Vehicle Sensor Fusion for Campsite Animal Detection and Deterrence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles lack effective means to detect and deter animals approaching campsites during camping, posing a risk to campers and their safety.
Innovation Solution
Equipping vehicles with sensors such as RADAR, LIDAR, ultrasonic, camera, and thermal cameras to detect animals and activate deterrence features like lights or sounds based on animal type and proximity, with the ability to communicate sensor data between vehicles to enhance detection range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vehicles are equipped with multiple sensors (RADAR, LIDAR, ultrasonic, camera, thermal camera) to detect animals, then the detection capability and safety are improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple types of sensors (RADAR, LIDAR, ultrasonic, camera, thermal camera) into an integrated sensor system mounted on the vehicle. This merging approach allows the system to leverage the strengths of each sensor type - RADAR for long-range detection, LIDAR for precise distance measurement, ultrasonic for close-range detection, camera for visual identification, and thermal camera for heat signature detection - creating a comprehensive animal detection system that overcomes the limitations of individual sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting animals at various distances, classifying animal types, determining animal location and movement, and providing data for both warning and deterrence operations. This multi-functional design allows a single integrated system to handle diverse detection and response requirements, improving reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Reliability
If the predetermined monitoring area is located away from the vehicle (e.g., 20 feet from the vehicle), then the camper safety is improved by creating a buffer zone, but the detection range requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system divides the detection space into multiple zones: a primary monitoring area at a predetermined distance from the vehicle (creating a safety buffer zone), and an extended detection range beyond that. This segmentation allows the system to focus primary monitoring resources on the critical buffer zone while maintaining extended detection capability for early warning, optimizing both safety and detection range requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses multiple sensor types that detect in different dimensions and wavelengths - RADAR for long-range electromagnetic wave detection, thermal camera for infrared heat signature detection, and optical camera for visible light imaging. This multi-dimensional approach allows the system to monitor the predetermined buffer zone effectively while extending detection capability beyond simple linear distance constraints.
3Reliability
If vehicle deterrence features (lights or sounds) are activated to deter animals, then the animal deterrence effectiveness is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deterrence system uses periodic or intermittent activation of lights and sounds rather than continuous operation. The system activates deterrence features only when animals are detected and classified as potential threats, and can modulate the intensity or duration of activation based on animal behavior responses. This periodic action maintains deterrence effectiveness while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system directs deterrence features (lights and sounds) specifically toward the detected animal's location rather than illuminating or sounding in all directions. This localized application of deterrence energy concentrates the effect on the target animal while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption in areas where no animals are present, improving both effectiveness and energy efficiency.
4Reliability
If sensor data is communicated between multiple vehicles, then the detection coverage and reliability are improved, but the communication system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses wireless communication technology as an intermediary to exchange sensor data between vehicles. This intermediary communication channel allows vehicles to share detection information, animal classifications, and location data without requiring direct physical connections or complex peer-to-peer protocols. The wireless intermediary simplifies the communication architecture while enabling expanded detection coverage through multiple vehicle sensors working cooperatively.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Effectively deters animals from approaching campsite areas, enhancing camper safety by using vehicle-mounted sensors to detect and respond to potential threats with targeted deterrence measures.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one sensor may include one or more of a RADAR sensor
Implementation Method 2
the at least one sensor may include one or more of a RADAR sensor, a LIDAR sensor
Implementation Method 3
the at least one sensor may include one or more of a RADAR sensor, a LIDAR sensor, an ultrasonic sensor
Implementation Method 4
the at least one sensor may include one or more of a RADAR sensor, a LIDAR sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a camera, or a thermal camera
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for monitoring a predetermined area for animals. One or more sensors of a vehicle are configured to detect a presence of an object and processing circuitry is configured to detect an object approaching the predetermined area. The processing circuitry is further configured to determine that the detected object is an animal and facilitate activation, in response to determining that the object is approaching the predetermined area and that the object is an animal, a vehicle deterrence feature.