US20170039303A1 — Computer simulation of animal training scenarios and environments

Assignee: Radio Systems Corp · Inventors: Christopher E. Mainini, William S. Groh Filed: 2016-05-16 (US15/155,637; PCT/US2016/046034, ceased) · Published: 2017-02-09 · Granted: US10387587B2, 2019-08-20 · Status: Active · Adjusted expiration: 2036-07-18

Abstract

A method for simulating animal training scenarios via an electronic interface. A product (e.g. pet training collar) is represented in a simulated environment, mimicking appearance and operation of the physical product. Peripheral input devices manipulate objects in the simulation. Animal behaviour (sit, heel, avoiding negative behaviours like jumping on furniture/barking) is simulated, and the training product’s stimulus delivery (positive/negative) is evaluated.

Key technical features

• Brain recording: NO — simulation software; no EEG/electrodes/ERP; uses peripheral input devices (touchscreen, mouse)
• Species: Animal (dog) — 107 “animal” mentions; 229 “dog” mentions; 6 “human”; zero rodent/monkey/primate
• Classification: A01K15/02 (training/exercising equipment for animals, mazes/labyrinths); A01K15/021 (electronic training for dogs/cats); G06F30/20 (design simulation)
• Product: Virtual pet training simulator (Radio Systems Corp = PetSafe/Invisible Fence brand)

Significance

This is an animal-training simulation patent — a virtual environment for training pet owners how to use electronic training collars. Classified under animal husbandry (A01K), not medical diagnostics. No brain recording. Tangentially related to cognitive testing — it simulates behavioural conditioning but for pet training, not cognitive assessment.