US 6,581,546 · Granted 2003-06-24

Animal containment system having a dynamically changing perimeter

The present invention provides for animal containment through a system having a containment collar and GPS (Global Positioning System), RF (Radio Frequency), or INS (Inertial Navigation System) data, or a combination thereof, to define the perimeter of a containment area. A receiver is mounted to the containment collar, worn by an animal, which contains positioning electronics, memory and warning outputs. The user defines the perimeter by programming "waypoints" (positions on the perimeter) into the collar. The system provides an audible warning when the animal is within a user programmable distance of the perimeter, and then provides an adjustable correction, such as an electrical impulse to the animal when the perimeter boundaries are exceeded. Upon perimeter violation and initial correction of the animal, the system dynamically changes the position of the boundary encompassing the animal's current but prohibited position. Then the dynamic boundary may be gradually or incrementally changed so as to direct the animal toward the original perimeter. This in effect creates an "amnesty alley" or a bubble/bulge in the perimeter so the animal is not continuously corrected and can go back within the original perimeter without correction. The boundary then returns to its original configuration once the animal is back inside the perimeter.

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