Drone Dart Tagging for Precise Tracking of Diseased Wildlife
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wildlife tracking systems do not effectively allow for non-lethal identification and tracking of diseased animals, particularly those with chronic wasting disease, while enabling recreational hunting without harming healthy animals, due to limitations in precision and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A drone-based system equipped with a camera, wireless transceiver, and dart dispenser that allows users to remotely observe, identify, and tag animals with a dart containing a transmitter, enabling real-time location tracking and monitoring of tagged animals, facilitating their removal from the area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional wildlife tracking methods are used, then identification of diseased animals can be achieved, but precision and efficiency are insufficient, making it difficult to target specific animals without harming healthy ones
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical tracking methods (physical tagging, visual identification) with an electronic system comprising a drone equipped with a camera and transmitter, and a dart with an on-board transmitter. The drone captures images of animals, the system identifies diseased animals through image analysis, and the dart delivers a transmitter to the targeted animal, enabling precise identification and tracking without physical contact or harm to healthy animals
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary tracking system that acts as a mediator between the hunter and the wildlife. The system includes a controller that receives images from the drone, processes them to identify diseased animals, and guides the dart dispenser to deliver transmitters to targeted animals. This intermediary system enables precise targeting and tracking while preventing harm to healthy animals through real-time image display and location monitoring
2Ease of operation
If hunters are allowed to freely hunt wildlife, then recreational hunting can proceed, but healthy animals may be harmed due to inability to distinguish diseased from healthy animals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the drone continuously captures images of wildlife, the controller processes these images to identify diseased animals, and the system provides real-time feedback through the mobile application showing the location and status of tagged animals. This feedback loop enables hunters to make informed decisions about which animals to target, ensuring that only diseased animals are hunted while healthy animals are spared
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary identification and tagging of diseased animals before hunting activities begin. The drone surveys the area, captures images, and the system identifies and tags diseased animals with transmitters in advance. This preliminary action provides hunters with advance knowledge of which animals are diseased and should be targeted, preventing accidental harm to healthy animals during hunting
3Reliability
If real-time tracking of tagged animals is implemented, then precise monitoring of diseased animals is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-functional drone system that performs multiple tasks: capturing images of wildlife, transmitting location data, and delivering transmitters to tagged animals. The controller also performs multiple functions including processing images, identifying diseased animals, and guiding the dart dispenser. This universal system reduces the need for separate devices and simplifies the overall tracking system while maintaining high reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a self-service tracking system where the dart with the on-board transmitter automatically provides location data once attached to the animal. The transmitter self-activates and begins transmitting location information without requiring additional setup or intervention. The system automatically processes images, identifies diseased animals, and updates the mobile application with real-time location data, reducing the need for manual operation and simplifying the user interface
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a system for tracking wildlife such as game animals. The tracking system includes a drone that has a camera and a dart dispenser that dispenses a dart with a location transmitter. The drone sends images from the camera to a remote controller, where a user pilots the drone and observes animals for disease or other behaviors, and sends instructions to dispense the dart. The real-time location of the dart is then provided to a mobile application for use in tracking or hunting the animal.