Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
DEVICE AND METHODS RELATING TO ANIMAL DETERRENT SYSTEMS
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[001] This patent application claims the benefit of priority to U.S.
Provisional Patent
Application 63.362,601 filed October 15, 2021.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[002] This patent application relates to animal deterrent systems and more
particularly
methods and systems for controlling their activation and use.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[003] Animal repellents generally work by taking advantage of an animal's
natural aversion
to something, and often the thing chosen is something that the animal has
learned to avoid (or
instinctively avoids) in its natural environment. This may be, for example,
pain, intense light,
or loud noise. Typical systems are generally deployed in fixed locations to
prevent damage to
property etc. such as cottages, storage sheds, campsites etc.
[004] However, in many instances a user, such as walker, hiker, hunter, postal
worker or
security guard for example, may need access to an animal deterrent wherever
they are.
Accordingly, it would be beneficial to provide users with a portable animal
deterrent system
that provides for high intensity light (either as a torch or animal
deterrent), generation of a loud
noise, induces pain through an electrical discharge to the animal's skin, and
inflicting pain
through being used as a club.
[005] It would be further beneficial for the portable animal deterrent to have
simple control
interfaces compatible with one handed operation allowing the multiple modes
and deterrents
to be easily accessed as well as probes on the device allowing penetration of
an animal's fur.
[006] Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent
to those
ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of
specific embodiments
of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures.
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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[007] It is an object of the present invention to mitigate limitations within
the prior art relating
to animal deterrent systems and more particularly methods and systems for
controlling their
activation and use.
[008] In accordance with an embodiment of the invention there is provided an
animal
deterrent system comprising:
a body providing a user with a handle at one end and a deterrent element at a
second distal end;
wherein
the deterrent element comprises:
an optical source as a first deterrent; and
an electrical discharge generator for at least one of generating an acoustic
signal as a
second deterrent and an electrical discharge into a body of an animal as a
third
deterrent.
[009] Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent
to those
ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of
specific embodiments
of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of
example only,
with reference to the attached Figures, wherein:
[0011] Figure 1 depicts a schematic of an animal deterrent system (ADS)
according to an
embodiment of the invention;
[0012] Figure 2A depicts a perspective view of an ADS according to an
embodiment of the
invention;
[0013] Figure 2 depicts a detail of a control section of an ADS according to
an embodiment of
the invention;
[0014] Figure 3 depicts an electrical discharge assembly and light element for
an ADS
according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0015] Figure 4 depicts a carrying tube according to an embodiment of the
invention for an
ADS according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0016] 'Figure 5 depicts a control and function flowchart for an ADS according
to an
embodiment of the invention employing dual push button controls with no delay;
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[0017] Figure 6 depicts a control and function flowchart for an ADS according
to an
embodiment of the invention employing dual push button controls
[0018] Figure 7 depicts a control and function flowchart for an ADS according
to an
embodiment of the invention employing a rocker switch; and
[0019] Figure 8 depicts a control and function flowchart for an ADS according
to an
embodiment of the invention employing a single push button control.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] The present invention is direct to animal deterrent systems and more
particularly
methods and systems for controlling their activation and use.
[0021] The ensuing description provides representative embodiment(s) only, and
is not
intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the disclosure.
Rather, the ensuing
description of the embodiment(s) will provide those skilled in the art with an
enabling
description for implementing an embodiment or embodiments of the invention. It
being
understood that various changes can be made in the function and arrangement of
elements
without departing from the scope as set forth in the appended claims.
Accordingly, an
embodiment is an example or implementation of the inventions and not the sole
implementation. Various appearances of "one embodiment," "an embodiment" or
"some
embodiments" do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiments. Although
various features
of the invention may be described in the context of a single embodiment, the
features may also
be provided separately or in any suitable combination. Conversely, although
the invention may
be described herein in the context of separate embodiments for clarity, the
invention can also
be implemented in a single embodiment or any combination of embodiments.
[0022] Reference in the specification to "one embodiment", "an embodiment",
"some
embodiments" or "other embodiments" means that a particular feature,
structure, or
characteristic described in connection with the embodiments is included in at
least one
embodiment, but not necessarily all embodiments, of the inventions. The
phraseology and
terminology employed herein is not to be construed as limiting but is for
descriptive purpose
only. It is to be understood that where the claims or specification refer to
"a" or "an" element,
such reference is not to be construed as there being only one of that element.
It is to be
understood that where the specification states that a component feature,
structure, or
characteristic "may", "might", "can" or "could" be included, that particular
component,
feature, structure, or characteristic is not required to be included.
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[0023] Reference to terms such as "left", "right", "top", "bottom", "front"
and "back" are
intended for use in respect to the orientation of the particular feature,
structure, or element
within the figures depicting embodiments of the invention. It would be evident
that such
directional terminology with respect to the actual use of a device has no
specific meaning as
the device can be employed in a multiplicity of orientations by the user or
users.
[0024] Reference to terms "including", "comprising", "consisting" and
grammatical variants
thereof do not preclude the addition of one or more components, features,
steps, integers or
groups thereof and that the terms are not to be construed as specifying
components, features,
steps or integers. Likewise, the phrase "consisting essentially of", and
grammatical variants
thereof, when used herein is not to be construed as excluding additional
components, steps,
features integers or groups thereof but rather that the additional features,
integers, steps,
components or groups thereof do not materially alter the basic and novel
characteristics of the
claimed composition, device or method. If the specification or claims refer to
"an additional"
element, that does not preclude there being more than one of the additional
element.
[0025] A "wireless standard" as used herein and throughout this disclosure,
refer to, but is not
limited to, a standard for transmitting signals and! or data through
electromagnetic radiation
which may be optical, radio-frequency (RF) or microwave although typically RF
wireless
systems and techniques dominate. A wireless standard may be defined globally,
nationally, or
specific to an equipment manufacturer or set of equipment manufacturers.
Dominant wireless
standards at present include, but are not limited to IEEE 802.11, IEEE 802.15,
IEEE 802.16,
IEEE 802.20, UMTS, GSM 850, GSM 900, GSM 1800, GSM 1900, GPRS, ITU-R 5.138,
ITU-
R 5.150, ITU-R 5.280, IMT-1000, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Ultra-Wideband and WiMAX.
Some
standards may be a conglomeration of sub-standards such as IEEE 802.11 which
may refer to,
but is not limited to, IEEE 802.1a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, or IEEE
802.11n as well as
others under the IEEE 802.11 umbrella.
[0026] A "wired standard" as used herein and throughout this disclosure,
generally refer to,
but is not limited to, a standard for transmitting signals and! or data
through an electrical cable
discretely or in combination with another signal. Such wired standards may
include, but are
not limited to, digital subscriber loop (DSL), Dial-Up (exploiting the public
switched telephone
network (PSTN) to establish a connection to an Internet service provider
(ISP)), Data Over
Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS), Ethernet, Gigabit home
networking (G.hn),
Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), Multimedia over Coax Alliance
(MoCA), and
Power Line Communication (PLC, wherein data is overlaid to AC! DC power
supply). In some
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embodiments a "wired standard" may refer to, but is not limited to, exploiting
an optical cable
and optical interfaces such as within Passive Optical Networks (PONs) for
example.
[0027] A "portable electronic device" (PED) as used herein and throughout this
disclosure,
refers to a wireless device used for communications and other applications
that requires a
battery or other independent form of energy for power. This includes devices,
but is not limited
to, such as a cellular telephone, smartphone, personal digital assistant
(PDA), portable
computer, pager, portable multimedia player, portable gaming console, laptop
computer, tablet
computer, a wearable device and an electronic reader.
[0028] A "fixed electronic device" (FED) as used herein and throughout this
disclosure, refers
to a wireless and /or wired device used for communications and other
applications that requires
connection to a fixed interface to obtain power. This includes, but is not
limited to, a laptop
computer, a personal computer, a computer server, a kiosk, a gaming console, a
digital set-top
box, an analog set-top box, an Internet enabled appliance, an Internet enabled
television, and a
multimedia player.
[0029] A "wearable device" or "wearable sensor" relates to miniature
electronic devices that
are worn by the user including those under, within, with or on top of clothing
and are part of a
broader general class of wearable technology which includes "wearable
computers" which in
contrast are directed to general or special purpose information technologies
and media
development. Such wearable devices and / or wearable sensors may include, but
not be limited
to, smartphones, smart watches, e-textiles, smart shirts, activity trackers,
smart glasses,
environmental sensors, medical sensors, biological sensors, physiological
sensors, chemical
sensors, ambient environment sensors, position sensors, neurological sensors,
drug delivery
systems, medical testing and diagnosis devices, and motion sensors.
[0030] A "sensor" as used herein may refer to, but is not limited to, a
transducer providing an
electrical output generated in dependence upon a magnitude of a measure and
selected from
the group comprising, but is not limited to, environmental sensors, medical
sensors, biological
sensors, chemical sensors, ambient environment sensors, position sensors,
motion sensors,
thermal sensors, infrared sensors, visible sensors, RFID sensors, and medical
testing and
diagnosis devices.
[0031] A "user" as used herein may refer to, but is not limited to, an
individual or group of
individuals. This includes, but is not limited to, private individuals,
employees of organizations
and / or enterprises, members of community organizations, members of charity
organizations,
men and women. In its broadest sense the user may further include, but not be
limited to,
software systems, mechanical systems, robotic systems, android systems, etc.
that may be
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characterised by an ability to exploit one or more embodiments of the
invention. A user may
be associated with biometric data which may be, but not limited to, monitored,
acquired, stored,
transmitted, processed and analysed either locally or remotely to the user. A
user may also be
associated through one or more accounts and / or profiles with one or more of
a service
provider, third party provider, enterprise, social network, social media etc.
via a dashboard,
web service, website, software plug-in, software application, and graphical
user interface.
[0032] "Biometric" information as used herein may refer to, but is not limited
to, data relating
to a user characterised by data relating to a subset of conditions including,
but not limited to,
their environment, medical condition, biological condition, physiological
condition, chemical
condition, ambient environment condition, position condition, neurological
condition, drug
condition, and one or more specific aspects of one or more of these said
conditions.
Accordingly, such biometric information may include, but not be limited, blood
oxygenation,
blood pressure, blood flow rate, heart rate, temperate, fluidic pH, viscosity,
particulate content,
solids content, altitude, vibration, motion, perspiration, EEG, ECG, energy
level, etc. In
addition, biometric information may include data relating to physiological
characteristics
related to the shape and / or condition of the body wherein examples may
include, but are not
limited to, fingerprint, facial geometry, baldness, DNA, hand geometry, odour,
and scent.
Biometric information may also include data relating to behavioral
characteristics, including
but not limited to, typing rhythm, gait, and voice.
[0033] Figure 1 depicts a schematic of an animal deterrent system (ADS) 104
according to an
embodiment of the invention. Also depicted in conjunction with the ADS 100 are
exemplary
internal and/or external elements forming part of a simplified functional
diagram of an ADS
100 within an overall simplified schematic of a system supporting
communications,
configuration, etc. for the ADS. As depicted the ADS 100 has a Wireless
Interface 128 and a
Wired Interface 126. Wired Interface 126 may provide data communications
to/from the ADS
as well as electrical power. Optionally Wired Interface 126 may be two or more
wired
interfaces without departing from the scope of the invention such that one
interface provides
DC power whilst another supports data communications. Optionally, Wireless
Interface 128
may be a single interface supporting a single wireless protocol or it may be
two or more
wireless interfaces. Accordingly, the ADS 100 may communicate with an
Electronic Device
106 and therein to a Network Device 107 and a telecommunications Network 100.
Optionally,
ADS 100 may also support optical communications to Electronic Device 106.
Within
embodiments of the invention the Electronic Device 106 may be a PED, FED,
Wearable Device
etc.
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[0034] According to embodiments of the invention the ADS 100 may communicate
with the
Electronic Device 106 via one or more wireless or wired interfaces which may
be selected from
the group comprising IEEE 802.11, IEEE 802.15, IEEE 802.16, IEEE 802.20, UMTS,
GSM
850, GSM 900, GSM 1800, GSM 1900, GPRS, ITU-R 5.138, ITU-R 5.150, ITU-R 5.280,
IMT-
1000, DSL, Dial-Up, DOCSIS, Ethernet, G.hn, ISDN, MoCA, PON, and Power line
communication (PLC). As such the ADS 100 may as outlined below be configured
via
Electronic Device 106 via a user of the ADS 100 or an original equipment
manufacturer (OEM)
of the ADS 100 etc. The ADS 100 may as outlined below be configured to
communicate data
to the Electronic Device 106 for a user of the ADS 100 or communicate data to
an OEM of the
ADS 100, a service provider, a third party service provider, a regulatory
authority, a regulator,
a Government organization, law enforcement etc.
[0035] The ADS 100 includes one or more Processor 110 and a Memory 112 coupled
to
Processor(s) 110. A non-exhaustive list of examples for Processor 110 includes
a central
processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a reduced instruction
set computer
(RISC), a complex instruction set computer (CISC) and the like. Furthermore,
Processor 110
may be part of application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or may be a
part of application
specific standard products (ASSPs). A non-exhaustive list of examples for
Memory 112
includes any combination of the following semiconductor devices such as
registers, latches,
ROM, EEPROM, flash memory devices, non-volatile random access memory devices
(NVRAM), SDRAM, DRAM, double data rate (DDR) memory devices, SRAM, universal
serial bus (USB) removable memory, and the like.
[0036] ADS 100 may include an Audio Input element 114, for example a
microphone, and an
Audio Output element 116, for example, a speaker, coupled to Processor 110.
ADS 100 may
include an Optical Input element 118, for example, a video camera or camera,
and an Optical
Output element 120, for example an LCD display, coupled to any of Processor
110. ADS 100
also includes one or more Keys/Buttons 115 and Touchpad 117 the user to enter
content or
select functions within one of more Applications 122 of the ADS.
Alternatively, the
Keys/Buttons 115 and Touchpad 117 may be predetermined regions of a touch
sensitive
element forming part of the display within the ADS 100. The one or more
Applications 122
that are typically stored in Memory 112 and are executable by Processor 110.
ADS 100 also
includes an Accelerometer 160 providing three-dimensional motion input to the
Processor 110,
GPS 162 which provides geographical location information to Processor 110, and
Sensor 164
which provides sensor data to the Processor 110.
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[0037] In order to support communications to or from the ADS 100 via the Wired
Interface
126 and/or Wireless Interface 128 the ADS 100 includes a Protocol Stack 124
which supports
all the requirements of communications. Protocol stack 224 includes additional
modules such
as presentation layer media negotiation and call control, for example, to
support
communications as well as one or more Audio Codecs 152 and one or more Video
Codecs 154.
Applications 122 may be able to create maintain and/or terminate communication
sessions with
one or more Electronic Device 106 and therein to Network Device(s) 107 and
remote devices
via the Telecommunications Network 100.
[0038] The Wireless Antenna 128 wirelessly connects the ADS 100 with the
Electronic Device
106, wherein the ADS 100 may support, for example, a national wireless
standard such as GSM
together with one or more local and! or personal area wireless protocols such
as IEEE 802.11
a/b/g Wi-Fi, IEEE 802.16 WiMAX, and IEEE 802.15 Bluetooth for example.
Accordingly, it
would be evident to one skilled in the art that the ADS 100 may accordingly
download original
software and / or revisions for a variety of functions. In some embodiments of
the invention
the functions may not be implemented within the original as sold ASD and are
only activated
through a software! firmware revision and! or upgrade either discretely or in
combination with
a subscription or subscription upgrade for example. Accordingly, as will
become evident the
ADS 100 may provide the user with access to one or more software services and
application
platforms (SSAPs) including, but not limited to, software installed upon the
ADS 100 or upon
one or more remote systems to which the ADS 100 can connect via the
Telecommunications
Network such as social networks / social media; remote systems; websites;
service providers;
third party service provides; regulators; law enforcement; etc. as well as
remote servers.
[0039] Figure 2A depicts a perspective view of an animal deterrent system
(ADS) 200A
according to an embodiment of the invention. As depicted the ADS 200A
comprises a Handle
250 with a Pommel 270, a main Body 230 which is separated from the Handle 250
by Hilt 260.
The main Body 230 includes Interface Region 240 which provides the buttons,
keys, displays,
indicators for the user of the ADS 200A. At the distal end of the main Body
230 to the Hilt 260
is Head 220 to which the Discharge Assembly 210 is attached. The Head 220 as
depicted
comprising a geometrical pattern of raised elements on a cylindrical body
wherein the Head
220 is weighted allowing the ADS 200A to function as a club in the event of
the other means
of deterrents of the ADS 200A not being effective or the internal power supply
(e.g., one or
more batteries) are exhausted. Optionally, within other embodiments of the
invention a subset
of the geometrical pattern of raised elements on the Head 220 may be
additional light sources,
e.g. additional LEDs allowing the ADS 200A to act as a lantern (e.g. using
white LEDs) or as
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a direction indicator / signaling device wherein coloured LEDs (e.g. red /
green) are selectively
enabled under user control through the Interface Region 240 or from a PED or
Wearable Device
when the ADS is connected to PED or Wearable Device via a wired and/or
wireless interface
of the ADS 200A.
[0040] Figure 2B depicts a detail of a control section, Interface Region 240,
of an ADS 200B
according to an embodiment of the invention. As depicted, there are first
Button 2010, second
Button 2020, Wired Interface 2030 and Display 2040. Accordingly, first and
second Buttons
2010 and 2020 respectively may form part of the Keys/Buttons 115 of the ADS
100 in Figure
1. Similarly, Wired Interface 2030 may be one of the Wired Interfaces 116 of
the ADS 100 in
Figure 1 whilst Display 240 may be Optical Out 120 of ADS 100 in Figure 1. As
described
below in respect of Figures 5 to 8 the ADS 200B may employ a pair of buttons,
a single button,
and a rocker switch. However, it would be evident that the ADS may employ more
buttons,
switches rather than buttons, or a touch sensitive input. Optionally, the ADS
may include a
biometric sensor such that only an authorised individual can activate the ADS.
[0041] Figure 3 depicts the Discharge Assembly 210 of an ADS 300 outlining the
electrical
discharge elements and light element for an ADS according to an embodiment of
the invention.
The Discharge Assembly 210 is disposed on the end of the ADS 300 distal to the
Pommel 270
as depicted in Figure 2A such that the Discharge Assembly 210 is furthest from
the user when
holding the Handle 250 and hence closest to the animal they are seeking to
deter. Disposed
within the end of the Discharge Assembly 210 is Lamp 330 which provides an
illumination
source which can act as a deterrent, such as when set to a high intensity
output, or as a torch,
such as when set to a low or medium intensity output. Disposed around the
periphery of the
Discharge Assembly 210 are four discharge elements in two pairs. Accordingly,
there are
depicted first to fourth Discharge Tips 310A to 310D which are atop first to
fourth Discharge
Mounts 320A to 320D, respectively. In this manner the first to fourth
Discharge Tips 310A to
310D are furthest from the user of the ADS and closest to the animal they are
seeking to deter.
As discussed below for operating the ADS a high voltage electrical discharge
can be applied
to the animal via the first to fourth Discharge Tips 310A to 310D in order to
deter it, shock it,
stun it etc.
[0042] The first to fourth Discharge Tips 310A to 310D can penetrate through
hair on the
animal to the animal's skin. Within embodiments of the invention the length of
the first to
fourth Discharge Tips 310A to 310D from the first to fourth Discharge Mounts
320A to 320D
respectively may be 5mm, 6mm, 7.5mm, 12mm, 18mm, or 25mm for example
(approximately
0.2", 0.25", 0.3", 0.5", 0.7", 1"). Within other embodiments of the invention
other lengths may
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be employed as well as different numbers of discharge tips, different number
of discharge tips
per discharge tip grouping and different numbers of discharge tips. The
inventor establishing
this design for enhanced penetration of fur, hair etc. and contact with the
animals skin.
Optionally, the tips may be sharper such that forced insertion of the tips can
be undertaken
causing the animal pain.
[0043] The electrical discharge also generates noise. Within embodiments of
the invention the
noise generated can exceed 90dB, 95dB or 100dB.
[0044] Figure 4 depicts a Carrier Tube according to an embodiment of the
invention for an
ADS according to an embodiment of the invention. First Image 400A depicts a
cross-section
of the assembled Carrier Tube, second Image 400B an external view of the
assembled Carrier
Tube, third image 400C the body of the Carrier Tube, fourth Image 400D the
cover of the
Carrier Tube, with fifth and sixth images 400E and 400F depicting end views of
the body and
the cover of the Carrier Tube. The Carrier Tube depicted in Figure 4 being
designed to fit an
ADS 200A as depicted in Figure 2A. However, it would be evident that the
principles described
may be applied to other carrier tubes designed to fit other ADS geometries.
[0045] Referring to first and fifth Images 400A and 400E respectively a first
Strap Mount 460
is depicted at a distal end of the Body 440 of the Carrier Tube whilst a
second Strap Mount 470
as depicted in first and sixth Images 400A and 400F is depicted at a distal
end of the Cover 450
of the Carrier Tube. A strap may be attached to the first and second Strap
Mounts 460 and 470
allowing a user to carry the ADS within the Carrier Tube over their shoulder,
strapped to an
all-terrain vehicle (ATV), etc. As the head of the ATS is heavy then the
Carrier Tube when
slung over the user's shoulder would hang with the end of the Body 440 of the
Carrier Tube
with first Strap Mount 460 lowermost such that when the user undoes the cover
of the Carrier
Tube the handle end is disposed towards them. As depicted a twist and mount
assembly for the
Cover 450 to the Body 440 is employed for rapid removal when necessary but
preventing
accidental removal of the Cover 450.
[0046] Referring to first Image 400A disposed at the end of the Body 440
distal to its opening
where the Cover 450 attaches within the Body 440 are first Foam 420 and Rigid
Member 410
whilst disposed at the end of the Cover 450 distal to its opening where the
Cover 450 attaches
within the Body 440 is second Foam 420. First Foam 410 and second Foam 420 are
designed
to compress when the ADS is inserted into the Body 440 and the Cover 450
attached so that
the ADS does move along the length of the Carrier Tube. Rigid Member 410 is
intended to fit
between each pair of Discharge Mounts, such as first and second Discharge
Mounts 320A and
320B on one side of the ADS and third and fourth Discharge Mounts 320C and
320D on the
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other side of the ADS. In this manner, the ADS is further prevented from
rotating. Optionally,
two or more Rigid Members may be employed to increase the ease of assembling
the Carrier
Tube with the ADS or to engage with additional pairs of Discharge Mounts etc.
[0047] Further, the inner diameter of the Body 440 is designed to be
approximately equal to or
slightly less than the outer dimensions of the ADS such that the ADS has an
interference fit to
the Body 440 of the Carrier Tube. In this manner, with the Cover 450 removes
the ADS cannot
simply fall out of the Body 440 of the Carrier Tube but must be pulled by the
user. These
features being to prevent accidental release of the ADS from the Carrier Tube.
Further, the
external colour and pattern of the Carrier Tube would typically be bright
yellow / orange to
avoid any issues for the user being identified by law enforcement as carrying
a concealed
weapon as may occur in some jurisdictions.
[0048] Now referring to Figure 5 there is depicted a control and function Flow
500 for an ADS
according to an embodiment of the invention employing dual push button
controls with no
delay. Flow 500 being an example of a control and function flowchart for an
ADS according
to an embodiment of the invention with dual button control. According, Flow
500 begins at
first step 510 wherein a user pushes the main power button of the ADS and
releases it. The
ADS then in second step 520 displays the power level of the ADS so the user
can ascertain
their ability to employ the ADS as a torch and/or deterrent. This may be, a
percentage of full
charge indicator, a projected torch lifetime in minutes, hours etc., a
projected number of
discharges, etc. or a combination thereof. In third step 530 the ADS
determines whether the
user pushes another button or not where if no further button push is
established, e.g., after a
predetermined period of time, the user proceeds to fourth step 540 and turns
back off or enters
a sleep state for a further predetermined period of time before turning off.
If one of the two
push button controls is pushed the Flow 500 proceeds to fifth step 550 wherein
it determines
whether the first push button or second push button were pushed wherein it
proceeds to either
the first Sub-Flow 5000A or second Sub-Flow 5000B respectively relating to the
torch
functionality and deterrent functionalities, respectively.
[0049] In first Sub-Flow 5000A the ADS executes sixth to eleventh steps 5010A
to 5060A
respectively, these comprising:
= Sixth step 5010A wherein the user presses hard on the first button and
releases it;
= Seventh step 5020A wherein the power level is again displayed and the
torch is
turned on at its highest setting;
= Eighth step 5030A where further light presses of the user's finger are
detected;
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-10-17
= Ninth step 5040A where the further light presses of the user's finger are
converted
to sequential cycling through a series of illumination states of the torch,
such as, for
example, high, medium, low, and "SOS" where the torch emits S 0 S in visual
Morse code;
= Tenth step 5050A wherein a further hard press of the button is detected;
and
= Eleventh step 5060A wherein the ADS turns off the torch function in
response to
the hard press detected in tenth step 5050A.
[0050] Eighth and ninth steps 5030A and 5040A may be repeated multiple times
until the user
turns the torch off.
[0051] In second Sub-Flow 5000B the ADS executes twelfth to seventeenth steps
5010B to
5060B respectively, these comprising:
= Twelfth step 5010B wherein the user presses on the second button hard;
= Thirteenth step 5020B wherein the ADS turns off the torch if on;
= Fourteenth step 5030B wherein the ADS discharges electrically to the
Discharge
Tips whilst the user holds the second button;
= Fifteenth step 5040B wherein the user releases the button;
= Sixteenth step 5050B wherein the ADS ceases the electrical discharge; and
= Seventeenth step 5060B turns the torch on, if applicable.
[0052] Optionally, the first button and second button may be discrete from the
main power
button or within other embodiments of the invention one of the first power
button and second
power button may be main power button. Optionally, the second Sub-Flow 5000B
may turn on
the torch at predetermined illumination in seventeenth step 5060B independent
of any
configuration of the torch previously made by the user.
[0053] Referring to Figure 6, there is depicted a control and function Flow
600 for an ADS
according to an embodiment of the invention employing dual push button
controls. Flow 600
being an example of a control and function flowchart for an ADS according to
an embodiment
of the invention with dual button control. According, Flow 600 begins at first
step 610 wherein
a user pushes the main power button of the ADS and releases it. The ADS then
in second step
620 displays the power level of the ADS so the user can ascertain their
ability to employ the
ADS as a torch and/or deterrent. This may be, a percentage of full charge
indicator, a projected
torch lifetime in minutes, hours etc., a projected number of discharges, etc.
or a combination
thereof. In third step 630 the ADS determines whether the user's action with
respect to another
button. If no action is undertaken with the other button, e.g., after a
predetermined period of
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Date Regue/Date Received 2022-10-17
time, the user proceeds to fourth step 640 and turns back off or enters a
sleep state for a further
predetermined period of time before turning off. If the user presses the other
button hard and
releases it the ADS executes first Sub-Flow 6000A. If the user presses the
other button hard
for at least three seconds (although other time thresholds may be set, e.g., 2
seconds, 5 seconds,
or other control sequences may also be employed without departing from the
scope of the
invention) then the process proceeds to second Sub-Flow 6000B. The first Sub-
Flow 6000A
and second Sub-Flow 6000B respectively relating to the torch functionality and
deterrent
functionalities, respectively.
[0054] As depicted first Sub-Flow 6000A comprises the same sequence of steps
as first Sub-
Flow 5000A in Figure 5. Second Sub-Flow 6000B comprises fifth to tenth steps
6010A to
6060A, these comprising:
= Fifth step 6010A wherein a second button of the ADS is illuminated;
= Sixth step 6020A wherein the user presses on the second button hard;
= Seventh step 6030A wherein the ADS turns off the torch if it was one and
discharges
electrically to the Discharge Tips whilst the user holds the second button;
= Eighth step 6040A wherein the user releases the button;
= Ninth step 6050A wherein the ADS ceases the electrical discharge; and
= Tenth step 6060A turns the torch on, if applicable.
[0055] Now referring to Figure 7 there is depicted a control and function Flow
700 for an ADS
according to an embodiment of the invention employing a rocker switch.
According, Flow 700
begins at first step 710, wherein a user pushes the main power button of the
ADS and releases
it. The ADS then in second step 720 displays the power level of the ADS so the
user can
ascertain their ability to employ the ADS as a torch and/or deterrent. This
may be, a percentage
of full charge indicator, a projected torch lifetime in minutes, hours etc., a
projected number of
discharges, etc. or a combination thereof. In third step 730 the ADS
determines the user's action
with respect to the rocker switch. If no action is undertaken with the other
button, e.g., after a
predetermined period of time, the user proceeds to fourth step 740 and turns
back off or enters
a sleep state for a further predetermined period of time before turning off.
If the user presses
the rocker switch hard towards the user and releases it then the ADS executes
first Sub-Flow
7000A. If the user presses the rocker switch hard away from themselves and
releases it then
the process proceeds to second Sub-Flow 7000B. The first Sub-Flow 7000A and
second Sub-
Flow 7000B respectively relating to the torch functionality and deterrent
functionalities,
respectively. First Sub-Flow 7000A comprises the same sequence of steps as
first Sub-Flow
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-10-17
5000A in Figure 5. Second Sub-Flow 6000B comprises the same sequence as
thirteenth to
seventeenth steps 5020B to 5060B of second Sub-Flow 5000B in Figure 5.
[0056] Referring to Figure 8, there is depicted a control and function Flow
800 for an ADS
according to an embodiment of the invention employing a single push button
control.
According, Flow 800 begins at first step 810 wherein a user pushes the main
power button of
the ADS and releases it. The ADS then in second step 820 displays the power
level of the ADS
so the user can ascertain their ability to employ the ADS as a torch and/or
deterrent. This may
be, a percentage of full charge indicator, a projected torch lifetime in
minutes, hours etc., a
projected number of discharges, etc. or a combination thereof. In third step
830 the ADS
determines the user's action with respect to the single push button of the
ADS. If no action is
undertaken with the other button, e.g., after a predetermined period of time,
the user proceeds
to fourth step 840 and turns back off or enters a sleep state for a further
predetermined period
of time before turning off. If the user presses the button until a first stage
click point is reached
(which the button presents to the user as a click they can feel) and releases
it then the ADS
executes first Sub-Flow 8000A. If the user presses the button hard past the
first stage click
point until it is fully depressed then the process proceeds to second Sub-Flow
8000B. In this
instance no release of the button is required but may be required in other
embodiments of the
invention. The first Sub-Flow 8000A and second Sub-Flow 8000B respectively
relating to the
torch functionality and deterrent functionalities, respectively. First Sub-
Flow 8000A comprises
the same sequence of steps as first Sub-Flow 5000A in Figure 5. Second Sub-
Flow 8000B
comprises the same sequence as thirteenth to seventeenth steps 5020B to 5060B
of second Sub-
Flow 5000B in Figure 5.
[0057] Whilst the torch function has been defined as offering three levels of
illumination
together with "SOS", high, medium and low, it would be evident that less or
more levels may
be provided without departing from the scope of the invention. Further, within
embodiments
of the invention continued closure of a button may cycle the power from an
upper limit to a
lower limit in a series of steps, e.g., 4, 8, 16 etc., or cycle it from an
upper level to lower or
vice-versa and then back towards the original level.
[0058] Within an embodiment of the invention the electrical discharge is
sufficient to result in
breakdown of the air and the emission of a loud noise. Optionally, other
electrical discharge
potentials may be generated for applying a shock to an animal with or without
them generating
an electrical discharge prior to contact or in absence of contact with the
animal. The potential
required being defined by the separation of the Discharge Elements and the
humidity etc. of
the air but typically a field of 3kV/mm is required. Within embodiments of the
invention the
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-10-17
electrical discharge is >50,000V (50kV) with a tip separation of lOmm so that
even in dry air
the breakdown occurs generating noise in excess of 95dB.
[0059] Optionally, the ADS is powered by two 3.7V rechargeable batteries,
e.g., LiH, with
exemplary power ratings of between 2500mAh and 9000mAh each for an ADS power
of 5000-
18,000 mAh. Optionally, other batteries may be employed with similar voltages
and/or
different voltage and/or different capacities.
[0060] Within the embodiments of the invention described above the torch
function is
described as being turned off and on before/after a discharge. This is to
isolate the LEDs or
incandescent bulbs etc., of the torch functionality from the high voltage
discharge. Within
embodiments of the invention this is achieved through control of the ADS to
electrical
switches. However, within other embodiments of the invention this may be
automatically
handled via Zener diodes etc. Optionally, within other embodiments of the
invention the torch
may be powered via a separate circuit to the discharge such that the torch is
on during the
discharge. This separate circuit may be completely isolated from the discharge
circuitry or
coupled to it but isolated via diodes, transformers etc.
[0061] Optionally, the ADS may be paired with another electronic device, e.g.,
a FED, PED,
wearable device etc. such that the actions of the user with respect to the ADS
are communicated
to the other electronic device. An application in execution upon the other
electronic device may
store the action(s) and/or communicate these or those meeting a predetermined
condition to a
remote server(s), third party etc. via a communications interface of the other
electronic device.
Accordingly, for example, the predetermined condition may be discharging the
electrical
discharge such that only in the event of this function being enabled and
employed is a
notification sent.
[0062] Optionally, the ADS may employ one or more biometric sensors to "lock"
or "unlock"
the ADS so that it can only be used via authorised users whose biometric data
is stored within
the ADS. Alternatively, the ADS may be unlocked from a software application in
execution
upon another electronic device, e.g., the user's smartphone, which provides
authentication of
the user via biometric and/or password means prior to issuing an
authentication code to the
ADS to release the controls.
[0063] Optionally, the user may be able to control aspects of the
configuration of the DS, such
as number of torch settings, delays before enabling or disabling functions
etc. through a
software application upon another electronic device which communicates to the
ADS via a
wired and/or wireless interface.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-10-17
[0064] Optionally, the ADS may store multiple configurations which are enabled
through
biometric authentication. In this manner, a first user may be able to use the
torch functionality
only whilst a second user may be able to use the torch and electrical
discharge functions.
[0065] Optionally, the ADS may employ a positioning system such that the ADS
can only be
enabled when within a specific area or blocked within a specific area. For
example, the ADS
may be blocked within a predetermined distance of a town but enabled in the
wilderness
surrounding the town. Optionally, the ADS may be enabled or disabled based
upon the ADS
receiving an authentication or enabling code from another device associated
with the user
which provides the location functionality. For example, a user's smartphone
with GPS
capability would allow the ADS to be enabled in certain areas and disabled
within other areas.
Optionally, the areas disabled may be defined by a regulatory authority, e.g.,
provincial or state
police for example, such that hunters can employ the ADS when hunting but not
in towns,
villages etc. Optionally, the ADS may provide torch functionality in all areas
but be limited
from providing the discharge functionality by a geofence such that the
electrical discharge can
only be enabled within the geofence, e.g., within a geofence defining an
authorised hunting
area for example, or outside the geofence, e.g., enabled when outside the
boundary of a town
for example.
[0066] Optionally, the ADS may include a microphone and/or camera wherein the
microphone
and/or camera are enabled when the ADS is turned on for example. In this
manner the ADS
may automatically record information, sounds, images etc. relating to the user
of the ADS
which may be used by the user of the ADS to address legal issues arising from
their use of the
ADS. Equally, the lack of stored data relating to an alleged incident may be
evidence for the
user that the alleged incident did not occur. Optionally, this data may be
stored in an encrypted
format within the ADS and/or transmitted by the ADS wherein the encryption key
for the data
is only known to the OEM of the ADS and provided to regulator, legal or law
enforcement
authorities with the appropriate documentation.
[0067] Specific details are given in the above description to provide a
thorough understanding
of the embodiments. However, it is understood that the embodiments may be
practiced without
these specific details. For example, circuits may be shown in block diagrams
in order not to
obscure the embodiments in unnecessary detail. In other instances, well-known
circuits,
processes, algorithms, structures, and techniques may be shown without
unnecessary detail in
order to avoid obscuring the embodiments.
[0068] Implementation of the techniques, blocks, steps and means described
above may be
done in various ways. For example, these techniques, blocks, steps and means
may be
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-10-17
implemented in hardware, software, or a combination thereof. For a hardware
implementation,
the processing units may be implemented within one or more application
specific integrated
circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing
devices (DSPDs),
programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs),
processors,
controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors, other electronic units
designed to perform the
functions described above and/or a combination thereof.
[0069] Also, it is noted that the embodiments may be described as a process
which is depicted
as a flowchart, a flow diagram, a data flow diagram, a structure diagram, or a
block diagram.
Although a flowchart may describe the operations as a sequential process, many
of the
operations can be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the
order of the operations
may be rearranged. A process is terminated when its operations are completed,
but could have
additional steps not included in the figure. A process may correspond to a
method, a function,
a procedure, a subroutine, a subprogram, etc. When a process corresponds to a
function, its
termination corresponds to a return of the function to the calling function or
the main function.
[0070] Furthermore, embodiments may be implemented by hardware, software,
scripting
languages, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages
and/or any
combination thereof. When implemented in software, firmware, middleware,
scripting
language and/or microcode, the program code or code segments to perform the
necessary tasks
may be stored in a machine readable medium, such as a storage medium. A code
segment or
machine-executable instruction may represent a procedure, a function, a
subprogram, a
program, a routine, a subroutine, a module, a software package, a script, a
class, or any
combination of instructions, data structures and/or program statements. A code
segment may
be coupled to another code segment or a hardware circuit by passing and/or
receiving
information, data, arguments, parameters and/or memory content. Information,
arguments,
parameters, data, etc. may be passed, forwarded, or transmitted via any
suitable means
including memory sharing, message passing, token passing, network
transmission, etc.
[0071] For a firmware and/or software implementation, the methodologies may be
implemented with modules (e.g., procedures, functions, and so on) that perform
the functions
described herein. Any machine-readable medium tangibly embodying instructions
may be used
in implementing the methodologies described herein. For example, software
codes may be
stored in a memory. Memory may be implemented within the processor or external
to the
processor and may vary in implementation where the memory is employed in
storing software
codes for subsequent execution to that when the memory is employed in
executing the software
codes. As used herein the term "memory" refers to any type of long term, short
term, volatile,
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Date Regue/Date Received 2022-10-17
nonvolatile, or other storage medium and is not to be limited to any
particular type of memory
or number of memories, or type of media upon which memory is stored.
[0072] Moreover, as disclosed herein, the term "storage medium" may represent
one or more
devices for storing data, including read only memory (ROM), random access
memory (RAM),
magnetic RAM, core memory, magnetic disk storage mediums, optical storage
mediums, flash
memory devices and/or other machine readable mediums for storing information.
The term
"machine-readable medium" includes, but is not limited to, portable or fixed
storage devices,
optical storage devices, wireless channels and/or various other mediums
capable of storing,
containing or carrying instruction(s) and/or data.
[0073] The methodologies described herein are, in one or more embodiments,
performable
by a machine which includes one or more processors that accept code segments
containing
instructions. For any of the methods described herein, when the instructions
are executed by
the machine, the machine performs the method. Any machine capable of executing
a set of
instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by
that machine are
included. Thus, a typical machine may be exemplified by a typical processing
system that
includes one or more processors. Each processor may include one or more of a
CPU, a graphics-
processing unit, and a programmable DSP unit. The processing system further
may include a
memory subsystem including main RAM and/or a static RAM, and/or ROM. A bus
subsystem
may be included for communicating between the components. If the processing
system requires
a display, such a display may be included, e.g., a liquid crystal display
(LCD). If manual data
entry is required, the processing system also includes an input device such as
one or more of
an alphanumeric input unit such as a keyboard, a pointing control device such
as a mouse, and
so forth.
[0074] The memory includes machine-readable code segments (e.g., software or
software
code) including instructions for performing, when executed by the processing
system, one of
more of the methods described herein. The software may reside entirely in the
memory, or may
also reside, completely or at least partially, within the RAM and/or within
the processor during
execution thereof by the computer system. Thus, the memory and the processor
also constitute
a system comprising machine-readable code.
[0075] In alternative embodiments, the machine operates as a standalone device
or may be
connected, e.g., networked to other machines, in a networked deployment, the
machine may
operate in the capacity of a server or a client machine in server-client
network environment, or
as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer or distributed network environment. The
machine may be,
for example, a computer, a server, a cluster of servers, a cluster of
computers, a web appliance,
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Date Regue/Date Received 2022-10-17
a distributed computing environment, a cloud computing environment, or any
machine capable
of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify
actions to be taken by
that machine. The term "machine" may also be taken to include any collection
of machines that
individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to
perform any one or
more of the methodologies discussed herein.
[0076] The foregoing disclosure of the exemplary embodiments of the present
invention has
been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not
intended to be exhaustive
or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many variations and
modifications of
the embodiments described herein will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in
the art in light of
the above disclosure. The scope of the invention is to be defined only by the
claims appended
hereto, and by their equivalents.
[0077] Further, in describing representative embodiments of the present
invention, the
specification may have presented the method and/or process of the present
invention as a
particular sequence of steps. However, to the extent that the method or
process does not rely
on the particular order of steps set forth herein, the method or process
should not be limited to
the particular sequence of steps described. As one of ordinary skill in the
art would appreciate,
other sequences of steps may be possible. Therefore, the particular order of
the steps set forth
in the specification should not be construed as limitations on the claims. In
addition, the claims
directed to the method and/or process of the present invention should not be
limited to the
performance of their steps in the order written, and one skilled in the art
can readily appreciate
that the sequences may be varied and still remain within the scope of the
present invention.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-10-17
