Use of semantic boards and semantic buttons for training and assisting the expression and understanding of language
Devices for providing language-like abilities for dogs. Using polygonal layouts, audible, scent, visible and other cues, the devices provide an efficient and novel ability to communicate with dogs in a granular manner. Devices for capturing and releasing scents are provided. Novel button designs and functions are taught with particular suitability for animal training.
1. A semantic teaching apparatus, comprising:
a first button and a second button;
where at least one of the first button and the second button has a scent incorporated into some or all materials used in the button, a housing for the button, or a mounting for the button;
the first button associated with a first meaning;
the second button associated with a second meaning;
the first button and the second button suitable for actuation by a dog.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , where the first button has scent incorporated into some or all of the materials used in the button or the mounting for the button.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 , where the housing contains zeolite bearing a scent.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 , where the zeolite is heated in response to detecting a dog in proximity to the button.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 , where at least the first button contains a scent-bearing substance associated with the first meaning.
6. The apparatus of claim 5 , where a fan is utilized to create airflow over the scent-bearing substance.
7. A button apparatus, comprising:
a first button suitable for actuation by a dog;
wherein the first button has a housing that contains a zeolite bearing a scent;
a first processor operably connected to the first button;
the first processor measuring an amount of pressure exerted on the first button to release the zeolite bearing the scent contained in the housing;
the processor altering its response to actuation based at least in part on the amount of pressure exerted.
8. A button apparatus, comprising:
a first button suitable for actuation by a dog;
wherein the first button contains a scent-bearing substance associated with a meaning;
a first processor operably connected to the first button;
the first processor detecting accidental presses of the first button;
the processor causing one or more of noise, vibration, scent release, or temperature change in response to the detecting.
9. The apparatus of claim 8 , where the processor causes noise in response to the detecting.
10. The apparatus of claim 8 , where the processor causes vibration in response to the detecting.
11. The apparatus of claim 8 , where the processor causes scent release in response to the detecting.
12. The apparatus of claim 8 , where the processor causes temperature change in response to the detecting.