JP2024010089A - Kinetic powered pet tracker system and method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a pet tracking device, system and method using a kinetic motion energy generator to generate electrical energy that is used to power the pet tracking device.SOLUTION: The pet tracking device may include a housing on a wearable item, such as a collar, attached to the pet or may be injected underneath the skin of the pet.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 15/833,708, filed December 6, 2017, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

A very common problem for pet owners is a missing or stolen pet. For example, the Humane Society of the United States estimates that over 10 million dogs and cats are lost or stolen each year in the United States. This means that one in three pets will go missing at some point during their lifetime.

Pet and animal movement tracking devices are known. These known pet and animal movement tracking devices have various performance issues that limit the effectiveness of these devices. These performance issues include battery life, waterproofness, durability, weight, size, failure to update personal and pet details, lost tags and collars, lack of GPS, and/or need for implantation. It's here. Further details on these known pet tracking devices can be found at https://topdogtips. com/best-dog-gps-collar/ and public. home again. com/pdf/microchipping-whitepaper. pdf, which are incorporated herein by reference. One type of known pet tracking mechanism is microchipping, where a microchip is inserted under the pet's skin. However, only 58% of microchipped animals have the owner's contact information registered in a database so that the owner can be contacted. Microchips implanted in pets can only identify missing pets if they are scanned, but in reality this is not the case and many pet owners also They mistakenly believe the chip is a tracking system to locate their missing pets. However, all incoming pets may not be scanned for chips at the veterinary hospital, or another person may find and rescue the pet, rendering the microchip completely useless. Microchipping is a passive, reactive process in which 1) the pet is found and taken to the shelter, and 2) the shelter scans the microchip and an employee trained to scan the microchip 3) different microchips use different frequencies so the shelter can read the signal frequency used by the microchip; 4) the chip has not malfunctioned or migrated so that it cannot be scanned; and 5) the pet Owners pay to register a chip, and as it changes over the years, pet owners may return their pets if they pay each time to update the information.

Another known pet tracking device is a pet collar that has a Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) system receiver embedded in the collar, which allows pet owners to actually track their pet's movements. can. A limitation of these known GPS pet tracker collars is that they have high energy consumption, requiring either recharging the GPS portion of the collar after extraction or frequent battery replacement even with large, bulky batteries. It is. This is an annoyance to the user and is often not done, but even with a full battery, the battery life is very short. As a result, if a pet wearing a known GPS pet tracker collar with limited or depleted energy stores is lost or stolen, these known GPS pet tracker collars may be of little use. There is sex. Furthermore, these known GPS pet tracker collars can fall off or become dislodged from the pet, rendering the collar useless in tracking the pet's location.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide an athletic pet tracker that overcomes the above-described limitations and technical problems with existing pet tracking devices, and the present disclosure is directed to this purpose.

TECHNICAL FIELD This disclosure relates generally to tracking of moving objects, and more particularly to the animal care industry, and in particular to systems and methods for tracking movement of pets.

A method for animal tracking is disclosed. The method includes using a dynamic kinetic energy generator within the animal tracking device to generate electrical energy based on the movement of the animal, storing the generated electrical energy in an energy store, and using a dynamic kinetic energy generator within the animal tracking device. receiving a request to track an animal; and receiving a position signal using a position tracking mechanism within the animal tracking device powered by the dynamic kinetic energy generator; and based on the position signal. determining the location of the animal.

The method may include generating electrical energy by converting movement of the animal into electrical energy. The method may include activating an attention generating mechanism to indicate that the animal is missing.

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

The method may include attaching an animal tracking device to the animal or subcutaneously implanting the animal tracking device. Before receiving the request to track the animal, the location of the animal may be repeatedly determined at a first frequency, and after receiving the request to track the animal, determining the location of the animal based on the location signal. is performed at a second frequency, the second frequency being higher than the first frequency. The first frequency may be less than 4 times per hour and the second frequency may be greater than 4 times per hour or greater than 10 times per hour.

A system for animal tracking is disclosed. The system can include an animal tracking device attached to the animal and a backend system in wireless communication with the animal tracking device, the animal tracking device including an animal tracking mechanism that tracks the current location of the animal; The animal tracking mechanism may include a dynamic kinetic energy generator electrically connected to the animal tracking mechanism, the dynamic kinetic energy generator being capable of generating electrical energy in response to normal movement of the animal; has an energy store for powering the animal tracking mechanism, the energy store being powered by electrical energy generated by the dynamic kinetic energy generator.

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

Animal tracking devices are attached to an animal's harness or implanted under the animal's skin.

An animal tracking device is disclosed. The animal tracking device may include an animal tracking mechanism that tracks the location of the animal, and a dynamic kinetic energy generator electrically connected to the animal tracking mechanism, the dynamic kinetic energy generator configured to track the animal's normal location. It may be possible to generate electrical energy in response to movement, and the animal tracking mechanism may have an energy store that powers the animal tracking mechanism. The energy store may be powered by electrical energy produced by a dynamic kinetic energy generator.

The animal tracking device may include a housing containing an animal tracking mechanism, a dynamic kinetic energy generator, and an energy store. The housing may be water resistant. The animal tracking mechanism may further include a satellite-based global positioning system.

A tracking device is disclosed. The tracking device includes a housing, an electronic tracking mechanism within the housing and configured to determine the location of the device, an energy store within the housing and electrically coupled to the electronic tracking mechanism, and an electronic tracking mechanism within the housing and configured to determine the location of the device. an energy generator electrically coupled to the tracking mechanism and the energy store, the energy generator configured to power the electronic tracking mechanism and the energy store; a communication module; and a controller, the energy generator configured to power the electronic tracking mechanism and the energy store; receiving a request to determine the location of the device via the communication module; instructing an electronic tracking mechanism to receive wireless location data; determining the location of the device; and a controller configured to transmit the location.

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

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

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

The frequency and duration of operation of the communication device or location tracking transceiver varies based on sensor data. Sensor data may include one or more of energy production levels, battery voltage levels, motion sensors, or may be based on location or tracking data. The duration of operation of a communication device or location tracking transceiver may be lower in a low energy usage mode than in a high energy usage mode. The frequency of operation of the communication device or location tracking transceiver is lower in the low energy usage mode than in the high energy usage mode.

The housing may be attached to an object to track the object.

Tracking system disclosed. A tracking system includes: a backend system configured to receive a request to track an object and wirelessly transmit the request; a tracking device, the housing, and a tracking device within the housing to determine the location of the device; an energy store within the housing and electrically coupled to the electronic tracking mechanism; and an energy generation within the housing and electrically coupled to the electronic tracking mechanism and the energy store. an energy generator configured to power an electronic tracking mechanism and an energy store; a communications module; and a controller for determining, from a backend system, the location of the device via the communications module. and instructing an electronic tracking mechanism to receive wireless location data, determining the location of the device, and transmitting the location of the device via the communication module. The tracking device may include a controller configured to: and a tracking device.

The backend system is configured to receive a request to track a device from a user device, receive a determined location of the device from the tracking device, and send the determined location to the user device. and may be further configured to perform. The tracking device, backend system, and user device may all be remote from each other.

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

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

A method for tracking objects is disclosed. The method includes generating energy using an energy generator within a device, storing the generated electrical energy in an energy store, and receiving, by a tracking device, a request to track an object. using a position tracking mechanism in a tracking device powered by the energy generator to receive a position signal; and determining a position of the object based on the position signal.

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

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

The method may include attaching a tracking device to the object.

Before receiving the request to track the object, the location of the animal may be repeatedly determined at a first frequency, and after receiving the request to track the animal, based on the location signal, the location of the animal may be repeatedly determined at a first frequency. The position of the animal is determined at a second frequency that is also higher. The first frequency may be less than 4 times per hour and the second frequency may be greater than 10 times per hour. The energy generator may be one or more of a dynamic kinetic energy generator, a solar generator, a thermoelectric generator, or a wireless energy harvester. The energy generator may be an electromechanical, piezoelectric, or magneto-electrodynamic kinetic energy generator.

A tracking device is disclosed. The tracking device includes a tracking mechanism configured to track the position of the object and a dynamic kinetic energy generator electrically connected to the tracking mechanism to generate electrical energy in response to movement of the object. a dynamic kinetic energy generator configured to electrically couple to the tracking mechanism and the dynamic kinetic energy generator configured to power the tracking mechanism, and electrical energy generated by the dynamic kinetic energy generator; and a communication device configured to transmit the location of the object.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The method, system, or apparatus may vary between high and low energy usage modes and may include the frequency and/or duration of operation of the communication device and/or location tracking mechanism. The frequency and/or duration of operation of the communication device and/or location tracking transceiver may vary based on sensor data. The sensor data may include one or more of energy production levels, dynamic kinetic energy generator output signals, battery voltage levels, motion sensors, or may be based on position or tracking data. The frequency and/or duration of the communication device and/or location tracking mechanism is further configured to increase and/or decrease the frequency and/or duration when some movement is detected. Movement may be detected based on battery level and/or output signals from a dynamic energy harvester and/or position data from a position tracking mechanism.

The method, system, or apparatus may include a lower duration and/or frequency of operation of the communication device and/or location tracking transceiver in the low energy usage mode than in the high energy usage mode. The frequency of operation of the communication device and/or location tracking transceiver may be lower in the low energy usage mode than in the high energy usage mode. The frequency and/or duration of operation of the communication device and/or position tracking mechanism is based on the output signal of the dynamic kinetic energy generator and/or the energy level in the energy generation and/or energy storage and/or the movement of the tracking mechanism. and/or other sensor data and/or signals received by the device. The frequency and/or duration of the communication device and/or location tracking mechanism may be further configured to increase and/or decrease the frequency and/or duration when some movement is detected; The determination is made based on the change in level and/or the output signal from the dynamic energy harvester and/or the position data from the position tracking mechanism. The frequency and/or duration of the communication device and/or location tracking mechanism is further configured to increase and/or decrease when the signal is received by the tracking device.

An animal with a kinematic tracking device. 2 shows a system diagram of the kinematic tracking device of FIG. 1; FIG. Figure 2 shows details of the motion tracking device of Figure 1; 2 shows the kinematic tracking device of FIG. 1 within a housing; 2 shows an energy profile of a tracking device, including the kinematic tracking device of FIG. 1. FIG. A tracking system using a motion tracking device is shown. Demonstrates how to determine the position and movement of an animal. Demonstrates how to generate energy for a kinetic tracking device.

The present disclosure is particularly applicable to tracking devices, systems, and methods constructed as described below, and it is in this context that the present disclosure is described. However, the devices, systems, and methods may have greater utility, such as athletic animal tracking devices, systems, and methods constructed in other ways and using other mechanisms within the scope of this disclosure. is understood. Motion tracking devices can be used to track moving objects such as vehicles, animals, and especially land mammals such as humans, dogs, cats, etc.

FIG. 1 depicts an animal 10 with a motion tracking device 14. FIG. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the athletic tracking device 14 may be attached to or integrated with something wearable next to the animal 10, such as a collar 12. In alternative embodiments, the motion tracking device 14 may be implantable or placed under the skin of the animal 10. Accordingly, the motion tracking device 14 can be worn next to the animal, subcutaneously, or otherwise implanted in or under the animal's skin. Both wearable and implantable, kinematic tracking devices 14 include mechanisms for determining the location and tracking of an animal's movement and for generating electrical energy based on the animal's regular movements, such as the normal activities of a pet or other animal. It includes a mechanism for generating . The kinetic tracking device 14 combines portions of tracking device technology, portions of kinetic-based energy generator technology, and electronics configured to balance the tracking and energy generation capabilities of these technologies. , provides a technical solution to the above problem, and as a result, the disclosed kinetic tracking device maintains sufficient electrical energy generation and storage to prevent battery power from running out or at critical times. It is not impossible to determine the location of the animal. It is understood that embodiments of motion tracking device 14 can have different sizes and shapes.

2 and 3 show further details of the motion tracking device 14. Device 14 may have a housing 20 that houses a location tracking mechanism, such as a location tracking transceiver 22. Location tracking transceiver 22 may be a satellite-based positioning system-based integrated circuit or circuits that make up tracking transceiver 22. The tracking transceiver may be a wireless location transceiver or receiver. For example, Bluetooth or Internet of Things-based location transceivers, or satellite-based positioning systems include the known GPS systems, the Russian-based GLONASS system, the European Union-based Galileo positioning system, China's BeiDou Navigation Satellite System, and India's regional navigation satellite system, and Japan's https://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Quasi-Zenith_Satellite_System. As is well known, the position tracking transceiver 22 may receive signals from multiple satellites and use satellite signal based correlation and other known processes to track the animal to which the motion tracking device is attached. The position of can be determined.

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

In some embodiments, the location tracking transceiver may be coupled directly to the communication device, and in other embodiments, the location tracking transceiver receives location information and processes and processes the information for transition by the communication device. It may also be indirectly coupled to a communication device, such as through a proviso processor.

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

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

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

The electrical energy produced within the generator windings is alternating current, and the direction and frequency of the energy is based on the direction and speed of rotor motion. The windings are electrically coupled to electrical contacts 302 on a substrate 306 of electrical component assembly 29 . Power is transferred from contacts 302 to various components of electrical component assembly 29 .

In some embodiments, device 14 may include a manually driven crank, disc, or knob operated generator. A crank, disk or knob driven generator may be coupled directly or indirectly to controller 27, communication device 23 and position tracking transceiver 22 instead of or in addition to dynamic kinetic energy generator 16. A hand-up crank, disc, or knob operated generator, sometimes called a windup generator or charger, includes a crank, disc, or knob that is connected by a lever or other mechanical structure. Yes, held by the operator's hand. A lever or other mechanical structure is connected to the shaft, which is coupled to the generator armature either directly or through a gearbox. When the handle or lever rotates around the shaft, the dynamic energy from can be transferred to the shaft, which in turn is transferred to the gearbox, and then to the armature, within the magnetic field caused by the stator of the generator. The armature rotates to generate electrical energy to power the device and/or charge an energy store within the device.

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

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

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

As shown in FIG. 3, device 14 includes a power module 304. Power module 304 may include power store 24 along with other power components such as rectifier circuitry, such as an AC-DC converter circuit that converts alternating current energy from generator 26 to DC energy. , delivering energy to the energy store, for example, to charge a rechargeable battery or capacitor within the energy store.

Device 14 may also include a sensor module 310. The sensor module may include various sensors for tracking device location and other environmental and system data. For example, sensor module 310 may include a thermometer to record temperature, a voltmeter and It may include or be coupled to an ammeter. Sensor module 310 may also include or be coupled to an accelerometer or gyroscope to measure movement of device 14.

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

Device 14 and each electrical component and module may operate in both a low energy mode that consumes relatively low energy and a high energy mode that consumes relatively high energy or more energy than the low energy mode. . High energy modes are associated with active use of a device, module, or component. For example, in high-energy mode, the GPS actively receives signals from orbiting satellites and/or calculates the position of the device based on these signals and transmits the signals or the calculated position to the communication device 23. is being sent to. In the high energy mode, controller 27 may continuously activate the GPS module to determine, store, and/or communicate the location of the tracking device. In some embodiments, in the high energy mode, controller 27 activates the GPS module for continuous operation, e.g., calculating and reporting location data every 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 30 seconds, or 1 minute. be able to.

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

In the low energy mode, the controller activates the telecommunications module frequently for short durations to send and/or receive messages regarding the status and/or location of the tracker. For example, a telecommunications module can be activated to connect to a network, such as a cellular network, connect to a backend system (described below), send or receive updates, and then go back to sleep or standby.

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

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

In the low energy usage mode, the frequency and/or duration of the communication device and/or location tracking mechanism is such that the tracking device's net energy usage may be less than or equal to the energy produced by the energy generator for a period of time. further configured to provide: For example, the device may measure the voltage change of an energy store over a period of time, or the energy produced by an energy generator and used by components of the device such as communication modules, location transceivers, etc. The controller determines whether the device is consuming more energy for a certain period of time, such as 5 minutes. If the device is consuming more energy than it is producing, the controller reduces the frequency and/or duration of operation of the communication module and/or location module (or sensor module). there is a possibility.

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

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

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

The frequency and/or duration of operation of the communication device and/or position tracking mechanism depends on the output signal and/or energy production of the dynamic kinetic energy generator and/or the energy level in the energy store and/or the tracking mechanism. It may be configured based on motion-based data and/or other sensor data and/or signals received by the device based on measruemdns as described herein.

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

Controller 27 is programmed to optimize functionality and minimize energy consumption in both low and high energy modes. One way to accomplish this is for the telecommunications module and/or the GPS module to operate at varying frequencies and durations of use to achieve low and high energy modes. These settings can be based on the amount of energy produced by the tracking device, the amount of energy remaining in the battery, the speed of movement of the tracking device, and the received location requests of the device or the location tracking mode of the device. .

Low or high energy mode can be switched on remotely by sending a signal to the tracker's electronics, i.e. switching to high energy mode when fast and accurate positioning of the tracker is required (in an emergency) I can do it.

The controller uses pre-programmed times, events, algorithms, information from sensor modules, (energy production, voltage levels, frequency, etc.), information from energy harvesters, movement sensors, temperature sensors, batteries, etc. It switches between high and low energy modes based on information from the level, location information from the GPS module, or external information received by the telecommunications module.

The controller also uses pre-programmed times, events, algorithms, information from sensor modules such as motion-based information from energy harvesters, information from motion sensors, information from temperature sensors, information from battery levels, GPS modules, etc. or external information received by the telecommunications module, setting different frequencies and/or durations of the communications and/or GPS module, and/or any other electronic components on the electronic circuit. Update or switch.

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

FIG. 5 illustrates the differences in energy usage between embodiments of the device 14 disclosed herein and other devices, such as high energy consumption rechargeable devices. Battery replacement and discharge line 502 illustrates the high discharge rate 504 of such devices and the external recharge or replacement cycles 506 used by such devices. While in use, such a device periodically runs out of power, the device 14 and the energy usage controls implemented by the controller 27 allow the device 14 and the energy usage controls implemented by the controller 27 to control the discharge to depict energy usage in a low energy mode 512 and a high energy mode 514. As shown by line 510, the discharge time can be significantly extended. Adding an energy generator, such as the dynamic kinetic energy generators and controls described herein, allows the device to generate, store, and use energy to provide unlimited power to the device. For example, in a low energy usage mode combined with dynamic energy harvesting provided by a dynamic energy generator, the device can maintain a substantially full charge, as depicted by low energy line 522. . In some embodiments, particularly during high dynamic energy production, the device can maintain a substantially full charge even in high energy mode, as depicted by high energy discharge line 526.

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

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

Backend system 34 may provide various tracking services based on each animal's location data. For example, backend system 34 may generate and provide a user interface to an animal owner's computer 38 that is connected to backend 34 over communication path 32 . For example, backend 34 may provide animal location data to the animal's owner. Backend system 34 may also provide other services to the animal owner. For example, the backend system 34 may provide a mobile application (which each animal owner can download) that can be used by animal owners to direct or guide animal owners to their animals based on location signals. can have

FIG. 7 shows a method 40 for determining the position/movement of an animal. In this method, signals may be received from the tracking mechanism 42 and the location of the animal determined 44. In some embodiments, the device 14 shown in FIGS. 2-3 may receive signals from multiple location satellites and may generate the location of the animal using the well-known techniques described above. In other embodiments, the device 14 receives signals from the plurality of positioning satellites and communicates those signals from the plurality of positioning satellites to the plurality of backend systems, and the backend system receives signals from the plurality of positioning satellites. to generate the animal's position. The method may then send the location to the owner 46. Alternatively, tracking device 14 may transmit its location data directly to the owner.

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

In some embodiments, the device includes a portion of or associated with a sensor module that activates the tracking device when the tracker is removed or attempted to be removed from the object or animal to which the tracker is attached. may include a separate tamper sensor.

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

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

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

The foregoing description has been written with reference to specific embodiments for purposes of explanation. However, the above example discussion is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described to best explain the principles of the disclosure and its practical application, and will allow those skilled in the art to make various modifications to the disclosure and the particular uses contemplated. This will allow you to make the most of your preferred embodiments.

The systems and methods disclosed herein may be implemented through or distributed among one or more components, systems, servers, appliances, other subcomponents. . When implemented as a system, such a system may include and/or involve components such as software modules, general purpose CPU, RAM, etc. found in general purpose computers, among others. In implementations where the innovation resides on a server, such a server may include or involve components such as a CPU, RAM, etc., such as those found in general purpose computers.

Additionally, the systems and methods herein may be accomplished through implementations using entirely different or entirely different software, hardware, and/or firmware components beyond those identified above. With respect to such other components (e.g., software, processing components, etc.) and/or computer-readable media associated with or embodying the invention, aspects of the invention herein, for example, may It may be implemented consistent with a general purpose or special purpose computing system or configuration. Various exemplary computing systems, environments, and/or configurations that may be suitable for use with the innovations herein include, without limitation, personal computers, servers, or routing/connectivity components. server computing devices, handheld or laptop devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based systems, set-top boxes, consumer electronics, network PCs, other existing computer platforms, one or more of the above systems or devices, etc. may include software or other components within or embodied in a distributed computing environment such as a computer.

In some instances, aspects of the systems and methods may be accomplished or performed through or by logic and/or logic instructions, including, for example, program modules, executed in connection with such components or circuits. . Generally, program modules may include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular instructions herein. The invention may also be implemented in the context of distributed software, computer, or circuit settings where circuits are connected via communication buses, circuits, or links. In a distributed setting, controls/instructions can originate from both local and remote computer storage media including memory storage devices.

The software, circuits, and components herein may also include and/or utilize one or more types of computer-readable media. Computer-readable media can be any available media resident on, associated with, or accessible by such circuits and/or computing components. By way of example, and not limitation, computer-readable media may include computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media includes volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storing information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Media included. Computer storage media includes RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disk (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store the desired information and that can be accessed by the computing components. Communication media may include computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, and/or other components. Additionally, communication media can include wired media such as a wired network or direct wired connection, however any type of media herein does not include transitory media. Combinations of any of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

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

As disclosed herein, functionality consistent with this disclosure may be implemented via computer hardware, software, and/or firmware. For example, the systems and methods disclosed herein may be embodied in various forms, including, for example, a data processor such as a computer that also includes a database, digital electronic circuitry, firmware, software, or combinations thereof. Additionally, although some of the disclosed implementations describe unique hardware components, systems and methods consistent with the innovations herein can be implemented using any combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware. It can be implemented with Additionally, the above features and other aspects and principles of the innovations herein may be implemented in a variety of environments. Such environments and associated applications may be specifically constructed to perform the various routines, processes, and/or operations in accordance with the present invention, or may be selectively activated or reactivated by code to provide the necessary functionality. It may include a configured general purpose computer or computing platform. The processes disclosed herein are not inherently related to any particular computer, network, architecture, environment, or other apparatus, but may be implemented by any suitable combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware. obtain. For example, various general purpose machines may be used with programs written in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, or it may be more convenient to construct specialized devices or systems to perform the necessary methods and techniques.

Aspects of the methods and systems described herein include field programmable gate arrays ("FPGAs"), programmable array logic ("PAL") devices, electrically programmable logic and memory devices, standard cells, etc. It can also be implemented as functionality programmed into any of a variety of circuits, including base devices and programmable logic devices (“PLDs”) such as application-specific integrated circuits. Some other possibilities for implementing aspects include memory devices, microcontrollers with memory (such as EEPROM), embedded microprocessors, firmware, software, etc. Additionally, aspects may be embodied in microprocessors with software-based circuit emulation, discrete logic (sequential and combinatorial), custom devices, fuzzy (neural) logic, quantum devices, and hybrids of any of the above device types. . The underlying device technology includes various component types, e.g., metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor ("MOSFET") technology such as complementary metal-oxide semiconductor ("CMOS"), emitter-coupled logic ("ECL") ), polymer technologies (eg silicon conjugated polymers and metal conjugated polymer-metal structures), mixed analog and digital, etc.

The various logic and/or functions disclosed herein may use any number of combinations of hardware, firmware in terms of their behavior, register transfers, logic components, and/or other characteristics. It is also noted that the present invention may be embodied as data and/or instructions embodied in a variety of machine-readable or computer-readable media. Computer-readable media on which such formatted data and/or instructions may be embodied include, but are not limited to, various forms of non-volatile storage media (e.g., optical, magnetic, or semiconductor storage media). included, but does not include temporary media. Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description the words "comprise", "comprising" and the like are used in an inclusive, rather than an exclusive or exhaustive sense, that is, "including" should be interpreted to mean "but not limited to". Words using the singular or plural number also include the plural or singular number respectively. Furthermore, the words "herein," "hereinafter," "above," "below," and the like, refer to the present application as a whole and not to specific portions of the present application documents. When the word "or" is used with respect to a list of two or more items, it includes all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and the combinations of items in the list.

Although certain presently preferred implementations of the invention have been specifically described herein, those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains will appreciate that changes and modifications to the various implementations shown and described herein will occur. It will be apparent that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is intended that this invention be limited only to the extent required by the applicable legal regulations.

Although the foregoing has referred to particular embodiments of the present disclosure, modifications thereto can be made without departing from the principle and spirit of this disclosure, and the scope thereof is defined by the following claims. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that:

Claims (101)

A method for tracking animals, the method comprising:
generating electrical energy based on movement of the animal using a dynamic kinetic energy generator of the animal tracking device;
storing the generated electrical energy in an energy store;
receiving a request to track the animal by the animal tracking device;
receiving a position signal using a position tracking mechanism in the animal tracking device powered by the dynamic kinetic energy generator;
determining the position of the animal based on the position signal;
including methods. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein generating the electrical energy further comprises converting movement of the animal into electrical energy. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising activating an attention generating mechanism to indicate that the animal is missing. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the attention generating mechanism is one of a light generator and a sound generator. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein storing the generated electrical energy in an energy store includes storing the generated electrical energy in a rechargeable battery. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein storing the generated electrical energy in an energy store includes storing the generated electrical energy in a capacitor. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising attaching the animal tracking device to the animal. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising implanting the animal tracking device subcutaneously. Before receiving the request to track the animal, the location of the animal is repeatedly determined at a first frequency, and after receiving the request to track the animal, the location of the animal is determined based on the location signal. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the location of the animal using a second frequency is performed at a second frequency, the second frequency being higher than the first frequency. the first frequency is less than 4 times per hour,
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the second frequency is greater than 4 times per hour or greater than 10 times per hour. A system for tracking animals,
an animal tracking device attached to the animal;
a backend system that wirelessly communicates with the animal tracking device;
The animal tracking device further comprises an animal tracking mechanism that tracks the current location of the animal, and a dynamic kinetic energy generator electrically connected to the animal tracking mechanism,
the dynamic kinetic energy generator is capable of generating electrical energy in response to normal movements of the animal;
the animal tracking mechanism has an energy store for powering the animal tracking mechanism;
The system, wherein the energy store is powered by the electrical energy produced by the dynamic kinetic energy generator. 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the animal tracking device further comprises a housing housing the animal tracking mechanism, the dynamic kinetic energy generator, and the energy store. 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the housing is water resistant. 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the animal tracking mechanism further comprises a satellite-based global positioning system. 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the animal tracking device is attached to the animal's harness. 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the animal tracking device is implanted under the animal's skin. A device for tracking animals,
an animal tracking mechanism that tracks the location of the animal;
a dynamic kinetic energy generator electrically connected to the animal tracking mechanism, the dynamic kinetic energy generator being capable of generating electrical energy in response to normal movements of the animal;
an animal tracking mechanism having an energy store for powering the animal tracking mechanism;
The device, wherein the energy store is powered by the electrical energy produced by the dynamic kinetic energy generator. 18. The device of claim 17, further comprising a housing housing the animal tracking mechanism, the dynamic kinetic energy generator, and the energy store. 19. The device of claim 18, wherein the housing is water resistant. 18. The device of claim 17, wherein the animal tracking mechanism further comprises a satellite-based global positioning system. A tracking device,
housing and
an electronic tracking mechanism within the housing and configured to determine the location of the device;
an energy store within the housing and electrically coupled to the electronic tracking mechanism;
an energy generator within the housing and electrically coupled to the electronic tracking mechanism and the energy store, the energy generator configured to power the electronic tracking mechanism and the energy store;
a communication module;
A controller,
receiving a request to determine the location of the device via the communication module;
instructing the electronic tracking mechanism to receive wireless location data;
determining the location of the device;
transmitting the location of the device via the communication module;
a controller configured to:
A tracking device. The controller is further configured to activate the electronic tracking mechanism from a low power mode to a high power mode when the request is received, and in the high power mode, the frequency of the position determination and the position of the device. The frequency of transitions includes the power generated by the electronic tracking mechanism and the power consumed by the communication module, controller, and electronic tracking mechanism, and the net power usage in 10 minutes is equal to the energy storage capacity. 22. The device of claim 21, wherein the device provides less than 10% of the the energy generator is a dynamic kinetic energy generator electrically connected to the electronic tracking mechanism;
22. The device of claim 21, wherein the dynamic kinetic energy generator is configured to generate electrical energy in response to normal movement of the device. 22. The device of claim 21, wherein the controller is configured to switch between a high energy usage mode and a low energy usage mode. 22. The device of claim 21, wherein the frequency and duration of operation of the communication device or the location tracking mechanism varies between the high energy usage mode and the low energy usage mode. 26. The device of claim 25, wherein the frequency and the duration of the operation of the communication device or location tracking transceiver vary based on sensor data. 27. The device of claim 26, wherein the sensor data includes one or more of energy production levels, battery voltage levels, motion sensors, or is based on location or tracking data. 23. The device of claim 22, wherein the duration of the operation of the communication device or the location tracking transceiver is shorter in the low energy usage mode than in the high energy usage mode. 23. The device of claim 22, wherein the frequency of the operation of the communication device or the location tracking transceiver is lower in the low energy usage mode than in the high energy usage mode. 22. The device of claim 21, wherein the housing is attached to the object to track the object. a backend system configured to receive a request to track an object and to wirelessly transmit the request;
A tracking device,
housing and
an electronic tracking mechanism within the housing and configured to determine the location of the device;
an energy store within the housing and electrically coupled to the electronic tracking mechanism;
an energy generator within a housing and electrically coupled to the electronic tracking mechanism and the energy store, the energy generator configured to power the electronic tracking mechanism and the energy store;
a communication module;
A controller,
receiving the request to determine the location of the device from the backend system via the communication module;
instructing the electronic tracking mechanism to receive wireless location data;
determining the location of the device;
a controller configured to: transmit the location of the device via the communication module;
a tracking device comprising;
tracking system. The backend system receives the request to track the device from a user device, receives the determined location of the device from the tracking device, and transmits the determined location to the user. 32. The system of claim 31, further configured to: transmit to a device. 33. The system of claim 32, wherein the tracking device, the backend system, and the user device are all remote from each other. The controller is further configured to activate the electronic tracking mechanism from a low power mode to a high power mode when the request is received, and in the high power mode, the frequency of the position determination and the position of the device. The frequency of transitions includes the power generated by the electronic tracking mechanism and the power consumed by the communication module, controller, and electronic tracking mechanism, and the net power usage in 10 minutes is equal to the energy storage capacity. 32. The system of claim 31, wherein the system provides less than 10% of the the energy generator is a dynamic kinetic energy generator electrically connected to the electronic tracking mechanism;
32. The system of claim 31, wherein the dynamic kinetic energy generator is configured to generate electrical energy in response to normal movement of the device. 32. The system of claim 31, wherein the controller is configured to switch between a high energy usage mode and a low energy usage mode. 32. The system of claim 31, wherein the frequency and duration of operation of the communication device or the location tracking mechanism varies between the high energy usage mode and the low energy usage mode. 38. The system of claim 37, wherein the frequency and the duration of the operation of the communication device or location tracking transceiver vary based on sensor data. 37. The system of claim 36, wherein the sensor data includes one or more of energy production levels, battery voltage levels, motion sensors, or is based on location or tracking data. 33. The system of claim 32, wherein the duration of the operation of the communication device or the location tracking transceiver is shorter in the low energy usage mode than in the high energy usage mode. 33. The system of claim 32, wherein the frequency of the operation of the communication device or the location tracking transceiver is lower in the low energy usage mode than in the high energy usage mode. 32. The system of claim 31, wherein the housing is attached to the object to track the object. A method for tracking an object, the method comprising:
generating it using an energy generator within the device;
storing the generated electrical energy in an energy store;
receiving a request to track the object by a tracking device;
receiving a position signal using a position tracking mechanism in the tracking device powered by the energy generator;
determining the position of the object based on the position signal;
including methods. 44. The method of claim 43, wherein generating the electrical energy further comprises converting motion of the object into electrical energy. 44. The method of claim 43, further comprising activating an attention generating mechanism to indicate that the object is missing. 44. The method of claim 43, wherein storing the generated electrical energy in an energy store includes storing the generated electrical energy in a rechargeable battery. 44. The method of claim 43, wherein storing the generated electrical energy in an energy store includes storing the generated electrical energy in a capacitor. 44. The method of claim 43, further comprising attaching the tracking device to the object. Before receiving the request to track the object, the location of the animal is repeatedly determined at a first frequency, and after receiving the request to track the animal, the location of the animal is determined based on the location signal. 44. The method of claim 43, wherein determining the location of an animal is performed at a second frequency, the second frequency being higher than the first frequency. the first frequency is less than 4 times per hour;
48. The method of claim 47, wherein the second frequency is greater than 4 times per hour or greater than 10 times per hour. 48. The method of claim 47, wherein the energy generator is one or more of a dynamic kinetic energy generator, a solar generator, a thermoelectric generator, or a wireless energy harvester. 48. The method of claim 47, wherein the energy generator is an electromechanical, piezoelectric, or magneto-electrodynamic kinetic energy generator. a tracking mechanism configured to track the position of the object;
a dynamic kinetic energy generator electrically connected to the tracking mechanism and configured to generate electrical energy in response to movement of the object;
an energy store electrically coupled to the tracking mechanism and the dynamic kinetic energy generator configured to power the tracking mechanism and receiving electrical energy generated by the dynamic kinetic energy generator;
a communication device configured to transmit the location of the object;
A tracking device. 54. The device of claim 53, wherein the controller is configured to switch between a high energy usage mode and a low energy usage mode. In the low energy usage mode, the frequency and/or duration of the communication device and/or the location tracking mechanism is such that the net energy usage of the tracking device is such that the frequency and/or duration of the communication device and/or the location tracking mechanism is such that the net energy usage of the tracking device is such that the 55. The device of claim 54, further configured to be sub-energetic. In said high energy usage mode, the frequency and/or duration of said communication device and/or said location tracking mechanism is more frequent and/or more frequent than in said low energy usage mode. 55. The device of claim 54, further configured to provide a long duration. 55. The device of claim 54, wherein the frequency and/or duration of operation of the communication device and/or the location tracking mechanism varies between the high energy usage mode and the low energy usage mode. 54. The device of claim 53, wherein the frequency and/or duration of the operation of the communication device and/or location tracking transceiver varies based on sensor data. 59. The device of claim 58, wherein the sensor data includes one or more of an energy production level, a dynamic kinetic energy generator output signal, a battery voltage level, a motion sensor, or is based on position or tracking data. . the frequency and/or duration of the communication device and/or the location tracking mechanism is further configured to increase and/or decrease the frequency and/or duration when some movement is detected;
59. The device of claim 58, wherein the movement is detected based on a battery level and/or an output signal from a dynamic energy harvester and/or position data from the position tracking mechanism. 55. The device of claim 54, wherein the duration and/or frequency of the operation of the communication device and/or the location tracking transceiver is lower in the low energy usage mode than in the high energy usage mode. 55. The device of claim 54, wherein the frequency and/or duration of the operation of the communications device and/or the location tracking transceiver is lower in the low energy usage mode than in the high energy usage mode. The frequency and/or duration of operation of the communication device and/or the position tracking mechanism may affect the output signal of the dynamic kinetic energy generator and/or the energy generation and/or the energy level in the energy storage and/or the tracking. 54. The device of claim 53, configured based on mechanism movement-based data and/or other sensor data and/or signals received by the device. the frequency and/or duration of the communication device and/or the location tracking mechanism is further configured to increase and/or decrease the frequency and/or duration when some movement is detected;
64. The device of claim 63, wherein the movement is determined based on a change in battery level and/or an output signal from a dynamic energy harvester and/or position data from the position tracking mechanism. 64. The frequency and/or duration of the communication device and/or the location tracking mechanism is further configured to increase and/or decrease when signals are received by the tracking device. device. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the controller is configured to switch between a high energy usage mode and a low energy usage mode. In the low energy usage mode, the frequency and/or duration of the communication device and/or location tracking mechanism is such that the net energy usage of the tracking device is less than or equal to the energy generated by the dynamic motion generator over a period of time. A method according to any of the preceding claims, further configured to. In said high energy usage mode, the frequency and/or duration of said communication device and/or said location tracking mechanism is more frequent and/or more frequent than in said low energy usage mode. A method according to any of the preceding claims, further configured to provide a long duration. A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the frequency and/or duration of operation of the communication device and/or the location tracking mechanism varies between the high energy usage mode and the low energy usage mode. A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the frequency and/or duration of the operation of the communication device and/or the location tracking transceiver varies based on sensor data. Any of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor data includes one or more of an energy production level, a dynamic kinetic energy generator output signal, a battery voltage level, a motion sensor, or is based on position data or tracking data. The method described in. the frequency and/or duration of the communication device and/or the location tracking mechanism is further configured to increase and/or decrease the frequency and/or duration when some movement is detected;
A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the movement is detected based on a battery level and/or an output signal from a dynamic energy harvester and/or position data from the position tracking mechanism. A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the duration and/or frequency of the operation of the communication device and/or the location tracking transceiver is lower in the low energy usage mode than in the high energy usage mode. A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the frequency of the operation of the communication device and/or the location tracking transceiver is lower in the low energy usage mode than in the high energy usage mode. The frequency and/or duration of operation of the communication device and/or the position tracking mechanism may affect the output signal of the dynamic kinetic energy generator and/or the energy generation and/or the energy level in the energy storage and/or the tracking. A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the method is configured based on movement-based data of a mechanism and/or other sensor data and/or signals received by the device. the frequency and/or duration of the communication device and/or the location tracking mechanism is further configured to increase and/or decrease the frequency and/or duration when some movement is detected;
A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the movement is determined based on a change in battery level and/or an output signal from the dynamic energy harvester and/or position data from the position tracking mechanism. of the preceding claims, wherein the frequency and/or duration of the communication device and/or the location tracking mechanism is further configured to increase and/or decrease when a signal is received by the tracking device. Any method described. 7. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the controller is configured to switch between a high energy usage mode and a low energy usage mode. In the low energy usage mode, the frequency and/or duration of the communication device and/or the location tracking mechanism is such that the net energy usage of the tracking device is such that the frequency and/or duration of the communication device and/or the location tracking mechanism is such that the net energy usage of the tracking device 7. The system of any preceding claim, further configured to be sub-energetic. In said high energy usage mode, the frequency and/or duration of said communication device and/or said location tracking mechanism is more frequent and/or more frequent than in said low energy usage mode. A system according to any of the preceding claims, further configured to provide a long duration. A system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the frequency and/or duration of operation of the communication device and/or the location tracking mechanism varies between the high energy usage mode and the low energy usage mode. A system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the frequency and/or duration of the operation of the communication device and/or the location tracking transceiver varies based on sensor data. Any of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor data includes one or more of an energy production level, a dynamic kinetic energy generator output signal, a battery voltage level, a motion sensor, or is based on position data or tracking data. system described in. the frequency and/or duration of the communication device and/or the location tracking mechanism is further configured to increase and/or decrease the frequency and/or duration when some movement is detected;
A system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the movement is detected based on a battery level and/or an output signal from the dynamic energy harvester and/or position data from the position tracking mechanism. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the duration and/or frequency of the operation of the communication device and/or the location tracking transceiver is lower in the low energy usage mode than in the high energy usage mode. . A system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the frequency of the operation of the communication device and/or the location tracking transceiver is lower in the low energy usage mode than in the high energy usage mode. The frequency and/or duration of operation of the communication device and/or the position tracking mechanism may affect the output signal of the dynamic kinetic energy generator and/or the energy generation and/or the energy level in the energy storage and/or the tracking. System according to any of the preceding claims, configured based on movement-based data of a mechanism and/or other sensor data and/or signals received by the device. the frequency and/or duration of the communication device and/or the location tracking mechanism is further configured to increase and/or decrease the frequency and/or duration when some movement is detected;
A system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the movement is determined based on a change in battery level and/or an output signal from the dynamic energy harvester and/or position data from the position tracking mechanism. of the preceding claims, wherein the frequency and/or duration of the communication device and/or the location tracking mechanism is further configured to increase and/or decrease when a signal is received by the tracking device. The system described in any of the above. 7. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the controller is configured to switch between a high energy usage mode and a low energy usage mode. In said low energy usage mode, the frequency and/or duration of the communication device and/or location tracking mechanism is such that the net energy usage of the tracking device is less than or equal to the energy generated by the dynamic motion generator over a period of time. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, further configured to. In said high energy usage mode, the frequency and/or duration of said communication device and/or said location tracking mechanism is more frequent and/or more frequent than in said low energy usage mode. 7. A device according to any of the preceding claims, further configured to provide a long duration. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the frequency and/or duration of operation of the communication device and/or the location tracking mechanism varies between the high energy usage mode and the low energy usage mode. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the frequency and/or duration of the operation of the communication device and/or location tracking transceiver varies based on sensor data. Any of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor data includes one or more of an energy production level, a dynamic kinetic energy generator output signal, a battery voltage level, a motion sensor, or is based on position data or tracking data. The device described in. the frequency and/or duration of the communication device and/or the location tracking mechanism is further configured to increase and/or decrease the frequency and/or duration when some movement is detected;
Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein movement is detected based on a battery level and/or an output signal from a dynamic energy harvester and/or position data from the position tracking mechanism. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the duration and/or frequency of operation of the communication device and/or the location tracking transceiver is lower in the low energy usage mode than in the high energy usage mode. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the frequency of the operation of the communication device or the location tracking transceiver is lower in the low energy usage mode than in the high energy usage mode. The frequency and/or duration of operation of the communication device and/or the position tracking mechanism may affect the output signal and/or energy production of the dynamic kinetic energy generator and/or the energy level in the energy store and/or the Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, configured based on movement-based data of a tracking mechanism and/or other sensor data and/or signals received by the device. the frequency and/or duration of the communication device and/or the location tracking mechanism is further configured to increase and/or decrease the frequency and/or duration when some movement is detected;
Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the movement is determined based on a change in battery level and/or an output signal from the dynamic energy harvester and/or position data from the position tracking mechanism. of the preceding claims, wherein the frequency and/or duration of the communication device and/or the location tracking mechanism is further configured to increase and/or decrease when a signal is received by the tracking device. The device described in any of the above.