Sony Ericsson patents dog whistle

No idea on what Sony Ericsson is thinking when they filed this patent for a dog whistle to be used in mobile devices of the future, preferably in cellphones. Such a patent, should it be implemented in your future handset, will result in a Java applet that emits ultrasonic frequency signals to scare dogs/animals or provide a helping hand during training sessions. The frequency will fall approximately under the 20,000 Hz +/- 2,000 Hz range which more or less is inaudible to humans. Here’s what Sony Ericsson has to say about this patent.

The popularity and functional necessity of these mobile devices ensure that they are as likely to be carried on the person of their owners as are other essentials, such as house keys, wallets, handbags, and attache cases. This ready availability offers a possibility of having the mobile devices also perform functions which are outside of the communications, data retrieval, or entertainment realms, but which relate to personal safety. On such personal safety function could be the use of a mobile device as a defense against aggressive animals. In particular aggressive dogs.

Interesting, but is it really necessary? We’re pretty sure a can of pepper spray would work much faster (and better) than going through the menu system of the phone to access this function when the situation calls for it.