Device and system for mitigating wild animal conflict hazards through onboard actuator alarms
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2026-02-09
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-13
Smart Images
Figure IB2026051194_13082026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] PATENT COOPERATION TREATY APPLICATION
[0002] Gunter Schoch
[0003] 5 for a
[0004] Device and system for mitigating wild animal conflict hazards through onboard actuator alarmsDEVICE AND SYSTEM FOR MITIGATING WILD ANIMAL CONFLICT HAZARDS THROUGH ONBOARD ACTUATOR ALARMSContents
[0005] 1. Title of the invention. 5 2. Background of the invention. 5 1. The problem and limitations of existing solutions. 5 2. Regulatory context. 9 a. The IFC PS6 mitigation hierarchy. 9 b. The disproportionate cost of conventional mitigation. 10 c. Economic advantage of the disclosed system. 10 3. Summary of the invention. 15 4. Detailed description. 19 1. Information sources. 19 a. Sensor driven. 19 b. Non sensor based, on-board information sources. 32 c. Non sensor based, offboard online information sources:. 33 d. Beacon-based information sources:. 34 2. Control Unit. 36 3. Actuators. 42 a. Acoustic actuator. 43 b. Vi sual actuator. 44 c. Tactile actuator. 46 d. Pain based actuator. 48 e. Olfactory and gustation actuator. 59 f. Actuators beyond classical 5 senses. 60 g. Hybrid and advanced systems. 63 h. Direct neural or nervous system stimulation actuator. 63 i. Actuator directly exerting force: the wearable exoskeleton. 65 4. Compact and light housing. 67 a. Design principles. 68b. Housing structure. 69 c. Key components and their impact on weight. 70 5. Ergonomic shape. 70 6. Autonomous energy supply. 72 a. Nuclear batteries. 72 b. Rechargeable chemical batteries such as lithium polymer (LiPo) through solar.72 c. Rechargeable chemical batteries such as lithium polymer (LiPo) through kinetic.74 7. Long term use toughness. 79 a. Environmental conditions. 80 b. Mechanical stresses from the host wild animal’ s movements. 81 c. Attempts by the host wild animal to rid itself of the device. 81 d. Long term durability. 82 8. Fixation methods, including drop-off and modular fixation system. 83 a. Fixation methods in the preferred first product embodiment. 85 9. Feasibility and prior art. 88 a. Prior art from other areas. 88 b. Feasibility. 90 c. Other steps towards practical implementation. 93 5. Li st of reference signs. 97 6. Description of use Cases. 100 7. Claims. 102 8. Abstract. 1071. Title of the invention
[0006] Device and system for mitigating wild animal conflict hazards through onboard actuator alarms.
[0007] 2. Background of the invention
[0008] Field of the Invention
[0009] The present invention relates to wildlife management and conflict mitigation. More specifically, it relates to an autonomous onboard device and a distributed system configured to provide realtime sensory warnings to wild animals to prevent conflict with man-made hazards, humans, and livestock through sensor-driven or location-based alarm triggers.
[0010] The preferred avian embodiments described herein are provided for the purpose of illustration and description only, and are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed.
[0011] Global infrastructure and human settlement are expanding at a rate that exceeds the evolutionary adaptation of many wild species. Traditional mitigation, such as physical barriers or infrastructurecentric warning systems, is often ineffective, resource intensive or ecologically damaging. While wildlife tracking has advanced, existing devices are primarily passive tools for scientific observation.
[0012] There exists a critical need for an active technical solution that can detect man-made hazards in real-time and provide immediate, staggered sensory feedback — effectively providing animals with an artificial "sense" for dangers they have not evolved to recognize — thereby reducing mortality and allowing biodiversity to co-exist with humans.
[0013] 1. The problem and limitations of existing solutions
[0014] “Animal conflict” Describes conflicts between wild animals vs. humans, their pets or livestock, or human infrastructure such as powerlines, wind turbines, airports and others.
[0015] Concrete examples include among others
[0016] • Mid-sized and large birds 2 colliding with wind turbines or high voltage power lines.
[0017] Powerlines are especially dangerous if staggered lines are invisible to birds flying at dusk or dawn, and who might evade the first cable at the last moment, but then be unable to dodge further cables on large transmission lines regularly carrying 6 or more individual cables, and some corridors have even several such power lines in parallel. Large birds flying in flocks or groups like flamingoes, pelicans and vultures are most concerned.Birds and some climbing mammals such as leopards, baboons and monkeys, or tall wild animals like giraffe, getting electrocuted by power lines and causing short circuits and blackouts.
[0018] • Birds being sucked in to aircraft engines sometimes leading to fatal airplane crashes. • Large predators such as big cats, bears, wolves etc. threatening human livestock or humans themselves when humans venture into nature like hikers etc., or wild animals enter human settlements.
[0019] Humans have developed many solutions to these problems, which usually involve one of the following:
[0020] • So called “problem animals” like large carnivores such as bears, big cats and wolves are usually killed, after having been perceived as a menace to humans, pets or livestock. This is even the case with protected species.
[0021] • In all other cases, humans focus on infrastructure-centric solutions:
[0022] o The simplest solution are fences and nets to keep wild animals away.
[0023] o The infrastructure can also be made safe by e.g., insulating parts of powerlines near the poles.
[0024] o Visibility of powerlines can be enhanced by the use of flares on the lines, lights on the poles at night, acoustic deterrents on the poles etc.
[0025] o The same principles are applied to wind turbines, where for example single blades can be painted in a different color to increase the turbine visibility for passing birds 2. o Turbines might be shut off during peak bird migration
[0026] o On airports, in historic city centers or on landfills for example, birds are being scared away by scare crows, acoustic or flashing deterrents, or the use of falconers with their raptors who are made to predate on these birds to deter them from coming back. A market study by DATAINTL01,, called “Global Power Line Bird Guard Market Analysis & Forecast 2017-2032”, published in October 2024, illustrates well as per table I, how exclusively infrastructure-centric the measures are, which are taken in this sub-market of animal conflict:
[0027] https: / / dataintelo.com / report / power-line-bird-guard-market“Glass buildings and wind turbines are often cited as major dangers to birds, but power lines are a more ubiquitous threat. Even in rural areas, they’re one of the most common forms of human infrastructure. It’s estimated that more than 65 million kilometers of medium-high voltage power lines are currently in use around the world, and that number is increasing each year. Scientists estimate that more than 1 billion birds 2 are killed by power lines each year, including an estimated 175 million birds each year in the US.”
[0028] The global power line bird guard market size was valued at USD 246 million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 430 million by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5% during the forecast period. The market is being driven by conservation organizations and regulatory bodies increasingly pressuring utilities to take measures to mitigate bird deaths, associated power outages and maintenance costs for utility companies.
[0029] By Product Type By Application By Material By End-User
[0030] Physical Barriers Transmission Lines Plastic Utilities
[0031] Visual Deterrents Distribution Lines Metal Industrial
[0032] Acoustic Deterrents Substations Composite Commercial
[0033]
[0034] Others Others Others
[0035] Table I
[0036] DATAINTELO distinguishes physical barriers, visual deterrents, acoustic deterrents and “others”:
[0037] • Physical barriers are the most commonly used type, given their effectiveness in preventing birds 2 from perching or nesting on power lines. These barriers include bird spikes, mesh screens, and other physical structures designed to deter birds. The adoption of physical barriers is particularly high in regions with high bird populations and stringent regulatory frameworks.
[0038] • This also includes insulations for exposed powerline parts leading to electrocutions.
[0039] • Visual deterrents, such as reflective tapes, balloons, and predator decoys, are also widely used. These products are designed to create a visual disturbance that deters birds from approaching power lines. Visual deterrents are popular due to their cost-effectiveness and ease of installation. However, their effectiveness can diminish over time as birds become accustomed to them, necessitating the use of more sophisticated solutions or combination approaches.
[0040] • Acoustic deterrents, which emit sounds from the power line, that are unpleasant or alarming to birds 2, are another segment of the market.Other products in this market include chemical repellents and laser-based deterrents. These advanced solutions, although less commonly used, are gaining traction in specific high-risk areas where conventional methods are less effective.
[0041] • A very small percentage of products in this field are “smart”, and this is only an emerging product category. Again, all ideas are focused on the infrastructure. One such product focuses on the deployment of bird flares in regular intervals on power cables, but replacing the manual deployment with a robot that can be hoisted to the power lines by a drone, and then crawl along the power line and deploy flares from an on-board stock, (e.g.: https: / / newatlas.com / robotics / drone-mini-lineflv-power-line-robot / )
[0042] Almost all of these solutions have the wellbeing of humans, their pets and live-stock, as well as the undisturbed functioning of human infrastructure at their core.
[0043] Only in exceptional cases is the wellbeing of a wild animal species placed at the center e.g., in shutting down wind turbines during peak bird migration, or when projects are not realized at all or in a reduced scope, such decisions might occur in the planning stages of new infrastructure, if it threatens to destroy the habitat or endanger specimens of highly protected species), which then negatively affects human activity.
[0044] Existing protective measures for avoiding bird 2 electrocution compare very unfavorably to the preferred avian embodiments. Existing powerlines the world over have been partially retrofitted with insulating material: Rubber silicone sheaths over the cables near the poles, and custom-made caps to cover the area where the glass or ceramic insulators connect to the wire. This happens generally pole per pole over large distances and through whatever terrain (mountain, swamp, desert) the power line has been drawn, which is often not easily accessible. Operators have to be lifted to the height of the exposed wires and poles (typically at least ~8m), and then work on a live wire with deadly high voltage (at least 10 kV), requiring skilled professionals and strict safety procedures and tools. If the aim is to protect a few specimens, trapping and tagging becomes very clearly more feasible, as illustrated by the following example:
[0045] An International Energy Agency IEA 2023 report puts the global electricity grid at ~80 million km uninsulated connections,
[0046] growing at 4% annually.
[0047] -90% thereof are of the most deadly 5-35 kV range.This represents about 2000 circumferences of the earth. At e.g. 30 m average distance, that would represent 2.7 billion poles.
[0048] Comparing the effort to trap e.g. one pair of the African martial eagle (polemaetus bellicosus), to its territory for example, poles in an area of typically 150 to 300 km2 (58 to 116 sq mi) would have to be made safe. Such an area could contain many hundred, thousands, or even tens of thousands of poles which would have to be insulated to make them safe for a single pair of these birds. Being the largest African eagle (wing span of up to 240cm or 7 ft 10 in), and naturally relying on trees as perches, which are increasingly being cut down for firewood, this species is highly endangered: In their remaining numbers (there are only a few thousand left in all of Africa), and by the fact that with their wingspan and preference for perches, they are very prone to electrocution. A tall lethal pole in a single pair territory does not only kill the 2 birds but all those that replace the individuals lost. This may number tens to hundreds depending upon the species and its numerical status. Territories are competed for and are filled until ultimately there are no other birds in the wider area. The ability of high mortality in a few optimal territories to have a massive (even trans-national) impact is real. The site becomes a “sink”.
[0049] Considering migrating species travel many thousand km / year, and it becomes clear: It is totally unrealistic to make their habitats safe in the conventional ways.
[0050] While it might seem counter-intuitive at first: For certain rare species with large territories, it is actually a lot easier to make a few wild animals safe then the entire human infrastructure.
[0051] Regulatory context
[0052] a. The IFC PS6 mitigation hierarchy
[0053] Major infrastructure developments, such as wind farms, power lines, and rail networks, increasingly operate under stringent international environmental standards. The global benchmark for these regulations is the International Finance Corporation’ s Performance Standard 6 (IFC PS6). This standard mandates a " Mitigation Hierarchy" that developers must follow to manage biodiversity risks:
[0054] 1. Avoidance: Assessing locations to avoid impacts entirely.2. Minimization: Implementing measures to reduce the duration, intensity, and / or extent of impacts
[0055] 3. Restoration: Repairing impacts that could not be minimized.
[0056] 4. Offsetting: Compensating for residual impacts to achieve “no net loss” of biodiversity.
[0057] Currently, the industry lacks efficient technical solutions for the “Avoidance” and " Minimization" stages. As a result, developers are often forced into the more costly " Avoidance" in the sense of moving or curtailing the project, expensive relocation programs, or " Offsetting" (by helping the species in a different location).
[0058] The disclosed invention provides a novel active avoidance or at least minimization tool, allowing developers to effectively mitigate wildlife conflict "on-board" the wild animal, thereby satisfying regulatory requirements without altering the macro- structure of the development.
[0059] b. The disproportionate cost of conventional mitigation
[0060] The economic burden of current mitigation strategies is characterized by a severe asymmetry between the cost of the ecological intervention and the cost of the infrastructure project itself. Conventional methods, such as physical barriers or wild animal relocation, are labor-intensive and prone to failure, yet they hold the power to stall multi-billion euro projects.
[0061] C. Economic advantage of the disclosed system
[0062] The disclosed invention addresses this economic inefficiency by introducing a scalable, low-cost "danger proximity and avoidance" mechanism. The cost of manufacturing and deploying a set of preferred onboard actuator alarm device 1 is orders of magnitude lower than physical relocation programs or landscape restructuring.
[0063] By providing a verifiable " Minimization" measure, the system facilitates faster regulatory approval and prevents the operational stoppages associated with passive mitigation failures.
[0064] Examples for such situations, where such a solution allowing the co-existence of wildlife and infrastructure was lacking till now, are new wind turbine developments,which are well known to potentially kill large numbers of protected birds 2, are shown in table II:
[0065] 1. Tasinge Wind Farm, Denmark (2021)
[0066] Project was halted due to the presence of white-tailed eagles (Haliaeetus albicilla), a protected species in Denmark. The location of the planned wind farm was deemed a high-risk area for collisions as the eagles were frequently spotted there. The project was eventually cancelled.
[0067] 2. Altamont Pass Wind Farm, California, USA
[0068] One of the oldest wind farms in the United States, was found to pose a significant threat to golden eagles, burrowing owls, and other raptors. The turbines were located in a key habitat for these birds, and many deaths were recorded due to collisions with turbine blades. Over the years, several lawsuits forced operators to replace older turbines with newer models designed to reduce bird fatalities. Additionally, some turbines were decommissioned, and areas with the highest risk of bird collisions were shut down.
[0069] 3. Smola Wind Farm, Norway
[0070] Located on the island of Smola, this wind farm became infamous for causing the deaths of numerous white-tailed eagles. The island is a breeding site for these birds, and the wind farm was responsible for several eagle deaths soon after its construction. Though the wind farm was not totally shut down, significant mitigation measures were introduced, including detailed monitoring of eagle movements and trials of new technologies, such as painting turbine blades to make them more visible to birds.
[0071] 4. Chautauqua Wind Project, New York, USA
[0072] Plans for this wind farm were abandoned due to concerns over bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus). The area near Chautauqua Lake was a known habitat for the eagles, and developers were unable to assure that the turbines wouldn't pose a significant risk to the birds. The developers ultimately decided to abandon the project, citing the regulatory hurdles related to protecting the bald eagles.
[0073]
[0074] Table II
[0075] In a few cases, wind farms have even been ordered to close temporarily as punishment for not acting decisively enough against their turbines killing protected species, ashappened to the Parc Eolien de Bernagues2in Herault region in France, which was ordered to paus 1 year for killing a golden eagle (aquila crysaetos).
[0076] In addition, humans protect themselves from imminent danger from wild animals with weapons such as fire arms, or deterrents, such as bear spray.
[0077] All these solutions for infrastructure or humans have in common that they are mounted on, and / or emanating from, the counterpart that is to be protected, not the wild animal involved in the potential “animal conflict”.
[0078] In no case are wild animal mounted or wild animal embedded devices used, which carry actuators capable of altering the wild animals’ behavior in the desired way. In rare cases, the wild animals are tagged or wear collars or transmitters to share their position and heading by transmitting such information, e.g., through GPS-enabled radio or cell phone network transmitters.
[0079] While in these cases, the wild animal is equipped with a technical device, it is only used to enable a reaction by the wild animal conflict counterparty:
[0080] • E.g., to alert hikers or shepherds of the presence of e.g., wolves, bears or big cats.
[0081] • Or such information is used to close gates, shut down wind turbines, deploy park rangers etc.
[0082] The action always emanates from the wild animals’ counterpart.
[0083] Some fundamental draw backs of the classic approach include:
[0084] • Dangerous infrastructure deployed by mankind grows exponentially. The world is turning to renewable energy with distributed generation. The number of turbines and wind parks grows, as well as solar and other distributed sites, compared to the historic very large and concentrated power generation plants (fossil, nuclear) near centers of consumption. Renewables are installed where there are the required environmental conditions (wind, sun and so on), and where there is enough space and cheap land, so usually in exactly the areas that are more thinly inhabited.
[0085] 2https: / / www.midilibre.fr / 2025 / 12 / 08 / mort-dun-aigle-royal-tue-dans-lherault-le-parquet-reclame-la-confirmation-de-larret-du-parc-eolien-de-bemagues-pour-un-an-13098832.php#With the number of distributed and rather far generation sites increasing, so do the needs for electricity transmission and distribution in an even more exponential way (network effect), exacerbated by the fact that renewables are comparatively unstable, and thus more energy needs to be transported further more often.
[0086] At the same time, the overall need for energy increases with the growth of the global population, the increasing standard of living, and the increasing drive to electrify many areas which were previously using other sources of energy such as fuel: Examples are electric vehicles, “green” steel or cement production etc., more electrified rail lines etc. So, any solution that works by equipping such man-made infrastructure with devices and technology to make them safe for wildlife, would face not only a backlog of existing infrastructure built up since the industrial revolution, but also incremental additions to that infrastructure which are growing in a steep exponential way.
[0087] On the other hand, the wildlife which is to be protected by such measures is decreasing exponentially. The raptor population in central Africa for example, is estimated to have declined by 90-97%, with electrocutions being the single biggest cause.
[0088] Overlaying these 2 effects, it is clear that more and more often, the costs are actually unbearable for many countries and project developers globally, and viewed as excessive where they are actually being paid.
[0089] The state-of-the-art approaches lead to sometimes surprising “unit costs” when putting the environmental action costs in relation with the number of specimens.
[0090] Example for illustration:
[0091] Stuttgart 21, a multibillion-euro railway development project in southern Germany, was delayed due to thousands of sand and wall lizards (Lacerta agilis) that had been found along the route.
[0092] Deutsche Bahn, one of the main players behind the project, has estimated the cost of resettling the reptiles at around €15m. The rail company says it has budgeted between €2,000 and €4,000 per about 15cm long creature.
[0093] This protected 2 species in a 56 km rail line extension3.
[0094] https: / / www.theguardian.com / world / 2017 / may / 10 / thousands-of-lizards-delay-controversial-stuttgart-21-rail-projectWhile the cost per animal was exorbitantly high, this figure was negligible compared to the project's total budget. However, the true economic damage was not the relocation cost itself, but the costs incurred through construction delays, which far exceeded the direct conservation expenses.
[0095] Considering what would be needed to protect for example migrating birds, sometimes covering »10.000 km twice each year and across many countries and even continents e.g., from Northern Europe to Southern Africa, all infrastructure along the way would have to be made safe, which is totally impractical.3. Summary of the invention
[0096] The core idea of the presented invention is that an alarm of danger and imminent “animal conflict” is carried by the wild animal itself, and that the individual specimen is thus being protected through an additional sense for danger which it would otherwise not recognize.
[0097] Instead of making parts of human infrastructure safe for most approaching wild animals, the invention targets to make individual wild animals safe for most human infrastructure. This is a fundamental mindset shift. A wild animal once equipped has a protection similar to a vaccination against certain hazards and mortal dangers.
[0098] Compare fig. 1 for visualization of the preferred avian embodiment of the invention
[0099] The technology aims at permanent use, ideally for life. It is independent of the number and location of dangerous “animal conflict” areas including humans, their pets and livestock, and most notably, human made infrastructure. Some of those animal conflict areas might be, or have been made, safe, while the next source of danger is unprotected, and future unsafe areas are constantly emerging.
[0100] Mammals can have large territories or wander about to find and claim new territories. Birds can cover even larger distances quicker, and some migratory birds might be exposed to intercontinental locations of danger on their migration routes, spanning for example from the North of Europe all the way to the Southern parts of Africa etc.
[0101] It is virtually impossible to make all infrastructure safe on those routes, but it is possible to arm the individual wild animal with a single onboard actuator alarm device 1 which can protect it from existing and even future dangerous infrastructure no matter when and where.
[0102] The market data demonstrates that the problem to be solved is well known since a very long time, clearly has an economic impact, and that the experts in the field have created a host of different solutions over time, but never a single one which employs the approach where it is the wild animal itself which carries the actuators 31 for the alarm, leave alone any capability to store or receive or generate the underlying information triggering the alarm in the case of imminent “animal conflict”. The disclosed invention always includes one or several actuators on or in the wild animal itself, which are designed to incite a reaction by the wild animal which is likely to make it evade the danger. This means in most cases scaring the wild animal and incite a flight reaction. But actuator impact can also influence the wild animal in other ways. E.g., a large cat like a lion or leopard will not be able to hunt, if one of its senses that it relies on is obstructed. While e.g., a noise in or nearits ear will not necessarily make it flee, it will still not be able to prey e.g., upon livestock while this situation persists.
[0103] The actuators 31 are matched to the senses of the wild host animal, as in these examples:
[0104] • Hearing can be influence with e.g buzzers17 or sirens 38 or other noises, adapted to the most receptive frequency range for the wild host animal, which can also be in the infra- or ultra- sound range for humans.
[0105] • Seeing can be influenced by light, flashes of light, blinding the wild host animal
[0106] • Feeling can involve the sense for movement or vibration, but also pain (e.g., electric discharge, pinching).
[0107] • Senses for smelling or tasting can equally be used, as well as any other particular senses that some wild animals possess. This can involve hot or cold feeling, chemical reactions, sensitivity to a magnetic or electric fields etc.
[0108] The information that triggers such an actuator 31 alarm can come from various sources, and the on-board or embedded alarm can use one or several such sources:
[0109] • These are either sensor 18 derived onboard the alarm itself, which can recognize their otherwise unchanged environment and detect danger. In the preferred avian embodiment, sensing of electromagnetic fields around power lines is one example.
[0110] • Or the information can be already carried in the device, e.g., in the shape of GIS (Geographic Information System) data about the known locations of danger (e.g., coordinates of wind farm or airport boundaries, defining “no-go-zones” or “no-fly-zones), and be compared to the current location of the device using e.g., built-in satellite positioning. The preferred avian embodiment is capable of such “geofencing”.
[0111] • The alarm trigger can also be sent to the onboard actuator alarm device 1 from the outside, e.g., through mobile phone or radio transmission, from a remote computing platform which contains the GIS data about such danger zones, if the device shares its current location with that remote computing platform which then does the matching.
[0112] • Another possibility from the outside is if the potential conflict opponent (human, pet / livestock / infrastructure) carries or wears or possesses a beacon disclosing its presence.But no matter how the information that the wild animal is close to a danger is created, transmitted or obtained, it is the device on or in the wild animal itself and not separate from it, which uses its actuators 31 to transmit that information directly to the wild animal or to influence the wild animals’ behavior by inciting a reaction in the desired way that can prevent the conflict from occurring.
[0113] In order to be able to function this way, the device of the proposed invention in its preferred avian embodiment and other embodiments as needed, meets a number of criteria which require new technology and novel combinations of advanced elements:
[0114] • 1. The onboard actuator alarm device 1 is very compact and light to be suitable also for smaller wild animals to carry.
[0115] • 2. Its ergonomic shape is adapted to the anatomic needs of the carrying wild animals, to minimize any obstructions in their normal lives when e.g., moving, feeding, reproducing etc. This involves aerodynamics, center of gravity, proportions and shape to avoid unnecessary hinderance, and to make life-long use possible.
[0116] • 3. The onboard actuator alarm device 1 has autonomous energy supply making it suitable for long term use without the need for regular human intervention such as recharging of batteries (e.g., solar charging, motion energy harvesting, use of the wild animal’s metabolism, body heat, etc.). The use of batteries or capacitors etc. is limited to those which could provide a lifetime of energy without replenishment (such as atomic decay batteries).
[0117] • 4. The onboard actuator alarm device 1 is built with a lifetime in mind that is ideally approaching that of the host animal that is carrying it. This requires a toughness (materials, design and built-quality) able to resist environmental conditions it will be exposed to during the “use” by the host animal (water, humidity, temperatures, UV rays, mechanical shocks and stresses, including from the attempts by the host animal to remove the device etc.).
[0118] • 5. The onboard actuator alarm device 1 has suitable fixations for the attachment to / inside the host animal. Those fixtures equally guarantee minimum obstruction, paying attention to center of gravity, avoidance of snagging or injury etc.The fixtures are equally designed to ensure the whole contraption does not become dangerous if any of its element break. Predetermined breaking points or deliberate release ensure that the onboard actuator alarm device 1 either remains safe, or comes off entirely.
[0119] • 6. The onboard actuator alarm device 1 fixations allow to use a minimum of device shapes and sizes to be used on a maximum of wild animal species through a common interface, while fixations can be adapted more freely to the host animals.
[0120] Figure 2 is an overview for such an onboard actuator alarm device 1, similar to the first preferred avian embodiment, to be deployed to a bird 2.
[0121] The bird 2 is shown for illustrative purposes and forms no part of the claimed invention.
[0122] The disclosed first embodiment of the onboard actuator alarm device 1 shown in Fig. 3 disposes of core unit 7 and a harness 3. Some of the various embodiments of the onboard actuator alarm device 1 generally include a harness 3 suitable for attachment to a bird 2. The harness 3 includes ribbons 4 and a deliberate release mechanism 5, and a modular baseplate 6. The modular baseplate 6 serves as an adaptor to different shapes and sizes of birds, and connects the ribbons 4 to the core unit 7.
[0123] Compare Fig. 3 and Fig. 16
[0124] The preferred first embodiment’s core unit 7 includes a rugged, hermetically sealed housing 8, with its solar panels 9. The housing 8 contains electronics for determining the location of the onboard actuator alarm device 1 (e.g. GPS), a sensor for the presence of electrical fields 10, a bidirectional telecommunications interface, buffer battery capacity, a control unit, and actuators (buzzer 17 and circuitry to generate high voltage electrical impulses). The sensor for the presence of electrical fields 10 uses 2 antennas 11. The alarm in the form of high voltage electrical pulses is guided to electrodes on the harness 3 ribbons 4.4. Detailed description
[0125] Definition: As used herein and in the claims, the term 'wild animal' refers to any nondomesticated animal species, regardless of its birth origin or current state of captivity. This specifically includes free-ranging wildlife, animals in rehabilitation, and raptors or other birds used in sporting or conservation contexts such as falconry. The term further encompasses captive-bred individuals and inter-species hybrids, provided the species is not a traditionally domesticated livestock or pet species (e.g., dogs, cats, or cattle).
[0126] 1. Information sources
[0127] Whatever the information source(s), they together form the detection interface. This detection interface with its data about proximity to a man-made hazard 143 is the basis for the control unit 63 to decide about the use of actuators
[0128] a. Sensor driven
[0129] For a small, but important, number of “animal conflicts” to be avoided, such as electrocutions, a sensor 18 driven approach is best.
[0130] i. Sensor for the presence of electrical fields
[0131] This is notably the case for high voltage power lines in the form of a sensor for the presence of electrical fields 10.
[0132] Power lines, as linear developments with permanent new constructions in dispersed locations, are not easy to accurately describe in GIS data, unlike for example airports or wind farms, which are fewer, with a clear 2D profile on the map and well documented locations. Power line locations are harder to come by or self-describe due to their extended nature and easier deployment and lower regulatory requirements. Even if known, the positioning accuracy of satellite-based navigation in a geo-fencing approach is similar to the required warning distance, so the risk of false negative alarms is high.
[0133] On the other hand, powerlines are surrounded by electromagnetic fields (electrical and magnetic fields), brought about by the electric charge and current flowing through them, leading to a usable signal. The mostly used AC lines also produce a changing electromagnetic field, which can be used to detect through magnetic coupling induction.However, magnetic coupling induction works best in close proximity to the powerline or rather very high currents, as further away, earth’s magnetic field is taking over and requiring significant signal to noise filtering.
[0134] DC lines with a rather stable load produce only static magnetic fields and could not be detected in this way. Only a quick movement in the right orientation through that field would be required to create a changing magnetic flux, which can then induce a tension that could be used as cable. The magnetic field would be changing, if the current is changing (sine wave of AC current), and / or the bird 2 or wild animal is changing the distance when approaching a pole. In an induction coil, this would induce an electromotive force EMF, measured in Volts V (= Joules / Coulomb). More coil windings, or a bigger surface covered (driven by coil diameter) would induce a higher voltage, but would run counter the aim of a compact and light design. A core material with increased magnetic permeability can also lead to a condensed magnetic flux through the coil, and thus increase the EMF voltage.
[0135] An advantage of this principle is the fact that the magnetic inductive sensor only springs into action at the moment of the presence of a magnetic field, and generates its voltage using the energy of that very field, avoiding permanent energy consumption to operate the sensor.
[0136] However, the usability of this principle is diminished by several factors:
[0137] Such a sensor would not work well for DC lines, which have no changing magnetic field, only a stationary one. The only effect of changing the field strength would be the bird 2 or wild animal approaching the line.
[0138] The principle is totally useless when the line carries very little or no load, making the magnetic field go to zero. However, there is no guarantee how much current any given line will carry as a minimum. The maximum is mainly determined by the cable diameter, but in practical terms limited by the utility company, and in a range in accordance with the voltage that it is designed for. But the minimum depends solely on the connected consumers. There are cases where lines are built and set under tension, while the consumers are only connected over time. A line under tension, but no current, is equally deadly if 2 phases are connected, or one phase to ground.
[0139] Earth’s magnetic field is about 22 to 67 micro-Tesla strong, depending on location on earth. This means that for a line carrying only -100 amps, earth’s magnetic field isalready ~10x stronger than the magnetic field of the line at a distance of only 3m, while being ~100x stronger at a distance of 30m. This very unfavorable signal-to-noise ratio makes the magnetic sensing additionally unattractive.
[0140] Alternatively, and better, the electric field can be used, and has a number of advantages. It is always present, as long as the power line is under tension (and thus dangerous), even if the load in ampere is minimal or even zero. It only depends on the voltage, and the physical geometry of the line, where the electrical infrastructure acts as one capacitor plate, and the ground below as the second one. As a minimum, the lines have the bare cable to form the line charge density.
[0141] Any additional complexities, e.g., additional jumper cables around poles, lines branching off, pole mounted transformers etc., very significantly increase the line charge, and thus the field.
[0142] Measurements in real life by the inventor have shown the electric field to be >50x stronger in certain such situations than close to the bare line. This provides an additional security margin around the most dangerous poles, because additional such complexities also increase the likelihood of accidentally connecting 2 phases or 1 phase to ground.
[0143] The following table III is an overview of the advantages and inconveniences of electrical field sensing (preferred), and magnetic field sensing (second priority, considered only for redundancy and reliability purposes).Electric field Electric field Magnetic field Magnetic field advantages inconveniences advantages inconveniences
[0144] Works even if line Tribological Antennas, even 3D, Can not detect lines is only under electrostatic are commercially which are under tension, tension, carrying 0 disturbance, e.g. available and but no or too little current amps by feathers and surprisingly compact flowing. This exists in air, requiring for their sensitivity rural context shielding
[0145] Works for DC lines Other sources of No permanent energy Detection requires coils, too, which rarely static electric consumption, as the ideally with high exist as HVDC charge could induction energy permeability cores like lead to false comes from the field ferrite or soft iron: might alarms to be detected add significant weight
[0146] Field lines are open No antennas Commercial meters and measurement is commercially clearly less sensitive on less directional available. A the same line to detect the circuit has to be magnetic field than the custom designed electric field
[0147] Lines voltage is Circuits Current carried varies stable and known consume over the day and year, can standby energy be zero.
[0148] Strongly directional field requires 3D antenna
[0149] Earth’s magnetic field is ~10x stronger in 3 m, 100x stronger in 30m of a 10kV / 100A line, very bad “signal to noise” ratio
[0150]
[0151] Table IIIFor electric field sensing, no off-the-shelf capacitive sensors are available as they are for induction coil antennas. Thus, a custom circuit had to be developed as sensor for the presence of electrical fields 10, and all versions consume more or less small amount of energy in order to function. Several commonly used designs have been explored, but none are suitable for sensing at the distances that the powerline proximity onboard actuator alarm device 1 requires (targeting 25m or more).
[0152] These common solutions include a circuit consisting of 3 cascading NPN transistors, which amplify current to power an actuator 31.
[0153] The initial current are electrons being pushed into the gate of the first transistor by an electric field acting upon the antenna 11. This design works at very small distances, but produces many false positives. Also, the antenna 11 quickly becomes depleted of electrons which have been pushed into the gate of the first transistor, but don’t come back to the antenna. Increasingly higher field strengths are thus needed for continued use, or the antenna has to be occasionally grounded, which is not practical for the use as wild animal proximity alarm, especially for flying birds.
[0154] Another frequently proposed voltage proximity alarm relies on the use of an IC555 timer. Again, an antenna 11 picks up electric charge with the alternating electrical field, and triggers the timer. The relation of the resistor and capacitor allows to set a frequency of oscillation, which can be tuned to a frequency audible for the wild animal together with the use of a passive buzzer. However, once again, the use is only practical at very small distances of maybe up to 20 cm.
[0155] Another idea uses the principle of oscillators (e.g., Colpitts oscillator). These oscillators consist mainly of a tank circuit (parallel inductance and capacitance), which (if once excited), allow to have a current flowing back and forth between the capacitor and the inductor. This oscillation has a characteristic frequency which is determined by the relative sizes of the capacitor and the inductor. Energy is either stored in the capacitor, or on the inductor, in an alternating fashion. In an idealized circuit, the oscillation would last forever, but losses e.g., in the connecting cables would lead to the oscillator petering out over time. Thus, a powered feedback loop is used, which injects enough energy to balance those losses. These oscillators are often used as frequency generators, if a sinusoidal signal of a defined frequency is required. However, it was explored to use them in the inverse way:If such an oscillator is exposed to an electric field, A change in the effective capacitance in the circuit due to the electric field leads to a measurable change in frequency. The capacitance changes due to polarization effects in the dielectric or because the field alters the charge distribution on the plates.
[0156] The oscillator approach has the disadvantage of requiring comparatively much standby power to keep the oscillation going and constantly measuring the frequency for changes.
[0157] Prior art research of commercially available technology led to standard personal voltage detectors (PVDs), which typically utilize a single-ended sensing topology, relying on the user’ s body to provide a capacitive reference to earth ground. Even when no DC current can flow due to the insulation of a the PVD’s housing or the operator’s soles etc., capacitive coupling of the AC voltage allows to couple it to ground reference. In handheld voltage detectors, the human operator acts as a large capacitive plate coupled to earth, allowing the device to measure the potential difference between the power line and the 'grounded' user.
[0158] While effective for human operators standing on the ground even at a suitable distance from a power line, this approach equally fails for small aerial platforms, such as in the preferred avian embodiment for birds in flight: Because the bird 2 is electrically isolated and suspended in the air, its body potential floats with the surrounding electric field. Consequently, a single-ended sensor cannot detect a potential difference relative to ground, rendering standard detection methods ineffective.
[0159] The preferred avian embodiment of the disclosed invention thus uses a different approach: 2 antennas 11 pick up the field gradient (slope of the field). It measures the differential voltage between two antennas inputs.
[0160] A bird flying at altitude is an electrically small, isolated body. As the bird 2 approaches a high-voltage line, its entire body potential rises in equilibrium with the local electric field (a phenomenon known as floating potential). A single-point antenna would simply rise to this same potential, resulting in a near-zero measurable signal, as did the commercial PVDs. To overcome this, the disclosed invention utilizes a fully differential and self-referencing sensing architecture. Instead of referencing ground, the onboard actuator alarm device 1 measures the gradient of the electric field acrossthe bird’s body by detecting the voltage differential between two physically separated antennas 11. This allows for detection independent of the subject's grounding status. The Electric Potential V at a specific distance r from the linear conductor at height h from ground level, using the so called “method of images”, at a distance 2h from its image underground is:
[0161] A / 2h\
[0162] ^(r) = - - In ( — )
[0163] 2nc0\ r /
[0164] Where
[0165] 7(r): the electric potential (voltage) at distance r
[0166] r: The distance from the center of the live conductor
[0167] h: The height of the line above ground
[0168] A: The linear charge density (derived from the line voltage)
[0169]
[0170] Because the potential depends on the natural logarithm of the distance ln(l / r), it is not constant. It changes steeply when close to the source and flattens out when moving away, showing why so many detection principles only work very close to the source.
[0171] The antennas measure the difference in potential between two points in space separated by a small distance d.
[0172] AL = 7(r) - 7(r + d) and therefore
[0173] A AV = - - In 1 +-
[0174]
[0175] 27re0
[0176] Definition of Linear Charge Density (2):
[0177] Linear charge density, A, is defined as the amount of electric charge per unit length of a line of charge. Mathematically, it is expressed as:
[0178] Q
[0179] Where
[0180] • A is the linear charge density in C / m (coulombs per meter)
[0181] • Q, is the total charge in coulombs (C)
[0182] • L, is the length over which the charge is distributed in meters (m)
[0183]
[0184] In the context of an AC cable, A refers to the instantaneous charge per unit length of the cable, which varies with time due to the oscillations of the AC voltage Linear Charge Density for an AC cable:
[0185] In an AC system, the cable carries an oscillating current and voltage, meaning the charge density also varies sinusoidally with time. The relationship between the charge density and the voltage on the cable is determined by the cable’s capacitance per unit length (C ’)
[0186] The linear charge density at any point along the cable can be expressed as:
[0187] A(t) = C'V(t)
[0188]
[0189] Using C ’ to find (t):
[0190] (t) = C'V0sm(2nft)
[0191] The line charge density depends on the geometry of the conductor.
[0192] A blank cable can be seen as the absolute minimum lower boundary of line charge for which the sensor has to be sufficiently sensible.
[0193] For a coaxial cable or a power line, C ’ depends on the cable geometry and the surrounding medium. For a typical cylindrical geometry, C’ is given by:
[0194] Where
[0195] • e is the permittivity of the medium (e.g. e0foraire0« 8.854%10-12F / m • a is the radius of the inner conductor which is identical with the power line cable radius
[0196] • h is the height of the power line wire above ground
[0197] For an AC system, the voltage varies sinusoidally overtime:
[0198] y(t) = y0sin(ftit)
[0199] Because of the ground, the field is the sum of the Wire’s Field (pushing down) plus the image Charge’s Field (pulling down)
[0200] In order to simulate the approximate expected voltage differential for the bird flying in the air and approaching the wire at an angle with antennas on its back with a given distance between each other in the fore to aft sense of the bird, the
[0201]
[0202] geometrical conditions lead to the following formula:
[0203] “ant (x x\
[0204] Wfore to aft * Vllne* * L2+ ( / l - y)2“ X2+ ( / l + y)2 / *
[0205] • 6: angle between the flight path and the power line
[0206] • 0 = 90°: flying directly at the wire (Max signal)
[0207] • 0 = 0° Flying parallel to the wire (Zero signal)
[0208] • dant: Distance between head and tail antenna
[0209] • x: Horizontal distance to the wire
[0210] • y: heigh of flight of the bird
[0211] • h: height of the wire above ground
[0212] a: radius of the wire of the powerline
[0213]
[0214] Compare to Fig. 4.
[0215] Typically, the bird 2 flies in a plane above ground. Any flight path parallel or very far above the wire etc. is not to lead to trigger an alarm. The antennas 11 are aligned with the length of the bird's 2 body (head-to-tail or fore-to-aft). When the bird 2 wants to land, it will mostly fly on an approach vector which is perpendicular to the wire or at an angle. In that case, the head antenna is closer to the voltage source than the tail antenna. The potential difference (AVOre t0 aft) is maximized. The onboard actuator alarm device 1 "sees" the steep gradient. However, when flying parallel to the wire: both antennas are roughly the same distance from the wire. They sit on the same "equipotential line." The ^VfOre to aft drops theoretically to zero.
[0216] This is a feature, not a bug: It acts as a natural filter. Parallel flight is safe: The bird 2 is just flying past. The onboard actuator alarm device 1 stays quiet. Turning to Land means danger: As the bird 2 turns perpendicular to perch on the cross-arm, the sensors align with the voltage gradient. The AVOre t0 aftsignal spikes, triggering the alarm exactly when needed.
[0217] Because of this fore-and-aft spacing, the disclosed invention creates a " Danger Cone" rather than a simple circle of detection. Far Away (x> > h) the gradient is shallow. The signal is weak. With x approaching h as the bird 2 approaches to the wire, the voltage difference between head and tail shoots up dramatically. The signal is strongest whenthe field is changing the fastest — which happens exactly during the final glide approach.
[0218] This effect leads to a vector-sensitive electric field detector 148. The longitudinal arrangement of the first and second electrodes allows the sensor for the presence of electrical fields 10 to preferentially detect electric field gradients aligned with the direction of flight. This ensures the onboard actuator alarm device 1 remains inactive during parallel flight paths (where risk of contact is low) and maximizes sensitivity during perpendicular approach trajectories (where the risk of electrocution is highest). Compare Fig. 4 for the description of the sensor for the presence of electrical fields 10 circuit in its preferred avian embodiment.
[0219] The hazard core unit 7 of the onboard actuator alarm device 1 includes an electric field sensor configured to detect the potential gradient near high-voltage power lines. Figure 5 illustrates a simplified schematic diagram of the sensor circuit topology.
[0220] The sensor utilizes a fully differential input stage to measure the voltage difference between two isolated antenna 11 elements. These antennas are coupled to the inputs of a high-input-impedance instrumentation amplifier configured for single-supply operation. To prevent signal drift due to charge accumulation on the floating antennas, high-resistance bias paths connect each input to a stable mid-supply reference voltage (a "virtual ground"). This configuration allows the amplification of AC differential signals without requiring a dual-voltage power supply.
[0221] The output of the instrumentation amplifier is fed to an active band-pass filter stage. This stage typically comprises cascaded low-pass and high-pass active filters configured to attenuate frequencies outside the target fundamental frequency range of power transmission lines (e.g., 50 Hz or 60 Hz, or 16 2 / 3 Hz for some railroad infrastructure), thereby rejecting environmental noise and motion artifacts.
[0222] Following filtration, the AC signal is processed by a rectification and peak detection stage — for example, a diode-capacitor network with a bleed path — which converts the oscillating signal into a DC voltage level proportional to the detected field strength amplitude.
[0223] Finally, a comparator stage compares this DC signal voltage against a predetermined, adjustable threshold voltage. When the detected signal exceeds the threshold, the comparator output changes state to activate a switching element (such as a MOSFET),which in turn triggers the associated behavioral deterrent actuator 31 (e.g., an audible alarm and / or electrical discharge circuitry as in the case of the first embodiment, or other actuators as described in chapter 4.3 for other embodiments) and an event logging system 12.
[0224] Compare to Fig. 5
[0225] Grounding strategy and rejection of housing-as-sensor topology
[0226] In the design of compact electric field sensors, it is generally desirable to maximize the surface area of the antenna 11 elements to improve coupling efficiency. Consequently, a potential design approach might involve utilizing the conductive device housing 8 itself (or sections thereof) as the sensing element. It has been considered in the first preferred avian embodiment to use extruded aluminum profiles as structural elements of the housing 8, and thus employing the largest possible shape for maximum coupling with the electrical field. An insulating split between 2 longitudinal housing 8 halves could be the delimitation of the 2 antennas 11. However, the disclosed preferred avian embodiment deliberately employs a topology where the conductive inside of the housing 8 is distinct from the antenna 11 elements and is electrically referenced to the system ground (negative power rail). This configuration addresses the specific environmental constraints of an avian-mounted application. If the housing 8 were utilized as an active antenna 11, it would share a significant capacitive coupling with the bird’s body. While the bird 2 is in flight, this coupling is non-disruptive as the entire system floats. However, when the bird lands (e.g., to hunt or perch), its body becomes grounded. This grounded body would capacitively pull the housing-antenna potential to earth ground. If the housing were a sensing element, this event would create a sudden, high-magnitude differential voltage relative to the second antenna 11, resulting in a 'false positive' alarm trigger.
[0227] By configuring the housing 8 as a grounded shield (Faraday cage) rather than a sensing element, the onboard actuator alarm device 1 shunts the capacitive influence of the bird’s body directly to the system ground. This stabilizes the internal reference voltage when the bird lands, preventing the generation of false differential signals and ensuring the alarm is triggered solely by the external electric field gradient. It thus accommodates the variable grounding state of the avian subject.By configuring the housing 8 as a grounded shield rather than a sensing element, the onboard actuator alarm device 1 isolates the high-impedance antenna inputs from the bird’s body potential. When the bird lands, the coupling effectively stabilizes the system’s ground reference rather than creating a differential signal across the amplifier inputs. This ensures reliable operation that is strictly dependent on the external electric field gradient and immune to the bird’s contact with the ground.
[0228] It is important to note that the sensing of electromagnetic fields around powerlines is only the first preferred embodiment of a sensor-driven information acquisition for the proposed invention. Information useful to the onboard actuator alarm device 1 in order to protect wild animals from man-made hazards can also come from a host of other types of sensors 18 or other means. Existing tracking tags for wild animals often already carry a host of environmental sensors and sensors for bodily physiological functions.
[0229] These could be used for example to detect and document attempts or acts of poaching. Key to this invention is the fact that the sensors or other information sources are used to drive actuators 31 suitable to influence the wild animal’ s behavior in a way that can avoid animal conflict of any kind. For each possible embodiment, it has to be decided which information sources and actuators 31 are best suited. The options are listed in the disclosed invention.
[0230] Other ideas for sensors to be deployed are shown in Table IV and could include:
[0231] Sensors Principle Limitation Application example
[0232] May have limited
[0233] Passive infrared range and Detecting airplane
[0234] Detects infrared sensors (PIR),
[0235] struggle in engines, other
[0236] radiation Infrared cameras environments vehicles emitting
[0237] emitted by warm with miniature Infrared with uniform or other man
[0238] objects. optics for (heat) thermal signatures made sources
[0239] directional sensing. sensor 19 (e.g., warm days). emitting heat.
[0240] Detects sound Ultrasonic MEMS Requires
[0241] waves, often detectors to microphones for computational
[0242] focusing on identify high- miniature sound power for pattern
[0243] specific frequency analysis,
[0244] recognition and
[0245] frequencies or emissions from Specialized may pick up false
[0246] sound profiles machinery (e.g. acoustic pattern positives in noisy
[0247] Acoustic associated with wind turbines, recognition
[0248] environments.
[0249]
[0250] sensor 20 threats. airplanes). algorithms.Detecting fastapproaching
[0251] Uses cameras or objects Miniature cameras Computationally
[0252] optical systems Avoiding with real-time Vision intensive and may
[0253] to detect and collision with image processing, based struggle in low- classify objects static hazards Time-of-flight sensors 21 light or occluded
[0254] in the Using machine sensors for depth environments.
[0255] environment. learning for perception.
[0256] object
[0257] recognition.
[0258] Emits
[0259] Compact lidar electromagnetic Detecting fastsystems used in or laser pulses moving objects
[0260] Radar and drones, millimeterand measures Requires power Navigating
[0261] lidar wave radar for reflections to for active sensing through dense
[0262] sensors 22 detecting small, identify objects and may be too foliage or low- fast-moving and calculate bulky for smaller visibility
[0263] objects. distance. wild animals. conditions
[0264] Piezoelectric Detects ground Identifying
[0265] Vibration Limited range and vibration sensors, vibrations or approaching
[0266] and seismic effectiveness on Geophones for low-frequency vehicles based on
[0267] sensors 23 unstable ground. seismic activity seismic waves. vibrations.
[0268] detection.
[0269] Gas sensors for Detects specific Specificity to a CO, NOx, or chemical single type of Identifying VOCs, Chemical
[0270] signatures or chemical and may environmental miniaturized sensors 24
[0271] changes in air require toxins olfactory sensors composition. calibration. Detecting forest mimicking wild fires animal noses. Uses high- frequency sound Limited range and Avoiding
[0272] EcholocationUltrasonic waves to detect sensitivity to collisions with
[0273] based detection sensors 25 nearby objects environmental static
[0274] systems.
[0275] and measure interference. Detecting rapid
[0276] distances. movement
[0277] Detects Identifying shiny
[0278] polarization or metallic
[0279] Polarized Requires specific
[0280] changes in light objects like Polarimetric light lighting
[0281] caused by vehicle bodies, cameras or sensors. sensors 26 conditions.
[0282] certain objects solar panels or
[0283] or surfaces. windows
[0284] Identifying
[0285] Detects ionizing Only applicable hazardous Compact Radiation
[0286] or non-ionizing for radiation radioactive dosimeters or sensors 27
[0287] radiation. hazards. sources in the Geiger counters.
[0288] environment.
[0289]
[0290] Ta ble lVAll of these sensors have in common that they are used as the source for hazard information travelling with the wild animal, just like its natural senses. They allow to the proximity onboard actuator alarm device 1 an appreciation of what is around the wild animal at any given time, without an active role or alteration of that environment. At most, the environment reflects signals emanating from the sensor.
[0291] b. Non sensor based, on-board information sources
[0292] If hazards are static and well-mapped, such as roads, wind turbines and wind parks, airports, rail networks etc., geospatial data and real-time 152 localization can be an efficient and effective source of information for the onboard actuator alarm device 1, allowing for non sensor based, on-board information sources 28. The preferred avian embodiment of the information source for the onboard actuator alarm device 1 utilizes a combination of localization technologies and embedded data sources. The system comprises a localization module 13 to determine the real-time 152 location of the entity, a hazard database 14 containing geospatial information about potential dangers, and a processing unit 15 to compare the location data with hazard data. Upon determining proximity to a hazard, the processing unit 15 can trigger the warning mechanism. The various embodiments of the onboard actuator alarm device 1 can be configured for various localization technologies and hazard types, ensuring adaptability to different use cases and environments.
[0293] Localization Module 13: A unit capable of determining the real-time position of an entity in a given coordinate system. This module may utilize satellite-based systems, such as Global Positioning System (GPS), GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, or emerging technologies such as Northern Star. Additionally, alternative localization methods, such as:
[0294] • Ground-based localization systems (e.g., cell tower triangulation, Wi-Fi positioning).
[0295] • Inertial navigation systems (INS) for short-term accuracy without external signals.
[0296] Beacons 16 which would otherwise not be in the environment and are installed for the purpose, are described further down.Hazard database 14: A geospatial data source containing pre-defined hazard locations, encoded as geographic information system (GIS) layers, 3D points clouds, or similar spatial formats. This database is carried inside the onboard actuator alarm device 1 on a non-volatile memory, e.g., a micro-SD card. If at least uni-directional data link capability is included, then the hazard database 14 could occasionally be updated over the air if new hazard locations are identified.
[0297] The processing unit 15 will always work with the latest data that was either available upon first installation on the wild animal, and / or amended later over the air.
[0298] Processing unit 15: A computational unit that:
[0299] • Compares the real-time 152 location of the entity with hazard data.
[0300] • Determines proximity or traj ectory intersections with hazards based on predefined thresholds or algorithms.
[0301] • Outputs a warning information to the alarm system if a hazard is detected.
[0302] The advantages of such an approach are the independence of network connectivity at all times and the energy need associated with that. The disadvantages are an aging hazard database 14 if not updated over the air, the need for onboard storage capacity and more computational power onboard, which also requires additional power.
[0303] C. Non sensor based, offboard online information sources:
[0304] In this preferred embodiment of the disclosed invention, the hazard database 14 and mapping of wild animal / alarm position and the hazard location happens outside the alarm itself, in a non sensor based, offboard online information source 29, e.g., on a remote computing platform 146. The localization information is transmitted to that system via a suitable communication link, such as cell phone networks, satellite or radio communication.
[0305] The remote computing platform is able to store a virtually unlimited amount of hazard data, and this hazard data can be updated independently of the alarm being deployed in the field. The advantage would be a more dynamic data base that can easily adapt to additional dangers, almost in real time.
[0306] The mapping algorithm and algorithm for taking the decision that an alarm is in order, equally would happen on the system outside the onboard actuator alarm device 1, whilethe trigger information is then sent back to the onboard actuator alarm device 1 which then triggers the actuator(s) 31. The advantage of bigger and more up-to-date hazard data bases comes at the price of needing the additional system infrastructure, and having to connect the onboard actuator alarm device 1 via bi-directional data link 139 all the time. This requires a stable network connection and thus coverage, as e.g. satellite communication can provide. It also causes a constant energy drain, which has to be taken into consideration. However, rapid technical progress e.g. in narrow band mobile phone satellite links make this a real option.
[0307] d. Beacon-based information sources:
[0308] In this embodiment for the data source for the onboard actuator alarm device 1, the system includes an additional component positioned at the hazard location to enhance its detectability by the onboard actuator alarm device 1 sensor. This component, referred to as a hazard beacon 16, gives a beacon-based information sources 30 and emits signals or data detectable by the alarm sensor, improving the reliability and accuracy of hazard identification. The hazard beacon 16 operates independently or as an enhancement to the onboard sensor's detection capabilities.
[0309] Hazard beacon 16: A device deployed at or near the hazard which generates easily detectable signals or fields in specific modalities to ensure its presence is recognized by the onboard sensor of the onboard actuator alarm device 1.
[0310] The beacon may operate using one or more of the following or similar technologies:
[0311] • Electromagnetic Signals: Emission of RF signals at predefined frequencies (e.g., Bluetooth, LoRa, or UWB).
[0312] • Optical Signals: Use of visible, infrared, or ultraviolet light sources, modulated to encode hazard-specific information.
[0313] • Acoustic signals: Emission of audible or ultrasonic tones detectable by onboard acoustic sensors.
[0314] • Magnetic fields: Creation of localized magnetic fields detectable by onboard magnetometers.
[0315] • Electric fields: Generation of electric fields detectable by capacitive sensors onboard.Signal encoding: The beacon's emitted signal can be encoded with hazard-specific data, such as:
[0316] • The type of hazard (e.g., power line, moving vehicle).
[0317] • The intensity or scale of the hazard (e.g., voltage level, speed).
[0318] • Hazard location (e.g., GPS coordinates embedded in the signal).
[0319] The onboard actuator alarm device 1 is equipped with a sensor capable of detecting the signals emitted by the hazard beacon 16 (in analogy the sensors in Fig.4), only that now, the hazard is made more recognizable by the hazard beacon 16.
[0320] The hazard beacon 16 is positioned at or near the hazard site. For example:
[0321] • Attached to high-voltage power lines.
[0322] • Embedded in road barriers or near traffic corridors.
[0323] • Integrated into infrastructure such as wind turbines or towers.
[0324] • It can also be held or worn by moving objects or even living creatures including humans.
[0325] The hazard beacon 16 emits continuous or intermittent signals detectable by the onboard sensor(s) of the onboard actuator alarm device 1.
[0326] The onboard sensor(s) in the onboard actuator alarm device 1 actively or passively monitors the environment for signals emitted by the hazard beacon 16.
[0327] Upon detecting a signal, the processing unit 15 interprets the data to determine:
[0328] • The proximity of the hazard.
[0329] • Additional hazard-specific parameters encoded in the signal.
[0330] Enhanced detection accuracy:
[0331] The hazard beacon 16 provides a clear, identifiable signal to the onboard actuator alarm device 1, allowing it to:
[0332] • Detect hazards in conditions where natural signals (e.g., electric or magnetic fields) are weak or ambiguous.
[0333] • Distinguish hazards from non-hazardous objects in the environment.• Maintain functionality in noisy or cluttered environments where traditional detection methods may fail.
[0334] If cleverly chosen, sensors 18 of the onboard actuator alarm device 1 might work independently of hazard beacons 16 from beacon-based information sources 30 for dangers which are not equipped with a hazard beacon 16, while the same sensor 18 also reacts to those which are equipped with a hazard beacon 16 with even more accuracy. If for example a sensor for the presence of electrical fields 10 for power lines in an alarm for birds was used, then a hazard which would normally not exhibit an electric field (e.g., a large mirrored facade), could be made safe for birds by adding a suitable electric charge to that window area to be protected.
[0335] Depending on the modality of the signal emitted from the beacon, the beacon itself could potentially be used as source of energy for the actuator 31 itself, reducing or completely eliminating the need for an onboard power supply.
[0336] This is especially attractive when solar is not a good option for power supply, such as in marine applications for example. An analogy to such a hazard beacon 16 powered device, even if it is usually not an actuator, yet still requires tiny amounts of electricity, are RFID chips used on pets which get injected under the skin. They don’t act on the animal in the sense of this disclosed invention’s actuators, but use electricity to send their information about the animal’s identity to an external reader. It is the reader itself (in analogy to a beacon) which provides the necessary energy through an electromagnetic wave which is captured by the RFID chips antenna, providing enough energy to send the chips information back. No local power supply is required in this case.
[0337] Whatever the information source(s), they together form the detection interface. The device now has information about the proximity to a man-made hazard 143.
[0338] Control Unit
[0339] The disclosed invention can both work as a device (onboard actuator alarm device 1) or as a system (onboard actuator alarm system 170). If e.g. lowest cost and smallest form factor are the priority, the onboard actuator alarm device 1 is able to function stand alone as a pure product. Once it is deployed to the wild animal, it can basically be forgotten. The wild animalis now as if equipped with one or several artificial additional senses to spot specific manmade dangers which its own senses have difficulties picking up, and where the evolutionary learning process to adapt to the fast changing man-made world would takes many orders of magnitude longer than the path to terminal decline likely is long, assuming the current run rates.
[0340] In its effect, the pure product deployment has the ability to work like a vaccine against the hazard it can locate and warn against. A one-time deployment should work for many years as long as the product does no fail mechanically or electrically.
[0341] However, as if also proposed, the onboard actuator alarm device 1 is equipped with a uni- or bi-directional data link, the proposed invention turns into a system: the onboard actuator alarm system 170. Since very light weight and compact tracking and tracing devices with e.g. radio communication, mobile phone connectivity or satellite connectivity are part of the prior art in falconry and conservation research for many wild animal species (airborne, terrestrial and even marine), which comprise the required localization and telecommunication capabilities, the first embodiment of the disclose invention will make use and integrate that technology from the start, including the sometimes powerful information technology backend comprising e.g. remote computing platform infrastructure and software for data storage and analysis. The data that will be gathered in such a way will allow to prove the effectiveness of the concept also of the onboard actuator alarm device 1 standalone version. Only at a later stage would standalone device versions be built to bring costs down to a minimum for widespread deployment, and once enough scientific data on the effectiveness and efficiency of the disclosed invention has been gathered and published.
[0342] It is only a matter of time till a mesh network of the onboard actuator alarm devices 1 could even replace a central or cloud server architecture, device A detects a new man-made hazard 143, and tells device B (e.g. 1km away) about it.
[0343] Figure 19 shows a staggered alarm response by the disclosed onboard actuator alarm device 1 as implemented in the tested prototypes of the first embodiment: If the device approaches a man-made hazard 143 in the form of a high voltage line, and the sensor 18 detects the electric field, it can directly in an analogue way trigger the buzzer 17. This has been achieved by calibrating the voltage (compare threshold adjust 79 in Fig. 5) used for comparison (compare threshold comparator 80 in Fig. 5) with the antennas’ signals in such a way that the buzzer 17 as first actuator is triggered at the desired distance when the hazard is first detected. Comparetable VI for what is at least feasible. The signal, at least once it is saturated, is suitable to switch on both the buzzer 17, as well as the electro-tactile actuator 57 connected in parallel. Should the buzzer 17 sound lead to a changed behavior of the bird who quits the detection zone, the event is over, the onboard actuator alarm device 1 goes back to stand by. However, if the device is further approaching the power line, the signal becomes stronger, and a second threshold comparator 80, connected in parallel to the first, but this time set to a higher value (corresponding to a closer distance to the hazard electric field) through its own threshold adjust 79 triggers the electro-tactile actuator 57 in parallel as well. The buzzer 17 also stays on. This remains the case until the onboard actuator alarm device 1 leaves the area where the thresholds are respectively overcome.
[0344] The advantage of such arrangement is that the wild animal (bird 2 in the preferred first embodiment) will first be warned by an audio signal which birds are known to quickly to ignore. Yet being followed in some cases (when approaching the power line further) the painful electro-tactile actuator 57 is designed to incite a strong and decisive action. While the reaction of the wild animal is and cannot be part of the disclosed invention, the disclosed invention is configured to reinforce an associative avoidance behavior. The disclosed invention could lead to a longitudinal learning effect in the wild animals similar to “Pavlov’s dog”, where after a few such experiences the otherwise harmless and ignored buzzer 17 signal evokes a faster reaction by the bird 2, who might start to associate it with the much more painful experience of the electro-tactile actuator 57. This staggered alarm response with temporal association has been implemented in purely analogue fashion in the prototype circuit, but could of course also be implemented in a processing unit 15, e.g. in the form of a microcontroller unit MCU ensuring temporal association. Such a processing unit could also trigger a similar staggered alarm response of different actuators of different severity, according to the evolution of the situation where the onboard actuator alarm device 1 is located with respect to the man-made hazard 143.
[0345] E.g. if the man-made hazard 143 were a wind turbine, then the standalone version of the onboard actuator alarm device 1 could compare the location given by the localization module 13, and compare it to a hazard database 14 carried onboard, e.g. on a flash memory such as an SD card or another form of non-volatile memory.
[0346] In this case, the processing unit 15 would need to be e.g. a microcontroller unit for the matching 151 of location of device and location of known man-made hazards, and then trigger one more staggered alarm.With only the added localization module 13, the onboard actuator alarm device 1 can still remain purely onboard and offline.
[0347] However, the available development boards for tracking and tracing devices in falconry and conservation research of many animal species usually also come with radio communication and / or mobile phone connectivity and / or satellite connectivity and many other possibilities for a bi-directional data link.
[0348] The first embodiment of the disclose invention will make use and integrate that technology from the start, including the software backend (remote computing platform) from a partner company.
[0349] This will allow at least the following additional functionality:
[0350] The hazard database could resides as a master file on a remote computing platform 146 infrastructure, (no matter if cloud server, centralized server, or mesh based).
[0351] When new data entries to the hazard database 14 (e.g. through construction projects for further infrastructure, or updates to the database closing gaps of previously non-registered existing infrastructure in the database) make it necessary, the onboard copy of the database of the onboard actuator alarm device 1 itself could be updated periodically or on demand over the air. The transmission is contingent to network quality and power availability status of the onboard actuator alarm device 1 itself.
[0352] If power and network conditions permit it, the hazard database 14 on the online offboard part of the system could also serve as direct source of alarm trigger commands 145 in real time 152. In this mode of operation and scenario, the onboard actuator alarm device 1 would only need to send the location 144 information from its onboard localization module 13 to the remote computing platform 146 infrastructure. The matching of that location to the hazard locations in the hazard database would then happen offboard and online on the remote computing platform 146. A match leads to an alarm trigger command 145 which is sent to the processing unit 15 which then is only responsible for managing a single or staggered alarm response(s).
[0353] The localization module 13 would continue to report the onboard actuator alarm device l’s position 159 to the remote computing platform 146, which can then decide when it is time to stop the alarm trigger command 145, and thus remotely shut off the alarm(s) on the onboard actuator alarm device 1.
[0354] The onboard hazard database 14 could and should still remain, as a fall back option for moments when the bi-directional data link 139 is not available due to network coverage issuesor remote computing platform outages etc. So regular or occasional updates to the onboard copy of the hazard database should equally continue.
[0355] An onboard actuator alarm devices 1 carrying both a sensor based onboard capability to initiate alarms, but also a bi-directional data link 139, could also use their sensor(s) 18 capabilities to verify and complete the master hazard database 14 on the remote computing platform 146. If the sensor(s) 18 signal an alarm, but there is no matching entry in the onboard hazard database 14 in this location as given by the localization module 13, then the processing unit should send this new man-made hazard 143 location data to the master hazard database on the remote computing platform 146. From there, it can then be re-distributed to the onboard actuator alarm device l’s own hazard data base 14 onboard copy, but equally to any other onboard actuator alarm device 1 which would be deployed on a different wild animal, now also being made aware of the newly discovered man-made hazard 143. In this sense the onboard actuator alarm system 170 is one where the wild animals 147 or birds 2 themselves act as a "mobile sensor network" to map hazards for the entire fleet.
[0356] Fig. 6 shows how an event logging system 12 could work in the preferred avian embodiments:
[0357] The processing unit 15 keeps a rolling log file 157 onboard and offline in the onboard actuator alarm devices 1. This logfile is periodically overwritten to save memory space, as long as no alarm events 111 happen. Data that is regularly logged includes the time stamp, location module 13 data, as well as any other contextual sensor data 156 which might be gathered. Some modem wildlife trackers already collect data e.g. about the orientation in space of the device, temperature, air pressure, certain vital signals of the wild animal that is tagged etc. All these could be useful for researchers to learn how the wild animal behaves when confronted with an alarm event 111. So when an alarm event Ill is triggered, the processing unit 15 makes a copy of the relevant predetermined time frames for predetermined time before- and predetermined time after- the alarm event 111 time stamp of the log file 157 to an intermediate log file 160, or otherwise ensures that this time period is not overwritten in the log file 157. Network and battery status permitting, all alarm events 111, together with the saved corresponding data from all onboard sensors for time 158, location 13 and context of the event 156 are transmitted in bulk 162 to a permanent log file 161 of alarm events 111 on the remote computing platform 146 infrastructure, forming an event database 153.
[0358] This will allow e.g. scientists to evaluate exactly how the wild animals or birds 2 reacted to the alarm event 111. The wild animals themselves, and even more so their behavior andreactions as such, are explicitly not claims of the disclosed invention. However, the disclosed invention has characteristics which enable the device and / or system in a way which could have an impact on the wild animals 147 and their internal decision making process, or even override it.
[0359] Scientists will be put into a position to study questions relating to the effectiveness and efficiency of the disclosed invention such as:
[0360] • Did the wild animal 147 react to the alarm?
[0361] • How quickly did the wild animal react to the alarm?
[0362] • Did it ignore early escalation steps of the staggered alarm?
[0363] • Did it learn over time of several successive events to react to alarms it previously initially ignored, but now learned to associate with the later stage(s) of more severe actuators? • Is this association limited to each specific place and landmark, e.g. a specific wind turbine or power line location?
[0364] • To what extend and after what time or number of alarm incidents are the wild animals 147 able to make an abstraction from a specific place and landmark, and associate all similar shapes like other wind turbines or power lines with the likelihood of alarm events, and thus start to ignore them?
[0365] • How exactly did the wild animal 147 behave before leaving the dangerous zone and till the alarm went silent again? What was its immediate reaction strategy? E.g. did a bird turn around, or gain height, or what was its strategy? As it cannot truly know what the alarm is trying to tell it, only experience that something is very different, unusual and even clearly uncomfortable, it will likely try something to stop that from happening in the short term, and maybe develop strategies from it happening again. • Can such learnt behavior in any way shape or form be taught or passed on to offspring? So could such a sixth sense for a new danger, given to a number of individuals, lead to a larger population learning to respect that danger?
[0366] • If multiple alarm events happen to the same wild animal 147, does the collected data indicate that it changed its strategy over time?If multiple equipped wild animals are in similar proximity to the same man-made hazard 143: To what extent, if at all, can the immediate reaction strategy by one individual influence the behavior of a larger group of wild animals? When considering schools of fish, or so called murmuration of starlings, it is known that each wild animal pays close attention to the behavior of the wild animals in its vicinity at least. Similarly, vultures scanning the landscape from above not only focus on the ground, but also keep visual contact to the vultures in the air around them. If one vulture indicates by its behavior of flying plunging to the ground that it has found something worthwhile, the others are attracted, without having seen for themselves what that individual saw, but understanding the implication of that bird’s behavior. Similar reflexes can also be observed in the face of danger: If one individual displays a behavior associated by the others with the discovery of a danger, then others might start the same behavior without having experienced the danger first hand.
[0367] Data from multiple onboard actuator alarm devices 1 could show to what extend the deployment of them to a certain number of specimens could lead to avoidance of animal conflict in a larger number of specimens.
[0368] Actuators
[0369] All actuators 31 have in common that they are designed and tuned to likely alter the behavior of the wild animal 147 in a way that works reliably, which involves for example to scare or annoy the wild animal sufficiently to make it change course or even flee, but without actually seriously harming the wild animal.
[0370] For this, the choice of the right actuator(s) 31 and its calibration settings must be adapted to the wild animal species, and potentially sometimes even to the individual.
[0371] The mode of the signal (e.g., sound vs. light vs. electric discharge etc.), as well as the calibration (for sound for example: what frequency or pitch, at what loudness, is appropriate for the hearing capabilities of the target species) have to be chosen accordingly.
[0372] The core unit 7 of the onboard actuator alarm device 1 is not limited to employing a single actuator, but can combine suitable actuators 31 to facilitate the overall desired effect.
[0373] Compare Fig. 7 for an overview on the different actuators.a. Acoustic actuator
[0374] In the first preferred avian embodiment of an onboard actuator alarm device 1 for birds, especially raptors, the acoustic actuator 32 would have to be calibrated as follows: Birds of prey generally have a hearing range that is best suited to the detection of low to moderate frequency sounds. While the exact frequency sensitivity can vary among species, raptors typically have the most sensitive hearing between 1 kHz and 4 kHz.
[0375] This range allows them to detect and localize sounds that might indicate the presence of prey or predators.
[0376] Owls can hear sounds between approximately 200 Hz and 12 kHz, with their greatest sensitivity usually in the range of 2 kHz to 8 kHz. A remote-controlled test device being used for tests has 2700 Hz.
[0377] Tests with captive birds of prey are being conducted to determine which principles give the best results. It has to be noted that birds have an astonishing ability to learn to tolerate sounds. Falconry birds are equipped with small bells helping the falconer to find them again, which they learn to tolerate quickly. This might in part be because they realize how they themselves are responsible for generating the sound through movement. But they equally tolerate very quickly electronic bells that a falconer can trigger with a remote control to help find the bird, guided at a distance by the falconers own hearing, and thus replacing traditional radiotelemetry in the near and medium distance. Wild birds also can live in very noisy, external environments. E.g. many bird species such as sea gulls, crows, etc. chose to live and forage on airports near starting jet engines. Actuator Principle Characteristics
[0378] Widely used in alarm systems to produce sound
[0379] Utilize a solenoid
[0380] Electromagnetic Typically produce a lower- (electromagnetic coil) to
[0381] (solenoid) pitched tone. Can be relatively vibrate a diaphragm or metal
[0382] buzzer 33 large and power-hungry.
[0383] plate.
[0384] Compact, lightweight, and Buzzer highly efficient.
[0385] Piezoelectric materials such
[0386] 17 Capable of producing high- as certain crystals slightly
[0387] pitched tones with low power Piezoelectric deform if put under electric
[0388] consumption.
[0389] buzzer 34 tension, which is used to
[0390] Available in waterproof and vibrate a diaphragm or metal
[0391] rugged designs for outdoor use. plate.
[0392] Source of frequency being used
[0393]
[0394] is distinct.Contain an internal oscillator
[0395] Active buzzer Only require a DC voltage to circuit that generates the
[0396] 35 operate
[0397] required sound frequency
[0398] Provide greater flexibility for Require an external signal sound frequency and Passive buzzer
[0399] (AC or PWM) to drive the modulation.
[0400] 36
[0401] sound producing element. Require a more complex driving circuit.
[0402] More versatile than buzzer 17s, capable of producing a wide range of tones and sounds.
[0403] With voice coil and magnet
[0404] Speaker
[0405] Dynamic to vibrate a diaphragm,
[0406] 37
[0407] speaker 75 producing sound.
[0408] Piezoelectric
[0409] speaker 76
[0410] Mechanical sirens use
[0411] rotating mechanism to Are designed to produce loud, interrupt airflow through attention-grabbing sounds that Siren 38
[0412] holes, creating a loud sweep across a range of oscillating tone. They are frequencies
[0413] extremely loud.
[0414] Pneumatic
[0415] Other whistle 77
[0416] principles can imitate warning calls know acoustic to the target species), based on Digital sound
[0417] actuators pre-recorded or synthesized generator 78
[0418] 39 audio played through a speaker
[0419]
[0420] or buzzer 17.
[0421] Table V: Overview on the different acoustic actuators.
[0422] To keep the onboard actuator alarm device 1 flexible for multiple species with different hearing abilities, a passive buzzer 36 is preferable.
[0423] b. Visual actuator
[0424] Table VI gives an overview on the different visual actuators. In the preferred avian embodiment of an onboard actuator alarm device 1 for birds 2, especially raptors, no visual actuator 41 would be used due to proven lack of effectiveness, although birds of prey generally have excellent eye sight.Actuator Principle Characteristics Available in various colors Lightweight and compact Single-Color (e.g., red, green, blue, Efficient with low power LEDs amber) consumption.
[0425] Combine red, green, and
[0426] LED 42 Multi-Color blue emitters to create
[0427] (RGB) multiple colors
[0428] High- May require heat dissipation Extremely bright and Intensity
[0429] systems visible over long distances. LEDs
[0430] LED flasher Adjustable flash rates (e.g., Produce intermittent light 81 strobe or pulsing effects). to attract attention.
[0431] Emit short, intense bursts of light at regular intervals Flashing lights 43 Highly effective for Strobe lights
[0432] immediate attention 82
[0433] Can be disorienting, making it useful for certain deterrent applications. Long-range capability is
[0434] Low-Power Lasers are safe likely not needed for a
[0435] Laser 44 for eye exposure (e.g., device attached to the host
[0436] Class 1 or Class 2). wild animal 147.
[0437] Flexible, thin, and Emit light uniformly across lightweight. Emits a soft Electroluminescent
[0438] a flat surface when an glow rather than a harsh (EL) panels and
[0439] electric current excites a light
[0440] strips 45
[0441] phosphor layer. Creates broad, continuous light signals.
[0442] Composed of UV light and
[0443] blue or green light
[0444] Emit ultraviolet light visible
[0445] to wild animals with UV- UV light 83
[0446] sensitive vision (e.g., birds,
[0447] Color-specific
[0448] insects).
[0449] signal 46
[0450] Particularly visible in many natural
[0451] Use specific colors known
[0452] Blue or green environments
[0453] to attract attention in various
[0454] light Less likely to blend into species.
[0455] backgrounds compared to
[0456]
[0457] red or amber.
[0458] Table VI: Overview of different visual actuators.C. Tactile actuator
[0459] Actuator Principle Characteristics Compact, lightweight devices that generate a Vibration is typically
[0460] physical vibration when produced by an
[0461] powered. Commonly found unbalanced mass
[0462] in consumer electronics, attached to a motor
[0463] such as mobile phones, and shaft. When the motor
[0464] are well-suited for wild spins, the off-centre
[0465] animal-wearable or weight creates
[0466] implantable applications due oscillations.
[0467] to their small size and low Vibration power consumption.
[0468] motor 49 Eccentric
[0469] Generate vibration via
[0470] rotating
[0471] an eccentric weight
[0472] mass 84
[0473] rotating around the
[0474] (ERM)
[0475] motor shaft.
[0476] motors
[0477] Use a spring and a Compact design and easy magnetic mass that integration. Adjustable Vibration
[0478] Linear moves linearly, intensity and frequency to actuator
[0479] resonant offering more precise suit the target species.
[0480] 48
[0481] actuators control and efficiency Relatively low power (LRAs) 85 compared to ERMs requirements.
[0482] Generate vibration
[0483] Ultra-compact and through the rapid
[0484] lightweight. Low power deformation of a
[0485] consumption and precise piezoelectric material
[0486] Piezoelectric vibrator vibration control. Suitable when subjected to an
[0487] 50 for miniaturized electric current. They
[0488] applications, such as are highly efficient and
[0489] implants or microcan produce precise
[0490] wearables.
[0491] vibration patterns.
[0492] Stronger vibrations These actuators
[0493] compared to vibration produce vibration by
[0494] Solenoids or motors. Simple construction moving a magnetic
[0495] electromagnetic and robust operation.
[0496] core or armature within
[0497] buzzers 51 Slightly larger and heavier a coil when current
[0498] than other options. May flows through it
[0499] consume more power.
[0500] Non-contact option; can be Compact air pump or
[0501] deployed via small air tubes. solenoid valve can
[0502] May be less intrusive for Pulsating deliver short bursts of
[0503] certain species or
[0504] air air pressure against the
[0505] applications. Requires a actuator wild animal’s skin.
[0506] small reservoir of
[0507] 52 This creates a sensation
[0508] compressed air or a pump akin to a vibration, but
[0509] system, adding to with a distinct texture.
[0510]
[0511] complexity.Consist of thin, flexible
[0512] membranes that
[0513] oscillate when
[0514] activated by an High-frequency vibration Resonating membrane
[0515] electromagnetic or with minimal power usage.
[0516] 53
[0517] piezoelectric driver. Lightweight and compact. The vibrations are
[0518] transmitted directly to
[0519] the wild animal’s skin.
[0520] Magnetic actuator
[0521] induces oscillations in
[0522] Non-contact operation;
[0523] a metallic or
[0524] suitable for specific Magneto-mechanical ferromagnetic
[0525] anatomical placements.
[0526] oscillator 54 component near the
[0527] Durable and resistant to actuator. These
[0528] wear.
[0529] oscillations generate
[0530] vibration signals.
[0531] A small spring-loaded
[0532] mechanism can be
[0533] activated to deliver
[0534] repetitive or No need for complex Mechanical oscilator intermittent mechanical electronics. Possible to with springs 55 vibrations. These integrate with energyoscillators can be harvesting solutions. powered electrically or
[0535] by kinetic energy
[0536]
[0537] harvesting.
[0538] Table VII: Overview of different tactile actuators 47
[0539] Tactile actuators 47 provide tactile feedback to wild animals 147 by inducing physical sensations that are noticeable yet harmless. Among these, vibration signals are the most straightforward and versatile option for alerting wild animals. In the preferred avian embodiment of an onboard actuator alarm device 1 for birds 2, especially raptors, no vibration actuator 48 would be used due to proven lack of effectiveness, as they can quickly get used to the vibrations even near the neck, their most vulnerable point. Certain areas of a given species are also much more sensitive than others to vibrations. E.g., the ear of many wild animals, even if no sound is emitted, would be very sensitive to vibrations. The same is the case with most mucosa and other areas.
[0540] To maximize effectiveness and efficiency of the actuator 31, the following parameters can be tailored:
[0541] Frequency: Adjusting the vibration frequency can make it more perceptible to different species.• Amplitude: Increasing the intensity of the vibration ensures the signal penetrates feathers, fur, or other insulating features.
[0542] • Pattern: Delivering vibrations in bursts, pulses, or continuous waves can help differentiate the alert from ambient sensations.
[0543] d. Pain based actuator
[0544] The actuator approaches so far are capable of getting the wild animals attention, but might often be tolerable.
[0545] It is inherent in the need for an alarm that the wild animal in danger of animal conflict is not aware of the danger. Convincing it of changing action in a way suitable to avoid said danger is thus not possible as with a human that could be made aware of the danger but conveying the information by oral or sign language, and expecting a comprehension of the abstract danger without actually experiencing it. Thus, the onboard actuator alarm device 1 must avoid that the wild animal 147 simply learns to ignore the alarm signal over time, as it has no further consequence beyond mild annoyance or initial irritation. Instead, the wild animal has to dislike the onboard actuator alarm device 1 itself permanently to a point where it will rather learn to avoid the alarm itself from occurring by learning to associate certain circumstances with the alarm, or at the very least reliably search for ways to make it stop when it does go off (longitudinal learning).
[0546] For the onboard actuator alarm device 1 to function reliably, while minimizing the infliction of pain, the preferred first embodiment combines an acoustic alarm (buzzer 17), with a pain based actuator 56 through electrical discharge, called electro-tactile actuator 57. This is described in fig. 18. The buzzer 17 is set to a lower threshold of detected electric field strength or geofence distance to the hazard, and will thus come on first alone. If the wild animal reacts, the alarm episode is over. If it continues on its path closing in on the hazard, the electro-tactile actuator 57 emits an electric discharge at a higher threshold of the detected electric field strength or closer geofence, while the buzzer 17 continues to be active. This combination of buzzer sound and electrical discharge will allow an wild animal capable of longitudinal learning according to the principle of “Pavlow’s dog” to associate the first, acoustic warning, with a potential later pain, and thus minimize the use of the pain based actuator 56 to the strict minimum and only when needed to save the wild animal’slife, while at the same time the electro-tactile actuator 57 is being a reliable second line of defense should the wild animal 147 chose to ignore the buzzer 17.
[0547] Actuator Principle Characteristics Electro-tactile actuator 57 See detailed description
[0548] Could apply brief, localized
[0549] pressure to simulate a pinching
[0550] sensation, involving
[0551] Must avoid causing Pinching or squeezing - Small motorized jaws or clamps
[0552] bruising or long-lasting actuator 86 with cushioned ends to avoid
[0553] discomfort.
[0554] tissue damage.
[0555] - Springs or solenoids that deliver
[0556] short, controlled pinches.
[0557] Could deliver a mild warming
[0558] Must ensure rapid sensation that becomes
[0559] cooling between uncomfortable but not harmful.
[0560] activations to avoid This can be achieved through
[0561] burns.
[0562] Heat actuator 87 resistive heating elements or
[0563] Insulation of surrounding thermoelectric devices (e.g.,
[0564] components is necessary Peltier modules). Short bursts of
[0565] to prevent unintended heat to prevent sustained
[0566] heat transfer. discomfort.
[0567] Overpowering traditional Very high-intensity vibrations at vibration motors or Vibrational pain actuator specific frequencies could create a piezoelectric actuators.
[0568] 88 sensation bordering on pain Targeting sensitive areas without causing harm. such as paws or thin- skinned regions.
[0569] High-frequency ultrasonic
[0570] actuators could be used to create
[0571] Ultrasonic skin irritation
[0572] slight skin irritation. The focused
[0573] actuator 89
[0574] energy creates micro-vibrations or
[0575] heat-like effects on the skin.
[0576] The device could release an
[0577] aerosol or liquid that produces a
[0578] mild stinging sensation upon skin May require periodic Mild chemical irritants or mucous membrane contact, replenishment, actuator 90 such as menthol or capsaicin. problematic for long term Effective for wild animals with use.
[0579] strong olfactory or skin
[0580]
[0581] sensitivity.
[0582] Table VIII: Overview of the different pain-based actuators 56
[0583] i. Electro tactile actuator
[0584] The following is an exploration of electro-tactile actuators 57 including in the preferred avian embodiment of an onboard actuator alarm device 1 for birds 2, that could create a mild, transient sensation of pain, to deter wild animals, emphasizingsafety, controllability, and species-specific considerations, but strong enough to avoid an habituation effect
[0585] For mammals like dogs in training collars, or livestock in fences, e.g., electric discharge has been used successfully before, and an adapted system is proposed in the disclosed invention for the use on birds 2.
[0586] Calibrated Intensity: The electro-tactile actuators 57 must be adjustable to accommodate individual and species-specific tolerances.
[0587] Safety Mechanisms: Incorporate safeguards to prevent excessive activation, such as temperature cut-offs, current limiters, or time-based activation limits. Testing and Approval: Electro-tactile actuator 57 should undergo thorough testing to ensure compliance with animal welfare standards.
[0588] A small, controlled electrical discharge can create a sharp, startling sensation. This is akin to a mild electric shock, such as those used in electric fences for livestock, or in training collars for dogs.
[0589] Compared to dog collars, a better skin contact can be ensured with the proposed electrodes 58, and thus the required electrical characteristics, notably the voltage, can be reduced as less dielectric keratin of hairs or feathers respectively has to be overcome.
[0590] Actuators capable of inflicting pain through electrical discharge are typically based on the circuit topography of a fly-back transformer circuit 59, as other topographies such as charge pumps or direct transformation are not practical for compact and DC powered devices which should reach pulse in the kV range.
[0591] Because the transformer 60 used in the fly-back transformer circuit 59 is the single biggest, bulkiest and heaviest component on the entire onboard actuator alarm device 1 PCBA by far, reducing its size to the limit is essential to keep the onboard actuator alarm device 1 small and light enough even for smaller birds. Transformers used in the prior art of dog collars can thus not be used, measuring typically upwards of 15x15x10mm (2.250 cm3). Their host wild animals can carry larger loads, and require much stronger discharges, while this first embodiment of the disclosed invention targets to transfer the lower electrical requirements into a much smallertransformer component, reaching less than 0.7 cm3 (-70% in bulk and weight). This required building a custom component according to very precise engineering.
[0592] Description of the Electro-tactile actuator 57 in the Preferred Embodiment:
[0593] • Circuit overview:
[0594] The actuator subsystem is configured to convert a low-voltage DC input from a standard IS Lithium-Polymer (LiPo) battery 61 (nominally 3.7V to 4.2V) into a high-voltage, biologically effective stimulus pulse. This conversion is achieved through a controlled inductive fly-back topology, utilizing a custom-wound high-inductance transformer. • Circuit topology and charging phase:
[0595] • The circuit comprises a primary inductive energy storage element (the primary winding of the transformer 60, Lpriconnected in series with the battery 61 and an electronic switch 62 (e.g., an N-channel MOSFET). A control unit 63 (timer or microcontroller) generates a precise rectangular pulse, ton, typically ranging from lOps to 300ps. During the ton interval, the switch is closed, applying the full battery voltage Vbatt across the primary winding. Current flows through the primary winding, ramping up linearly according to the relationship - =
[0596] at Lpr
[0597] • This phase charges the transformer's ferrite or laminated steel core with magnetic potential energy, governed by the equation
[0598] E = “ *Lpri * Ipeak2.
[0599] • The low DC resistance of the primary winding (e.g., < 2 Q) ensures that sufficient peak current Ipeak is reached even with a low-voltage source, maximizing energy storage within the brief activation window.
[0600] • Flyback phase and voltage amplification
[0601] At the end of the ton period, the control unit abruptly opens the switch. This interruption forces the current flowing through the primary winding to drop to zero instantly. According to Lenz's Law
[0602] V = - L * di / dt, the collapsing magnetic field induces a substantial voltage spike (Back- EMF) across the primary winding to maintain energy conservation. This primaryvoltage spike is magnetically coupled to the secondary winding. The transformer is wound with a high step-up turns ratio (Nsec: Npri), typically exceeding 70:1. Consequently, the voltage induced in the secondary winding is multiplied by this ratio, generating an output pulse in the range of 1.5 kV to 2.5kV.
[0603] • Pulse duration and biological efficacy
[0604] Crucially, the secondary winding is configured with a very high inductance (e.g. Lsec ~ 1 H, achieved through a high number of turns (e.g. > 1500) on a high-permeability core. Upon discharge into the load (e.g. the capacitive and resistive impedance of the bird’ s skin), this massive inductance resists the rapid decay of current. Unlike a capacitive discharge which is instantaneous, the high-inductance secondary sustains the output current flow, extending the pulse duration from microseconds to milliseconds (> lOOps to several ms). This extended duration ensures the total energy delivered (e.g. 45 pJ target) is sufficient to depolarize nerve endings effectively, creating a distinct tactile sensation ("sting") rather than a faint static discharge, despite the limitations of the small battery source.
[0605] • Mechanism of skin impedance breakdown and sensation
[0606] The output pulse performs a dual function critical for effective stimulation through dry skin.
[0607] o Dielectric breakdown: The initial rising edge of the high-voltage spike serves to overcome the high dielectric impedance of the stratum corneum (the outer layer of dead skin cells). This creates a temporary conductive channel through the skin barrier. o Biological nerve depolarization: Once the impedance is lowered, the energy stored in the massive secondary inductance Lsec ~ 1 H is delivered as a current flow during the subsequent flyback tail and parasitic LC oscillations (ringing). It is this sustained delivery of oscillating charge through the breached skin layer that effectively depolarizes the subcutaneous nociceptors, creating the tactile sensation.
[0608] o Fig 19 shows actual test results with the custom fly-back transformer circuit 59.
[0609] In this typical pulse with an open circuit, the oscilloscope graph centerline is skewed to the downside to allow to visualize the whole graph. With a t on of 40 us, the initial high-voltage spike 171 of the discharge reaches about +2000 V from the centerline. It overshoots back to about -1500V from the centerline. The secondary winding oscillates between its capacitance and inductance, showing an only slowly dampened oscillation (ringing) 172, where in the open circuit, thedampening is only by the Ohmic resistance of the coil. One complete cycle (total pulse duration 173) lasts 500 us in open circuit, but this value goes down clearly to e.g. 150 us if the electrodes are connected by a load with a similar resistance to skin in the low MOhm range, adding additional dampening. • Safety and current limits
[0610] Despite the high peak voltage, the first embodiment of the onboard actuator alarm device 1 remains intrinsically safe for the wild animal 147. The safety is guaranteed by the limited total energy storage of the inductor (typically < 50 pj per pulse). While the instantaneous peak current may reach the milliampere (mA) range to ensure nerve capture, the extremely short duration results in a biologically safe RMS (root mean square) current in the microampere (pA) range, preventing any tissue heating or damage.
[0611] • Repetition cycle
[0612] To create a sustained and alerting sensation, the control unit 63 is configured to repeat this discharge cycle periodically. A preferred repetition interval is approximately 60 ms (circa 16 Hz). This frequency allows the central nervous system to integrate the individual pulses into a continuous, perceived vibration or "sting," ensuring immediate user awareness without habituation.
[0613] • Parasitic management
[0614] In a preferred embodiment, the transformer utilizes a sectional (chambered) bobbin structure 64. This physical separation of the secondary winding segments reduces the parasitic inter-winding capacitance (Cp). Lower capacitance minimizes energy loss during the initial voltage spike and promotes high-frequency ringing (at the self-resonant frequency of the coil), which serves to further enhance the perceived intensity of the stimulus on the skin.
[0615] • Custom transformer
[0616] o Deficiencies of commercial components:
[0617] During the development of the disclosed invention, it was determined that standard, commercially available transformers within the required volumetric constraints (e.g., < 1.5 cmA3) were insufficient for the intended application.
[0618] Conventional miniature transformers commercially available in the prior art are typically optimized for continuous low-voltage power transmission (e.g., DC-DC converters) orsignal isolation. These standard components prioritize low leakage inductance and high switching frequencies (>100 kHz), using ferrite cores.
[0619] However, such standard components are unsuitable for the specific requirements of high-voltage electro-tactile actuation from a low-voltage, high-impedance power source (e.g., a small IS LiPo battery). Specifically, commercially available transformers of the requisite size (e.g. < 1.5 cmA3) consistently lack the necessary combination of high secondary inductance required for pulse duration extension and high dielectric isolation (> 1.5 kV) required for safety. Standard designs typically favor lower inductance to minimize size. Testing revealed that these off-the-shelf components failed to sustain the required pulse duration for effective nerve depolarization and posed safety risks regarding internal arcing. o Inventive solution:
[0620] To overcome these technical limitations, the preferred embodiment incorporates a purpose-built, high-inductance magnetic component 65. Unlike standard commercial variants, this high-inductance magnetic component 65 is specifically configured with a high-density secondary winding 66 (e.g. > 1500 turns) and a sectional bobbin geometry. This specific configuration successfully achieves the dual requirements of extended pulse duration (> 180 ps) and high dielectric breakdown voltage (> 1.5 kV) within the miniature form factor, a combination not previously available in the state of the art.
[0621] o Core material selection (overcoming saturation limits)
[0622] A critical feature of the present embodiment is the selection of the magnetic core material. While standard commercial miniature transformers predominately utilize Manganese-Zinc (MnZn) ferrite cores, the present invention necessitates a core with significantly higher saturation flux density (B sat).
[0623] To achieve the required energy storage within the constrained volume, the transformer utilizes a Laminated Silicon Steel (or Permalloy) core. This material provides a saturation flux density of approximately 1.6 T, compared to typically < 0.4T for standard ferrite. This specific material choice prevents core saturation during the high-current charging phase, enabling the compact device to store sufficient energy (~ 45 pj) despite the reduced number of turns inherent to the miniature form factor.
[0624] Inductance and resistance parameters (the "high-current" configuration)o Windings
[0625] The custom winding configuration is engineered to maximize peak power delivery from a low-voltage source (IS LiPo). Unlike standard high-impedance signal transformers, this embodiment utilizes a low-resistance, high-current primary winding 67:
[0626] - Primary winding 67: Characterized by a DC Resistance (DCRpri) of less than 0.6 Q (and a Primary Inductance (L _pr0 in the range of 85pH. This low impedance allows for rapid current ramping (> 500 mA) within a short actuation window (< 50 ps), compensating for the lower source voltage.
[0627] - Secondary winding 66: Characterized by a Secondary Inductance (Lsec) in the range of 400 mH to 500mH. While lower than larger commercial flybacks, this inductance — achieved via a high turns ratio (> 70: 1) — is sufficient to sustain the output discharge for 100 -200 ps into the biological load, ensuring effective nerve depolarization without the excessive bulk of a larger core.
[0628] - Volumetric and winding trade-offs
[0629] The realization of these parameters requires overcoming a complex multi-variable tradeoff between Inductance (L), DC Resistance (DCR), and Physical Volume.
[0630] 1. Inductance: Maximizing Lsec requires maximized number of turns (N).
[0631] 2. Volume constraint: The available winding window is strictly limited by the miniature bobbin size (~10 mm cube).
[0632] 3. Resistance limit: To fit the required turns (approx. 1500 on secondary) into this window, the wire diameter is minimized.
[0633] The present embodiment solves this conflict by utilizing a high-precision layer winding technique on a sectional bobbin structure 64. This allows for the use of ultra-fine wire (e.g.
[0634] 0.025 to 0,04 mm) to achieve the target ratio of 1:75, while keeping the secondary resistance below 0.5kQ to prevent excessive energy loss as heat.
[0635] Optimizing primary winding for low-voltage source and source impedance matching: A specific challenge addressed by the disclosed invention is the limited electromotive force provided by the miniature energy store (single-cell LiPo, nominal 3.7 V). Standard commercial flyback transformers are typically designed for higher drive voltages (12 V to 24 V), allowing them to utilize thinner primary wire with higher DC Resistance (DCR).Using such high-resistance components with a 3.7 V source would severely limit the peak current (IPk), resulting in insufficient energy storage
[0636] = - * L * Iyk^
[0637]
[0638] To overcome this, the disclosed preferred first embodiment optimizes the allocation of the limited "winding window" (the available cross-sectional area for wire within the bobbin). Primary prioritization: Despite the need for thousands of secondary winding 66 turns, the design deliberately allocates sufficient window area to the Primary Winding 67 to accommodate a larger wire gauge.
[0639] Low-Resistance architecture: This geometric choice results in an exceptionally low primary DC resistance (DCR_pri < 0.5Q).
[0640] Resulting energy dynamics
[0641] This trade-off — sacrificing turns for wire thickness — results in a lower primary inductance (70 pH to 90 pH) compared to standard parts. However, the benefits of the reduced resistance outweigh the loss of inductance. The low DCR enables the weak 3.7 V source to drive a high-current ramp (> 500 mA) rapidly into the core. This allows the onboard actuator alarm device 1 to reach the target energy saturation (45 pj) within a brief actuation window (< 100 ps), a performance metric unattainable with higher-resistance standard components.
[0642] Shielding 68 the transformer is mandatory, as in the first preferred embodiment, it operates next to the sensor 18 for the presence of electrical fields 10 and other sensitive electronics on the PCBA such as the processing unit 15 etc.
[0643] A copper belly band (outer flux band 69) is used, wrapping around core and bobbin like a belt. This stops magnetic noise from radiating out to the sensor for the presence of electrical fields 10 and other sensitive electronics, avoiding unwanted interference.
[0644] This copper foil shield must not form a complete, conductive circle around the core, or it would become a “shorted turn”. Instead, it has some insulated overlap, but there must be tape between them so they don't conduct electricity.
[0645] The shield must be connected with a wire coming from the copper coil connecting to the pin which is Negative / Ground.
[0646] Since the custom transformer 60 is using a chambered (split) bobbin (sectional bobbin structure 64 with primary winding 67 in one slot, secondary winding 66 in the others), on cannot put a shield "between" the layers of primary and secondary windings like in a standard transformer.Since the transformer in the preferred embodiment generates high-voltage pulses (e.g.
[0647] 500V to > 5 kV) and is worn on a living wild animal, standard "power supply" rules don't apply, it has to follow High Voltage (HV) rules.
[0648] 1. The Voltage Specifications (The so called " Hi-Pot" Test)
[0649] The voltage spikes including safety margin were successfully applied without the insulation breaking down.
[0650] Primary to secondary: withstand 4.0 kV AC for 3 seconds (Leakage < 1mA). Secondary to core: withstand 2.5 kV AC for 3 seconds. Primary to core: withstand 1.0 kV AC for 3 seconds.
[0651] Description of the harness 3 integration and electrode 58 interface in the preferred avian embodiment:
[0652] Tubular Construction, Wire Routing and Non-Destructive Electrode 58 Exit Points One possible proposed mounting system utilizes an insulating tubular ribbon 70 (woven) insulating harness 3 constructed from e.g. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE / Teflon). This material is selected for its high tensile strength, chemical inertness, and low friction coefficient. The flexible high-voltage conductors (multi-strand litz wires 71) are routed internally within the lumen of the Teflon tube. This internal routing provides mechanical protection against environmental abrasion and beak manipulation while ensuring complete electrical insulation along the length of the harness 3.
[0653] To expose the conductive elements at the precise anatomical coordinates required for stimulation, the internal baseplate wires 137 exit the tubular wall by threading through the interstices of the woven PTFE matrix. Compare Fig. 8. Crucially, this method separates the fibers without cutting them, thereby preserving the full tensile strength and structural integrity of the harness 3. This allows for customizable electrode spacing tailored to the specific geometry e.g. of the avian pectoralis muscle group without introducing weak points into the harness 3 retention system.
[0654] The litz wire 71 inside the Teflon is longer than the Teflon tubular ribbon 70 and in loops, and can be moved forward with a needle 72 at the end initially. The person equipping the bird 2 would estimate before, or potentially even on site in the field, where the optimal position for the electrodes would be, would bend the Teflon tubular ribbon 70 over so that the needle 72 can be pushed through the webbing at that point without actually cutting any woven insulating tubular ribbon 70 PTFE thread (just pushing the knitting aside to go through one loop). A brass or similar ductile, non-corrosive conductive material bead 73 isthe slipped over the insulating tubular ribbon 70 from the other side, and over the now exposed litz wire 71, and crimped 74 onto insulating tubular ribbon 70 + litz wire 71. This arrangement could also be pre-fabricated in a few suitable sizes.
[0655] Spherical Crimp Electrodes 58
[0656] The conductive beads 73 serve a several functions:
[0657] o Electrical interface: The conductive beads 73 provide a defined, low-resistance contact surface for the high-voltage discharge.
[0658] o Mechanical stop: The crimped conductive beads 73 prevent the wire from retracting back into the tube, locking the electrode 58 position relative to the harness 3 tubular ribbons 70.
[0659] Compare Fig. 8 for illustration.
[0660] Atraumatic geometry and contact mechanics
[0661] The electrodes 58 utilize a spherical or semi -spherical geometry. This shape is critical for safety. While it ensures a localized "point" contact necessary for effective current density, the spherical curvature of the conductive beads 73, largely retained also after crimping, distributes the mechanical pressure load evenly over the skin surface. This prevents the formation of pressure sores, abrasions, or perforations that could occur with flat, sharp, or irregular electrode shapes during flight or rapid movement of a bird 2. The design ensures non-invasive, cutaneous contact without penetrating the stratum corneum.
[0662] Sub-plumage positioning via natural behavior. See Fig. 2c vs Fig. 15a
[0663] The effectiveness of the system relies on the interplay between the harness 3 design and the avian subject's natural preening behavior. The bird naturally manipulates the smooth Teflon harness, tucking it beneath the contour feathers and down layer (sub-plumage positioning). This behavior positions the electrode-bearing section of the harness 3 directly against the epidermis, bypassing the electrically insulating plumage. This ensures a consistent, low-impedance electrical path to the muscle tissue while remaining external to the body.
[0664] This is in contrast to prior art for dog collars, where rubbers silicone electrodes are used which cannot move hairs out of the way and must thus rely on much higher voltages, or which use rather pointed brass electrodes which do mostly pierce the fur, but also risk to pierce the skin of the dog. In both cases, the electrodes are rigidly mounted to the device, which is in itself rigidly mountedto the dog collar, following it’s every movement, and thus leading to either unstable electrical contact, or unnecessary pressure onto the skin.
[0665] e. Olfactory and gustation actuator
[0666] While birds generally lack a strong sense of taste or smell compared to mammals, these modalities can be highly effective for other species, especially mammals with sensitive gustatory or olfactory systems (e.g., rodents, ungulates, or carnivores).
[0667] Non-Toxicity: Olfactory and gustation actuator 91 must be safe for target and non-target species, as well as humans and the environment.
[0668] Species-Specific Tuning: Different species have varying sensitivities to specific tastes and smells. For example:
[0669] • Capsaicin is highly aversive to mammals but largely ineffective for birds.
[0670] • Certain sulfur compounds may deter herbivores but not predators.
[0671] Taste and smell-based actuators offer versatile options for deterring wild animals, particularly in applications where other sensory modalities (e.g., sound or vibration) are less effective. Their design can be tailored to specific environmental and species requirements.
[0672] Some require periodic replenishment which would be problematic for long term use.
[0673] Actuator Principle Characteristics
[0674] Denatonium benzoate (commonly Requires a dispensing mechanism, used as a bittering agent). and must ensure the substances are Capsaicin (spicy compound in chili non-toxic and safe for animals. peppers). Potential for the taste to diminish Quinine (bitter compound found in over time or with environmental Taste releasing
[0675] tonic water). exposure.
[0676] actuator 92
[0677] Similar to electro-tactile actuators
[0678] 57, small electrodes placed on the Adjustable intensity for different tongue can generate mild electrical species.
[0679] currents, creating a metallic or No need for chemical agents. unpleasant taste sensation.
[0680] Aversive natural chemicals (e.g.,
[0681] sulfur compounds or menthol). Can imitate predator odors (e.g., Odor releasing
[0682] Commercial repellents with known synthetic compounds mimicking actuator 93
[0683] efficacy (e.g., citronella or carnivore urine or feces).
[0684]
[0685] ammonia-based smells).Small, controlled bursts of
[0686] aerosolized aversive compounds
[0687] can be delivered, e.g., pressurized
[0688] Aerosol spray 94
[0689] spray systems similar to those in
[0690] automated air fresheners or pest
[0691] deterrents.
[0692] could release odors generated by
[0693] Biological or
[0694] harmless bacterial or enzymatic
[0695] ferment-based
[0696] fermentation processes to mimic
[0697] odor actuator 95
[0698]
[0699] natural deterrent smells.
[0700] Table IX: Overview on the different olfactory and gustation actuators 91
[0701] f. Actuators beyond classical 5 senses
[0702] Besides the “classical 5 senses” humans possess, humans are also attributed a sense for movement or rather acceleration as the change of movement, as well as equilibrium and orientation in space.
[0703] Actuators beyond classical 5 senses 96, can also affect these senses. In contrast to previous senses, the actuation rather influences the nerve reaction than the actual physical stimulus. Acceleration in the sense of movement is already covered by vibration etc., while the acceleration, equilibrium or orientation in space of the wild animal will be influenced by actuators in section f.
[0704] Wild animals possess several sensory modalities beyond the traditional "human 5 senses," and actuators targeting these specialized senses could be designed to effectively interact with such wild animals.
[0705] Actuators must be tailored to the sensory capabilities of the specific wild animal without adversely affecting others in the ecosystem.
[0706] Ensure that actuators do not harm target or non-target species, including humans. Avoid introducing long-lasting pollutants, unnecessary noise, or electromagnetic interference.
[0707] Regulatory compliance: Adhere to local laws and animal welfare standards for deploying sensory actuators.Actuator Principle Characteristics Emitters create artificial,
[0708] localized magnetic fields
[0709] using electromagnetic coils or
[0710] permanent magnets. They
[0711] could be used to disrupt
[0712] natural magnetoreception,
[0713] Localized magnetic causing temporary
[0714] fields disorientation. Many wild Emit time-varying magnetic animals 147, such pulses to create a confusing as birds, sea Magnetoreceptio or aversive signal, controlled turtles, and n actuator 97 Pulsed magnetic via solenoids or Helmholtz insects, use the fields coils earth’s magnetic Use magnetic fields to alter field for the viscosity of fluids in navigation. proximity, which might
[0715] disrupt tactile feedback for
[0716] Magnetorheol ogi ca wild animals relying on
[0717] 1 fluids geomagnetic cues.
[0718] Produce electromagnetic
[0719] Electromagnetic interference (EMI) to mask or noise generators distort geomagnetic signals.
[0720] Low-voltage electrodes
[0721] emitting a fluctuating electric
[0722] field that mimics the
[0723] Electric field bioelectric signals of prey or emitters predators.
[0724] Use electrodes to create
[0725] randomized or patterned
[0726] Electroreception
[0727] electric field disturbances, Species such as actuator 98
[0728] disorienting wild animals sharks, rays, and Variable electric with electroreceptive electric fish detect noise capabilities. electric fields Emit pulsed electric fields generated by other designed to mimic natural organisms or signals but at aversive environmental Pulse generators intensities or frequencies. sources Emit controlled infrared (IR)
[0729] radiation using IR LEDs or
[0730] Pit vipers, some Infrared light lasers to mimic heat
[0731] insects, and other emitters signatures.
[0732] wild animals can Use resistive heating
[0733] Infrared detect infrared elements to generate
[0734] detection radiation to sense Rapid heat transient, localized heat spots
[0735] actuator 99 warm-blooded pulsation in the environment.
[0736] prey or Actively cool the surrounding
[0737] environmental area using thermoelectric
[0738] heat sources. coolers (Peltier devices) to
[0739]
[0740] Infrared disruptors mask heat signals.Emit ultrasonic noise at
[0741] varying frequencies to disrupt
[0742] Bats, dolphins, Ultrasonic jam echolocation signals.
[0743] and certain birds Echolocation and Use ultrasonic transducers to and insects use ultrasonic send pulses that create echolocation or perception High-frequency interference patterns, ultrasonic actuator 100 pulses disorienting the wild animal. frequencies to Mimic echoes but with navigate and altered timing or intensity, locate prey.
[0744] Phase-shifted echo confusing echolocating wild emitters animals.
[0745] Use ultrasonic humidifiers to
[0746] Localized humidity
[0747] create controlled bursts of
[0748] emitters
[0749] moisture in specific areas. Insects such as Use desiccant materials or mosquitoes and heating elements to lower some amphibians Hygroreception Dry air emitters
[0750] humidity rapidly, creating can detect changes actuator 101
[0751] aversion zones. in humidity to Combine heat and humidity locate water or Thermal-hygro changes to create fluctuating prey. oscillators environments that confuse or
[0752] deter.
[0753] Use LCD screens or
[0754] Some insects, polarizing filters to generate
[0755] crustaceans, and Polarized light artificial polarized light
[0756] Polarized light birds can detect emitters signals.
[0757] detection polarized light, Devices that modulate
[0758] actuator 102 which helps them Dynamic polarization patterns over
[0759] navigate or find polarization time, creating disorienting
[0760] water sources. shifters light effects.
[0761] Use motorized or
[0762] piezoelectric devices to
[0763] generate localized vibrations
[0764] in the soil or substrate, or
[0765] rather in the feet or other Many wild body parts of the wild animals, including animals to influence, giving elephants, insects, Vibrational and them the impression of and certain seismic sensitivity vibration or seismic activity mammals, can actuator 103 Ground vibrators in the ground. detect ground Produce low-frequency sound vibrations or low- waves that travel through the frequency seismic ground to mimic natural waves.
[0766] Infrasound emitters seismic activity.
[0767] Emit periodic or randomized
[0768] vibrations that disrupt normal
[0769]
[0770] Pulse vibrators behavioral patterns.UV LEDs or fluorescent Some birds,
[0771] materials that create visible insects, and signals for UV-sensitive wild reptiles can
[0772] UV light
[0773] UV light emitters animals. perceive perception
[0774] ultraviolet (UV) actuator 104 Modulate UV light intensity or
[0775] light, which patterns to create confusion or
[0776] humans cannot aversion.
[0777] UV flicker see.
[0778]
[0779] Table X: Overview on the different actuators beyond the classica 5 senses 96
[0780] g. Hybrid and advanced systems
[0781] Actuator Principle
[0782] Variable
[0783] Variable frequency, or have variable intensity frequency /
[0784] according to need
[0785] intensity 113
[0786] Hybrid and Adaptive
[0787] advanced actuator Activation of the actuator is not only a function systems 40 112 Pattern-based of the environmental hazards, but also of data activation 114 which is gathered about the behavioral patterns of the wild animal to be equipped.
[0788]
[0789] Table XI: Overview on the hybrid and advanced systems 40.
[0790] h. Direct neural or nervous system stimulation actuator
[0791] Direct neural or nervous system stimulation actuator 105 is yet another actuator option. In addition to influencing wild animals through their natural sensory modalities, it is conceivable to bypass these systems entirely and interact directly with the nervous system or brain of the wild animal. By delivering controlled electrical, chemical, or mechanical stimuli, the device could elicit sensations or reactions as if a natural sensory input had occurred. This approach leverages neurotechnology principles and could provide precise, immediate, and tailored feedback to the wild animal.
[0792] This approach involves delivering stimuli directly to the wild animal's nervous system, either at the peripheral level (e.g., sensory nerves) or the central level (e.g., brain). The stimuli are designed to mimic or simulate the effects of a natural warning signal, such as a sound, vibration, or light, or to elicit specific behavioral responses.
[0793] This approach requires a significantly higher effort to connect the alarm to the wild animal 147. But on the plus side, it promises to deliver much more nuanced or strong signals at significantly reduced energy requirements.The connection, beyond the always present attachment to the wild animal or inside the wild animal, requires electrodes and / or microfluidic channels, which are implanted near the target nerve or brain region.
[0794] Biocompatible materials such as platinum or silicone have to be used to prevent irritation or immune response.
[0795] Microprocessor-controlled circuitry is likely required to regulate stimulation patterns (e.g., frequency, intensity, duration).
[0796] Neural architecture varies between species, needing customization of stimulation protocols.
[0797] Stimuli can be tailored to specific nerves or brain regions, ensuring species-specific and targeted effects.
[0798] • Bypassing limitations of natural senses: Overcomes scenarios where external actuators (e.g., sound, vibration) might be ineffective due to environmental interference or sensory deficits.
[0799] • Reduced environmental impact: Does not rely on sound, light, or chemical emissions that could affect non-target species or ecosystems.
[0800] • Can also be used for medical or conservation efforts: For therapeutic purposes, such as restoring sensory functions or managing pain in injured wild animals. By connecting directly to the nervous system or brain, this technology offers a revolutionary approach to influencing wild animal 147 behavior. It provides unparalleled precision and adaptability while minimizing unintended environmental impacts. However, its application must be guided by stringent ethical standards and scientific rigor.
[0801] Stimuli must remain within biologically safe thresholds to avoid long-term harm or distress to the wild animal.
[0802] Efforts should be made to minimize invasiveness, using external or surface-mounted devices when possible.
[0803] Compliance with animal welfare and ethical guidelines is essential for implementation. The following methods could be employed to stimulate nerves or the brain:Actuator Principle Characteristics
[0804] Electrodes deliver small, controlled electrical currents to specific nerve Stimulating the auditory nerve
[0805] pathways or brain regions.
[0806] Electrical could create a perception of sound
[0807] It could be realized with
[0808] stimulation Stimulating the somatosensory
[0809] microelectrode arrays or implantable actuator 106 nerves could mimic tactile
[0810] electrodes producing pulsed or sensations like vibration or pain.
[0811] continuous waveforms tailored to the desired sensory effect.
[0812] Releasing neurotransmitter analogs Micro-doses of safe,
[0813] could mimic natural signals in the biocompatible chemicals as a
[0814] Chemical brain
[0815] chemical stimulation actuator 107
[0816] stimulation Releasing mild irritants could create a can be delivered directly to neural
[0817] actuator 107 sensation akin to taste, smell, or touch.
[0818] tissues to activate or inhibit
[0819] Microfluidic systems actuator specific responses.
[0820] integrated into the device.
[0821] Mechanical
[0822] Could apply pressure or vibrations
[0823] stimulation
[0824] directly to neural structures.
[0825]
[0826] actuator 108
[0827] Table XII: Overview on the direct neural or nervous system stimulation actuators 105
[0828] i. Actuator directly exerting force: the wearable exoskeleton
[0829] In addition to influencing a wild animal's sensory perception or directly stimulating its nervous system, it is also conceivable to implement a system that physically alters the wild animal’ s movement with actuator directly exerting force 109. This can be achieved through the use of a wearable exoskeleton 110 or embedded mechanisms that actively intervene in the wild animal's body dynamics. Such systems could redirect the wild animal 147 away from hazards or guide its movements when it does not voluntarily respond to deterrence signals.
[0830] Below is a description of how such a system could function, its potential components, and its future prospects.
[0831] The primary goal of this system is to mechanically influence the animal’s movement to achieve the desired outcome, such as avoiding a hazard.
[0832] This could involve an active movement control: Using actuators to directly alter the position or orientation of key body parts, such as wings, tails, or limbs.
[0833] Such a system could operate autonomously based on real-time feedback from sensors or in response to pre-programmed instructions.The system of wearable exoskeleton 110 would consist of the following key components:
[0834] 1. Exoskeleton Framework: A lightweight, wearable structure designed to attach to the wild animal’s body without restricting its natural movements.
[0835] Made from materials such as carbon fiber, titanium alloys, or advanced polymers to ensure durability and minimal weight.
[0836] Customizable designs for specific species and body shapes.
[0837] It would likely not cover the entire body, only small but key parts of it, such as certain joins, e.g., the tail root or joints in the wings of birds.
[0838] 2. Actuators: While inactive for exerting movement, these actuators could be used to harvest motion energy for keeping the entire alarm system powered, see Chapter 6 Autonomous Energy Supply.
[0839] 3. Servo motors: Compact, high-torque motors to move appendages such as tails or wings. Precise control of angle and speed to ensure smooth interventions
[0840] 4. Pneumatic or hydraulic actuators: For species requiring higher force-to-weight ratios, such as large birds.
[0841] 5. Shape-memory alloys (SMAs): Advanced materials that change shape in response to electric currents or temperature changes, providing low-weight actuation.
[0842] 6. Actively engaging in the wild animal movement might require a sensor suite and controls:
[0843] • Position sensors: monitor the orientation and movement of body parts in real-time.
[0844] • Inertial measurement units (IMUs): Tracking acceleration, tilt, and angular velocity for precise control.
[0845] • Control system: A microcontroller or Al-driven module to analyze sensor data and determine appropriate physical interventions. Algorithms to calculate movement corrections, such as tail adjustments for flight redirection. When a deviation toward a hazard is detected, it adjusts relevant body parts (e.g., tail tilt or wing angle) to redirect the wild animal. For instance, a bird’s tail could be tilted to induce a banking maneuver, steering it away from power lines.7. Passive elements (e.g., springs or flexible joints) could ensure neutral behavior even in case of power failure.
[0846] Future advances and anticipated progress
[0847] 1. Miniaturization: Actuators and control systems are expected to become significantly smaller and lighter, enabling their use in smaller species.
[0848] 2. Improved materials: The development of ultra-lightweight and bio-integrated materials will enhance comfort and reduce the device’s impact on natural behavior. 3. Biomimetic designs: Actuators inspired by biological structures (e.g., artificial muscles) could integrate seamlessly with the wild animal’s body.
[0849] 4. AI-Driven control: Machine learning algorithms will improve the system’s ability to predict wild animal behavior and optimize movement corrections in real-time.
[0850] 5. Devices must be designed to avoid impairing the wild animal’s natural movement or causing long-term discomfort.
[0851] 6. Each device must be tailored to the anatomy and behavior of the target species. 7. Movement interventions must be gentle and within biomechanical limits to avoid injury.
[0852] 8. Deployment of such devices must align with animal welfare laws and conservation guidelines.
[0853] Compact and light housing
[0854] A compact and light, hermetically sealed, housing 8 is required, especially for the first preferred embodiment for birds 2. As a ground rule, any device attached to, or inside, the animal should be as small, light, ergonomic and non-obstructive as possible.
[0855] No life function such as moving, feeding, reproducing etc. should be unduly hampered. Which sizes, weights and shapes are at least acceptable and with no to very little impact for the survivability of the wild animal all else being equal, depend on the wild animal species, sex, age and potentially even individual.
[0856] Birds 2, especially flying birds, being optimized for weight efficiency, this point is even more highlighted than e.g., with a big mammal.Birds in their evolution lost teeth and gonads, developed hollow bones and other traits, showing absolute minimum weight is always a primary objective regardless of their ability to carry higher weights.
[0857] Tracking devices attached to birds 2, as a reference point, start at weights of 3-5 grams, at dimensions of about 20x20x10 mm (without attachment e.g., by harness loops).
[0858] Such devices are deemed to be suitable for birds weighing 100 grams or more themselves. A commonly accepted guideline is that birds can safely carry external loads up to approximately 5% of their body weight without significant impact on their flight performance or daily activities. This conservative estimate accounts for variations in individual strength and environmental conditions.
[0859] However, load distribution, relation to the center of gravity of the bird 2, ergonomics, aerodynamics etc. all need to be taken into account too.
[0860] Also, the carrying capacity of birds does not grow linearly with their own body sizes. As strength grows with the cross section of their muscles (following an x2rule compared to their body length x), their weight increases following an x3rule at the same time. Thus, relatively speaking, birds of identical form factors must get weaker compared to their body weight. Eventually, this leads to birds unable to fly at all, or only under particular circumstances such as thermal winds or sea breeze for example.
[0861] This has to be taken into consideration in dimensioning the onboard actuator alarm device 1. So, a 50-gram device might already require a bird of 1500 grams or more own weight.
[0862] The housing 8 of the onboard actuator alarm device 1 plays a critical role in ensuring its overall weight and size are minimized while maintaining durability and functionality. A lightweight, compact and hermetically sealed housing 8 design can be achieved by considering not only the materials used for the enclosure itself but also the efficient arrangement and miniaturization of the internal components, particularly the battery, electronics, and any energy-harvesting mechanisms such as a solar panel 9.
[0863] a. Design principles
[0864] • The housing 8 is designed to be as lightweight and compact as possible while protecting the internal components from environmental factors such as moisture, dust, and impact (see chapter 5).
[0865] • Minimizing component size and efficient component layout dictating the housing dimensions• Energy efficiency: Highly energy-efficient electronics reduce power consumption, enabling the use of a smaller battery. This, in turn, reduces both the weight and the size of the housing 8.
[0866] b. Housing structure
[0867] Compare Fig 9. and Fig. 10 for the housing of a preferred avian embodiment of an onboard actuator alarm device 1 for birds 2 such as raptors.
[0868] Material selection: Initial prototypes will utilize 3D-printed materials, such as lightweight polymers, to enable rapid design iterations and testing.
[0869] Production models will transition to injection-molded plastics, such as polycarbonate (PC) or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), which are lightweight, durable, and cost-effective.
[0870] • Tubular design: A tubular structure 115 can serve as the primary housing body.
[0871] End caps 116 seal the tube, and give it an ergonomic and aerodynamic shape. The housing 8 can be closed with a housing cover 117 on its bottom.
[0872] • The overall cross section of the housing 8 could be roughly trapezoidal with a wider base towards the back of the bird 2 compared to a somewhat narrower plane facing outward. This design minimize snagging hazards. Prior art with straight sides, or even inverted trapezoidal shapes has shown to get wedged in crotches or rocks.
[0873] • The bottom is flat to sit well on modular baseplate 6 which is plane on top. The baseplate itself is curved on its bottom to accommodate the spine and curvature of the back of birds. The split structure has the added advantage to be able to produce a standardized core unit 7 on the one hand, with only one size, while at the same time using different baseplates 6 as adaptors to different bird sizes or even other wild animals 147. It is the modular baseplate 6 which allows to attach the harness 3 with its ribbons 4.
[0874] • The inside of the housing 8 body itself can be used as Faraday cage of the entire assembly e.g. by cladding the interior with tin foil. The Faraday cage should be electrically connected to battery 61 negative, and is separating the wild animal’s body from the antennas 11 which are to be mounted on the housing 8 back, in fontand aft the solar panel(s) 9. This ensures that the antennas 11 remain fully decoupled from the wild animal’s body.
[0875] The housing 8 can also be for example be moulded or 3D printed from high strength polymers. If injection molding is used, a clear and transparent housing can be achieved, which can cover and thus protect the solar panel 9.
[0876] • The end-caps generate an overall aerodynamic and ergonomical shape. To ensure maximum strength and longevity also of seals, the end caps 116 and housing cover 117 are kept free of force from the harness 3, whereas the lugs are an integral part of the modular baseplate 6 and thus taking the entire mechanical load.
[0877] • The overall shape viewed from the side should resemble an air foil, which will not create lift, as the lower part is snug to the back of the wild animal.
[0878] C. Key components and their impact on weight
[0879] i. Battery
[0880] As the heaviest internal component, the battery’s 61 size and weight are minimized by leveraging energy-efficient circuitry and optimized power management. Smaller battery capacity requirements allow for the use of lightweight lithium-polymer (LiPo) cells or solid-state batteries.
[0881] ii. Solar panel
[0882] The solar panel 9, as used in the first preferred embodiment, is selected to balance energy-harvesting efficiency and size. High-efficiency photovoltaic cells enable smaller panels while still providing sufficient power. 8 or better 10 cells are required in a single panel to guarantee charging of a 1-S Lithium Polymer battery, as each cell produces only about 0,6V.
[0883] The panel could be integrated seamlessly into the housing 8 structure to avoid adding unnecessary weight or bulk and damage. If placed inside the housing under a transparent housing top shell 119, it even better protected.
[0884] Ergonomic shape
[0885] The onboard actuator alarm device 1 must have an ergonomic shape for the same reasons that it must be light weight.What is ergonomic is highly species dependent. E.g., trackers for rhinoceroses were built by simply drilling a hole into their horn 118 and gluing / sealing the tracker into the inert matter of the horn 118.
[0886] In the disclosed preferred first embodiment with birds 2, an ergonomic shape mainly means 3 things:
[0887] • Comfort. The modular baseplate 6 under the core unit 7 needs to have a concave bottom 169, showing enough contouring to the spinal ridge and body shape of the bird 2 (if attached to the back), or contouring to other body parts it is attached to such as the leg, avoid protruding antennas 11 and be adequately padded.
[0888] • Minimum drag. Compare Fig. 10 Aero foil shape, especially a taper at the rear (not front) of the unit lessens form / induced drag. This is achieved by the rear end cap 116. Torpedo shapes are aerodynamic, and also the frontal end cap 116 contributes to this, as well as to ergonomics due to their rounded edges..
[0889] • Least chance of snagging: Many techniques from prior art GPS wildlife tracking devices are actually not to be used, such as too coarsly woven harness straps, antenna(s) protruding from the housing (sometimes even 3 -pronged pitchfork antennas), elevated “ski rack” solar panels 9 (elevated from actual device by small and uncovered columns, which forms a major snagging hazard), etc. are all inherently dangerous. Sometimes, raptors and other birds can get caught on thorn-trees even without any additional encumbrances.
[0890] An optimal design could even use flexible cases and maybe even flexible PCB boards.
[0891] If needed, separate boards could also be placed around the body, using wired (inside the harness 3) or wireless connections.
[0892] In the disclosed first embodiment, horns 118 on the modular baseplate 6 push the straps beyond abrasive tendon points on the bird’s shoulders.
[0893] If the device is connected, and antennas 11 were too big to be integrated into the PCB as is often the case, then soft antennas can be integrated into the harness 3 straps instead of sticking out separately.Autonomous energy supply
[0894] The onboard actuator alarm device lean be fully charged upon deployment. However, it will remain on the wild animal ideally for life, but a battery 61 needs to be recharged.
[0895] The only exception would be cases where the hazard itself, or a beacon attached to the hazard, can provide the required energy in a wireless way (compare analogy of RFID chips in animals under hazard beacon 16), which in this case would equally be the energy source.
[0896] a. Nuclear batteries
[0897] The only batteries 61 which could last long enough would be nuclear batteries, but have significant drawbacks. Nuclear batteries, also known as beta voltaic or radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs), are power sources that generate electricity from the decay of radioactive materials (e.g., tritium, strontium-90, plutonium-238) to release energy in the form of radiation. While they have notable advantages, including high energy density, independent of environmental conditions like sunlight or temperature, and can last decades due to the slow decay rates of radioisotopes, their use in wildlife conservation or wearable / implantable devices for wild animals 147 is not practical or appropriate, due to containment issues of radioactive material in harsh conditions, public perception and proper disposal.
[0898] b. Rechargeable chemical batteries such as lithium polymer (LiPo) through solar panel For wild animal-mounted devices, safer and more practical power sources include:
[0899] Rechargeable chemical batteries 61 such as Lithium-polymer (LiPo) batteries, or capacitors as storage and buffer, but which are only suitable in this case, if permanent or periodic recharging is assured, without human intervention. It is not possible to put them in a charging station periodically as e.g. in the case of falconry telemetry prior art.
[0900] For recharging, the preferred first embodiment of the onboard actuator alarm device 1 includes solar panels 9: Lightweight, renewable, and well-suited for species exposed to sunlight.
[0901] Inconveniences are that day and night patters and weather conditions limit the actual theoretical sun energy. Covering the panel by hair, feathers etc. can at least temporarily block this light. A damaged, scratched or dirty solar cell can further limit the actually harvested energy, which is why in the disclosed first embodiment, the solar panel 9 sits underneath the translucent housing top shell 119.It is therefore important to calculate with a significant safety margin. With realistic assumptions for solar irradiance and panel efficiency, a solar panel of around 2 cm2suffices to replenish a 70 mAh battery in 10 hours of peak sunlight. However, considering practical issues such as variable light conditions, it might be prudent to opt for a slightly larger panel, perhaps around 4 to 5 cm2, to ensure reliable charging under less-than-ideal conditions. This size is very manageable and can be easily integrated into most small, portable devices. On the other hand, the energy need for the disclosed first embodiment of the onboard actuator alarm device 1 is only a mall fraction of 70 mhA per day.
[0902] • Location and placement: The geographic location and the orientation of the solar panel 9 significantly affect its actual output. Panels should ideally be placed where they can receive maximum sunlight without obstruction. The exchangeable modular baseplate 6 could come in different shapes sizes, each time ensuring that for a given species, the solar panels 9 will not be obstructed by feathers. To this end, any big baseplate 167 which is bigger than the minimum baseplate 166 comprise a thickened, hollow section called baseplate elevator 168, as well as they are longer especially to the front end, as well as wider, with the shape curving to accommodate the bird’s 2 wider back.
[0903] • Compare Fig. 17a and Fig. 17b
[0904] Estimation of the power consumption
[0905] Estimation of the power consumption must include the standby power of the sensor, as well as the occasional power drain from one or several activated actuators 31.
[0906] The standby power of the current sensor circuit has been measured as ~1 pA if using a nano-power op-amp
[0907] The target energy per pulse of the electro-tactile actuator 57 is in the range of 45pJ Efficiency: Assuming only 50% system efficiency (conservative), the actuators draws 90 pj from the battery per pulse.
[0908] Pulse Frequency: Every 50 ms (= 20 Hz).
[0909] Assumed total duration in a day: 2 Minutes (120 s) (which is extremely conservative, as the birds will likely not even generate an alarm in a normal day, nor will they stay for 2minutes before leaving the danger zone as they won’t want to stand the pain inflicted. Total Pulses in 2 Minutes: 2,400 pulses
[0910] Total energy consumed: 216,000 pj = 0.216 Joules
[0911] Convert to Battery Capacity (mAh):
[0912] A 70mAh battery at 3.7V contains roughly 932 Joules of energy The energetic budget for 2 Minutes of alarm consumes 0.023% of a full battery charge.
[0913] Energy consumption estimate for the piezoelectric buzzers 34:
[0914] Piezo buzzers are known for their efficiency. Typically, a piezo buzzer might consume around 1 to 30 milliwatts (mW) during operation. Assuming an average power consumption of 15 mW, the energy used per minute would be 250 micro watt-hours (pWh).
[0915] Duration of Use: The actual power usage would also depend on how frequently and for how long these devices are activated.
[0916] But overall, the energy requirement for the standby of the alarm, as well as occasional alarm events, as a total, can very easily be sustained by a solar panel 9 which fits into the desired tiny target range in terms of size and weight for the device, enabling the disclosed invention also for rather smaller birds with less carrying capacity, certainly including all raptors down to small species.
[0917] C. Rechargeable chemical batteries such as lithium polymer (LiPo) through kinetic or thermal energy
[0918] An alternative to solar energy is the harvesting of kinetic or thermal energy from the wild animal itself, equally stored and buffered in Rechargeable Chemical Batteries such as Lithium-polymer (LiPo).
[0919] If one day, the whole device could be miniaturized to an extend where injecting it under the skin of a wild animal becomes an option, solar is obviously impossible. The injection would have many advantages, such as withdrawing the device for environmental impacts such as UV, the wild animal's attempts to rid itself of the foreign body, certainly a much easier deployment (potentially even remotely as projectile with a gun similar to the case of a tranquilizer gun arrow) etc.For such a scenario, the constant movements of the wild animal 147 or its body heat might be used to generate the required energy for the electronic device. Just like mechanical watches, or even electric quartz watches as by Citizen, use kinetic energy to be perpetually driven.
[0920] Possible implementations include:
[0921] i. Electromagnetic harvesting (linear or rotational)
[0922] This method typically involves a magnet moving within a coil or a coil moving around a magnet, generating electricity through electromagnetic induction.
[0923] This method can be effective if the motion is consistent and strong enough, as in the first embodiment the flapping of a bird's wings. A small linear or rotational system could be implanted with minimal size increase.
[0924] The movement in a bird's wing is not always linear or rotational but could be more complex. However, linear portions of the movement can at least be utilized.
[0925] Especially this principle, but also the following, might be combined with actuators which are directly exerting a force 109 on the wild animal, bypassing its own sensory, decision making and reaction process.
[0926] A movement being used to generate electricity can, depending on the principle, also be used in the inverse sense to exert a force. An electric motor and electric generator are essentially the same machine, only the direction of operation is inverted.
[0927] ii. Piezoelectric harvesting
[0928] This involves materials that generate an electric charge when subjected to mechanical stress or strain, like pressure or vibration.
[0929] In the first embodiment on birds 2, the flapping of the wings could apply a considerable amount of pressure or bending on piezoelectric materials. These materials could be placed on parts of the wing, such as the muscles or bones, where strain is greatest, or be directly attached to the onboard actuator alarm device 1 on one side, while the other is moved by the wing movement, creating a bending stress / pressure in the middle. Amount of power and long-term durability are to be studiediii. Electrostatic harvesting
[0930] This method captures energy from the relative motion between two surfaces that create varying electric fields, often using capacitive devices.
[0931] In the first embodiment on birds 2, this is suitable for the wild animal's wing, where there is constant movement between overlaying feathers: As the wing flaps, the relative motion could generate enough potential difference between capacitive surfaces to charge a small capacitor. Electrostatic harvesters are often compact and can be quite effective in capturing energy from oscillating or repetitive movements.
[0932] Electrostatic harvesters can be sensitive to the environment (such as humidity or dust) and generally do not produce large amounts of power. The molding (exchange of feathers) of the bird has to be taken into account.
[0933] iv. Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG)
[0934] TENGs work based on the principle of triboelectric effect, where two materials generate charge through mechanical friction. As the materials rub against each other, they generate an electric charge.
[0935] Suitability in the first embodiment for the bird’s wing: The repetitive rubbing motion from flapping wings could be harnessed by TENGs. TENGs can be quite small, making them suitable for integration into a compact device under the skin. They are particularly effective for harvesting small amounts of energy from low-frequency motions, such as wing beats.
[0936] TENGs generally produce low power levels. The materials used for the triboelectric effect could also degrade or wear down over time.
[0937] v. Capacitive Harvesting (Microgenerator Systems)
[0938] This type of system uses mechanical movement to create a small oscillating charge through a series of micro capacitors that change the stored energy as the device moves. In the first embodiment, suitability for the wild animal's wing: A microgenerator that uses small, precise movements could be ideal for capturing the mechanical energy from the wild animal's wing motion. This method is already being explored for tiny devices. These systems typically require high-frequency vibrations, so capturing low- frequency motion like wing flapping could be challenging without careful tuning.A hybrid system, integrating multiple harvesting techniques for optimal performance, can also be envisioned.
[0939] vi. Motion harvesting in marine environment
[0940] Motion harvesting can take different shapes when considering other groups of wild animals then birds or land-dwelling mammals.
[0941] As example, marine life offers unique opportunities for energy harvesting using motion-based systems like paddle wheels or propeller drives. For large marine creatures such as fish, seals, or whales, the onboard actuator alarm device 1 can take advantage of their consistent movement through water to generate electricity, while at the same time, solar is likely to be prohibitively difficult.
[0942] Unlike air, water is much denser, meaning that the movement of a marine creature through the water can create substantial forces. Even a relatively slow-moving fish or whale generates considerable kinetic energy as it moves through the water.
[0943] Paddle wheels / propellers, turbines: These are commonly used in energy-harvesting applications where the movement of water is used to turn mechanical systems. A paddle wheel or propeller could be attached to the wild animal 147, and as the wild animal swims, the motion could rotate the wheel or propeller to generate electricity. The mechanical motion could then be converted to electrical energy through a generator (e.g., using a small dynamo or a permanent magnet motor).
[0944] The key challenge with paddle wheels and propellers is balancing the need to generate enough energy with minimizing drag. For large creatures such as whales, this is evidently no problem.
[0945] Attachment, long term stability, avoidance of marine growth are special challenges. Example whales and dolphins: These wild animals can cover long distances at relatively high speeds. Attaching a paddle wheel or propeller system to a whale’s tail or dorsal fin could be highly effective due to their large size and the power they generate while swimming.
[0946] vii. Thermal energy harvesting (thermoelectric generation)
[0947] Thermal energy harvesting converts temperature differences between two points into electrical energy using the Seebeck effect, where a temperature gradient across different conductors or semiconductors generates a voltage.The body heat of a wild animal could provide a temperature difference, if contrasting the internal body temperature with the external environment. For example, thermoelectric generators (TEGs) use materials that generate power when there’s a temperature difference between two sides. The device could harvest this difference between the wild animal’s skin and the surrounding air (or even internal body temperature vs. external if the device is implanted).
[0948] Temperature gradients might be bigger or smaller depending on the wild animals’ habitat. It would not work for poikilothermal wild animals 147 which cannot regulate their body temperature.
[0949] TEGs typically generate low amounts of power.
[0950] viii. Chemical energy harvesting (biofuel cells)
[0951] Chemical energy harvesting, particularly through biofuel cells, uses chemical reactions to generate electricity. Biofuel cells typically use enzymes or microorganisms to break down organic substances like glucose or lactate, generating electricity as a byproduct of the metabolism.
[0952] Biofuel cells are an attractive option for harvesting energy from a wild animal’s metabolic processes, as they can use glucose or lactate (common byproducts of metabolism) to generate electricity. These fuel cells are already being used in medical devices (like pacemakers or sensors), and the power output is often sufficient for low- energy devices. The output from a biofuel cell is enough for low-power devices if combined with energy storage (e.g., capacitors or small batteries).
[0953] Size and Implantation: Biofuel cells require enzymes or microbial components, which could pose challenges for miniaturization. They also need a fluid medium to transport nutrients and waste products.
[0954] An option is a biofuel cell that uses the lactate found in the wild animal's blood or the glucose available from the metabolism as a fuel source. This would work by extracting small amounts of these compounds from the blood or tissue to power the device. Like thermoelectric harvesting, biofuel cells could provide a secondary power source. For example, when the wild animal is at rest or not flying, the biofuel cell couldsupplement the power from the kinetic or thermal harvesters to ensure the device remains operational.
[0955] Electrochemical integration: Combining biofuel cells with electrochemical capacitors could store the energy generated and provide a steady power output to the device. ix. Other chemical harvesting (enzyme based and microbial fuel cells)
[0956] These cells rely on biological materials such as enzymes or microbes to break down organic compounds into energy. Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) can use bacteria to break down organic matter, creating an electrical current as a byproduct.
[0957] Since wild animals naturally excrete organic compounds such as lactate, urea, or glucose through their metabolic processes, an implanted device could harness these compounds for energy.
[0958] Similar to biofuel cells, microbial and enzyme-based systems require careful management of substrates and waste products. They also might need a way to interface with the wild animal's body fluids, which could complicate miniaturization.
[0959] Self-contained biofuel cells: Using a small, encapsulated biofuel cell within the body, possibly integrated into the bloodstream or muscle tissue, could allow for a sustainable and reliable energy source. This approach has been used in pacemakers and other medical implants.
[0960] Implantable microscopic systems: Future developments might focus on miniaturized microbial fuel cells that could harvest energy from the wild animal's waste products or metabolic byproducts in a low-power environment.
[0961] The application of such devices is obviously more complex than the mere attachment of an external power source such as a solar panel 9.
[0962] Long term use toughness
[0963] When designing a device that will be deployed for the lifetime of a host wild animal 147, several factors need to be taken into account to ensure the onboard actuator alarm device 1 survives both environmental conditions and the physical challenges posed by the host wild animal. These factors can include environmental exposure (e.g., temperature, humidity, water, etc.), mechanical stresses (e.g., movement, impacts, and vibrations), and the potential attempts by the wild animal to remove or damage the onboard actuator alarm device 1.In the following, these requirements are broken down in more detail and related to the IP (Ingress Protection) rating system, which is commonly used to describe the protection level of devices against dust and water ingress.
[0964] a. Environmental conditions
[0965] The onboard actuator alarm device 1 will likely be exposed to varying environmental factors depending on the habitat of the wild animal (e.g., land, marine, or aerial environments).
[0966] This includes:
[0967] • Temperature extremes: onboard actuator alarm device 1 may need to operate in a wide temperature range, from freezing conditions to hot climates, especially if deployed on wild animals 147 in regions with significant weather variability. • Humidity and moisture: Exposure to water, particularly in marine environments or during rain, requires robust protection against ingress of moisture or water. • UV exposure: Long-term exposure to UV radiation from sunlight (especially for wild animals in open environments or on land) could degrade materials or electronic components.
[0968] • Saltwater: For marine environments, saltwater poses an additional risk, which could cause corrosion or degradation of the materials and components over time.
[0969] • Dust and dirt: Exposure to dirt, sand, or other fine particulate matter, especially for wild animals in desert or dusty environments.
[0970] Protection classes relevant here:
[0971] • IP67 or IP68: This would ensure the onboard actuator alarm device 1 is dust-tight (first digit '6') and can withstand immersion in water (second digit '7' for immersion up to 1 meter, or '8' for immersion beyond 1 meter). Devices in these classes are commonly used in marine or rugged environments.
[0972] • UV-resistant materials: Onboard actuator alarm device 1 should be made from materials that resist UV degradation, typically aluminum or plastic and coatings designed to handle prolonged exposure to sunlight.b. Mechanical stresses from the host wild animal’s movements
[0973] The onboard actuator alarm device 1 will undergo constant motion, vibrations, and impacts from the wild animal’s movements. These mechanical stresses could cause internal components to shift, crack, or wear out over time. Additionally, depending on the wild animal's behavior, the device may experience impacts from rough terrain or collisions with obstacles.
[0974] • Vibrations and shocks: onboard actuator alarm device 1 must be able to endure continuous vibrations and occasional impacts, such as jumping, running, or underwater movement.
[0975] • Wear and tear: Areas in contact with the wild animal’s body, skin, or fur might wear overtime, requiring durable and abrasion-resistant materials.
[0976] • Protection classes relevant here:
[0977] • IP65 or IP66: These ratings provide protection against dust and water (again, ensuring protection from waterjets or high-pressure water) but also indicate that the device can withstand external physical forces like vibrations or impact from exposure to rough conditions.
[0978] • Shock-resistant design: In addition to the IP rating, the device may need to meet additional shock-absorption standards, such as MIL-STD-810G (a military standard for environmental conditions), which tests for resistance to drops, vibrations, and impacts.
[0979] C. Attempts by the host wild animal to rid itself of the device
[0980] Wild animals may attempt to remove or damage the device through biting, scratching, rubbing, or even rolling in the dirt or water. This will require additional protection to withstand these deliberate or instinctual actions, particularly if the wild animal is in distress or trying to rid itself of the foreign object.
[0981] Biting or clawing: Onboard actuator alarm device 1 must be resistant to biting forces (in mammals like seals or dolphins) or clawing (in birds or certain marine wild animals), or be attached in places where this is impossible.• Rubbing or scraping: The device may need to withstand frictional forces if the wild animal 147 rubs against surfaces or objects in an attempt to remove the device.
[0982] • Breaking or tearing: The physical attachment methods should be robust enough to resist attempts to break the device off.
[0983] Protection classes relevant here:
[0984] • IP65 or IP66 (again): These classes are useful for devices that may need to resist external impacts and the ingress of water or dust. However, to withstand more physical force, additional protective features, such as impact-resistant casings (e.g., using polycarbonate or titanium alloys), may be needed.
[0985] • Armor-like coating: Applying reinforced coatings or materials such as rubber or impact-resistant polymer could help reduce wear and tear from the wild animal’s actions.
[0986] d. Long term durability
[0987] Since the onboard actuator alarm device 1 is meant to stay with the wild animal for its lifetime, its construction needs to be highly durable with materials designed to withstand prolonged use in all environments and under constant physical stress.
[0988] This includes:
[0989] • Relevant protection IP67 or IP68.
[0990] • Resistance to deformation due to prolonged exposure to mechanical stresses. • Long-term sealing against water and dust ingress, ensuring that components inside the device are fully protected throughout the wild animal's lifetime. Use of seals or gaskets 154.
[0991] • Durable materials: Resistance to corrosion (e.g. especially for marine wild animals), abrasion-resistant, UV-resistant. Consider encapsulation or conformal coating, by potting compounds to exclude water, moisture, or corrosive agents, to increase resistance to shocks and vibrations.Fixation methods, including drop-off and modular fixation system
[0992] The preferred embodiment onboard actuator alarm device 1 housing 8 is standardized for efficient manufacturing, while the fixation method 120 depends on the host wild animal. This means that the housing must have a standard interface, to which an adapter can be mounted, which always has one identical face, fitting the housing, while the other face is adapted to the best host wild animal 147 fixation method 120.
[0993] The adapter interface doesn't have to be optimized for frequent attachment and removal. Once fixed, the attachment has to be totally tamperproof for the wild animals and not wear out. However, it should be possible to recuperate an onboard actuator alarm device 1 by detaching it from the modular baseplate 6 adapter in a non-destructive way, or the destroyed element is easily and cheaply replaceable. The necessary use of a tool could make it tamperproof. Suitable housing 8 to adapter connections could include: Bayonet lock system, screw-and-lock mechanism (used in preferred embodiment), interlocking pin-and-slot system, clamping mechanism (quick clamp), cinch or ratchet strapping (with locking mechanism) etc.
[0994] Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 illustrate how in the preferred first embodiment, the core unit 7 and the modular baseplate 6 are assembled. For simplification, these figures show only 163: (the core unit + baseplate with upper ribbons 164 and electrodes 58, as could be pre-assembled in the factory, but without deliberate release mechanism 5 and lower ribbons 165). The remainder of the harness with the buckle 129 and lower ribbons 165 will only be attached in the field, when equipping the bird 2.
[0995] • The first embodiment uses screws 155 to tie modular baseplate 6 to the core unit 7. While doing so, the screws 155 also close tightly the housing top shell 119 and housing cover 117.
[0996] • The connection between core unit and baseplate does not only need to be mechanical, but also electrical for the routing of the electrode 58 litz wires 71, as well as the control wire 128. To have detachable electric connections, the first embodiment of the disclosed invention proposes for example the use of spring-loaded pins 134 (pogo pins) as part of the housing cover 117, and connect securely to target pads 136 which are part of the modular baseplate 6. Water and dust tightness of the core unit 7 are ensured by wire housings 135 around the spring-loaded pins 134. Compare Fig. 13.Suitable for which
[0997] Fixation animals Size and attachment Comments
[0998] Very common for
[0999] domestic animals such
[1000] as dogs, cats or
[1001] livestock (cattle, Adjustable in size to
[1002] sheep, goats), and can accommodate different
[1003] be used for some larger neck circumferences.
[1004] mammals like bears,
[1005] wolves, large cats, and
[1006] Collar 121 deer. Easy to apply and remove The smaller the device,
[1007] the smaller the wild
[1008] animal can be suitable Minimizes encumbrance for this attachment. compared to collars, and Larger mammals like Attaches small devices may also be less likely to elephants, rhinos, (like acoustic alarms) be lost or removed. hippos, or large directly to the wild May cause discomfort or Ear tags, - ungulates (e.g., bison, animal, alarm located infection if not carefully notch or - deer), large cats, close to very sensitive applied, as the ear is often clip 122 wolves. organs pierced.
[1009] Direct, discreet
[1010] attachment to the wild A big disadvantage is that Wild animals like
[1011] animal’s body, with no the device would come off reptiles (e.g., turtles,
[1012] need for external if the wild animal sheds its crocodiles), some
[1013] accessories like collars. skin entirely as in reptiles, mammals with thick
[1014] Adhesive must or sheds the top layers of skin like seals or
[1015] Direct withstand water, scales, fur or feathers over whales.
[1016] attachment sunlight, and potential time.
[1017] to skin 123 physical stress.
[1018] Secure attachment that Adds additional weight and spreads out the pressure bulk, and a risk of and prevents the device snagging. Must be designed Birds, seals, sea lions, from causing localized with predetermined dolphins, and other harm. breaking points that if part marine mammals, or Allows for larger of it is damaged, leading to large land mammals devices, to be attached a more dangerous fit, the Harnesses like bears or without interfering with entire contraption comes 3 elephants. movement. off at once.
[1019] Non-invasive and can be done using biocompatible. The carapace normally Turtles, certain Durable attachment site being a protective feature, reptiles like (the carapace is typically the location will be rather crocodiles. hard and resilient). insensible. Actuators must be chosen to reach the Carapace senses which are not attachment obstructed by the carapace.
[1020]
[1021] 124Lightweight and easy to Risk of being lost or Leg band, Small mammals like attach without restricting removed since they are ankle or rodents, foxes, or movement. Adjustable more accessible than e.g., tail band small marsupials (e.g., size for small species. back, harness, collar or ear 125 koalas, bandicoots) Limited size device. mounted devices.
[1022] Teat or A discreet and effective Not all wild animals will nipple Some mammals, such way to attach a device tolerate such devices, and attachment as female lactating without impacting the there’s a risk of infection or 126 cows or elephants wild animal's movement. discomfort.
[1023] Most tamper-proof fixation method: Wild animal has Long-lasting attachment no access to the device or with minimal external its fixation and will not try interference. to dislodge it or get rid of All, depending on size Secure and less likely to it. Invasive procedure with Subcutane of device. be lost or damaged by potential for complications, ous or environmental factors. such as infection.
[1024] intraLimited to small Deployment could be made muscular devices, and requiring with a distance weapon implantatio biocompatible outer such as a tranquilizer gun
[1025]
[1026] n 127 surface. or spear.
[1027] Table XIII: Overview on the fixation methods
[1028] a. Fixation methods in the preferred first product embodiment of an onboard actuator alarm device for birds
[1029] In the disclosed preferred first embodiment of the onboard actuator alarm device 1, a harness 3 with a modular baseplate 6 is used. The hamess3 is best practice in falconry or wildlife telemetry. The baseplate 6 adapts a standardized core unit 7 to different species and sizes.
[1030] The harness 3 also serves the purpose of conducting the electrical impulses of the electro- tactile actuator 57 to the electrodes 58 with conductive beads 73 crimped onto the harness 3 ribbons 4. As in all electrical gear, the point where a cable has a feedthrough or insulating bushing with a housing is critical. It needs to remain water and dust tight, and the litz wire 71 should take no load while the tubular ribbon 4 around it is there to take load. Nor should the litz wire 71 breaks through movement between the flexible part of the harness 3 and the rigid part of the feedthrough through the modular baseplate 6. For that, it is important that the angle of pull of the ribbon 4 is aligned with the angle of the horn 118 on the modular baseplate 6, which is equally important for the comfort of the bird 2 and the avoidance of chafing.The modular baseplate 6 is equipped with a bushing that ensures the tightness, and also has some elastic quality in the horn 118 to it so the wire can't be sharply bend around the edge. The wire is clearly longer than the Teflon around it, and thus never under tension. The extra litz wire inside the Teflon allows at the distal end, where the brass conductive bead goes, to shift it a little back and forth for the precise size adaptation that is wanted for a given bird 2. So much litz wire is coiled up inside the Teflon that even at the longest desired extension, the litz would still not be under tension, but the Teflon only would take the mechanical stress.
[1031] This can be seen in the figure 8.
[1032] In the preferred first product embodiment of an onboard actuator alarm device 1 for birds 2, especially raptors, the attachment is realized via a falconry and wildlife tracking tried and tested harness 3, adapted for long term use.
[1033] Bird rings are a very old and wildly used technique. However, they place a very strict target on miniaturization. Also, if an electro-tactile actuator 57 is to be used for the actuator, birds often carry thick scales on their legs and feet, requiring specific studies if the voltage peaks can penetrate them, or if the ring could be mounted higher up on the leg where it is covered by feathers, without sliding down.
[1034] Instead of leather anklets with a removable tracking transmitter, the onboard actuator alarm device 1 could directly be integrated into a ring shape which is permanently attached to the bird 2. If ringing happens during the growth period, the ring can be slid over the aligned toes, and will permanently keep in place when the bird grows some more.
[1035] For adult birds, rings can still be attached if they allow opening and closing. In the easiest case, they are simply bent. Better are butt end or riveted rings. Whenever the ratio of device weight to bird weight exceeds ~1%, it seems advisable to switch to a harness 3 -based back mount.
[1036] In the preferred first embodiment, the harness 3 setup doubles as insulated cable sheath for the electrode 58 cables or litz wire 71 which guide the electro-tactile actuator 57 circuit’s current to the best suitable spots for example on the breast muscles of the bird. It can equally carry another control wire 128 to trigger the release of the entire onboard actuator alarm device 1 by triggering the deliberate release mechanism 5, which could be realized with a buckle 129 and 3 tongues 130 which can be liberated simultaneously by removing a single trigger pin 131, using some form of servo 132 such as an electromagnet.
[1037] Compare Fig. 14.The harness 3 ensures an optimal mounting at the center of gravity of the birds, minimizing obstructiveness. Birds can alter the camber (bulging cross section of their wing) fore or aft to accommodate the center of gravity, e.g., to accommodate a full crop, eggs, and tags to some extent.
[1038] Ideally weight should be placed low, not high. Thought could be given to placing weight low on chest harness, or division of components moving weight throughout the core unit 7 and harness 3. This has to be balanced with more tamper-proof positions on the back of the bird 2.
[1039] Pelvic mounts have been shown to be disadvantageous compared to back mounts. Pelvic mounts alter the center of gravity aft. They increase the ability to bite and tug on the device. They may compromise mating and oil gland accessibility if mounted too low.
[1040] The four harness 3 ribbons 4 of the preferred embodiment should never become a trap for snagging. When the harness 3 outlives the onboard actuator alarm device 1 itself, or part of the harness breaks, weak links or a time or remotely activated deliberate release mechanism 5 are the responsible way to remove the otherwise lifelong burden. Compare Fig. 15b and Fig. 14 for the preferred embodiment.
[1041] Weak or activated links ensure that the harness 3 drops off on all 4 points simultaneously. This should also happen when the wild animal becomes snagged.
[1042] In the prior art of harnesses 3 for birds 2, usually a staggered release occurs where ribbons 4 fail with time lapses between them, making the contraption unnecessarily dangerous in the meantime.
[1043] Different deliberate harness 3 release mechanism 5 solutions for birds 2 are disclosed: i. A leather or rubber O-ring
[1044] • Leather spreads load away from the keel bone and flattens profile. It is the cheapest and least risk material with a life span judged by thickness and strength.
[1045] • The leather ring or rubber O-ring 133 must freely pass through the loops.
[1046] • Oil seals were found to last 3-6 months and are thus only useful if this time frame is targeted, but not for a multi-year use, which is a time leather or other materials can provide.
[1047] Compare Fig. 14a for a preferred embodiment.ii. Buckle design with tongues
[1048] Compare Fig. 14b.
[1049] • A single trigger pin 131 in a trigger pin hole 138, if broken or pulled out, can make the entire harness 3 and thus onboard actuator alarm device 1 come off. When the trigger pin 131 releases the first tongue 130 and its ribbons 4, 2 others fall out in quick succession, one liberating the other, leaving only one ribbon 4 attached to the buckle 129.
[1050] • Opening could occur after an approximatively predetermined time through corrosion of the trigger pin 131, or the pin is removed time controlled or on demand via remotely controlled servol32 -controlled mechanical release. • It is preferred the opening could be triggered remotely. Since material aging through corrosion, oxidization, material aging through UV etc. are all difficult to determine, a servo operated opening of the harness 3 is preferred.
[1051] • As long as the unit disposes of a bi-directional data link 139, or only a link from for over-the-air commands 140 to the onboard actuator alarm device 1, the entire assembly could be released at the desired moment, ending any inconvenience or risk to the wild animal.
[1052] Feasibility and prior art
[1053] a. Prior art from other areas
[1054] In the development of this idea, an extensive “prior art research” has been carried out within the global patenting system by a professional patent lawyer, as well as within the commercial marketspace by the inventors, outside the structured patent databases. The latter was in order to find a suitable system to deploy to warn birds of powerlines, wind turbines and other hazards, or find at least useful elements and inspiration.
[1055] It turned out that nothing available could be used with moderate adaptations, not even in clever combination, but an own development was necessary, including some custom components.
[1056] Compare to Fig. 20, 21 and 22 the prior art investigation.In summary, devices and methods used to prevent animal conflict with wild animals 147 are always attached to the infrastructure, and centric to the infrastructure and humans. Often, it is the human who is alarmed (e.g., to switch off the infrastructure), either of approaching danger to the human or to their belongings (pets, livestock, goods...). This is very likely so because the focus has always been on protecting the human or their belongings, not the wild animal. Even in the case of the only prior art, where a device attached to a domesticated animal is meant to influence it’s behavior (dog collars), the aim is to adapt the domesticated animal to man’s desire. Dog collars for domestic dogs or similar pets, and meant either for training purposes or to keep the dog / pet within a given property. This is usually to keep the domesticated animal within one confined area (and not to keep it away from many separate single areas), or to discipline it based on a decision made by its owner (again, by man). The information source is always purpose-made by man: For training purposes, they rely on the human to give the according commands via remote control. For geo-fencing the domesticated animal, these are systems which rely on parts which are attached additionally to the man-made infrastructure, such as an antenna 11 dug into the ground around the perimeter or attached to a fence, or at minimum a radio beacon inside the house. None of these systems has the ability to autonomously generate the information to lead to the warning without access to the infrastructure, or carry the respective geo location (GIS) data on board. These prior art devices do not detect or know (through onboard data, or data being fed over the air) the locations of generic and unaltered infrastructure. It is not primarily averting danger to the domesticated animal, but rather preventing behavior by the domesticated animal unwanted by man.
[1057] They are thus never able to cover great distances as needed for wild animals with large territories or migrations. Correspondingly, their power supplies are also not designed for permanent use.
[1058] Devices which do get attached to wild animals for a longer time are solely used for data gathering, but never contain actuators. Ideally, they do not influence the bird / mammal / wild animal’s live at all. Even solutions containing geo-fencing only serve to notify human observers that the wild animal 147 has left or entered a certain area. There is now an entire “Internet of Animals” loA emerging, where sightings, GPS data, environmental data and other sources are brought together for analysis e.g., by Al tools. But nowhere is a feedback loop to a wild animal and its behavior even mentioned, leavealone implemented. If at all, that feedback loop only consists in actions that humans take. Typically, those are actions not immediately taken, but only described in a nonspecific way: “Better understanding of wild animals, which includes their whereabouts, is meant to lead to better protection measures, whatever those might be”. There are only very few examples with concrete action, e.g., by switching off wind farms during peak bird migration times. The wild animals themselves are typically mere objects of study and sources of data. No other prior art gives them something back immediately and for their own benefit.
[1059] Warning solutions, which are embedded to a moving object and not the infrastructure, are strictly for human use, mainly low flying aircraft such as balloons or helicopters. They have comparatively ample power supply and re-charge possibilities, and several powers of ten higher weight, space and power consumption envelopes. They could be considered for “indoor” use in the sense that they are inside the protected part of the vehicle in question. They rely on the fact that a human can consciously associate a signal with the danger, and don't need to be annoying enough to solicit a behavior change even without understanding.
[1060] b. Feasibility
[1061] i. In a technical sense
[1062] The technical feasibility of the preferred first embodiment has been proven by proving that each major module could be custom-developed, built and successfully tested, while others are commercially available and / or tried and tested.
[1063] The technical feasibility of core modules is described in great detail in the detailed description. But various elements do exist in completely different contexts (see prior art), and can be cleverly brought together, optimized and adapted for e.g., the airborne and long-term use, and integrated into a paradigm-shifting new device. There is ample historic proof from hundreds of thousands of falconry birds how effectively the birds work the harness 3 completely under their feathers and into direct skin contact when preening only once.
[1064] Compare Fig. 2c vs. Fig.15a.Certain components, albeit indispensable for the innovation, had to be custom designed for it to function. This includes for example most notably:
[1065] • The fully self-referencing, floating (earthing independent) sensor for electric fields 10, as of fig. 4
[1066] • A miniaturized custom transformer for the fly-back transformer circuit 59 in a size not to be found commercially
[1067] • An electrode-in-harness solution 58 to guide the actuator signals to the most reactive and safe body parts etc.
[1068] • There is proof of the effectiveness as being intensely aversive and harmlessness of the electrical discharge assembly on different poultry birds (chicken, geese, ducks). Electrical discharges are also safe for humans and used for example in muscle toning belts which stimulate muscles without the need for physical exercise.
[1069] • A device and modular baseplate 6 solution to adapt an identical device to multiple wild animals and sizes.
[1070] • Other inventive steps include:
[1071] o the combination of prior art GPS trackers with an new active alarm function capable of giving a direct feedback to the wild animal instead of only providing data for human use.
[1072] A deliberate release mechanism 5 which drops off all 4 points simultaneously and not staggered, for safe release, which is neither patented, nor commercially available or used by researchers tagging birds.
[1073] ii. In an organizational sense
[1074] In terms of the organizational feasibility, birds, mammals and other wild animals would have to be captured and equipped specimen by specimen. A few numbers illustrate the viability in terms of immediate economics (advantage compared to existing solutions) for the example of the preferred avian embodiment:
[1075] Annually, around 3.8 million birds are ringed for scientific purposes across Europe alone. This effort helps researchers gather vital data on bird migration, survival rates,and overall population dynamics, which are essential for conservation strategies4. Globally, the practice of bird ringing (or banding) has been instrumental in studying the population ecology and behaviors of various bird 2 species over the decades. Historically, tens of millions of birds have been ringed worldwide since the inception of organized bird ringing programs in the early 20th century. For example, in the UK alone, nearly 50 million birds have been ringed since their national scheme began5The act of trapping a bird 2 for ringing, and trapping a bird for equipping with an onboard actuator alarm device 1 as in the preferred avian embodiment of the disclosed invention are very similar in terms of organizational feasibility. They are indeed identical if the device can be miniaturized enough to fit into a bird ring, which at the current state of the technology already seems achievable at least for large birds, which have a higher carrying capacity in absolute terms. The existing race pigeon trackers, comprising GPS plus cell phone modem and a battery to last for typical races, fit onto the ankles of race pigeons, where every tenth of a gram count.
[1076] Birds raised in captivity to augment natural populations don’t even need to be trapped, and are regularly equipped with tracking devices before release. Adding the alarm function represents zero additional effort in these cases.
[1077] iii. The economics behind the idea
[1078] In terms of economics, there are different aspects to consider.
[1079] 1. Falconers frequently experience the electrocution of their birds, who’s flight path they only partially control. They can set the starting point, but not always anticipate where the bird 2 flies to or where it decides to land. They are not pets, but remain essentially wild animals 147. Falconers invest not only at least ~ the money for a pure-bred dog into each bird upon purchase, but more importantly, invest very significant time in their training. Raptors in the care of falconers can live ~20 years for smaller birds, and > 50 years for large species. There is therefore a very significant emotional attachment, leading to a willingness to pay for any protective gear which can prevent the loss of a bird. Typical telemetry gear, also a safety feature, but to retrieve the birds if out of sight, retail at -750- 2000$.
[1080] Institut fur Vogelforschung
[1081] Power Line Sentry• 2. For the application in wildlife conservancy and animal conflict avoidance, there can be significant costs, as described in the regulatory background of the invention, e.g. in order to fulfil the regulatory framework of the IFC PS6 (International Finance Corporation, Performance Standard 6). The budgets involved in wind farms can reach billions for their construction, and entire projects have been cancelled, reduced or delayed due to impending wildlife conflict, mainly with protected bird species. The disclosed invention has the potential to cut such costs to a small fraction.
[1082] • Furthermore:
[1083] o Damage to human life in the case of big carnivores is immeasurable. Even worse are cases of bird strikes which can bring down entire passenger aircraft.
[1084] o Blackouts caused by electrocutions can cause significant inconveniences for many residents, lost production for industry, and penalties for the utility companies involved. Frequent blackouts usually lead to political interventions, given their very public effects.
[1085] o On the other hand, are the costs for alternative measures as described above, targeting to make the infrastructure itself safe, vs. the costs involved in making all individual wild animals safe which risk causing animal conflicts, and the increasingly appreciated value of biodiversity. It is estimated that of the African raptors, »90% of the natural population have already been lost, some estimates go as high as 97%.
[1086] Some species are so near to extinction, that the number of alarms which would need to be deployed to cover the entire population are measured in a few hundred units.
[1087] C. Other steps towards practical implementation
[1088] For the testing the effectiveness of the preferred avian embodiment, an alarm watch for caregivers or waiters with a remote control was modified. The bracelet was replaced by a clip as it is used in falconry for attaching radio telemetry to birds wearing a leg mount, tail mount or back-pack mount using a harness 3 as proposed.
[1089] The alarm consists of a buzzer, a vibration motor, and the screen illuminating.
[1090] All this is fitted into the form factor of a watch, including a rechargeable battery. The UHF remote control replaces the alarm information source. Contrary to most other suchdevices, the remote can also cancel the alarm, so the bird 2 doesn't have to switch it off, but the falconer. This allowed to test in a totally harmless environment, where there is no real hazard, and instead the falconer controls time and place when an alarm goes off. Tests showed that birds 2 have a high ability to learn to ignore initially annoying signals, which do not have any real consequences. Considering that wild birds like sea gulls, crows and many others flock to airports to feed on their own, learning to ignore starting jet engines, shows that sound, lights and vibrations are no fail safe actuators. The learning effect proved even to occur with falconry goshawks, a species reputed for being very nervous and easily scared.
[1091] Tests with toned down electro-tactile actuator 57 from dog collars showed that birds react reliably to mild electric stimulation. The sensation, while totally harmless, is painful enough to ensure the wild animals learn rather how to avoid it occurring, than to learn to ignore it. Electrocardiogram electrodes were used to ensure perfect skin contact. Again, the use of remote controls as origin of the alarm trigger, instead of real danger, ensured perfect test conditions and immediate shut off.
[1092] The trials showed perfect effectiveness even at very much reduced settings compared to dogs, further aided by perfect skin contact.
[1093] As one potential data source 142, The use of e.g. GPS based location modules 13, bidirectional data links 139 e.g. with 2 / 4G cell phone networks, including over the-air commands 140, are all established and commercially available prior art, even in very small form factors and low power consumption suitable for the disclosed invention. This includes the possibility to use the combination for geofencing 141. Development boards and software backends from OEM developers are available. The main difference to the disclosed invention in this respect is that their geofencing never leads to a use with onboard actuators 31 with the capability to give direct feedback to the wild animal 147 itself.
[1094] The feasibility of electric field detection at a sufficient distance of up and beyond 30-50 m, as intended data source 142 in the first embodiment of the disclosed invention, was tested with commercial hand held electric and magnetic field meters. As expected, the magnetic field could not reliably be measured. The commercial devices and similar reproductions proved unsuitable for the use in the preferred avian embodiment of the disclosed invention, as they rely on the grounding of the operator: Although plastichousing, rubber soles etc. form a perfect DC insulator, the AC current generated can pass to ground, enabled by the effect of capacitive coupling.
[1095] Instead, a custom circuit, fully self-referencing, for floating operation was devised and successfully tested in the field. Based on electrically separated antennas 11 in the fore and aft orientation of the bird, it can detect the field gradient in the air, instead of referencing the antenna position to ground. This gradient reaches its maximum when flying perpendicular to the power line and approaching it, making the signal surge. As can be expected from the physics outlined in chapter 4.1. a. and the respective formula, sensitivity of the device should benefit positively from the voltage level of the line, short horizontal distance to the line (which represents the warning distance and thus should not be lowered below a distance allowing even a fast flying bird 2 to react in time), as well as the distance of the 2 antennas 11 (which is limited by the desired miniaturization of the entire assembly), the height of the antennas above ground level (given by bird’s flight path), low hanging power cables (given by infrastructure), and an angle of approach ideally perpendicular to the power line.
[1096] The formula in chapter 4.1. a. assumes ideal coupling of the sensor for the presence of electrical fields 10 with the field, which in reality is never the case. The coupling efficiency depends strongly on the surface area of the antennas 11 as it is presented perpendicular to the field lines. Big antennas 11 are not wanted for the reason of bulk. It is therefore advantageous to work with more or less amplification of the signal to keep the antennas small. Various prototypes 150 of modules and the complete onboard actuator alarm device 1 have been built and tested as proof of concept, covering all major modules, components and functionality.
[1097] Tables XIV and XV show real life measurement results from field tests with these prototypes 150. The prototypes dispose of potentiometers to fine tune 2 settings:
[1098] First, the amplification of the instrument amplifier can be adjusted. Secondly, the threshold for the comparison of the filtered signal with a reference can be adjusted.Instrument Amplifier potentiometer set to minimum amplification ~3x, antenna distance ~3cm, antenna ends ~3x3x3mm aluminum
[1099] 20 kV powerline, wooden 63kV, metal lattice tower, poles, ~8-10m high lowest cables ~14m high testing height (test rig on long
[1100] insulated pole) 2m 5m 2 m 5 m Distance first signal pickup 12m 19m 11m 17m Distance signal saturation 10.5 m 17m 10.5 m 17m
[1101]
[1102] Table XIV
[1103] Instrument Amplifier potentiometer set to medium amplification ~3Ox (possible 90x) antenna distance ~3cm, antenna ends ~3x3x3mm aluminum
[1104] 20 kV powerline, wooden 63 kV, metal lattice tower., poles, ~8-10m high lowest cables ~14m high testing height (test rig on long
[1105] insulated pole) 2m 5m 2m 5 m Distance first signal pickup 35 m 51m 28m 48m Distance signal saturation 30 m 47m 27m 46 m
[1106]
[1107] Table XV
[1108] The results prove without any doubt that the disclosed invention’s sensor for the presence of electrical fields 10 is feasible, and reaching detection distances 149 which give birds enough time and room to react to a stimulus from an actuator 31. The amplification has sufficient reserves to reach even greater distances if this were to be necessary.
[1109] However, the results on the larger 63 kV powerlines were surprising, given that the >3x higher voltage did not lead to a detection from further away, partially even on the contrary. This is due to the real life geometry with two sets of vertically stacked 3-phase lines, which is a configuration specifically designed by power companies to suppress electric fields. This is known as a double-circuit vertical configuration or flag formation. The cancellation only works in the far field. Once in the near field, the cancellation breaks down, and the field gradient surges extremely fast.
[1110] This surge behavior is actually a superior characteristic for a safety device. If the 63 kV line behaved like the theoretical model, the bird might trigger the actuator -100 meters away while just soaring past. The flag behavior ensures the bird is truly entering the danger zone before the device triggers.. List of reference signs
[1111] Nr Term Nr Term
[1112] 1 onboard actuator alarm device 1 41 visual actuator
[1113] 2 bird 42 LED
[1114] 3 harness 43 flashing ligths
[1115] 4 ribbon 44 laser
[1116] electroluminescent (EL) panels and 5 deliberate release mechanism 45
[1117] strips
[1118] 6 modular baseplate 46 color-specific signal
[1119] 7 core unit 47 tactile actuator
[1120] 8 housing 48 vibration actuator
[1121] 9 solar panel 49 vibration motor
[1122] sensor for the presence of electrical
[1123] 10 50 piezoelectric vibrator
[1124] fields
[1125] 11 antenna 51 solenoids or electromagnetic buzzers 12 event logging system 52 pulsating air actuator
[1126] 13 localization module 53 resonating membrane
[1127] 14 hazard database 54 magneto-mechanical oscillator 15 processing unit 55 mechanical oscillator with springs 16 hazard beacon 56 pain based actuator
[1128] 17 buzzer 57 electro-tactile actuator
[1129] 18 sensor 58 electrode
[1130] 19 Infrared sensor 59 fly-back transformer circuit
[1131] 20 acoustic sensor 60 transformer
[1132] 21 vision-based sensor 61 battery
[1133] 22 radar and lidar sensor 62 electronic switch
[1134] 23 vibration and seismic sensor 63 control unit
[1135] 24 chemical sensor 64 sectional bobbin structure
[1136] 25 ultrasonic sensor 65 high-inductance magnetic component 26 polarized light sensor 66 secondary winding
[1137] T1 radiation sensor 67 primary winding
[1138] non sensor based, on-board information
[1139] 28 68 shielding
[1140] source
[1141] non sensor based, offboard online
[1142] 29 69 outer flux band
[1143] information sources
[1144] 30 beacon-based information source 70 insulating tubular ribbon
[1145] 31 actuator 71 litz wire
[1146] 32 acoustic actuator 72 needle
[1147] 33 electromagnetic (solenoid) buzzer 73 conductive bead
[1148] 34 piezoelectric buzzer 74 crimp
[1149] 35 active buzzer 75 dynamic speaker
[1150] 36 passive buzzer 76 piezoelectric speaker
[1151] 37 speaker 77 pneumatic whistle
[1152]
[1153] 38 siren
[1154]
[1155] 78 digital sound generator39 other principles acoustic actuators 79 threshold adjust
[1156] 40 hybrid and advanced systems 80 threshold comparator
[1157] Nr Term Nr Term
[1158] 81 LED flasher 121 Collar
[1159] 82 strobe lights 122 Ear Tags, -Notch or -Clip
[1160] 83 UV light 123 Direct Attachment to Skin
[1161] 84 rotating mass (ERM) motor 124 Carapace Attachment
[1162] 85 Linear Resonant Actuators (LRAs) 125 Leg band, Ankle or Tail Band
[1163] 86 pinching or squeezing actuator 126 Teat or Nipple Attachment Subcutaneous or intra-muscular 87 heat actuator 127
[1164] implantation
[1165] 88 vibrational pain actuator 128 control wire
[1166] 89 ultrasonic skin irritation actuator 129 buckle
[1167] 90 mild chemical irritants actuator 130 tongue
[1168] 91 olfactory and gustation actuator 131 trigger pin
[1169] 92 taste releasing actuator 132 servo
[1170] 93 odor releasing actuator 133 O-ring
[1171] 94 aerosol spray 134 spring-loaded pin
[1172] biological or ferment-based odor
[1173] 95 135 wire housing
[1174] actuator
[1175] 96 actuators beyond classical 5 senses 136 target pad
[1176] 97 magnetoreception actuator 137 internal baseplate wire
[1177] 98 electroreception 138 trigger pin hole
[1178] 99 infrared detection actuator 139 bi-directional data link echolocation and ultrasonic perception
[1179] 100 140 over-the-air command
[1180] actuator
[1181] 101 hygroreception actuator 141 geofencing
[1182] 102 polarized light detection actuator 142 data source
[1183] vibrational and seismic sensitivity
[1184] 103 143 man-made hazard
[1185] actuator
[1186] 104 UV light perception actuator 144 location
[1187] direct neural or nervous system
[1188] 105 145 alarm trigger command stimulation actuator
[1189] 106 electrical stimulation actuator 146 remote computing platform
[1190] 107 chemical stimulation actuator 147 wild animal
[1191] 108 mechanical stimulation actuator 148 vector-sensitive electric field detector 109 actuators directly exerting force 149 detection distance
[1192] 110 wearable exoskeleton 150 prototype
[1193] 111 alarm event 151 matching
[1194] 112 adaptive actuator 152 real time
[1195] 113 variable frequency / intensity 153 event database
[1196] 114 pattern-based activation 154 seal or gasket
[1197] 115 tubular structure 155 screw
[1198] 116 end cap 156 Other contextual sensor data 117 housing cover 157 Rolling log file
[1199] 118 horn 158 time
[1200] 119 housing top shell 159 position
[1201]
[1202] 120 fixation method
[1203]
[1204] 160 Intermediate log fileNr Term
[1205] 161 permanent log file
[1206] 162 bulk transmission
[1207] Core unit + base plate with upper ribbons and electrodes, but without 163
[1208] deliberate release mechanism and lower ribbons
[1209] 164 upper ribbon
[1210] 165 lower ribbon
[1211] 166 minimum baseplate
[1212] 167 big baseplate
[1213] 168 baseplate elevator
[1214] 169 concave bottom
[1215] 170 onboard actuator alarm system 171 initial high-voltage spike
[1216] 172 dampened oscillations (ringing)
[1217]
[1218] 173 total pulse duration6. Description of use Cases
[1219] The list of potential use cases to avoid animal conflict is long.
[1220] The preferred avian embodiment use case of avoiding bird electrocutions and collisions with high voltage power transmission and distribution lines or rail overhead lines, as well as wind turbines, and airports as 3 biggest dangers has already been described in the background of the invention. The immediately targeted customer groups include environmental conservationists protecting rare bird species, as well as falconers who want to protect their birds from perching on power poles. Equally have been covered electrocutions of wild animals which sometimes climb power poles, such as leopards or monkeys, or reach them such as giraffe. It has to be mentioned that the benefits are not limited to wild animal lives spared, but also prevent power outages.
[1221] But considering the fundamental principle of this invention, that a device or system can be conceived that is capable of lending an additional sense for danger to a wild animal if equipped with it, and uses onboard actuators 31 designed to influence the wild animal’s decision making, the list of use cases can be broadened much further.
[1222] Since information about dangers can include static data such as the location of an airport, but in the case of the system claims also dynamic data such as traffic conditions, or even moving dangers or “animal conflict opponents” in the widest sense, the following is a non-exhaustive list of use cases to illustrate what the abstract concept, including the listed sensors and actuators, could cover: Equipped marine live could be saved from ending up as bycatch. If for example the nets or trawlers of tuna fishing operators were carrying a beacon which averts e.g., dolphins, sharks, turtles and other protected species, they could avoid the nets if they were equipped with an onboard actuator alarm device 1.
[1223] Whales could be dissuaded from beaching themselves unintentionally if perturbed by human offshore installations, solely based on geographical coordinates matching.
[1224] Pangolins could be kept away from electric fences where upon touching them with their unprotected underbelly, their reflexive response makes them curl into a ball around the wire, perpetuating the situation and till death from electrocution or starvation.
[1225] There have been numerous cases with wild “problem animals” (like bears, lions, tigers, wolves etc.), especially in densely settled areas where such wild animals still live, or have been extinct for a long time, but are making a comeback. The disclosed invention could help avoid animal conflict, give back a feeling of security to the population, while avoiding to kill the wild animal. Peacefulco-existence becomes possible as soon as the animal’s behavior becomes controllable before conflict becomes inevitable.
[1226] Humans or their livestock could carry beacons making them safe from any equipped large predator such as large cats, wolves, bears etc.
[1227] Geo-fencing no-go areas for these dangerous animals could keep them out of zones that can be defined on a map remotely. There is no need to build or move fences. Today, cattle herders in Africa move fences around to protect their cattle at night from hunting lions. If the lions were equipped with an onboard actuator alarm device 1 e.g., in their ear, which is updated over the air of temporary no-go-zones for the lions and temporarily reserved for the cattle, the lions would not be able to hunt there.
[1228] Wild animals could be kept away from poaching zones. E.g., migratory birds could be re-routed if poaching activity is apparent.
[1229] But it doesn’t have to stop at large or dangerous wild animals. As long as the onboard actuator alarm device 1 can be made small and cheap enough, they could help avoid many other accidents, both for the wild animal and for humans. Road kills are a good example for more massive use cases of more prolific wild animals. At this point in time, the technology and economics might not yet be justifying such deployment.
[1230] But for more rare and protected species, the alternatives are less promising and more costly. Captive breeding programs and re-introduction or population augmenting programs often costs millions of dollars to produce a small number of offspring. If these specimens are only to be killed by “animal conflict” of some sort, the deployment of an onboard actuator alarm device Iwould have been a very economical and effective alternative.
[1231] Scientific studies could benefit from the claim 12 to track when and where the actuator(s) has been set off, and to what extent the wild animals are able to learn to associate the visual or other impression of the danger with the actual pain, and thus learn over time to avoid the proximity altogether. Infrastructure could be built safer with better knowledge of the most dangerous locations, thus benefiting also specimens which are not equipped with an own alarm.
[1232] Seasonal or Temporary Hazards, even if not man-made: The disclosed invention could also be used to redirect wild animals away from natural disasters such as flood and fire zones. Certain dangers to wild animals, especially temporary or moving ones, could also constitute dangers to humans. If the disclosed system detects such danger, the information could even serve as an early warning system for humans.
Claims
7. ClaimsThe invention claimed is:
1. An onboard animal-conflict deterrent device, comprising:• a housing configured for attachment to a wild animal;• at least one actuator configured to provide a sensory warning signal to the wild animal;• a detection interface configured to provide a detection signal, the detection interface comprising at least one of:o an environmental sensor configured to detect a physical stimulus associated with a man-made hazard; ando a localization module and an on-board hazard database, wherein the detection interface is configured to provide the detection signal based on a match between geographic coordinates from the localization module and hazard location data stored in the on-board hazard database;• a controller configured to activate the at least one actuator in response to receiving the detection signal from the detection interface.
2. An animal -conflict mitigation system, comprising:• at least one onboard device as in Claim 1, further comprising a bi-directional data link;• a remote computing platform in communication with the at least one onboard device via the bi-directional data link;• wherein the remote computing platform is configured to:o (a) receive data from the onboard device;o (b) identify a man-made hazard by processing the received data, wherein processing includes at least one of:■ (i) matching geographic coordinates against a master hazard database; and ■ (ii) performing a computational analysis of environmental sensor data; ando (c) transmit an alarm trigger command to the onboard device to activate the at least one actuator.
3. The system of claim 2, further comprising an external signal emitter associated with a potential animal-conflict partner, wherein the potential animal-conflict partner includes at least one of a human, livestock, and man-made infrastructure, and wherein the signal emitter is configured to emit a physical stimulus detectable by the at least one environmental sensor of the onboard device to initiate the alarm trigger command.
4. The system of claim 2, wherein the remote computing platform is configured to transmit updates from the master hazard database to the on-board hazard database of the onboard device.
5. The system of claim 2, wherein the remote computing platform is configured to update the master hazard database based on hazard-indicative signals and geographic coordinates received from the onboard device.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to provide a staggered alarm response to induce a learned avoidance behavior in the wild animal, the response comprising:• (a) activating a first actuator at a first hazard proximity to provide a warning signal;and• (b) activating a second, more severe actuator at a second, closer hazard proximity to provide an aversive correction;• wherein the controller is configured to maintain a temporal association between the warning signal and the aversive correction to facilitate Pavlovian conditioning in the wild animal.
7. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one actuator comprises an electro-tactile actuator comprising a custom high-inductance fly-back transformer and wherein the actuator is configured to:• (a) convert a low-voltage DC input between 2.8V and 5.0V into high-voltage output pulses, delivered through at least two electrodes, to achieve dielectric breakdown of dry skin and sustain a pulse duration exceeding a biological nerve depolarization threshold;• (b) generate dampened oscillations (ringing) following the initial high-voltage spike, calibrated to the physiological resistance of the wild animal to induce a withdrawal reflex through a stimulus that is physiologically non-injurious yet intensely aversive.
8. The device of claim 7, wherein the controller is configured to modulate the intensity of the output pulses by varying the charging time ton of the transformer to provide a reserve of voltage up to 5,000V, thereby tailoring the aversive response to specific species and individual physiological thresholds.
9. The system of claim 2, wherein the onboard device comprises an onboard memory and is configured to:• (a) continuously record a rolling log of localization and contextual sensor data (e.g., speed, orientation, 3D-acceleration), wherein older data is periodically overwritten; and• (b) preserve a specific temporal window of the rolling log in response to an alarm trigger command, wherein the temporal window comprises a predetermined duration of data recorded immediately prior to and following the alarm trigger command for subsequent analysis of wild animal behavioral responses.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein the onboard device is configured to protect the preserved temporal window from being overwritten by moving said data to an intermediate event log, and wherein the onboard device is further configured to transmit the intermediate event log to the remote computing platform in a bulk transmission upon detecting a network connection and battery threshold.
11. The device of claim 1, wherein the housing and detection interface are hermetically sealed and configured for long-term deployment in at least one of aerial, terrestrial, and aquatic environments, and wherein the device further comprises an energy harvesting module configured to provide an autonomous power supply by harvesting energy from the specific environment in which the wild animal dwells.
12. The system of claim 2, wherein the remote computing platform is configured to perform a behavioral analysis of the wild animal by comparing the data recorded prior to the alarm trigger with the data recorded following the alarm trigger to determine at least one of • (i) an immediate reaction strategy of the wild animal (e.g., change in altitude, velocity, or direction); and• (ii) a longitudinal learning effect (e.g., decreased time-to-reaction over successive alarm events).
13. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one environmental sensor is selected from a group consisting of:• a sensor for the presence of electrical fields;• an infrared (heat) sensor;• an acoustic sensor;• a vision-based sensor;• a radar or LiDAR sensor;• a vibration and seismic sensor;• a chemical sensor;• an ultrasonic sensor; and• a polarized light sensor.
14. The device of claim 1, wherein the actuator comprises at least one of:• an acoustic actuator (including buzzers, speakers, or sirens);• a visual actuator (including LEDs, flashing lights, or lasers);• a tactile actuator (including vibration motors or pulsating air);• a pain-based or aversive actuator (including electro-tactile or ultrasonic skin irritation);• an olfactory or gustation actuator (releasing odors or aerosols);• an actuator beyond classical 5 senses (including magnetoreception, electroreception, or echolocation); and• a direct neural or nervous system stimulation actuator (providing electrical or chemical stimulation).
15. The device of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to provide adaptive actuation by varying at least one of a frequency, an intensity, and a pattern of the actuator response based on real-time sensor feedback.
16. The device of claim 1, wherein the environmental sensor for detecting electrical fields comprises a dual-antenna, field-gradient measuring, and self-referencing architecture configured to detect a man-made electrical hazard while the wild animal is ungrounded in flight, and wherein the detection signal is modulated by a flight direction of the wild animal relative to the hazard.
17. The device of claim 1, further comprising an attachment mechanism, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises a modular baseplate for adaptation to varying wild animal physiology and a deliberate release mechanism configured to detach the device from the wild animal in response to a predetermined autonomous trigger, wherein the trigger comprises at least one of a time-based duration and a material-aging threshold.
18. The system of claim 2 and claim 17, wherein the deliberate release mechanism further comprises a servo-controlled mechanical release, and wherein the remote computing platform is configured to transmit a remote-release command over the bi-directional data link to activate the servo-controlled mechanical release, thereby terminating the deployment of the device on demand.
19. The device of claim 7, further comprising an attachment mechanism, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises at least two insulating tubular ribbons and at least two conductive wires respectively disposed within said insulating tubular ribbons; wherein at least two conductive beads are attached to the insulating tubular ribbons and each is electrically coupled to one of the conductive wires to serve as the at least two electrodes; and wherein the insulating tubular ribbons are configured to prevent electrical discharge between the conductive wires except through the wild animal via the conductive beads.
20. The device of claim 1, wherein the housing and attachment mechanism are configured for subcutaneous or intra-muscular implantation within the wild animal.