Device for attracting animals to settle in a habitat

Abstract

Device (1, 1') for attracting animals to settle in a habitat (2, 2', 2'', 2''') comprising - at least one acoustic output unit (3, 3') for outputting an acoustic attractant signal to attract the animal to be attracted, - at least one control unit (4, 4') for controlling the operation of the acoustic output unit (3, 3') characterized by - at least one radio unit (5) which is equipped to form a unidirectional or bidirectional data connection (7) with a control means (6) that is spatially separate from the device (1, 1') for influencing the control unit (4, 4').

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for attracting animals for settlement in a habitat.

[0002] Devices for attracting animals to settle in a habitat are known in principle from the prior art. For example, it is known to use a device that emits attracting sounds to lure animals, thereby increasing the likelihood of them settling in that habitat. A disadvantage of this approach is that influencing or changing the attracting sounds requires direct contact with an input device located on the device itself. Typically, this requires opening a housing to establish a data connection via a plug-and-socket interface. This can be particularly disadvantageous if the device is located in a difficult-to-access location, e.g., several meters above ground.

[0003] DE 10 2015 116 050 A1 describes a trapping device comprising a cage with an automatic closing device, at least one control device, at least one communication device, at least one detector and / or sensor device, and at least one power supply device.

[0004] US 8 205 577 B2 describes a swift breeding operation for the production of edible bird nests.

[0005] The invention is based on the objective of providing a device for attracting animals to settle in a habitat, which, in particular with regard to a simple and cost-effective measure, facilitates the operation of the device and may increase the range of functions of the device.

[0006] The problem is solved by a device for attracting animals to settle in a habitat according to claim 1. The dependent claims relate to possible embodiments of the device. Furthermore, the problem is solved by a method according to claims 10 to 12.

[0007] The invention relates to a device for attracting animals to settle in a habitat. The device can be designed as a unit spatially separate from the habitat, i.e., it can be spaced apart from the habitat to be colonized by an animal. Alternatively or additionally, the device, or at least a component of the device, can be arranged on or in the at least one habitat. The device can also be associated with a plurality of habitats, e.g., at least two, so that the animals attracted by the device are made aware of the at least two habitats. The device comprises at least one acoustic output unit, e.g., at least one loudspeaker, for emitting an acoustic attractant signal to lure the animal to be attracted.Optionally, the device can have two or more loudspeakers, and the attraction signals emitted from these multiple loudspeakers can comprise a stereo signal or a stereo tone sequence. At least one subwoofer or other acoustic output device that emits a bass tone can also be provided. This allows animals, such as amphibians, which are sensitive to vibrations, to be attracted accordingly. Thus, the emission of a vibration, even if it is inaudible to the human ear, is optionally interpreted as an acoustic attraction signal. Alternatively or additionally, the acoustic attraction signal emitted by the output unit can be located in a frequency range audible to the target animal and / or to humans. The habitat associated with or assigned to the device serves to establish the habitat for the target animal, i.e.,The habitat provides a living space for the target animal, allowing it, for example, to raise its young. In this sense, the habitat for a bird might be designed as a nesting box.

[0008] The operation of the acoustic output unit can be controlled via at least one control unit of the device. The control unit can control the output unit in such a way that its attract signal is selected based on its timing (time, duration, repetition period) and / or its sonic characteristics (e.g., volume, frequency, pitch, amplitude) and / or by selecting one of a multitude of predefined tone sequences. For example, at least two or more sound files describing different tone sequences are stored in a memory, and the control unit can select one of the sound files or use it as a corresponding control signal to the output unit to play the corresponding tone sequence from the sound file.

[0009] Attracting an animal using an acoustic attractant signal involves emitting a sequence of tones or noises, or a vibration, which elicits a response from an animal, particularly a defined target animal. By selecting an appropriate attractant signal, a target animal can be made aware of the signal's source, prompting it to approach the source or output unit. This approach draws the animal's attention to the habitat associated with the output unit or its device, significantly increasing the likelihood of an animal, especially a predefined target animal, settling in that habitat. In other words, the potential for animals to settle or inhabit the habitat associated with the device is significantly enhanced.

[0010] The device further comprises at least one radio unit configured to establish a unidirectional or bidirectional data connection with a control device located spatially separate from the device, for influencing the control unit. The control device can, for example, be a mobile or portable device, such as a mobile phone, smartphone, laptop, tablet, smartwatch, etc. Alternatively, the control device can be a computer unit located at a distance from the device, which can establish a radio or data connection with the device's radio unit via a radio means in order to transmit information unidirectionally or bidirectionally between this computer unit and the device.

[0011] The control unit can be influenced, for example, by activating and / or deactivating and / or modifying control signals that the control unit transmits to the output unit. Thus, the output of the acoustic attractant signal via the output unit can be indirectly controlled or modified by means of the control device.

[0012] The radio unit can be configured, for example, to establish a data connection with the radio device, which is implemented as a Bluetooth and / or WLAN infrastructure. This allows data or information to be transmitted or exchanged between the radio device and the radio unit. The data connection can, for example, operate in at least one of the OSI layers 3 to 7. Information transmission or exchange can thus occur, for example, via HTTP, TCP, UDP, and / or IP protocols. Optionally, a gateway, content switch, proxy, Layer 4-7 switch, router, and / or Layer 3 switch can also be used as a coupling element in the data connection. Information transmission can also occur, for example, via a peer-to-peer connection and / or a Voice over IP (VoIP) connection between the radio device and the radio unit.

[0013] It is possible that the device is set up to attract birds and that at least one bird can be attracted by the attractant signal. By specifically designing the attractant signal, e.g., its duration and / or time of day and / or sequence of tones or sounds, a target bird, in particular a target bird species, can be attracted. For example, a parrot and / or a swallow, in particular a house martin and / or sand martin and / or barn swallow, and / or a swift, in particular a common swift or an alpine swift, and / or a nightjar and / or a crow, in particular a rook, can be attracted or addressed in this way.

[0014] The device can be configured to attract amphibians, either as an alternative or in addition to its primary function, and can attract at least one amphibian, e.g., at least one target amphibian, via an acoustic attractant signal. For example, an amphibian to be attracted by the signal could be a yellow-bellied toad and / or a natterjack toad and / or a European tree frog and / or a European fire-bellied toad and / or a common frog and / or a garlic toad. Alternatively or in addition, the device can be configured to attract bats, and the acoustic attractant signal can be selected or designed such that a bat, in particular a predefined target bat, can be attracted. For example, a common pipistrelle and / or a brown long-eared bat and / or a greater mouse-eared bat can be attracted by the signal.

[0015] Alternatively or additionally, the device can be configured to attract insects, especially cicadas, and / or small mammals, especially dormice and / or rats, by means of an attractant signal emitted by the device. For this purpose, the device can play a sound file or attractant signal information designed to attract the respective animals or species. For example, the attractant signal reproduces courtship or mating calls of the respective animals or species, which have a particularly attractive effect on conspecifics during the mating season. For example, in the case of a habitat designed as a bat habitat, an attractant signal in the form of a social call can be emitted from the device assigned to it. In general, the user of the device can therefore configure it to attract the respective animals or species by uploading or playing a corresponding sound file or attractant signal information.The user can advantageously do this using a control device, in particular a smartphone, which is linked to the data transmission device via a radio connection.

[0016] It is possible that the device comprises a time unit, wherein the radio unit is configured to establish a radio communication infrastructure depending on time information provided or processed by the time unit, and the data connection between the radio unit and the control device can be generated or is generated via the radio communication infrastructure. In this context, a time unit is understood to be a device that generates and / or models or simulates a time signal. Thus, a time unit can be understood as a clock or as an electronic or electrical component that provides time information. The time information can, for example, describe a period of time and / or a point in time. For instance, the time unit is configured as a clock, and the time information can relate to a time of day.It is also possible for the time information to specify a defined time of day (e.g., 9:00 AM) and a defined time period (e.g., 15 minutes). This allows, for example, the radio unit to establish a wireless communication infrastructure, such as a radio network, for 15 minutes from 9:00 AM until 9:15 AM. During this time, the radio unit is ready to establish a data connection between its radio unit and the geographically separate control device. Outside of this predefined time period, no wireless connection can be established between the control device and the radio unit. This reduces the device's energy consumption, as the radio unit is only powered temporarily.

[0017] The time information can be used alternatively or additionally to control an acoustic attraction signal in terms of timing, i.e. to specify the start time and duration and / or a time end of the attraction signal.

[0018] It is possible that the device includes a data storage device on which at least one piece of time information describing a point in time and / or a period of time is stored or can be stored. This time information, which can be stored and / or is stored on the data storage device, can be provided or transmitted from the data storage device to the control unit via a data connection to influence the attract signal to be output by the output unit. Additionally or alternatively, at least one piece of time information describing a point in time and / or a period of time can be stored or stored on the data storage device. This time information can, for example, be provided or transmitted from the data storage device to the radio unit via a data connection for establishing and / or deactivating a radio communication infrastructure.Thus, the time information can be used to activate, deactivate, and / or modify the operating mode of the radio unit, in particular to establish, dismantle, or modify a radio communication infrastructure that it can generate, at least temporarily. The radio communication infrastructure serves as a data link or radio network between the radio unit and the control device to enable unidirectional or bidirectional data exchange between the device and the control device. Furthermore, at least one attractor signal information describing a sound characteristic can optionally be stored or stored on the data storage device. This attractor signal information can be transmitted via a data link, in particular from the data storage device, to the control unit to control the acoustic output unit.It is also optionally possible to store or have stored mapping information on the data storage device that describes the assignment of an attractant signal information to a time information for controlling the acoustic output unit. This mapping information can assign a first time information to a first attractant signal and a second time information to a second attractant signal, so that, for example, depending on the availability of an actual time, a corresponding time information can be used and the attractant signal information assigned to this time information can be used or output via the output unit.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, the device may be configured to execute a change in at least one piece of information stored in the data memory, in particular a change in at least one piece of time information and / or at least one attract signal information and / or one assignment information, via a control signal received from the radio unit. This allows the deletion and / or modification of information stored in the data memory and / or the addition of new data records to the data memory to be carried out via a control device located spatially separate from the device, e.g., via a mobile device such as a smartphone. This can thus be done in a convenient manner for the user of the arrangement consisting of the device and the control device described herein.

[0020] The control unit can, for example, be surrounded by or housed in a control enclosure. The control enclosure can provide mechanical protection for the control unit against environmental influences (e.g., rain, wind, temperature). Preferably, the control enclosure can completely surround the control unit. Preferably, the radio unit is also arranged in the control enclosure, preferably completely enclosed, in addition to the control unit. This also provides mechanical protection for the radio unit. The output unit can, for example, comprise at least one output housing that accommodates an output device of the output unit and is spatially separate from the control enclosure, wherein control information for controlling the output unit can be transmitted from the control unit via a wired or wireless data connection. For this purpose, for example,A control housing surrounding the control unit and an output housing surrounding at least one output device must be connected or connectable to each other by means of a data cable.

[0021] It is possible that the device includes a detection unit, wherein the detection unit is configured to acoustically and / or optically and / or tactilely detect an environmental condition, particularly in the immediate vicinity of the device and / or at least one condition of a habitat associated with the device, and to provide or transmit this detection information to the control unit and / or the control means and / or a device-side output unit and / or a control means-side output element. For example, the detection unit includes a rain sensor and / or a wind sensor and / or a light sensor, so that a rain event or a wind direction and / or wind speed and / or brightness, particularly in the immediate vicinity of the device and / or in the immediate vicinity of at least one habitat associated with the device, can be detected by means of the detection unit. The detection unit can, for example,It may be designed as a weather station. Alternatively or additionally, the acquisition unit may, for example, be designed as an optical acquisition device, i.e., a camera, and the captured image and / or a captured sequence of images or a film may constitute at least part of the acquisition information.

[0022] Depending on the detected information, the control unit can be adjusted or modified accordingly. For example, if rain is detected, the volume of the attractant signal can be reduced because the dampness of the surroundings increases the reflection of sound waves, thus allowing a lower volume signal to achieve sufficient spatial propagation to attract a target animal. In other words, in rain and / or wet conditions – which can be detected by the sensor, particularly the integrated sensor – the volume of the attractant signal can be reduced, thereby reducing the noise level caused by the device.The detection device can optionally also include a data connection to a higher-level computer unit, which transmits corresponding rain and / or brightness and / or wind data, so that, for example, via an internet connection, an intranet connection or another data connection, corresponding weather information can be transmitted to the device and, depending on this weather information, the control of the attractant signal can be changed, deactivated or activated.

[0023] It is also possible that the attractant signal is activated or completely deactivated in the event of a detected rainfall event and / or if humidity exceeds a predefined threshold. This allows the device to take into account and utilize whether the target animal exhibits an increased or decreased "readiness to be attracted" due to an acoustic attractant signal during a rainfall event and / or when humidity is present at a defined level. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that, depending on predefined weather and / or environmental conditions, activation, deactivation, modification, and / or a specific attractant signal from a variety of available attractant signals is selected.For example, a target animal might react more strongly to an attraction signal specifically tailored to such a (weather) event during rainy weather and / or at night. This allows an initial attraction signal to be emitted via the output unit when certain environmental conditions are present (e.g., during the day, in rain, or in wet conditions), and a second, different attraction signal to be used when other predefined environmental conditions are present (e.g., at night, when it is not raining, or when a defined level of dryness, such as humidity, is present).

[0024] In other words, it may be provided that a rain event and / or humidity and / or temperature can be detected by means of the detection device and that, depending on the detected events or humidity or temperature, an adjustment or change of the start and / or end time and / or the duration of at least one attraction signal issued by the device takes place.

[0025] For example, if the habitat associated with the device is intended for amphibians, the acoustic attraction signal can be emitted only when a certain humidity threshold is exceeded, i.e., when a certain level of humidity is present. Alternatively or additionally, the acoustic attraction signal can be activated to attract amphibians at a specific time of day, e.g., in the morning, especially when there is morning dew, and / or in the late afternoon and / or at night. Generally, it can be activated at times when there is no strong sunlight and high humidity is expected.Optionally, the acoustic attraction signal for amphibians can be activated and / or emitted at a higher volume only when both the aforementioned time criterion (early morning, late afternoon, and / or night) and the humidity criterion (exceeding a predefined humidity threshold) are present. Alternatively, humidity can be used as the first criterion and solar radiation or the reading from a light sensor as the second. This would allow, for example, an acoustic attraction signal for amphibians to be activated and / or its intensity increased if a predefined humidity value is exceeded and (a) a light intensity value is simultaneously exceeded and / or (b) a predefined temperature value is simultaneously exceeded.

[0026] An environmental condition relating to the habitat could be, for example, that a habitat associated with the device is inhabited or occupied by an animal, in particular by a target animal. If at least one habitat associated with the device is already inhabited or occupied, this "fill level information" could be used to influence the activation of the attractant signal, in particular to deactivate or modify the attractant signal, or to activate a different attractant signal. For example, a detection device designed as a microphone could detect animal sounds or a pattern from a multitude of animal sounds, allowing the conclusion that a habitat associated with the device is at least partially, preferably predominantly, and most preferably completely inhabited or occupied.In the event of detection of partial, preferably predominant, particularly preferably complete occupancy of the habitat associated with the device, the attraction signal could be influenced, in particular deactivated.

[0027] The detection device can, for example, alternatively or additionally detect the occupancy level of at least one habitat associated with the device using optical or tactile means. For example, the habitat, e.g., a nesting box or burrow of the target animal species, is equipped with a weight sensor and / or a camera and / or a light barrier, whereby, particularly automatically, the occupancy level or the use or frequency of use of the habitat by an animal can be detected. Depending on this detected occupancy level or the use or frequency of use, the acoustic attraction signal can be changed.

[0028] It is possible that the device includes a power generation unit for producing electrical energy, which can be used and / or is used to supply power to the control unit and / or the output unit and / or a data storage unit and / or a data acquisition unit. Preferably, the power generation unit can convert wind energy and / or solar energy into electrical energy. For example, the power generation unit is designed as a solar cell or a wind turbine, or includes one or more such components. This ensures an autonomous power supply for the device. Furthermore, it is possible to use the power generation unit as a data acquisition unit or as a unit for generating data acquisition information describing an environmental condition of the device and / or at least one habitat associated with the device. For example,The brightness level can be derived from the energy output of a solar-powered energy generation unit, and / or the wind speed from the energy output of a wind turbine-powered energy generation unit. This allows the energy generation unit to optionally perform a dual function: firstly, generating and supplying energy to at least one component of the device, and secondly, generating detection information describing a condition of the device and / or the habitat associated with it, which is used to control or modify an acoustic attraction signal.

[0029] It is possible that the device includes or is associated with a further output unit, wherein the further output unit emits not an acoustic attraction signal but a visually perceptible and / or olfactorily perceptible attraction signal. For example, the further output unit is designed as a light source and emits, at least temporarily, light visible to the human eye and / or UV light. For example, a UV light source can be used as a further output unit to attract nocturnal insects that are intended for the habitat or that serve as food for the target animals of the habitat associated with the device. For example, insects can be attracted via the UV light source, which, by being attracted to the habitat, then attract the target animal of the habitat, e.g., a bird, as potential food. Thus, for example,An acoustic attraction signal emitted via the output unit, e.g. by means of a courtship call, attracts the defined bird, and additionally attracts insects via the UV light emitted by the other output unit, which, as potential food of the defined bird, draw its attention to the device and the habitat associated with it.

[0030] An olfactory attractant signal, which can be emitted via a further output unit, can be released, for example, by a scent dispenser. For this purpose, the scent dispenser can, for example, release pheromones of the target animal and / or pheromones of an animal that serves as food for the target animal. The scent dispenser can also be designed, for example, as a biochemical diffuser.

[0031] In addition to the device for attracting animals to settle in a habitat, the invention also relates to a method for attracting animals to settle in a habitat. The method may comprise the following steps: (a) providing a habitat; (b) providing a device for attracting an animal and emitting an acoustic attracting signal by this device; and (c) establishing a wireless data connection, e.g., based on a radio link, between the device and a control device located spatially separate from the device for influencing the acoustic attracting signal emitted by the device.In other words, the method includes the step of influencing the operation of the device, and thus the attractant signal emitted by the device, by establishing a data connection between the device and a control device located spatially separate from it. This allows an operator to intervene in the operation or the operating mode of the device in a simple and convenient manner.

[0032] For example, the method involves providing time information describing a point in time and / or a period of time. Depending on this time information, a radio communication infrastructure, provided or enabled by a device-side radio unit, is activated, thus establishing a wireless data connection between the radio unit and the control device via the activated radio communication infrastructure. By providing time information and linking the operating mode or activation of the device-side radio unit, the period or at least one phase of the deactivation of the radio communication infrastructure, i.e., the radio data network, can also be specified. This enables energy-efficient operation of the radio unit and, consequently, of the device.

[0033] Alternatively or additionally, the method may include a step involving access control, wherein (a) the establishment of the wireless data connection and / or (b) the authorization to influence the device by the control device and / or (c) the authorization to influence an attract signal emitted by the device by the control device only occurs if the access control is successful. Successful access control means, for example, that a query and / or identity check of the person using the control device or of identity information describing the control device is performed to ensure that only authorized persons gain access to the device(s). This is considered advantageous because the wireless or radio-based data connection between the control device and the device poses a risk of unauthorized interference with the device..

[0034] All advantages, details, designs and / or features of the device according to the invention are transferable or applicable to the method according to the invention and vice versa.

[0035] The invention is explained in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments in the drawings. These show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a device for attracting animals for settlement in a habitat according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a device for attracting animals for settlement in a habitat according to a further embodiment; Fig. 3 A schematic representation of individual steps of a procedure for attracting animals to settle in a habitat.

[0036] The figures show two devices 1, 1' for attracting animals to settle in a habitat 2, 2', 2'', 2'''. For example, in Fig. Figure 1 shows four spatially separated habitats 2, 2', 2'', 2''', each with at least one device 1, 1'. Fig. In the first device 1, a first and a second habitat 2, 2' are assigned to it, and a third and a fourth habitat 2'', 2''' are assigned to it. It is, of course, also possible to assign some of the four habitats 2, 2', 2'', 2''' or all four habitats 2, 2', 2'', 2''' to a single device 1. The at least two habitats 2, 2', 2'', 2''' assigned to the device 1, 1' can, for example, be designed as nesting boxes for bats or birds.

[0037] In Fig. In Figure 1, a control device 6 is assigned a first device 1 and two devices 1'. The control device 6 can be connected to the device(s) 1, 1' optionally or simultaneously via the data connections 7, 7' for data exchange. It is possible that, during the data exchange between the control device 6 and the respective device 1, identification information of the respective device 1, 1' is transmitted to the control device 6. Such device-specific identification information can, for example, be stored in a data storage device 10 (see Figure 1). Fig. 2) and / or be stored or can be stored in a control unit 4, 4' of the respective device 1, 1'. Due to the wireless data connection 7, 7' or the radio-based data connection 7, 7', the use of identification information is advantageous in order to enable control information to be transmitted from the control means 6 to a defined device 1, 1' and / or information transmitted from the devices 1, 1' to the control means 6 to be specifically assigned to the respective devices.

[0038] Optionally, it can be stipulated that a modification and / or deactivation and / or activation of a device 1, 1' by a control means 6 can only be carried out after authentication or access control has been successfully completed. In other words, influence on at least one device 1, 1' by means of a control means 6 is only possible after a password or other type of access control has been successfully executed. It is also possible to assign different access information to different devices 1, 1', so that a person or institution possessing initial access information can only access a defined device 1 or a defined group of devices 1, whereas this initial access information does not grant access to any further device 1' or group of devices 1'.

[0039] The at least one device 1, 1' comprises at least one acoustic output unit 3, 3', e.g., a loudspeaker, for emitting an acoustic attraction signal to lure the animal to be attracted. The output unit 3, 3' can be located in or on at least one habitat 2, 2', 2'', 2''' and / or spatially separated from a habitat 2, 2', 2'', 2''', but in its immediate vicinity, at least within a range audible to the target animal species. The attraction, which is to be effected acoustically by means of the attraction signal emitted via the output unit 3, 3', is intended to draw the target animal species' attention to the at least one habitat 2, 2', 2'', 2''' associated with the device 1, 1' and thus increase the probability of the animal settling there.

[0040] Furthermore, the device 1, 1' comprises at least one control unit 4, 4' for controlling the operation of the acoustic output unit 3, 3'. This control unit 4, 4' can be configured as a computer that is set up to control the output unit 3, 3' for emitting the acoustic output signal. The control unit 4, 4' can thus include programming such that, depending on an input variable (e.g., the time), it executes a defined control action of the output unit 3, 3'.

[0041] To perform a change in the programming or to modify and / or initially set up the control unit 4, 4', a control means 6, spatially separate from the device 1, 1', can be used according to the invention. For this purpose, the device 1, 1' has at least one radio unit 5 (see figure). Fig. 2) which is configured to establish at least a temporary unidirectional or bidirectional data connection 7 with the control means 6 for influencing the control unit 4, 4'. This allows the control means 6 to influence the control unit 4, 4' via the radio unit 5, thereby modifying and / or activating and / or deactivating the output unit 3, 3' and the attract signal to be output via the output unit 3, 3'. Due to the contactless, i.e., wireless, data connection 7 between the control unit 4, 4' and the device 1, 1' or via the radio unit 5 of the device 1, 1', user influence on the device 1, 1' is enabled in a simple and convenient manner.

[0042] The control device 6 can, for example, be designed as a mobile device, in particular as a laptop or smartphone, and include an output element 12. The output element 12 (see Fig. 2) may, for example, include a display and / or a speaker and / or a vibration-emitting element.

[0043] The device 1, 1' can, for example, be configured to attract birds such that at least one defined bird can be attracted by means of the attractant signal. For example, the bird to be attracted is a parrot and / or a swallow, in particular a house martin and / or sand martin and / or barn swallow, and / or a swift, in particular a common swift or an alpine swift, and / or a nightjar and / or a crow, in particular a rook. Alternatively or additionally, an amphibian, in particular a specific amphibian species, can be attracted by means of the device 1, 1' and its emitted acoustic attractant signal. For example, a yellow-bellied toad and / or a natterjack toad and / or a European tree frog and / or a common natterjack toad and / or a European fire-bellied toad and / or a common frog and / or a garlic toad can be attracted by means of the device.Alternatively or additionally, the device 1, 1' can be configured to attract bats, with the acoustic attraction signal drawing in a bat. For example, a common pipistrelle and / or a brown long-eared bat and / or a greater mouse-eared bat can be attracted by means of the attraction signal.

[0044] According to Fig. 2. The device 1, 1' can comprise a time unit 8, wherein the radio unit 5 is configured to establish a radio communication infrastructure 9 (e.g., a radio network) depending on time information 100 provided by or processed by the time unit 8, wherein the data connection 7 between the radio unit 5 and the control means 6 can be generated or is generated via the radio communication infrastructure 9. The control means 6 can comprise a radio module 14 which, when it is located within the radio communication infrastructure 9 or within the range of the radio unit 5, can establish a data connection 7 with the radio unit 5. For example, depending on time information 100 provided by the time unit 8, which may be configured, for example, as a clock, the radio infrastructure 9 can be established at least partially, preferably predominantly, and particularly preferably completely.For this purpose, the device-side radio unit 5 can be brought into a radio standby state depending on the time information 100, in which it can communicate with the radio module 14 of the control device 6. For example, a radio network, e.g., a Bluetooth network, can be established by the radio unit 5, which can then be detected by and connected to the control device-side radio module 14. The time unit 8 can, for example, be connected or connectable to the control unit 4, 4' and / or to a data storage device 10, or form a component of the control unit 4, 4' and / or the data storage device 10 (not shown).

[0045] The device 1, 1' can, for example, have a data storage device 10 on which at least one time information 100 describing a point in time and / or a period of time is stored or can be stored. This time information 100 can be made available to the control unit 4, 4' for influencing the attract signal to be output via the output unit 3, 3'. Alternatively or additionally, at least one time information 100 describing a point in time and / or a period of time can be stored or can be stored on the data storage device 10, wherein this time information 100 can be made available or is made available to the radio unit 5 for establishing and / or deactivating a radio communication infrastructure 9, wherein the data connection 7 between the radio unit 5 and the control device 6 can be established or is established via the radio communication infrastructure 9.Thus, it is possible for data storage 10 to store or be able to store target time information, which is compared with time information 100 describing the current time and provided by time unit 8. Depending on this comparison, the radio communication infrastructure 9 to be established via radio unit 5 can be activated, deactivated, or modified. In other words, data storage 10 can store or be able to store target time information for a specific point in time and / or period of time. When this point in time is reached or after the period of time has elapsed, a target control state of the radio unit 5 or the radio communication infrastructure 9, as associated with the target time information, is activated.Alternatively or additionally, at least one attractant signal information 110 describing a sound characteristic can be stored or stored on the data storage device 10 and made available to the control unit 4, 4' for controlling the acoustic output unit 3, 3'. Finally, an assignment information 120 describing the assignment of an attractant signal information 110 to a time information 100 (e.g., a target time information) can be used or is used on the data storage device 10 for controlling the acoustic output unit 3, 3' and / or for controlling the radio unit 5 and / or for controlling a detection unit 11 (see below).

[0046] Preferably, the device 1, 1' is configured to execute a change in at least one piece of information stored in the data memory 10, in particular a change in at least one time information 100 (e.g., a target time information) and / or at least one attract signal information 110 and / or one assignment information 120, via a control signal received from the radio unit 5 by the control means 6. A change in information in the data memory 10 can include deleting information, entering information, or modifying information.

[0047] It is possible that the device 1, 1' includes a further output unit 15 (in addition to the acoustic output unit 3, 3') or that a further output unit 15 is assigned to the device 1, 1', wherein the further output unit 15 does not emit an acoustic attraction signal but a visually perceptible attraction signal and / or an olfactorily perceptible attraction signal. For example, the further output unit 15 is designed as a light source and emits at least temporarily light visible to the human eye and / or UV light. The further output unit 15 can, for example, emit an olfactorily perceptible attraction signal; for this purpose, the further output unit 15 can be designed as a scent dispenser.

[0048] The device can have at least one detection unit 11, or at least one detection unit 11 can be assigned to the device 1, 1', such that detection information 130 acquired by the detection unit can be transmitted to or made available to the control unit 4, 4'. The detection unit 11 can be configured such that acoustic and / or optical and / or tactile environmental conditions, particularly in the immediate vicinity, of the device 1, 1' and / or at least one condition, particularly in the immediate vicinity, of a habitat 2, 2', 2'', 2''' assigned to the device 1, 1' can be detected or are detected, and can be made available or transmitted as detection information 130 to the control unit 4, 4' and / or the control means 6 and / or a device-side output unit 3, 3' and / or a control means-side output element 12 and / or a radio unit 5. For example, the recording unit 11 can be used to...It may be configured as a microphone and / or as a seismograph or as a vibration detection unit. For example, an animal can be detected by the detection unit 11. The detection device 11 can also be used to detect and, in particular, qualify brightness and / or wind or rain events (e.g., wind speed or amount of precipitation).

[0049] The device can optionally include an energy generation unit 13, 13' which can be used to generate electrical energy, wherein the electrical energy generated thereby can be used or is used to power the control unit 4, 4' and / or the output unit 3, 3' and / or a data storage device 10 and / or a recording unit 11 and / or the radio unit 5. Preferably, the energy generation unit 13, 13' converts wind energy and / or solar energy into electrical energy.

[0050] In Fig.Section 3 describes individual steps of a method for attracting animals to settle in a habitat 2, 2', 2'', 2''', wherein, first, a habitat 2, 2', 2''', 2''', and a device 1, 1' for attracting an animal and emitting an acoustic attraction signal are provided. The method is characterized in that a wireless data connection 7 is established between the device 1, 1' and a control means 6 located spatially separate from the device 1, 1' to influence the acoustic attraction signal emitted by the device 1, 1'. This wireless data connection 7 is then used to influence the control of the output signal to be output via the output unit 3, 3'.To delete, recreate and / or modify entries in a data storage 10 of the device 1, 1' that is assigned to the control unit 4, 4' controlling the output unit 3, 3'.

[0051] Optionally, the procedure may further include a step of providing 240 a time information 100 describing a point in time and / or a period of time, wherein furthermore an activation 250 of a radio communication infrastructure 9 that can be provided or is provided by a device-side radio unit 5 is carried out depending on the time information 100 and a wireless data connection 7 is established 220 between the radio unit 5 and the control means by means of the activated radio communication infrastructure 9. REFERENCE MARK LIST 1, 1' Device 2, 2', 2'', 2''' Habitat 3.3' Output unit of 1 4, 4' control unit of 1 5 radio units of 1 6 Control devices 7.7' Data connection between 1 and 6 8 time units of 1 9 Radio communication infrastructure 10 Data storage 11 recording unit 12 output element of 6 13, 13' Energy generation unit 14 radio modules out of 6 15 additional output units of 1 100 Time Information 110 Attractant signal information 120 Assignment information 130 Recording information 200 Providing 2, 2', 2'', 2''' 210 Providing 1 220 Training of 7 230 Influence of attraction signal via 7 240 Providing 100 250 Activating 9

Claims

[1] Device (1, 1') for attracting animals to settle in a habitat (2, 2', 2'', 2''') comprising - at least one acoustic output unit (3, 3') for outputting an acoustic attractant signal to attract the animal to be attracted, - at least one control unit (4, 4') for controlling the operation of the acoustic output unit (3, 3') characterized by - at least one radio unit (5) which is equipped to form a unidirectional or bidirectional data connection (7) with a control means (6) that is spatially separate from the device (1, 1') for influencing the control unit (4, 4'). [2] Device (1, 1') according to claim 1, characterized by, that the device (1, 1') is designed to attract birds and that at least one bird can be attracted via the attracting signal, in particular the bird to be attracted is a parrot and / or a swallow, in particular a house martin and / or sand martin and / or barn swallow, and / or a swift, in particular a common swift or an alpine swift, and / or a nightjar and / or a crow, in particular a rook. [3] Device (1, 1') according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the device (1, 1') is designed to attract amphibians and that an amphibian can be attracted via the acoustic attraction signal, in particular an amphibian to be attracted by means of the attraction signal is a yellow-bellied toad and / or a natterjack toad and / or a tree frog and / or a common frog and / or a fire-bellied toad and / or a common frog and / or a garlic toad. [4] Device (1, 1') according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the device (1, 1') is designed to attract bats and the acoustic attracting signal is capable of attracting a bat, in particular a bat to be attracted by means of the attracting signal is a common pipistrelle and / or a brown long-eared bat and / or a greater mouse-eared bat. [5] Device (1, 1') according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by a time unit (8), wherein the radio unit (5) is configured to establish a radio communication infrastructure (9) depending on time information (100) provided by or processed by the time unit (8), wherein the data connection (7) between the radio unit (5) and the control means (6) can be generated or is generated via the radio communication infrastructure (9). [6] Device (1, 1') according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by a data storage device (10) - on which at least one time information (100) describing a point in time and / or a period of time is stored or can be stored and which is available or is made available to the control unit (4, 4') for influencing the attract signal to be output via the output unit (3, 3') and / or - on which at least one time information (100) describing a point in time and / or a period of time is stored or can be stored and which is or is made available to the radio unit (5) for the establishment and / or shutdown of a radio communication infrastructure (9), wherein the data connection (7) between the radio unit (5) and the control means (6) can be or is generated via the radio communication infrastructure (9) and / or - on which at least one attract signal information (110) describing a sound characteristic is stored or can be stored and which can be used or is used to control the acoustic output unit (3, 3') and / or - on which an assignment information (120) describing an assignment of an attract signal information (110) to a time information (100) can be used or is used to control the acoustic output unit (3, 3'). [7] Device (1, 1') according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the device (1, 1') is configured to execute a change in at least one piece of information stored in a data storage device (10) via a control signal of the control means (6) received from the radio unit (5), in particular a change in at least one time information (100) stored in a data storage device (10) and / or at least one attract signal information (110) and / or one assignment information (120). [8] Device (1, 1') according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a detection unit (11), wherein the detection unit (11) is configured to acoustically and / or optically and / or tactilely detect an environmental condition of the device (1, 1') and / or at least one condition of a habitat (2, 2', 2'', 2''') associated with the device (1, 1') and to provide it as detection information (130) to the control unit (4, 4') and / or the control means (6) and / or a device-side output unit (3, 3') and / or a control means-side output element (12). [9] Device (1, 1') according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized byan energy generation unit (13, 13') for generating electrical energy, wherein this can be used and / or is used to supply energy (13) to the control unit (4, 4') and / or the output unit (3, 3') and / or a data storage device (10) and / or a recording unit (11), preferably the energy generation unit (13, 13') converts wind energy and / or solar energy into electrical energy. [10] Method for attracting animals to settle in a habitat (2, 2', 2'', 2''', comprising the following process steps: - Provide (200) a habitat (2, 2', 2'', 2'''); - Providing (210) a device (1, 1') for attracting an animal and emitting an acoustic attracting signal for attracting an animal by means of this device (1, 1'), characterized by - Establishing (220) a wireless data connection (7) between the device (1, 1') and a control means (6) located spatially separate from the device (1, 1') for influencing the acoustic attraction signal to be emitted by the device (1, 1'). [11] Method according to claim 10, characterized by - Providing (240) time information describing a point in time and / or a period of time (100) and - Activating (250) a radio communication infrastructure (9) that can be provided or is provided by a device-side radio unit (5) depending on the time information (100) and - Establishing (220) a wireless data link (7) between the radio unit (5) and the control device by means of the activated radio link infrastructure (9). [12] Method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized by - Performing access control and - Establishing the wireless data connection (7) and / or allowing the device (1, 1') to be influenced by the control means (6) and / or allowing the control means (6) to influence an attract signal issued by the device (1, 1') only if the access control was successful.

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