Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a pet engagement assistive device that is capable of engaging pets effectively, providing a calming interactive experience, dispensing treat paste in controlled amounts based on user input and the pet’s behavior, in a manner that minimizes wastage.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Pet engagement presents several challenges, as pets often require constant stimulation to stay active and mentally healthy. One major problem is ensuring that the pet remains engaged without becoming bored or stressed, which can lead to undesirable behaviors like chewing or excessive barking. Additionally, manually providing treats or toys can be time-consuming, and pets may lose interest if the activities are repetitive. There is also the issue of overfeeding or wasting treats, as it can be difficult to measure and control the amount given to pets, especially when they have varying appetites. Another challenge is addressing the emotional well-being of the pet, as many pets experience anxiety or discomfort, which can affect their engagement levels.

[0003] Traditionally pet engagement often involves manual interactions such as playing with toys, giving treats, or taking pets for walks. While these methods are effective to some extent, they have several drawbacks. First, they require significant time and effort from the pet owner, which can be difficult to maintain consistently. Second, repetitive play or treat-giving may lead to boredom, causing the pet to lose interest. Furthermore, manual dispensing of treats can result in overfeeding, leading to obesity or health issues. Additionally, pets may not always receive stimulation that aligns with their emotional or behavioral needs, potentially causing stress or anxiety.

[0004] US20230309510A1 discloses about animal training, animal feeding, animal management, animal fitness, monitoring and managing animal food intake, remote animal engagement, behavioral training and animal entertainment are disclosed. Embodiments of the present invention provide devices, systems and methods for measuring a dog’s energy expenditures and/or movements, and providing signals to the dog to engage in activities or games to earn food. In one aspect, one or more of the dog’s activity level, age, weight, body mass, and/or other health information is utilized to determine an appropriate food intake level for the dog. By measuring the dog’s activity, the amount of calories the dog needs and/or has utilized may be determined. By encouraging activity by the dog, the dog’s health may improve, even if the dog’s weight remains unchanged. Among other embodiments disclosed herein, various mechanisms capable of moderating animal noise and/or behavior are disclosed.

[0005] US11576348B2 discloses about one variation of a method for autonomously training animals to respond to oral commands includes: prompting a user to select a training protocol; prompting the user to record a first audio clip of the user reciting a voice command associated with a target pose within the training protocol, the user affiliated with the animal; accessing a video feed recorded by an optical sensor during a first training session; in the video feed, detecting the animal within a working field; while the animal is detected in the working field, playing back the first audio clip; in the video feed, detecting a current pose of the animal; calculating a deviation between the current pose of the animal and the target pose; in response to the deviation falling within a threshold: playing an audio clip of a secondary reinforcer; and dispensing a unit of a primary reinforcer via an integrated dispenser.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed but are not capable of providing the soothing sound when pet’s is feeling discomfort, also incapable of providing a calming interactive experience.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that requires to be capable of engaging pets effectively and providing a calming interactive experience, reducing the time and effort required from pet owners.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of engaging pets effectively and providing a calming interactive experience.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of offering customizable treat dispensing based on user preferences and pet needs.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of ensuring minimal wastage of resources while maintaining pet satisfaction.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to a pet engagement assistive device that is capable of provide an interactive and engaging experience for pets by securely attaching to a surface and adapting to their height for optimal accessibility, ensures even distribution of treats while incorporating soothing arrangement to keep the pet relaxed and engaged.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a pet engagement assistive device comprises of a frame developed to be mounted on a vertical support, wherein plurality of suction cups are provided at back portion of the frame configured to create a vacuum seal for secure attachment of the frame to the support, a microphone is integrated in the frame for enabling the user to provide input voice commands, to activate/deactivate the device and to observe barking/howling sounds, to adjust operation of the device, accordingly. A flap having a textured surface, attached to front of the frame via a motorized sliding unit, wherein an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit integrated in the frame and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of the frame, respectively to determine height of a pet in proximity to the frame, based on which an inbuilt microcontroller actuates the sliding unit to provide translation to the mat, towards the pet, an ultrasonic sensor is embedded in the frame and synced with the imaging unit for measuring distance between the pet and frame, to detect the pet’s proximity, based on which the microcontroller regulates actuation of the sliding unit to adjust position of the flap, ensuring optimal placement to engage the pet.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of a user interface inbuilt in a computing unit wirelessly linked with the microcontroller for enabling a user to provide input regarding the pet’s treat preferences, wherein based on the provided input, the microcontroller actuates an electronically controlled nozzle installed in the frame for dispensing the preferred treat paste stored in a multi-sectioned chamber installed on the frame, onto the flap in a controlled amount and the nozzle dispenses the paste at a pre-fed intervals, and in accordance to licking behavior of the pet, as detected by the imaging unit, to ensure minimum wastage, a weight sensor is embedded in the chamber for detecting weight of the stored pastes, based on which the microcontroller actuates a display panel installed on the frame to provide display notifications to the user for refilling the chamber. A vibrating unit integrated in the frame for producing vibrational sensations to distribute the dispensed paste evenly on the flap, in view of enabling the pet to lick the paste, wherein the imaging unit monitors facial expressions of the pet, to detect discomfort, based on which the microcontroller actuates a speaker installed on the frame for producing soothing audio signals for relaxing the pet, thereby facilitates in engaging the pet, ensuring the pet remains calm for a desired time duration.

[0016] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a pet engagement assistive device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0019] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0020] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0021] The present invention relates to a pet engagement assistive device that is capable of engaging pets effectively, offer a soothing interactive experience, and dispense treat paste in precise amounts according to user input and the pet’s behavior, thereby minimizing wastage.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a pet engagement assistive device is illustrated, comprising a frame 101 developed to be mounted on a vertical support, wherein plurality of suction cups 102 are provided at back portion of the frame 101, a flap 103 having a textured surface, attached to front of the frame 101 via a motorized sliding unit 104, wherein an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 105 integrated in the frame 101, an electronically controlled nozzle installed in the frame 101, a vibrating unit 106 integrated in the frame 101, a speaker 107 installed on the frame 101, a microphone 108 is integrated in the frame 101, a display panel 109 installed on the frame 101.

[0023] The device disclosed herein comprises of a frame 101 developed for mounting on a vertical support, featuring multiple suction cups 102 on its back to create a vacuum seal for secure attachment to the support. The suction cups 102 operate by generating a vacuum when pressed against the surface, ensuring a firm grip and stability. The frame 101 provides a reliable structure for mounting, making the device suitable for various applications where secure attachment to a vertical surface is required.

[0024] A microphone 108 is integrated in the frame 101 for enabling the user to provide input voice commands, to activate/deactivate the device and to observe barking/howling sounds of the pet. The microcontroller is linked to the microphone 108, when the user speaks to give voice commands to the microphone 108, it first captures the sound waves from the voice. These sound waves hit the diaphragm which vibrates back and forth in response to sound waves. This movement is then transferred to a capacitor connected to the microphone 108 that converts the vibrations into an electrical signal that mirrors the pattern of the sound waves. This signal is sent to the microcontroller which further activates the command.

[0025] Upon activation of command, a flap 103 having a textured surface, is attached to front of the frame 101 via a motorized sliding unit 104 for providing translation to the mat. The flap 103 is installed to provide a textured surface that engages the pet by allowing it to lick treat paste dispensed onto it. The motorized sliding unit 104 used herein consists of a sliding-rail and multiple rolling members which are integrated with a step motor. On actuation the step motor rotates the rolling members in order to provide rolling motion to the members which results in sliding of the rod over the sliding-rail. Thus providing translation to the mat.

[0026] An artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 105 is mounted on the frame 101 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of the frame 101, respectively to determine height of a pet in proximity to the frame 101. The imaging unit 105 includes an imaging hardware such as a camera that captures images of the pet to gather comprehensive visual information. The imaging unit 105 is linked with a processor that preprocesses the captured images which involves noise reduction to clean the distortions followed by adjusting brightness, contrast, and color balance to make the images more uniform. Then, feature extraction is done using artificial intelligence protocol to identify and extract key features or patterns from the images to highlight significant elements within the image. Artificial intelligence in the imaging unit 105 involves deep learning models that are trained to recognize and classify objects, detect anomalies, or segment images into different regions. At last, the imaging unit 105 identifies the height of the pet and the processor then sends the detected dimension to the microcontroller.

[0027] Based on the determined height, the microcontroller actuates the sliding unit 104 to provide translation to the mat, towards the pet. The motorized sliding unit 104 is a mechanism developed to provide precise linear movement to an attached component, such as a flap 103 or panel 109, along a guided track. It typically consists of an electric motor, and a control unit. When powered, the motor generates rotational motion, which the drive device converts into linear motion to move the attached component.

[0028] A user interface inbuilt in a computing unit is wirelessly linked with the microcontroller for enabling a user to provide input regarding the pet’s treat preferences. The communication module operates by establishing a wireless link between the computing unit’s inbuilt user interface and the microcontroller, enabling seamless data exchange. When the user inputs treat preferences through the interface, the communication module transmits this data to the microcontroller, which then processes the input and adjusts the treat dispensing arrangement accordingly.

[0029] Based on the pet’s treat preferences, the microcontroller actuates an electronically controlled nozzle installed in the frame 101 for dispensing the preferred treat paste stored in a multi-sectioned chamber installed on the frame 101, onto the flap 103 in a controlled amount. The electronic nozzle comprises of a gate and a magnetic coil which uses electricity from microcontroller to generate the force to control the opening/closing of gate to control the flow of a treat paste through a small aperture of the nozzle, allowing for precise control of the flow of the treat paste on the flap 103 in a controller manner. The nozzle dispenses the paste at a pre-fed interval, and in accordance to licking behavior of the pet, as detected by the imaging unit 105, to ensure minimum wastage.

[0030] An ultrasonic sensor is embedded in the frame 101 and synced with the imaging unit 105 for measuring distance between the pet and frame 101, to detect the pet’s proximity, based on which the microcontroller regulates actuation of the sliding unit 104 to adjust position of the flap 103, ensuring optimal placement to engage the pet. ultrasonic sensor measures distance by emitting ultrasonic sound waves and detecting their reflection from nearby objects. It comprises a transmitter that emits high-frequency sound waves and a receiver that captures the echoed waves. The sensor calculates the time taken for the sound waves to travel to the object and back, using this data to determine the distance based on the speed of sound. Thus ensuring optimal placement to engage the pet.

[0031] A weight sensor is embedded in the chamber for detecting weight of the stored pastes. The weight sensor comprises of a transducer and a strain gauge. The force applied on the sensor due to weight load leads to the deformation of the strain gauge. The deformations are measured and the transducer converts the force to the electrical resistance which is sent as an electrical output to the microcontroller. The sensor detects the weight and as the weight recedes a pre-defined threshold limit, the signal is sent to the microcontroller.

[0032] Based on the monitored weight, the microcontroller actuates a display panel 109 installed on the frame 101 to provide display notifications to the user for refilling the chamber. The touch interactive display panel 109 mapped herein consists of multiple tiny electrically active wires. When user touch the mapping illustrated over the panel 109, the wires are pressed together and circuit is completed. Which results in flow of voltages across the circuit. That voltage flow is detected by the microcontroller linked with the panel 109 in form of electric signals. Further the signals are processed by the microcontroller to determine the user’s input regarding the refilling the chamber.

[0033] After dispensing the treat paste, a vibrating unit 106 integrated in the frame 101 is activated by the microcontroller for producing vibrational sensations to distribute the dispensed paste evenly on the flap 103, in view of enabling the pet to lick the paste. The vibration unit comprises of an electric motor and an unbalanced weight. The weight is connected to the rotor of the motor. The rotation of the rotor of the motor due to the electric current causes the rotation of the unbalanced weight generating vibrations. The vibration from the vibrating unit 106 is translated to distribute the paste configured to the frame 101. The vibrations of the paste start distributing the paste and the pet starts licking the paste.

[0034] While licking the paste, the imaging unit 105 monitors facial expressions of the pet, to detect discomfort, based on which the microcontroller actuates a speaker 107 installed on the frame 101 for producing soothing audio signals for relaxing the pet, thereby facilitates in engaging the pet, ensuring the pet remains calm for a desired time duration.

[0035] The speaker 107 works by converting the electrical signal into the audio signal. It consists of a cone known as a diaphragm attached to a coil-shaped wire placed between two magnets. When the electric signal is passed through the voice coil, it generates a varying magnetic field that interacts with the magnet causing the diaphragm to move back and forth. This movement pushes and pulls air creating sound waves just like the electrical signal received and used to notify the user regarding discomfort of the pet, thereby producing soothing audio signals.

[0036] Moreover, a battery is associated with the device to supply power to electrically powered components which are employed herein. The battery is comprised of a pair of electrodes known as a cathode and an anode. A voltage is generated between the anode and cathode via oxidation/reduction and thus produces the electrical energy to provide to the device.

[0037] The proposed device works in the best manner where the frame 101 mounted on the vertical support using suction cups 102 with the suction pump, impeller, and motor to create the secure vacuum seal. The textured flap 103 attached to the frame 101 via the motorized sliding unit 104 provides translation to align with the pet’s height, determined by an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 105. The imaging unit 105 uses the camera, processor, and deep learning models to capture, process, and extract features from images, ensuring accurate height detection. The user interface linked to the computing unit enables input of treat preferences, which the microcontroller uses to actuate an electronically controlled nozzle to dispense paste from the multi-sectioned chamber onto the flap 103 in precise amounts. The ultrasonic sensor measures the pet’s proximity, optimizing flap 103 placement. The weight sensor in the chamber detects paste levels, with notifications displayed on the panel 109. The vibrating unit 106 distributes the dispensed paste evenly on the flap 103 for the pet to lick, while the imaging unit 105 monitors facial expressions for discomfort. If detected, the microcontroller activates the speaker 107 to emit soothing sounds. The microphone 108 captures voice commands and barking sounds to adjust operations, and the display panel 109 communicates device status visually.

[0038] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) A pet engagement assistive device, comprising:

i) a frame 101 developed to be mounted on a vertical support, wherein plurality of suction cups 102 are provided at back portion of said frame 101 configured to create a vacuum seal for secure attachment of said frame 101 to said support;
ii) a flap 103 having a textured surface, attached to front of said frame 101 via a motorized sliding unit 104, wherein an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 105 integrated in said frame 101 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of said frame 101, respectively to determine height of a pet in proximity to said frame 101, based on which an inbuilt microcontroller actuates said sliding unit 104 to provide translation to said mat, towards said pet;
iii) an user interface installed on a computing unit wirelessly linked with said microcontroller for enabling a user to provide input regarding said pet’s treat preferences, wherein based on said provided input, said microcontroller actuates an electronically controlled nozzle installed in said frame 101 for dispensing said preferred treat paste stored in a multi-sectioned chamber installed on said frame 101, onto said flap 103 in a controlled amount; and
iv) a vibrating unit 106 integrated in said frame 101 for producing vibrational sensations to distribute said dispensed paste evenly on said flap 103, in view of enabling said pet to lick said paste, wherein said imaging unit 105 monitors facial expressions of said pet, to detect discomfort, based on which said microcontroller actuates a speaker 107 installed on said frame 101 for producing soothing audio signals for relaxing said pet, thereby facilitates in engaging said pet, ensuring said pet remains calm for a desired time duration.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein an ultrasonic sensor is embedded in said frame 101 and synced with said imaging unit 105 for measuring distance between said pet and frame 101, to detect said pet’s proximity, based on which said microcontroller regulates actuation of said sliding unit 104 to adjust position of said flap 103, ensuring optimal placement to engage said pet.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said nozzle dispenses said paste at pre-fed intervals, and in accordance to licking behavior of said pet, as detected by said imaging unit 105, to ensure minimum wastage.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a microphone 108 is integrated in said frame 101 for enabling said user to provide input voice commands, to activate/deactivate said device and to observe barking/howling sounds, to adjust operation of said device, accordingly.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a weight sensor is embedded in said chamber for detecting weight of said stored pastes, based on which said microcontroller actuates a display panel 109 installed on said frame 101 to provide display notifications to said user for refilling said chamber.

6) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is configured with said device for providing a continuous power supply to electronically powered components associated with said device.