Ai-driven remotely controlled aerial vehicle utilizing electric energy for targeted animal deterrence

Abstract

The present invention discloses a drone system designed for effective animal control through the utilization of an electric energizer. The system comprises a drone unit, a remote control interface, Ai enhanced control system and a specially designed conductive cage surrounding the drone. The electric energizer, operable remotely through the remote control interface or autonomously from control system, delivers controlled high-voltage pulses via the conductive cage. This innovative approach ensures humane animal control while preventing potential damage to the drone during operation.

Description

DescriptionTitle of Invention : Al-Driven Remotely Controlled Aerial Vehicle Utilizing Electric Energy for Targeted Animal DeterrenceTechnical Field

[0001] The present invention discloses a drone system designed for effective animal control through the utilization of an electric energizer. The system comprises a drone unit, Internal Al powered decision maker, a remote control interface, and a specially designed conductive cage surrounding the drone. The electric energizer, operable remotely through the remote control interface, delivers controlled high-voltage pulses via the conductive cage. This innovative approach ensures humane animal control while preventing potential damage animal and drone during operation.Background Art

[0002] In light of the escalating conflicts between animals and humans worldwide, driven by the increasing demand for land use, the resultant loss of lives on both sides necessitates a progressive solution. Traditionally, electric fences have been employed to safeguard crops and villages, acting as a barrier between human habitats and forested areas. Government wildlife departments resort to methods involving weapons, explosive crackers, and traps to capture and redirect animals from human habitats, facing inherent limitations and risks associated with close proximity encounters. This innovative drone system addresses these challenges by significantly enhancing the mobility of animal control methods while minimizing human interference with potentially dangerous animals. This system employs high-voltage electric pulses generated by an electric energizer to deliver controlled yet non-lethal shocks to specific animals from a safe distance.

[0003] In stark contrast to the constraints posed by traditional electric fence systems, as elucidated in US6020658A,this drone system offers a groundbreaking solution that effectively addresses critical issues inherent in conventional technology. Traditional electric fences prove arduous toestablish and stabilize, demanding substantial infrastructure investments. These fixed barriers become impractical in dynamic environments, vulnerable to damage from animals attempting to breach or navigate beneath them. Moreover, the maintenance costs associated with these conventional electric fences are prohibitively high, presenting economic hurdles for widespread implementation.

[0004] The patent LU100252B1 introduced a drone-based animal control system that employs methods such as administering shocks or emitting sounds to deter animals, aimed at facilitating effective animal control. In the described approach, a geolocation emitting transmitter is affixed to each animal to ascertain its position, a methodology could be impractical and cost-prohibitive, particularly in the case of wild animals. Furthermore, the design relies on applying a general high-voltage shock uniformly to all animals, with fixed parameters for shocking energy and pulse duration, which poses a potential threat to certain animals, as they may receive a shock surpassing their tolerance threshold.

[0005] Additionally, the conventional system lacks sophistication in its reliance on a non-discriminatory approach, failing to account for animal types and sizes through image processing methods. This oversight can have severe consequences, such as administering a shock suitable for an elephant to a smaller animal like a cow, potentially resulting in fatal outcomes. Recognizing these limitations, the present innovation addresses and rectifies these issues, presenting an advanced system that employs image processing techniques to classify animals based on their type and size. This ensures a more precise and humane application of shock tailored to the characteristics of each individual animal, mitigating the risks associated with indiscriminate shocks.

[0006] A similar limitation exists in livestock management, where traditional animal control methods, such as using dogs to herd livestock, struggle with effectively managing large groups. this drone system introduces a revolutionary paradigm for herd management, leveraging electric energizer and conductive cage technology. This innovation allows for the automatic and remote control of animals within herds, eliminating the constant needfor human or canine intervention. This transformative approach significantly enhances the efficiency of animal control operations, particularly in scenarios where the scale of herds poses logistical challenges for conventional methods.Summary of Invention

[0007] As human-animal conflicts rise due to growing land demand, a safer solution is needed to reduce casualties on both sides. While electric fences, weapons, explosives, and traps are traditional methods, they have limitations and risks. Our innovative drone system revolutionizes animal control by enhancing mobility and efficiency. Equipped with a conductive cage, it delivers controlled, non-lethal high-voltage pulses from a safe distance, effectively guiding specific animals while reducing human involvement and minimizing risk.

[0008] In summary, this drone-based animal control system surpasses the limitations inherent in conventional electric fence technology. Unlike traditional methods burdened by high establishment and maintenance costs, as well as limited mobility, this innovative approach represents a revolutionary advancement in animal management. By integrating cutting- edge electric energizer and conductive cage technology, this system introduces a level of automation that markedly enhances the overall efficacy of animal control.

[0009] Addressing the shortcomings of previous methods, particularly those relying on geolocation emitting transmitters and generic high-voltage shocks, this drone system incorporates state-of-the-art image processing techniques. This advancement allows for the precise identification and classification of animals based on their type and size. Consequently, the application of electric shocks becomes tailored to individual animals, eliminating the risk of administering excessive energy that could prove fatal.

[0010] In essence, this drone system not only mitigates the drawbacks associated with traditional electric fence technology but also transformsthe landscape of herd management. The fusion of electric energizer and conductive cage technology ushers in a new era of automation, signifying a significant leap forward in the domain of animal behavior management.Technical Problem

[0011] Traditional animal control methods, such as weapons, firecrackers, and traps, require close proximity to dangerous wildlife, putting personnel at significant risk. Additionally, conventional electric fencing is rigid and immobile, limiting its adaptability to dynamic environments and making relocation difficult when wildlife movement or human activity changes. These fences also have restricted coverage, failing to protect expansive or irregularly shaped areas effectively. Furthermore, animals may learn to breach or damage the barriers, diminishing their effectiveness over time. The use of sound-based deterrents like firecrackers lacks precision and control, as animals can become desensitized, reducing their overall impact.

[0012] Beyond structural limitations, traditional methods lack automation, requiring constant human or canine intervention, which is inefficient for large-scale wildlife management. The use of geolocation-emitting transmitters or tags in prior approaches presents another challenge, as they are impractical and costly for widespread application in wild habitats. Additionally, conventional electric fences apply a uniform high-voltage shock to all animals, regardless of size or species, increasing the risk of excessive harm or fatal consequences. The absence of sophisticated image processing further exacerbates this issue, as the system cannot differentiate between different animals, leading to inappropriate shock application that may be unnecessarily harsh for smaller species.

[0013] The high establishment and maintenance costs of traditional electric fences also pose a significant barrier to widespread adoption, limiting their effectiveness as a cost-efficient animal control solution. Moreover, their lack of mobility makes them unsuitable for dynamic herd movement patterns, reducing their adaptability to various terrains. Lastly, these traditional methods fail to create a significant psychological impact on wildlife, resulting in repeated conflicts without inducing lasting behavioralchanges. Without an approach that considers adaptability, automation, and psychological deterrence, traditional wildlife control measures remain inefficient and unsustainable.Solution to Problem

[0014] Our drone system offers a safer and more effective approach to animal control by allowing operators to manage wildlife from a distance. Unlike traditional methods that require close encounters with dangerous animals, this system integrates an electric energizer that delivers controlled electric shocks through a conductive drone cage. This eliminates the need for direct contact, significantly reducing risks to personnel. Equipped with a real-time video system, the drone allows operators to navigate and monitor the situation remotely, ensuring both precision and safety. Additionally, the drone’s dynamic mobility overcomes the rigidity of conventional electric fences, providing a flexible and adaptable solution to animal deterrence without the need for fixed infrastructure.

[0015] Beyond mobility, this system ensures comprehensive coverage and flexible protection, addressing the limitations of traditional electric fences in large or irregularly shaped areas. The conductive drone cage delivers high-voltage pulses precisely where needed, enhancing its effectiveness in deterring animals without physical barriers. Moreover, the drone’s ability to hover and reposition itself prevents wildlife from breaching or damaging the system, mitigating interference risks that weaken traditional fencing. The integration of stereo image processing, GPS, and inbuilt sensors allows for precise animal location without relying on external geolocationemitting devices, making this approach more practical and self-contained in wild environments. With the addition of automated operation, the system eliminates the inefficiencies of manual intervention, enabling seamless and large-scale wildlife management.

[0016] A key innovation ofthis drone system is its intelligent high-voltage shock classification, which customizes energy output based on animal type and size. Using Al-powered image processing, the systemautonomously adjusts voltage levels and pulse duration to ensure a humane yet effective deterrent, avoiding excessive harm to smaller animals while maintaining sufficient deterrence for larger species. This automated discrimination in shock application enhances both safety and effectiveness. Furthermore, this system delivers a heightened psychological impact on wildlife, reinforcing behavioral deterrence through controlled, well-timed electric pulses. With real-time visual feedback, operators can adapt their approach based on animal reactions, ensuring a more strategic and humane method of animal control compared to conventional techniquesAdvantageous Effects of Invention

[0017] The innovative drone system offers unparalleled advantages in the realm of animal control technologies. By overcoming the technical challenges associated with traditional electric fences and current animal control methods, this system introduces enhanced mobility, adaptability, and safety. The integration of an electric energizer enables precise, remote-controlled delivery of high-voltage pulses, providing a humane and effective means of influencing animal behavior. The automated herd management feature reduces the need for constant human intervention, ensuring operational efficiency and safely can be fully automated with use of image processing and Al. With improved safety and transformative approaches to animal behavior management, this drone system stands as a pioneering solution, marking a significant advancement in the field of animal control technologies.Brief Description of Drawings

[0018] FIG.1 Shows the overview of the remotely operated energizer drone with conductive cage and remote controller

[0019] FIG.2 Shows the overview of the remotely operated energizer drone without conductive cage and remote controller

[0020] FIG.3 Shows the angle view of energizer drone interact with animal in order to shock them

[0021] FIG.4 Side views of cage and high voltage polarity distribution over cage

[0022] FIG. 5 Shows the angle view of attachable conductor which can hanging over the drone and detail view of the conductor spear

[0023] FIG. 6 Shows the state diagram of the process of autonomous identification of animal shocking by the droneDescription of Embodiment

[0024] Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiment of the invention, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals indicate the same elements throughout the views. FIG. 1 shows the side view of the embodiment where all major parts of the innovation can be discerned. As shown in FIG. 1 innovation has four major components remotely operated unmanned vehicle 1, high voltage energizer 2 conductive cage 3 and finally remote controller 4. The remote operated drone 1 shown in FIG. 1 has a camera 6 to transmit real-time videos with use of remote controller 4 wherein the user can watch real-time video on display 7 remote controller 4. With use of real-time video stream user can use drone 1 beyond the line of sight. The high voltage energizer 2 within the drone 1 is connected to conductive cage 3 via an insulator 5 in order to prevent high voltage leakage within cage.

[0025] In FIG.2 shows the detailed side view of the drone 1 and its components placement. In this system, drone is propelled by multiple set of electric motors and drone propellers in order to lift and move the full weight of conductive cage 3 (FIG 1) and the drone system 1. Drone is freely connected to main cage 3 via a main bar 13 and set of razors 8 in the drone where in the drone 1 can be freely rotate along the main connecting beam 13 axis. With the use of free rotating axis of illustrated in the drone 1 and cage 3 system, the drone 1 will be safer to operate inside the cage even cage hit any object as well as animal. Therefore it will minimize crash incidents and prevent any damage to external animalswhile operation. The internal high voltage energizer 2 of drone 1 is connected conductive cage 3 via high voltage connector 9 running through the main connecting beam 13 and insulator 5 (FIG 1) at each side of the cage. In order to control the high voltage out from energizer there is a trigger switch 12 on the remote controller end, so that user can safely activate and deactivate energizer whenever user need for safe operation. Also drone consist of a solar charging system so that the drone can utilize solar energy to power the energizer, minimizing power requirement for the energizer.

[0026] FIG 3 shows the operation of the drone system with external animal 14 such as elephant. Whenever user need to shock an animal with use of high voltage energizer, drone need to fly toward the animal and touch the cage 13 with animal body skin. As conductive cage is energize to high voltage such as 3000v -6000V or above depending on energizer output voltage high voltage at the positive pole of the cage 15 will pass through the body back to the energizer negative pole 16 via conductive cage 3 or leak to ground in order to complete the circuit. More details will be discussed with respect to the FIG4.ln order to safely shock animal discharge energy of the energizer limited to safe range typically 1 Joule to 10 Joule and also it will only energizer for a limited time sequence like 1 s interval. As far as drone contain inside the safe cage drone can safely touch even push further without touching propellers with animal. This method gives more safe and effective maneuverability to end user who can be far away with operation.

[0027] Depicted cage FIG4 will be served two main purpose in the system where it mainly distribute the high voltage output to the external animal 14 through the positive and negative cage ribs 15 and 16 respectfully. As all the corresponding ribs energizer to very high voltage there is a possibility to inter ribs arcing when the ribs place nearby. In order to prevent that, ribs are designed to keep extra space between them so that the distance will be enough to prevent inter ribs arc and mounted on insulator 5 which will eliminate arc between positive and negative conductive ribs. As far as Cage 3 and drone 1 can freely rotate about their rotating beam axis 13drone can be push cage further more toward the animal to touch multiple conductive cage ribs increasing its effectiveness, while without damaging drone or injure animals.

[0028] In FIG 5, this system incorporates a hanging conductor that can be connected to the drone's high-voltage system through a flexible transmission line, as illustrated. This design allows delivery of high-voltage shocks to animals by making contact with the end hanging conductive contact 18. By employing this method, users can administer high-voltage shocks to animals while maintaining a safe distance, thereby minimizing the risk of potential damage from any retaliatory actions by the animal against the drone system.

[0029] At the contact point 18, there are two distinct contact points: the positive contact point 19 and the negative contact point 20. Upon contact with the animal's body, these points facilitate the delivery of a high-voltage shock. This innovative setup ensures the safety of the user and the drone system while effectively delivering the required shock to control or manage animal behavior

[0030] Enhancing the operational efficiency of the system involves leveraging drone autonomy and advanced image processing technology with use of video feed from the camera 6 and process is described the FIG.6. First in P1 step drone internal FPV Camera 6 will stream the video to the inbuilt computer with drone sensor data such as GPS and Compass etc. In step P2 with use of Artificial Intelligence and image processing drone will process video stream in order to identify the animal type (Elephant, Rhino, and Ox etc.) as well the size of the animal in order to classify the animal. With those classification data in Step P3 process will determine amount of High voltage to activate and the time period within the safe amount of high voltage energy to be delivered to animal, for Example drone will execute around 5J of 8KV high voltage to an grown elephant but for an Ox it voltage and energy will be 6KV, 2J respectively.

[0031] In Step P5 drone will calculate course between drone and the animal as well as the direction of touching animal by the drone in order to directanimal back to the safe zones which are pre stored inside drone computer. With use of drone location and the calculated animal location by image processing drone will determine the trajectory in step P6 and send those date to autopilot to execute trajectory. In step P6 drone also setup the high voltage output voltage and shocking period before execute the trajectory.In P7 step once the drone outer cage touches the animal it will be shocked with pre-determined High voltage. After executing drone will check again for animal location in step P8 and if it reach safe zone drone will automatically return to launch in step P9, else drone will recalculate the process start from P1 until the animal reach safe zone.

[0032] By incorporating these technologies, the system gains the capability to autonomously identify the target animal requiring electrical shock and deliver precise high-voltage shocks without manual intervention. The identification process, as well as the optimization of drone movement and shock delivery angles, is further enhanced through the integration of Artificial Intelligence techniques. This comprehensive approach ensures an efficient and automated system for the identification and targeted application of high-voltage shocks to the designated animal.Industrial Applicability

[0033] The drone system designed for animal control presents a versatile and impactful solution with wide-ranging industrial applicability. In agriculture, it proves invaluable for safeguarding crops from wildlife intrusion, mitigating the economic losses caused by animal damage. In forestry management, the system aids in controlling animal incursions into protected areas, contributing to ecosystem conservation efforts. Furthermore, the drone system finds utility in wildlife preservation, allowing for the targeted management of animal behavior without resorting to lethal measures. Its adaptability extends to public safety applications, offering a humane method for dispersing potentially dangerous animals from human habitats. Additionally, the drone system is well-suited for use by wildlifedepartments and environmental agencies, enhancing their capabilities in mitigating human-wildlife conflicts and promoting coexistence.

[0034] Beyond these applications, the system also plays a crucial role in livestock management by enabling efficient herding and monitoring of animals. The drone’s ability to autonomously guide livestock, prevent straying, and deter predators reduces the need for traditional herding methods, improving operational efficiency and ensuring better animal welfare. By integrating automation into livestock management, the system enhances productivity while minimizing risks for both animals and handlers, making it a valuable tool for modem farming and ranching operations.Reference Signs List

[0035]

Claims

Claims

1. A remotely maneuverable aerial vehicle for controlled animal deterrence, comprising: an aerial vehicle with multiple motors and propellers; an electric energizer configured to deliver controlled high-voltage pulses; a conductive cage enclosing the aerial vehicle, wherein the aerial vehicle is rotatable inside the cage; an artificial intelligence-based control system with real-time monitoring, object recognition, and decision-making capabilities; a high-resolution camera for real-time video transmission and image processing; an insulator configured to electrically isolate the aerial vehicle from the conductive cage; and a remote control system for maneuvering the aerial vehicle and actuating the electric energizer.

2. The remotely maneuverable aerial vehicle for controlled animal deterrence of claim 1 , wherein the remote control system uses encrypted wireless communication for secure operation.

3. The remotely maneuverable aerial vehicle for controlled animal deterrence of claim 1 , wherein the conductive cage is configured with a safety mechanism to prevent unintended electrical discharge.

4. The remotely maneuverable aerial vehicle for controlled animal deterrence of claim 1 , further comprising a solar charging unit to power the electric energizer.

5. The remotely maneuverable aerial vehicle for controlled animal deterrence of claim 1 , wherein the artificial intelligence-based control system autonomously adjusts shock parameters based on the animal's behavior.

6. A method for autonomous animal deterrence using a remotely maneuverable aerial vehicle, comprising: acquiring real-time images and positional data using an onboard camera, GPS, and compass; processing the captured images using artificial intelligence to classify the animal by species and size; determining an appropriate voltage level and pulse duration for deterrence based on the classified animal; maneuvering the aerial vehicle towards the target animal and ensuring physical contact between the conductive cage and the animal; delivering an optimized electric pulse to the animal while preventing excessive shock; and guiding the animal toward a designated safe zone using controlled drone movement.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the aerial vehicle autonomously determines the optimal approach trajectory based on the animal's movement patterns.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein the image processing system detects herd formations and applies optimized deterrence strategies.

9. The method of claim 6, wherein the system logs each deterrence event for review and optimization of animal control strategies.

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