Data-acquiring and reporting animal collar
Methods, systems, and devices for acquiring data from and communicating with a wearable device (e.g., a collar) affixed to animal are described. A wearable device affixed to a dog, for example, may acquire data and transmit the data to mobile devices or servers using one or several wireless technologies. The wearable device may also receive signaling, which may be indicative of commands to or feedback for the animal wearing the wearable device. The data acquired from the wireless device may be used for monitoring and communicating with an animal by, for example, generating reports, developing training or feeding schedules, or conveying relevant information to animal owners. Likewise, signaling sent to the device may facilitate interaction between an animal and the animal's owner, between the animal and its surroundings, or between multiple animals.
1. A apparatus for animal monitoring and communication, comprising:
a controller affixed to an animal collar, wherein the controller comprises:
a multi-axis accelerometer to recognize motion of an animal wearing the animal collar;
a vibrator to transmit vibrations to the animal wearing the animal collar; and
a plurality of transceivers to transmit data acquired by the controller through a wireless communication system, wherein each transceiver of the plurality of transceivers employs a different radio access technology;
a microphone to receive sounds from the animal wearing the animal collar, wherein the microphone is affixed to the animal collar and is in electronic communication with the controller;
a speaker to transmit sounds to the animal wearing the animal collar, wherein the speaker is affixed to the animal collar and is in electronic communication with the controller;
a luminaire to transmit light in a proximity of the animal wearing the animal collar, wherein the luminaire is affixed to the animal collar and is in electronic communication with the controller;
an energy store affixed to the animal collar and in electronic communication with the controller and the luminaire to power the controller and the luminaire; and
a leash connector affixed to the animal collar.