DE102024002228A1 - Automatic bird control system with AI object recognition and high-pressure nozzle - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention describes an automatic bird control system that uses AI object recognition and a high-pressure nozzle to drive birds and other animals away from specific areas. The system is particularly suitable for use on balconies, in gardens, on roofs, and in agricultural areas. It is characterized by its efficiency, autonomy, and flexibility, and can be powered by various sources.

Description

Technical field

The present patent relates to an automatic bird deterrent system that uses artificial intelligence (AI) and object recognition technologies to drive birds and other animals away from specific areas. It is particularly suitable for use on balconies, in gardens, on roofs, and in agricultural areas.

State of the art

• • Mechanische Systeme:
  • • Vogelspikes: Diese bestehen aus starren, aufrecht stehenden Stiften, die auf Oberflächen montiert werden, um Vögel daran zu hindern, sich niederzulassen. Sie sind aus rostfreiem Stahl oder Kunststoff gefertigt und in verschiedenen Größen erhältlich, um unterschiedliche Vogelarten abzuschrecken.
    • ◯ Quelle: Filomat, „Mechanical bird deterrent systems“, https://www.filomat.it/engb/mechanical
  • • Netze: Netze werden verwendet, um größere Bereiche wie Dachflächen oder Obstbäume abzudecken, um den Zugang für Vögel zu verhindern.
    • ◯ Quelle: Nixalite, „Bird Netting and Accessories“, https://www.nixalite.com/birdnetting -accessories
• • Akustische Systeme:
  • • Ultraschallgeräte: Diese erzeugen hochfrequente Geräusche, die für Vögel unangenehm sind, aber für Menschen nicht hörbar sind. Sie sind einfach zu installieren und wartungsarm.
    • ◯ Quelle: Bird Barrier, „Audio Deterrents“, https://www.birdbarrier.com/audiodeterrents
  • • Alarm- und Notrufsignale: Diese Systeme verwenden aufgezeichnete Vogelnotrufe, um Vögel zu vertreiben.
    • ◯ Quelle: Bird Barrier, „BirdXPeller Pro“, https://www.birdbarrier.com/birdxpellerpro
• • Visuelle Abschreckungsmittel:
  • • Reflektierende Bänder: Diese erzeugen Lichtblitze, die Vögel abschrecken. Sie sind kostengünstig und einfach zu installieren, haben jedoch eine begrenzte Wirksamkeit, da sich Vögel daran gewöhnen können.
    • ◯ Quelle: Nixalite, „Reflective Scare Tape“, https://www.nixalite.com/reflectivescare-tape
  • • Scare-Eye-Ballons: Diese Ballons haben aufgemalte Augen und bewegen sich im Wind, um Vögel zu erschrecken.
    • ◯ Quelle: Bird Barrier, „Scare Eye Balloons“, https://www.birdbarrier.com/scare-eyeballoons
• • Chemische Abschreckungsmittel:
  • • Sprays und Gele: Diese enthalten unangenehme Geschmacks- oder Geruchsstoffe, die Vögel fernhalten. Sie müssen regelmäßig aufgetragen werden und können in der Nähe von Nahrungsmitteln problematisch sein.
    • ◯ Quelle: Nixalite, „Avian Control Bird Repellent“, https://www.nixalite.com/aviancontrol-bird-repellent
  • • Nebelgeräte: Diese verteilen Repellentien in der Luft und sind besonders effektiv in großen offenen Bereichen.
    • ◯ Quelle: Nixalite, „EcoBird Fogging Bird Repellent“, https://www.nixalite.com/ecobird-fogging-bird-repellent

Currently known bird control systems primarily use mechanical or acoustic methods to drive birds away. However, these systems have several shortcomings:

• • Mechanical systems:
  • • Bird spikes: These consist of rigid, upright spikes that are mounted on surfaces to prevent birds from landing. They are made of stainless steel or plastic and come in various sizes to deter different bird species.
    • ◯ Source: Filomat, “Mechanical bird deterrent systems”, https://www.filomat.it/engb/mechanical
  • • Nets: Nets are used to cover larger areas such as roofs or fruit trees to prevent access for birds.
    • ◯ Source: Nixalite, “Bird Netting and Accessories,” https://www.nixalite.com/birdnetting -accessories
• • Acoustic systems:
  • • Ultrasonic devices: These generate high-frequency sounds that are unpleasant for birds but inaudible to humans. They are easy to install and require little maintenance.
    • ◯ Source: Bird Barrier, “Audio Deterrents,” https://www.birdbarrier.com/audiodeterrents
  • • Alarm and emergency signals: These systems use recorded bird distress calls to scare away birds.
    • ◯ Source: Bird Barrier, “BirdXPeller Pro,” https://www.birdbarrier.com/birdxpellerpro
• • Visual deterrents:
  • • Reflective strips: These produce flashing lights that deter birds. They are inexpensive and easy to install, but have limited effectiveness as birds can become accustomed to them.
    • ◯ Source: Nixalite, “Reflective Scare Tape,” https://www.nixalite.com/reflectivescare-tape
  • • Scare-eye balloons: These balloons have painted eyes and move in the wind to scare birds.
    • ◯ Source: Bird Barrier, “Scare Eye Balloons,” https://www.birdbarrier.com/scare-eyeballoons
• • Chemical deterrents:
  • • Sprays and gels: These contain unpleasant tastes or smells that repel birds. They must be applied regularly and can be problematic near food.
    • ◯ Source: Nixalite, “Avian Control Bird Repellent,” https://www.nixalite.com/aviancontrol-bird-repellent
  • • Foggers: These distribute repellents in the air and are particularly effective in large open areas.
    • ◯ Source: Nixalite, “EcoBird Fogging Bird Repellent,” https://www.nixalite.com/ecobird-fogging-bird-repellent

Many of these systems require manual intervention and are unable to automatically adapt to the presence of birds.

Technical problem

• The technical challenge lies in developing an automated bird control system that efficiently and effectively repels birds and other animals without disturbing humans or other wildlife. The system should operate autonomously and be able to dynamically adapt to the presence of birds.

Solution to the problem

1. 1. Steuerungseinheit: Führt die Objekterkennung durch und steuert die Servomotoren sowie die Wasserpumpe.
2. 2. Servomotoren: Ermöglichen die Schwenk-Neige-Bewegung der Kamera und der Hochdruckdüse.
3. 3. Kamera: Erfasst Live-Bilder des überwachten Bereichs und sendet diese zur Objekterkennung an die Steuerungseinheit.
4. 4. Hochdruckdüse: Sprüht Wasser auf das erkannte Zielobjekt.
5. 5. Wasserpumpe: Fördert Wasser aus einem Kanister oder Festwasseranschluss zur Hochdruckdüse.
6. 6. Stromversorgung: Kann über eine externe Stromquelle, eine Batterie oder ein Solarmodul erfolgen.

The present invention solves the technical problem by means of an automatic bird control system comprising the following main components:

1. 1. Control unit: Performs object recognition and controls the servo motors and the water pump.
2. 2. Servomotors: Enable the pan-tilt movement of the camera and the high-pressure nozzle.
3. 3. Camera: Captures live images of the monitored area and sends them to the control unit for object recognition.
4. 4. High-pressure nozzle: Sprays water onto the detected target object.
5. 5. Water pump: Pumps water from a canister or mains water connection to the high-pressure nozzle.
6. 6. Power supply: Can be provided via an external power source, a battery or a solar panel.

Technical description:

The described system is an automatic bird control system that uses AI object recognition technologies, water, and a high-pressure nozzle to drive birds and other animals away from certain areas.

Areas of application:

• • The system is particularly suitable for bird control or the control of other animals on balconies, in gardens, on roofs and in agricultural areas.

Example implementation:

A pigeon lands unintentionally on the balcony railing and within the camera's field of view. The object recognition system classifies the pigeon as a bird and calculates its position in the image, as well as the necessary movement of the servo motors to align the camera and nozzle with the object. Once the correct position is reached, a jet of water is fired via the activation of the relay and pump or solenoid valve, driving the pigeon away.

Additional details:

• • Software updates: The system can be extended through software updates to recognize different types of objects and implement different defense strategies.
• • Self-sufficient power supply: The self-sufficient power supply through the solar module and the battery enables environmentally friendly and flexible use.
• • Camera alignment: For precise camera alignment, the system offers the option of mirroring the image to a mobile device via Bluetooth or WLAN during commissioning.

This bird deterrent system combines modern object detection technology with mechanical precision to provide an effective and automatic method for driving away birds and other animals.

Advantages of the invention:

• • Efficiency: The system can selectively drive away birds and other animals without disturbing humans or other animals.
• • Autonomy: The system can be operated autonomously through the use of a battery and solar panel.
• • Flexibility: The system can be expanded through software updates to recognize different types of objects and implement different defense strategies.
• • Easy installation: Camera alignment can be done via a mobile device, ensuring easy installation and setup.

Description of the function of the individual components from Figure 1:

1. 1. Control unit (Device 2):
   • ◯ The control unit is the main control unit that receives and analyzes the images from the camera (Device 1) in real time to identify birds or other target objects.
   • ◯ After identifying the object, the control unit calculates the position and controls the servo motors (Device 3 and Device 4) to align the camera and high-pressure nozzle in vertical and horizontal directions.
   • ◯ Once the camera and nozzle are aligned with the target, the control unit activates the relay (Device 5).
2. 2. Servomotors (Device 3 and Device 4):
   • Two servo motors enable pan-tilt movement of the camera and the high-pressure nozzle. This allows for precise alignment with the detected object.
3. 3. Camera (Device 1):
   • ◯ The camera captures live images of the monitored area and sends them in real time to the control unit for object recognition.
4. 4. High-pressure nozzle (Device 8):
   • ◯ The high-pressure nozzle is also mounted on the swivel-tilt platform and sprays water at the detected target object to drive it away.
5. 5. Water pump (Device 5):
   • The pump is activated by the relay (Device 6), which allows water to flow through a Water is pumped through a hose to the nozzle. In this configuration, a solenoid valve is also activated, allowing water to flow to the nozzle. The pump can draw water from a canister or a mains water connection (Device 7).
6. 6. Power supply (Device 0):
   • ◯ Various options serve as power sources to enable flexible and environmentally friendly use.
     1. i. Fixed power supply via an external power source,
     2. ii. Self-sufficient through a battery as a power source
     3. iii. Or by using a solar panel as a power source.
7. 7. Relay (Device 6)
   • The relay plays a central role in controlling the automatic bird deterrent system. It enables the control unit to switch the water pump safely and efficiently. Upon detecting a bird, the control unit sends a signal to the relay, which then connects the water pump to the power supply and activates the pump. This design ensures that water is sprayed only when needed, saving energy and extending the pump's lifespan. Additionally, the relay acts as a protective mechanism by isolating the control unit's low-voltage circuits from the pump's high-voltage components, preventing damage from high currents or voltages. The various power supply options can also be combined. A solenoid valve can be used to further control the water flow towards the nozzle.
8. 8. Water supply (Device 7)
   • ◯ The water supply is the water source for the water used in the system. The water is pumped.
9. 9. Nozzle (Device 8)
   • ◯ A jet of water is sprayed through the nozzle.

Claims (3)

Automatic bird control system comprising: a) a control unit for object detection and control of the servo motors and water pump; b) at least two servo motors for pan-tilt and tilt movement of the camera and the high-pressure nozzle; c) a camera for capturing live images of the monitored area and transmitting these images to the control unit for object detection; d) a high-pressure nozzle for spraying water onto the detected target object; e) a water pump for supplying water from a canister or mains water connection to the high-pressure nozzle; f) a power supply, optionally via an external power source, battery, or solar panel; g) a relay for controlling the water pump and a solenoid valve, which is activated by the control unit. System according Claim 1 , whereby the system is connected to a mobile device via wireless communication to enable remote monitoring and control. System according to Claim 1 or 2 , whereby the software of the control unit can be extended through updates to recognize different types of objects and implement different defense strategies.