System for detecting and deterring animals in agricultural fields using PIR sensor, Arduino and GSM communication
Patent Information
- Application Number
- DE202025100258
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Utility models
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-20
- Publication Date
- 2025-03-06
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-01-31
Smart Images
Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Abstract
Description
Field of the invention:
[0001] The present invention relates to a system for detecting and deterring animals and humans in agricultural fields, specifically designed to assist farmers who cannot be constantly present on their farms. It addresses the challenge of intrusion by animals such as buffalo, cows, and wild animals, which can cause significant damage to crops in their absence. Background of the invention:
[0002] Agriculture plays a vital role in feeding the world's population, but farmers face numerous challenges in tending their crops and livestock. One of the biggest problems farmers face is the incursion of animals such as buffalo, cows, and wild animals into their fields. These animals can cause significant damage to crops, resulting in financial losses for farmers. In rural and remote agricultural areas, farmers are often unable to constantly monitor their fields, leaving their crops vulnerable to such incursions.
[0003] Conventional methods such as physical barriers, such as fences, are commonly used to prevent animals from entering agricultural fields. However, these barriers often do not provide complete protection, and electric fences, in particular, pose a risk to wildlife and even to human safety. Animals do not always recognize the fences, and collisions with them can result in animal injury. Furthermore, farmers cannot always monitor the fences or their fields for intruders, especially when they are far from their properties or when they are away for extended periods.
[0004] While effective in some cases, electric fences are also costly to install and maintain. They raise significant environmental and safety concerns, particularly with regard to wildlife and non-target humans. Furthermore, these fences can have unintended consequences, such as harm to endangered species or public outrage over accidents involving humans or animals.
[0005] Given these challenges, there is a growing need for an innovative, cost-effective solution that can detect animal movements and alert farmers immediately without compromising the safety of wildlife or people. The development of such a system would not only help farmers protect their crops but also reduce the financial risks associated with animal damage.
[0006] The present invention closes this gap by leveraging modern technologies to create an efficient, reliable, and environmentally friendly animal detection and deterrent system. By integrating a passive infrared (PIR) motion sensor, an Arduino microcontroller, and a GSM communication module, this system is capable of detecting animal movements in real time, triggering an audible alarm to deter animals, and sending immediate notifications to farmers via SMS. This innovation gives farmers the tools they need to protect their crops, even when they are away from the field.
[0007] This system represents an improvement over traditional methods, minimizing the need for physical barriers that could harm animals or humans. Instead, it focuses on motion detection and remote monitoring, providing a proactive solution that increases the security of agricultural fields without compromising safety or the environment. Furthermore, the system is flexible and scalable, making it suitable for different field sizes and adaptable to diverse agricultural requirements.
[0008] In summary, this invention represents a significant step forward by providing farmers with a safe, effective, and reliable solution for protecting their crops from animal damage. By integrating accessible technologies, the system ensures that farmers can remotely monitor their fields, act quickly when needed, and reduce financial losses due to animal intrusion. Summary of the invention:
[0009] The present invention relates to an innovative animal detection and deterrent system designed to help farmers protect their crops from animal damage. This system utilizes modern, readily accessible technologies such as passive infrared (PIR) sensors, Arduino microcontrollers, and GSM communication modules to enable real-time monitoring and immediate alerts. The invention addresses the challenges farmers face when they cannot be physically present in their fields to monitor for animal intrusion, which can result in significant financial losses.
[0010] The system detects the presence of animals or humans through the PIR sensor, which detects the infrared radiation from moving objects. As soon as movement is detected, the Arduino microcontroller triggers an audible alarm via a buzzer to deter animals from entering the field. At the same time, the system sends an SMS notification to the farmer's phone via the GSM module to alert them of the possible intrusion. This way, farmers are notified in real time, even if they are not on site, allowing them to intervene in a timely manner.
[0011] This invention offers several advantages, including the elimination of physical barriers such as fences, which can harm wildlife and humans. It provides a safer, more environmentally friendly alternative while ensuring crop protection. The system is designed to be scalable and adaptable, making it suitable for a wide variety of agricultural environments. Furthermore, it minimizes the risk of financial losses caused by animal damage to crops and increases the overall efficiency and safety of farms.
[0012] In summary, the invention represents a cost-effective, reliable, and environmentally friendly solution for farmers, allowing them to remotely monitor and protect their fields from animal intrusion. Combining motion detection, acoustic deterrents, and GSM-based notifications, this system offers a comprehensive approach to crop protection and improving farm management. Short description of the drawing Fig. . shows a block diagram of the system according to the invention. Detailed description of the invention
[0013] The invention relates to a system that protects agricultural fields from animal intrusion, thereby preventing potential damage to crops. Since farmers are often unable to constantly monitor their fields, especially when they are not on site, the invention aims to solve the problems they face when animals such as buffalo, cows, and wild animals invade their land. This problem can lead to significant financial losses due to crop damage. Conventional solutions such as physical barriers, e.g., fences, are often ineffective, and electric fences can harm wildlife and pose a safety risk to humans. The invention aims to provide a safer, more reliable, and more cost-effective solution for protecting crops while ensuring the protection of animals and humans.
[0014] The system is based on a combination of technologies, including a passive infrared (PIR) motion sensor, an Arduino microcontroller, a GSM module, and a buzzer. The PIR sensor is a crucial component of the invention because it detects infrared radiation emitted by moving objects. Animals and people generate heat, which the PIR sensor can detect when they move within its range. When the sensor detects movement, it sends a signal to the Arduino microcontroller, which processes the information and triggers a response.
[0015] The Arduino microcontroller serves as the system's central processing unit. It is programmed to respond to the signal received from the PIR sensor. When activated, the microcontroller triggers a buzzer, which sounds a loud, audible alarm. The buzzer's sound serves to deter the animal or person from approaching the plants. The sound acts as a deterrent, preventing the intruder from approaching further and potentially causing damage to the plants.
[0016] In addition to the audible alarm, the Arduino system is equipped with a GSM module that enables wireless communication with the farmer. The GSM module allows the system to send an SMS notification to a predefined phone number, such as the farmer's mobile phone, when motion is detected. The farmer is immediately notified, even if they are not on-site, allowing them to intervene immediately and resolve the problem in real time. This feature significantly improves the farmer's ability to respond to potential threats, thus increasing overall safety in the agricultural field.
[0017] The system is designed to operate in real time, with the sensor continuously monitoring the area for movement. Response time is short: SMS alerts are sent within 10 seconds of movement being detected, allowing farmers to act quickly and minimize the risk of damage to their crops. The use of a GSM module ensures that farmers are always informed, no matter where they are.
[0018] The Arduino microcontroller serves as the system's central processing unit. It is programmed to respond to the signal received from the PIR sensor. When activated, the microcontroller triggers a buzzer, which sounds a loud, audible alarm. The buzzer's sound serves to deter the animal or person from approaching the plants. The sound acts as a deterrent, preventing the intruder from approaching further and potentially causing damage to the plants.
[0019] In addition to the audible alarm, the Arduino system is equipped with a GSM module that enables wireless communication with the farmer. The GSM module allows the system to send an SMS notification to a predefined phone number, such as the farmer's mobile phone, when motion is detected. The farmer is immediately notified, even if they are not on-site, allowing them to intervene immediately and resolve the problem in real time. This feature significantly improves the farmer's ability to respond to potential threats, thus increasing overall safety in the agricultural field.
[0020] The system is designed to operate in real time, with the sensor continuously monitoring the area for movement. Response time is short: SMS alerts are sent within 10 seconds of movement being detected, allowing farmers to act quickly and minimize the risk of damage to their crops. The use of a GSM module ensures that farmers are always informed, wherever they are.
[0021] In terms of installation, the system is easy to set up and requires no complex infrastructure or significant technical expertise. The PIR sensor is placed at key locations around the field where animal or human movement is most likely to occur. The Arduino unit is installed in a central location to process the signals from the sensor and control the horn and GSM module. The GSM module is connected to the cellular network, allowing alerts to be sent even in remote areas with minimal coverage.
[0022] One of the most significant advantages of this system is its scalability. The system can be adapted to fields of different sizes, and additional sensors can be integrated to cover larger areas. Furthermore, the system is flexible and allows for the inclusion of multiple deterrents, such as additional buzzers or flashing lights, to enhance the alarm's impact. This scalability ensures that the system can meet the needs of farmers with fields of different sizes and different risk levels of animal intrusion.
[0023] The invention offers a safer alternative to traditional fencing methods. Unlike electric fences, which can harm both wildlife and humans, this system offers a non-invasive solution that relies on motion detection and a deterrent sound to keep animals away. The system is also more environmentally friendly, as it eliminates the need for physical barriers that could impede animal movement or cause environmental damage.
[0024] The functionality of the present invention comprises a carefully coordinated system of components designed to detect the presence of animals or humans in the vicinity of agricultural fields and send immediate alerts to the farmer. The core idea of the invention is to enable farmers to remotely monitor their fields and protect their crops from potential animal damage without having to be physically present in the field.
[0025] At the heart of the system is the passive infrared (PIR) sensor, strategically placed in areas where animal or human movement is expected, such as at the edge of the field or near crops. This sensor detects changes in the infrared radiation emitted by moving objects, such as animals or humans. The PIR sensor is highly sensitive and can detect movement from a distance, making it an ideal tool for detecting possible intruders in the field. When an animal, such as a buffalo or cow, or a human approaches the sensor, the sensor detects the heat emitted by the moving object, causing a change in the infrared radiation around it.
[0026] Once the PIR sensor detects movement, it sends a signal to the Arduino microcontroller. The Arduino acts as the system's central processing unit. Upon receiving the signal from the PIR sensor, the Arduino processes the input and triggers a response. The system is programmed to immediately activate a buzzer that emits a loud noise when movement is detected. The buzzer's sound acts as a deterrent to the animal or human, urging them to move away from the area to avoid further intruders.
[0027] The present invention is a carefully coordinated system of components designed to detect the presence of animals or humans near agricultural fields and provide immediate alerts to the farmer. The heart of the system is the passive infrared (PIR) sensor, which is strategically placed in areas where animal or human movement is expected, such as at the edge of the field or near the crops. This sensor detects changes in the infrared radiation emitted by moving objects, such as animals or humans. The PIR sensor is highly sensitive and can detect movement from a distance, making it an ideal tool for detecting possible intruders in the field.When an animal, such as a buffalo or a cow, or a human approaches the sensor, the sensor detects the heat emitted by the moving object, which causes a change in the infrared radiation around it. Once the PIR sensor detects movement, it sends a signal to the Arduino microcontroller. The Arduino acts as the central processing unit of the system. Upon receiving the signal from the PIR sensor, the Arduino processes the input and triggers a response. The system is programmed to immediately activate a buzzer that makes a loud noise when motion is detected. The sound of the buzzer acts as a deterrent to the animal or human, urging them to move away from the area to avoid further intruders. List of reference symbols 100 systems 101 Passive Infrared (PIR) 102 Arduino microcontrollers 103 Summer 104 GSM module 105 Power supply
Claims
[1] A system for detecting and repelling animals and people around agricultural fields, consisting of: a) a passive infrared (PIR) sensor (101) configured to detect animal or human movements; b) an Arduino microcontroller (102) connected to the PIR sensor and configured to receive a signal from the PIR sensor upon motion detection; c) a buzzer (103) connected to the Arduino microcontroller and configured to emit an audible sound when activated by the Arduino microcontroller in response to the detected movement; d) a GSM module (104) connected to the Arduino microcontroller and configured to send a text message to a predefined phone number upon motion detection; the system sending real-time alerts to the field owner and deterring animals or people from approaching the field. [2] The system of claim 1, wherein the PIR sensor is mounted along the perimeter of the agricultural field to monitor movement across the entire field. [3] The system of claim 1, wherein the GSM module is configured to send the text message within 10 seconds of motion detection to ensure a timely response to the intrusion. [4] The system of claim 1, wherein the buzzer emits a tone of at least 85 decibels to ensure that the acoustic deterrent is heard by animals or humans in the vicinity. [5] The system of claim 1, further comprising a solar panel configured to power the system and ensure continuous operation in remote locations without external power sources.