Multi-channel animal control device with external data communication

摘要

A system for controlling an animal includes a radio signal receiver unit which is attached to the animal. The receiver includes an antenna assembly, a resonant filter, an amplifier, and a transducer for applying a motivational stimulus to the animal. A microcontroller selectively activates the components of the receiver according to a control sequence. The microcontroller performs a multi-stage authentication procedure in order to determine the presence of characteristic properties of the received signal prior to operating the transducer. The transducer includes a speaker circuit for applying audible stimulation, and a transformer circuit for applying electrical stimulation. The type of stimulation and the duration of stimulation may be selected according to control parameters used in conjunction with the control sequence. The control parameters can be initially selected and/or downloaded to the microcontroller from an external programming device. The microcontroller stores data pertaining to the operation of the receiver and can provide the stored data to an external device in response to an interrogation signal. The microcontroller selects the operating frequency of the receiver in order to avoid interference with similar nearby systems.