A new patent, under the number US20230292711A1, by the company name CleverPet and titled "Use of Semantic Boards and Semantic Buttons for Training and Assisting the Expression and Understanding of Language" may soon give dogs the ability to understand and express human language. This could be a game-changer in the communication between humans and our canine companions.
Currently, dogs communicate with humans through barks, whines, body language, and other physical cues. But while humans can interpret these signs to some extent, we can hardly understand their full meaning. Moreover, there is a limit to how much commands or information we can relay to them. These barriers in communication allow for misunderstandings and missed cues, which can often lead to behavioral issues and frustration for both parties.
The new method proposed in the patent aims to bridge this communication gap, potentially transforming the way we interact with our four-legged friends. This invention involves a special tool that uses smells, sounds, and lights to convey messages to dogs. Importantly, it features buttons designed just for dogs to press, allowing them to respond or signal back. The design also overcomes the geometric limitation present in traditional communication tools, making it easier for dogs to navigate through the system.
With the introduction of this technology, a future where dogs can understand and follow complex commands or even express their needs and feelings seems less remote. For instance, a dog that needs to relieve itself will no longer have to resort to scratching the door or whining. Instead, it might just press a button to let its human companion know what it needs. Similarly, a dog wanting to play fetch may not have to run around excitedly with the leash for us to understand. It could simply express its wish through this device.
However, it is important to remember that while such an invention is certainly exciting, a patent is not a product. There is still no guarantee when, or indeed if, this device will hit the markets. Regardless, such advances in communication tools for pets do give us a glimpse into a fascinating future where we could have more profound interactions with our furry friends.
P.S.: This Article is based on a patent application and there is no certainty that the product will become commercially available in the market.