Method & Apparatus for Varying Animal Correction Signals

Abstract

A system for controlling pets utilizes a low power transmitter to create avoidance zones in which one pet wearing an animal control receiver can enter but in which a second pet is deterred from entering.

1 . An apparatus for controlling an animal, said apparatus comprising:
 an animal collar assembly worn by an animal;   a detector for detecting a transmitted signal indicating said detector is located within a first zone;   a correction signal generator coupled with said detector and configured to apply a first sequence of correction signals transmitted to said animal for controlling said animal;   wherein said correction signal generator is further configured to apply a second sequence of correction signals transmitted to said animal for controlling said animal and wherein said second sequence is different from said first sequence; and   wherein said correction signal generator is further configured to apply said second sequence of correction signals if said animal does not leave said first zone in response to said first sequence of correction signals after a period of time; and   a random time interval generator coupled with said correction signal generator, wherein said second sequence of correction signals is applied in response to said random time interval generator.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus as described in  claim 1  wherein said second sequence of correction signals comprises a randomized sequence of signals. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus as described in  claim 2  wherein said randomized sequence of signals comprises random intervals between application of each successive signal in said randomized sequence of signals. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus as described in  claim 1  wherein said correction signal generator is configured to transmit at least one sound in the audible range of said animal as said first sequence of correction signals and as said second sequence of correction signals. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus as described in  claim 1  wherein said correction signal generator is configured to transmit an electrical stimulation to said animal in said first sequence of correction signals and in said second sequence of correction signals. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus as described in  claim 5  wherein prior to generation of said second sequence of correction signals, said correction signal generator is configured to generate successive sets of correction signals wherein each of said successive sets of correction signals has a voltage magnitude greater than the immediately preceding set of corrections signals. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus as described in  claim 1  wherein each of said signals in said first sequence of correction signals is separated by a separation interval and wherein said separation interval decreases with each successive signal of said first sequence of correction signals. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus as described in  claim 1  wherein said detector is further configured to determine a period of time in said first zone after detection of said transmitted signal indicating said detector is located within said first zone. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus as described in  claim 8  wherein said correction signal generator is configured to apply said second sequence of correction signals if said time exceeds a predetermined period of time. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus as described in  claim 1  wherein said detector for detecting said transmitted signal is configured to detect a strength of said transmitted signal and wherein said strength of said transmitted signal is related to positioning within said first zone. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus as described in  claim 10  wherein said correction signal generator utilizes said strength of said transmitted signal to determine the magnitude of the initial correction signal applied.