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Stimulus Control for Semi-autonomous Computer Canine-Training

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Biomimetic and Biohybrid Systems (Living Machines 2017)

Part of the book series: Lecture Notes in Computer Science ((LNAI,volume 10384))

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Abstract

For thousands of years, humans have domesticated and trained dogs to perform tasks for them. Humans have developed areas of study, such as Applied Behavior Analysis, which aim to improve the training process. We introduce a semi-autonomous, canine-training system by combining existing research in Applied Behavior Analysis with computer systems consisting of hardware, software, audio, and visual components. These components comprise a biohybrid system capable of autonomously training a dog to perform a specific behavior on command. In this paper we further our previous computer canine-training system by the application of stimulus control over a newly-acquired, free operant behavior. This system uses light and sound as a discriminative stimulus for the behavior of a dog pushing a button with its nose. Indications of simple stimulus control of this behavior were achieved. Our pilot of this system indicates canine learning comparable to that from a professional dog trainer.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    https://learn.adafruit.com/lsm303-accelerometer-slash-compass-breakout.

  2. 2.

    Wii Remote Plus by Nintendo http://www.nintendo.com/wiiu/accessories.

  3. 3.

    Kinsington Remote Red Laser Presenter https://www.kensington.com/us/us/4492/k33374usa/presenter-remote-red-laser-presenter.

  4. 4.

    Petmate Exercise Pen http://www.petmate.com/product/Petmate-Exercise-Pen- W/Door/55011.

  5. 5.

    LED Matrix 190.5 mm \(\times \) 190.5 mm https://www.adafruit.com/products/1484.

  6. 6.

    CLSPK23053 Wireless Bluetooth Speaker https://www.amazon.com/Connectland-Wireless-Bluetooth-Multi-Function-CLSPK23053/dp/B00NJF1HO6.

  7. 7.

    88 mm \(\times \) 43.7 mm Square Force-Sensitive Resistor https://www.adafruit.com/products/1075.

  8. 8.

    https://www.fasttech.com/product/1012007-arduino-compatible-hc-sr04-ultrasonic- sonar.

  9. 9.

    Smart Animal Training Systems’ Pet Tutor https://smartanimaltraining.com/.

  10. 10.

    Paws4Ever animal shelter and sanctuary. http://paws4ever.org/about.

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Acknowledgments

We would like to thank Bob Bailey and Parvene Farhoody for input into the experimental design. We would like to thank Wes Anderson of Smart Animal Training for early access to the Pet Tutor dispensor. We would also like to thank Paws4Ever dog sanctuary for the use of their facilities, for access to their dogs, and to their volunteers. This work is supported by the US National Science Foundation under the Cyber Physical Systems Program (IIS-1329738).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Computer Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA

    John J. Majikes, Sean Mealin & David L. Roberts

  2. Department of Clinical Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA

    Sherrie Yuschak & Barbara Sherman

  3. Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA

    Katherine Walker, Rita Brugarolas, Marc Foster & Alper Bozkurt

Authors
  1. John J. Majikes
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  2. Sherrie Yuschak
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  3. Katherine Walker
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  4. Rita Brugarolas
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  5. Sean Mealin
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  6. Marc Foster
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  7. Alper Bozkurt
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  8. Barbara Sherman
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  9. David L. Roberts
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to John J. Majikes .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom

    Michael Mangan

  2. Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA

    Mark Cutkosky

  3. Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain

    Anna Mura

  4. Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain

    Paul F.M.J. Verschure

  5. University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom

    Tony Prescott

  6. Bristol University, Bristol, United Kingdom

    Nathan Lepora

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© 2017 Springer International Publishing AG

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Majikes, J.J. et al. (2017). Stimulus Control for Semi-autonomous Computer Canine-Training. In: Mangan, M., Cutkosky, M., Mura, A., Verschure, P., Prescott, T., Lepora, N. (eds) Biomimetic and Biohybrid Systems. Living Machines 2017. Lecture Notes in Computer Science(), vol 10384. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-63537-8_24

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-63537-8_24

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-63536-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-63537-8

  • eBook Packages: Computer ScienceComputer Science (R0)

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