a wall plug. The power source may be a fixed power source, wherein the device must remain connected to a power outlet to operate, or a portable power source, wherein the device need not remain connected to a power outlet to operate. The power source may comprise a replaceable and/or rechargeable battery.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an animal to human communication method comprising the steps: receiving, at a processor from an actuated tile of a plurality of tiles, an input; generating, by the processor, an electronic message including content at least partially dependent on the actuated tile of the plurality of tiles; and sending, by the processor via a transmitter, the electronic message to a predetermined electronic device.

The second aspect of the present disclosure may include provision, operation and/or use steps associated with any feature described herein in relation to the first aspect of the present disclosure.

In some instances, the device may include only a single tile configured to be actuated by an animal. Such an arrangement may be preferable to a user that does not want to receive different types of communications, or prefers a more simple device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The disclosure will be further described with reference to examples depicted in the accompanying figures in which: Figure 1 is a schematic view of an animal to human communication device; and

Figure 2 is a flow diagram showing the steps of an animal to human communication method.

Detailed Description

The following description presents particular examples and, together with the drawings, serves to explain principles of the disclosure. However, the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to the precise details of the examples, since variations will be apparent to a skilled person and are deemed to be covered by the description. Terms for components used herein should be given a broad interpretation that also encompasses equivalent functions and features. In some cases, alternative terms for structural features may be provided but such terms are not intended to be exhaustive.

Descriptive terms should also be given the broadest possible interpretation; e.g. the term "comprising" as used in this specification means "consisting at least in part of" such that interpreting each statement in this specification that includes the term "comprising", features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprises" are to be interpreted in the same manner. Directional terms such as “vertical”, “horizontal”, “up”, “down”, “top”, “bottom”, “upper” and “lower” are used for convenience of explanation usually with reference to the illustrations and are not intended to be ultimately limiting if an equivalent function can be achieved with an alternative dimension, orientation and/or direction.

The description herein refers to examples with particular combinations of features, however, it is envisaged that further combinations and cross-combinations of compatible features between embodiments will be possible. Indeed, isolated features may function independently as an invention from other features and not necessarily require implementation as a complete combination.

Figure 1 is a schematic view of an animal to human communication device 100. The device 100 includes a first module 110 that may be positioned such that it is accessible by an animal. The first module 110 is shown to include four tiles 112A-D, although any number of tiles may be provided. A first tile 112A is square, a second tile 112B is circular, a third tile 112C is triangular and a fourth tile 112D is star-shaped. Accordingly, an animal may be able to differentiate between the tiles 112A-D. Each tile 112A-D is of a size suitable to be actuated by an animal with a paw, nose or other extremity. Furthermore, each tile 112A-D is spaced from each other tile 112A-D, such that it is more difficult for an animal to actuate several tiles 112A-D at once. Animals without opposable thumbs or the dexterity of a human typically require larger tiles that are spaced apart.

The system 100 also includes a second module 120. The second module 120 is in wireless communication 122 with the first module 110 such that data may be sent wirelessly between the first module 110 and the second module 120. The second module 120 includes a processor 124 and a transmitter 126. The processor 124 is configured to control operation of the device 100 and contains the necessary software instructions. The transmitter 126 is arranged to send, directly or indirectly via a server (not shown), an electronic message to a predetermined electronic device 130 over a wireless network 132. The electronic device 130 may be a mobile phone or other such device belonging to the animal care giver. In this regard, the second module 120 may comprise a SIM, be WiFi enabled, or otherwise be arranged to send electronic messages.

The electronic device 130 includes a screen 134 or other user feedback device capable of providing the electronic message to the user. In the example depicted in Figure 1 , the screen shows the message “TREAT”. In use, an animal may have actuated the third tile 112C. A message may then be passed wirelessly 112 from the first module 110 to the second module 120. The second module 120 may then compose and send an electronic message, via the transmitter 126, to the electronic device 130. The electronic device 130 may then display the electronic message to the animal care giver, who may then take appropriate action.

The animal may be trained to actuate the first tile 112A when it would like feeding, the second tile 112B when it would like some water or more water, the third tile 112C when it would like a treat, and the fourth tile 112D when it would like a door to be opened.

Although the first module 110 is shown to be a single component, the first module 110 may instead be distributed over a plurality of submodules as described herein. Additionally, although differently shaped tiles 112A-D are shown, the tiles 112A-D may alter in different characteristics as described herein. Furthermore, although a wireless connection 122 is shown between the first module 110 and the second module 120, a wired connection may instead be provided. As a further alternative, the first module 110 and the second module 120 may be housed in the same housing. The first module 110 may include a loudspeaker arranged to emit an audible message to an animal upon actuating of a tile 112A-D and/or sending of the electronic message. In some examples, each tile 112A-D may be identical but be configured to send a unique message request.

Although not shown, the system 100 may be configured such that a user may send messages from the electronic device 130 back to the second module 120. For example, the processor 124 may be configured to control a home automation system, and the user may operate the home automation system from their electronic device 130. Furthermore, the system 100 may include a loudspeaker device operable to provide audible messaged to an animal.

Figure 2 is a flow diagram showing the steps of an animal to human communication method 200. The method 200 may be carried out with the device 100 shown in Figure 1. The first step is to receive 210, at a processor 124 from an actuated tile 112A-D of a plurality of tiles 112A-D, an input. An animal may actuate a tile 112A-D to provide the input. The second step is to generate 220, by the processor 124, an electronic message including content at least partially dependent on the actuated tile 112A-D to the plurality of tiles 112A-D. For example, the actuated tile 112A-D may be a “treat” tile, and the electronic message may contain the word “treat”, written or spoken, or an image of a treat. The final step is to send 230, by the processor 124 via the transmitter 126, the electronic message to the predetermined electronic device 130.

Further method steps will be apparent from the present disclosure. For example, the user may send, via the electronic device, a message back to the processor 124 to operate a component of a home automation system, such as to open an external door, or to operate a loudspeaker device to emit an audible message to their animal.

Claims

Claims:

1. An animal to human communication device for allowing an animal to communicate with an animal care giver, the device comprising: a plurality of tiles configured to be actuable by an animal; a transmitter configured to send an electronic message to a predetermined electronic device; and a processor configured to generate and send the electronic message, via the transmitter, upon actuation of one of the plurality of tiles; wherein a content of the electronic message is at least partially dependent on the actuated one of the plurality of tiles.

2. The animal to human communication device of claim 1 , wherein the electronic message comprises a text-based message.

3. The animal to human communication device of claim 2, wherein the text-based message is an SMS, an EMS, an IM and/or an email.

4. The animal to human communication device of any preceding claim, wherein the electronic message comprises an MMS and/or an image, preferably an image of the animal.

5. The animal to human communication device of any preceding claim, wherein the electronic device is a personal computing device.

6. The animal to human communication device of any preceding claim, further comprising a loudspeaker device operable by the processor to emit an audible message.

7. The animal to human communication device of claim 6, wherein the processor is configured to operate the loudspeaker device to emit the audible message upon sending of the electronic message.

8. The animal to human communication device of claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the processor is configured to operate the loudspeaker device to emit a second audible message upon actuation of the one of the plurality of tiles.

9. The animal to human communication device of any preceding claim, wherein the device comprises a first module comprising the plurality of tiles in communication with a second module comprising the transmitter.

10. The animal to human communication device of any preceding claim, wherein the processor is configured to delay, inhibit or prevent a second electronic message being sent within a predetermined period following the first electronic message being sent.

11. The animal to human communication device of any preceding claim, further comprising a receiver configured to receive a first communication from the predetermined electronic device, wherein, in response to receipt of the first communication, the processor is configured to delay, inhibit or prevent electronic messages being sent from the device to the predetermined electronic device for a user selectable period of time, or until a second communication is received from the predetermined electronic device.

12. The animal to human communication device of any preceding claim, wherein each tile of the plurality of tiles has a cross-sectional area of at least 150mm².

13. The animal to human communication device of any preceding claim, wherein each tile of the plurality of tiles is spaced from each other tile of the plurality of tiles by at least 1 mm.

14. The animal to human communication device of any preceding claim, wherein each tile of the plurality of tiles has a unique colour, shape, texture, size and/or scent.

15. The animal to human communication device of any preceding claim, further comprising a power source including a wall plug, a rechargeable battery and/or a replaceable battery.

16. The animal to human communication device of any preceding claim, further comprising a home automation system, wherein the device is operable, in response to a communication from the predetermined electronic device, to operate a component of the home automation system.

17. The animal to human communication device of claim 16, wherein the home automation system comprises an automated door or pet flap opener, an automatic water or food dispenser, an automated openable and closable awning, an automated room temperature control system, a robot vacuum cleaner, a sound system, an Al virtual assistant, a robotic assistant, a light switch, and/or any other known home automation or smart home enabled product or device.

18. The animal to human communication device of claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the device is configured to present the user, via their electronic device, with one or more suggested actions to take following the receipt of the electronic message, wherein the suggested action(s) are predetermined and based on the actuated tile and/or content of the message.

19. An animal to human communication method comprising the steps: receiving, at a processor from an actuated tile of a plurality of tiles, an input; generating, by the processor, an electronic message including content at least partially dependent on the actuated tile of the plurality of tiles; and sending, by the processor via a transmitter, the electronic message to a predetermined electronic device.