DE3730449A1 - Method and device for detecting wild animals - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for detecting wild animals cowering in meadows and the like before an approaching reaping vehicle and to devices for carrying out this method. For this purpose, the meadow (W) and the meadow ground (WB) are scanned infrared-optically at a sufficient distance from a reaping vehicle (MF) and over the width of the reaping unit of the latter by means of an infrared-optical sensor arrangement (S) mounted on the reaping vehicle (MF). As a result of the contrast of the infrared radiation between the warm body of the wild animal and the colder meadow (W) or the colder meadow ground (WB), the presence of a wild animal is detected by means of the sensor arrangement (S) and in such a case an acoustic and/or optical alarm is triggered. As a result, the attention of the driver of the reaping vehicle is drawn to the detected wild animal, so that he can stop the vehicle or the reaping vehicle (MF) is stopped automatically, and he can move the endangered wild animal, for example a fawn, out of range of danger, preferably in a bunch of grass. <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to a method for the detection of itself in meadows and Ä. Crouching in front of approaching mowing vehicles Wild and a facility for carrying out the process. In particular, the invention relates to a method and a Device for the detection of game, such as roe deer, breeding Partridges, rabbits, etc., with game in meadows approaching mowing vehicles ducks or in the meadows "presses" and then after its detection before the so-called "Mowing", i.e. H. from mostly fatal injuries from the Mower of the mowing vehicles, can be saved.

Every spring mowing comes more agricultural Areas such as meadows, clover fields, etc. Ä., a large number of wild animals, mainly deer, but also brooding partridges and young rabbits, through the mowers of Mowing vehicles lost their lives. The reason for this is on the one hand the timing of the setting time (the time of birth) of deer or the breeding season of partridges, pheasants, partridges u. Ä., with the time of the first meadow maid, and on the other hand the behavior of the animals. The field chickens like to breed in the "protective" high degree, while roe deer, but also Have their fawns or young rabbits in the high in the daytime "Put down" meadows and only come at night to suckle them.

In front of their natural enemies, such as foxes, Golden eagles, eagle owls etc. The young animals there are proportionate well hidden. Your security is also enhanced by a Camouflage coloring, due to an extremely weak body odor and also increased by the fact that in the event of a malfunction or danger  crouch flat on the floor, d. H. "press" and there completely remain motionless. In fawn is also in the first days of life or in the first one or two weeks of life no escape drive developed at all. The natural one Environmentally effective mechanisms work not, and it therefore arises when meeting with the mower of mowers the known fatal consequences.

Currently, a number are detailed below described game rescue measures taken. For example so-called scarecrows are set up in the evening before mowing. Now a roe deer seeks out her fawn at night, she will take it away and put it somewhere else. The disadvantage of this "plugging in" is that you get used to it quickly of the game and furthermore the danger that the goats scare that they won't pick up their fawns anymore and on top of that, a lot of work is required because, for example, because of a surprising change in weather cannot be mowed, sometimes a frequent one Attachment and clearing of the so-called scarecrows necessary is, in order to thereby get used to the protected Switch off wildly.

Optical (flash lamps) and acoustic (sirens) "game savers" should act like scarecrows; too often, however, become the dams frightened so that they can not get their boys at all pick up more; for this reason, this measure has proven to be proven unsatisfactory.

A "reinforcement" of the meadows or the meadow edges with predator droppings and urine mainly sells the goats, so that the fawns cannot be picked up again. On top of that, this is detrimental to the quality of the crop. The search with pointing dogs and then dispelling the fawn extremely time consuming and because of the low weather not reliable enough.  

Because the preventive measures mentioned are not sufficient So-called mechanical are effective "Game rescuer" on the mower deck of a mower or on the tractor attached itself. In a wide variety of designs in principle these are rough rakes which are placed in front of the mower reach down to the ground and touch the game To force escape. Such additional devices hinder on the one hand the mowing process and on the other hand cause an increased Driving resistance, especially when driving fast Rotary mowers lead to increased fuel consumption. Especially with these modern, fast mowing vehicles coarse rakes also have limited effectiveness because frightened game often does not flee quickly enough, or the mower cannot stop in time.

Despite application of all the measures mentioned come in Germany about 60,000 fawns a year by mowing about life. As a disadvantage in the known methods and game rescue equipment is also considered to be time consuming, and are labor intensive or because of the high fuel consumption costly and therefore with great effort are connected; on top of that, they are of limited effectiveness, since practically all procedures are too random are instructed.

The behavior of the game described above, however the conclusion suggests that only recognized game and especially Game recognized in good time was definitely saved can be. The object of the invention is therefore, if possible largely avoiding the above Disadvantages and difficulties of a method and an installation to create game, in which with Wild animals at risk with high reliability and great success is recognized in time.

According to the invention, this is a method according to the Preamble of claim 1 by the process steps  solved in its characteristic part. An advantageous one Further development of the method is specified in claim 2. A device for performing the method according to the invention is stated in claim 3 while advantageous Developments of the inventive device subject of the other subclaims.

In the method according to the invention, a a mowing vehicle attached infrared optical sensor arrangement the game crouching in the meadows early on is detected and a signal is then generated by the detection triggered for the vehicle driver. After stopping the The driver then has the vehicle immediately before Search sensor area swept area and that to scare away found game or to carry fawns out, taking tufts of grass, for example can, in order not to transfer the human smell to the fawn. The area displayed by means of the sensor arrangement, e.g. B. a grouse can also from the subsequent Mahd be exempted. According to an alternative Embodiment, the driver can after stopping the mower or tug slowly backwards so far drive until the infrared optical sensor arrangement detects the game detected again and this is indicated by the signal. Thereby the driver is even spared the quick search because in in this case the game directly under the sensor arrangement or in the immediate area of the sensor arrangement.

An infrared optical sensor arrangement is preferably used, which are sensitive in the wave range from 8 μm to 14 μm is because in this band the maximum of the infrared radiation emitted for objects that, like the body of the game, have a temperature of about 38 °. The environment of the game, essentially the bottom of the meadow usually becomes one significantly lower temperature, for example of 25 ° C or usually have a much lower temperature. thats why a pronounced temperature and thus infrared radiation contrast  given, which enables reliable detection.

The detection is preferably carried out vertically or below steep angles from above, because from this "viewing direction" the Wiese is "optically thin" and allows a "view" of the floor. During previous game rescue procedures largely work unsystematically and therefore rely on random success are with the inventive method systematic recognition of the game. The invention Procedure for the detection of game and the subsequent one Saving game has a very high probability of success.

In addition, the method according to the invention causes no additional work for the user, such as it does was the case when "attaching" scarecrows; when recognizing von Wild the driver of the mowing vehicle only has to stop and remove or remove the game from the danger area bypass. This expenditure of time is perfectly justifiable because mowing game by the mower or mower the driver for the removal of the mown game or much more for cleaning the dirty mower Has to spend time.

In addition, the method according to the invention does not cause any additional fuel costs. The extremely low consumption of electrical energy can be conveniently taken from the tractor electrical system or by additional - possibly rechargeable - Batteries are covered. In addition, the quality of the crop by the method according to the invention in none Way impaired.

As with conventional game rescuers when you get up Kitzes, there is also in the inventive method in the detection of game the problem, the mowing vehicle or to stop the tractor in time. This problem leaves solve in a simple manner that the first strip  is mowed at low speed and one "Predictive" sensor arrangement is provided so that a quick stopping is possible. Then always the strip to be mowed is monitored by the Sensor arrangement z. B. is attached to the side of the tractor. In this embodiment, the first, already mowed strips are driven a second time. A sensor arrangement can also "look ahead" to a certain extent and additionally one in the subsequent strips " Look side ", which then creates a double security is achieved.

The invention is described below on the basis of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings explained in detail. Show it:

Fig. 1 is a schematic sectional view of a typical, commercial infrared detector;

Fig. 2 is a schematic sectional view of the infrared detector with limiting the field stop;

Figure 3 is a schematic sectional view of an inventive device for the detection of Wild with three infrared detectors.

Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of the dimensions of a preferred embodiment of the inventive device for detecting game;

Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of a front mowing tractor with a laterally attached device for detecting game, and

Fig. 6 is a schematic representation of an evaluation and alarm circuit for a device according to FIG. 3.

For a device for the detection of game, thermoelectric infrared detectors, such as thermopiles, bolometers and pyroelectric detectors are to be used, inter alia for cost reasons, although photoelectric detectors are also suitable. In Fig. 1 a sectional view is shown of such a detector (D), the 5-TO housing G is housed generally in a so-called. Inside the housing G , the actual sensor element (SG) is shown schematically, above which a filter disk FS is arranged on the inside of the housing G. Connections A are also shown below the housing G. Such a conventional detector D has a diameter of approximately 8.3 mm and, apart from the connections, a height of the order of 6.3 to 7 mm.

Thermoelectric detectors are sensitive to radiation from the ultraviolet to far into the infrared spectral range. The spectral range from 8 μm to 14 μm can preferably be used for detecting game using the device according to the invention; Therefore, a material is usually selected for the filter disk FS in the radiation inlet opening of the detector D , which only allows radiation in the area mentioned to pass to the radiation-sensitive sensor element SE . Filter discs made of silicon or germanium have proven suitable for this. The irradiation or the change in the irradiation generates a signal in the sensor element SE , which is fed to electronic processing via the connections A. The viewing angle of the detector shown in Fig. 1 is between about 80 ° and 120 °. If necessary, the viewing angle can also be reduced by a screen B shown schematically in FIG. 2; in this way, angles of view that are too flat can then be avoided.

In a preferred embodiment of a device according to the invention for the detection of game, for example three infrared detectors D 1 to D 3 corresponding to the detector D shown in FIG. 1 are knocked, knocked in a known manner on a holding device H shown only schematically. , dirt and water protected attached. The holding device H has a device ( not shown in more detail ) in order to mount and hold it (H) horizontally aligned on a mowing vehicle or on a mower at a distance h above the ground or meadow ground WB . In the holder H , the detectors D 1 to D 3 are mounted at a distance a from one another so that when the holder device H is attached, for example on a tractor, all three detectors D 1 to D 3 "look down" perpendicular to the holder device H down to the ground. , ie receive infrared radiation emitted vertically upwards from the ground.

The distance a between the detectors D 1 to D 3 and the mounting height h of the mounting device H above the meadow floor WB are selected taking into account the detector viewing angle, the width of the mowing strips, the typical grass height and an evaluation method explained in more detail below with reference to FIG. 6. It should be noted here that the meadow to be mowed is "optically" thin only at steep picture angles from above, that is to say only allows a view of the ground and the game. Ideally, based on the horizontal, ie the meadow floor, an angle of 90 °.

A detector with a viewing angle of 120 ° enables a viewing angle of 30 ° in relation to the horizontal. As already stated, this viewing angle can optionally be reduced by a viewing panel B shown in FIG. 2.

In FIG. 4 is a possible dimensioning of the mounting device H for three infrared detectors D 1 to D 3, the distance a from one another as well as their mounting height h above the meadow soil WB indicated. Apertures B restrict the visual fields of the three detectors D 1 to D 3 to 40 °, so that the maximum viewing angle on the ground is 70 °. The detectors D 1 and D 3 are mounted, for example, at a distance a of 50 cm on the holder H , which in turn are mounted on a mower vehicle, not shown, at a height h of 90 cm above the meadow floor WB . The strip "viewed" by the detectors D 1 to D 3 is then 160 cm wide overall; in this case each detector detects a strip of 60 cm, the detectors D 1 and D 2 and D 2 and D 3 covering an overlapping strip of 10 cm in width. Other dimensions, of course, apply to other mower strip widths, which can be realized in a manner analogous to FIG. 4.

In Fig. 5 a tractor frontmähender SCH is shown with a side-mounted holding device H schematically at which is preferably also mounted a sensor assembly S from three detectors D 1 to D3. The laterally attached device according to the invention can be dimensioned analogously to FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 schematically shows a preferred embodiment of a circuit for signal processing and alarm triggering for a device according to FIGS. 3 and 4. The three detectors D 1 to D 3 are connected and linked via the differential inputs of three operational amplifiers V 1 to V 3 in such a way that the differences of two detector signals S _{D 1} - S _{D 2} , S _{D 2} - S _{D 1} at the amplifier outputs and S _{D 3} - S _{D 2} appear. The amplification factor of the three amplifiers V 1 to V 3 is the same and is usually selected in accordance with the detector signal and set accordingly.

In the order of anticipated likelihood 5, the following situations can with a circuit arrangement according to FIG occurred during operation with the inventive device.:

1. All three detectors D 1 to D 3 "see" grass.
2. Two detectors, for example D 1 and D 2 "see" grass and the third detector D 3 "sees" game.
3. The detector D 1 "sees" grass and the detectors D 2 and D 3 "see" the same piece of game, namely - based on the infrared radiation - the detector D 2 more of it and the detector D 3 less.
4. Detector D 1 "sees" grass, and detectors D 2 and D 3 "see" an equal amount of the same piece of game.
5. The detectors D 1 to D 3 "see" different amounts of two pieces of game, for example parts that decrease in the numerical order.

The case that all three detectors D 1 to D 3 "see" the same amount from two or more pieces of game can be excluded as extremely unlikely. (If this extremely rare case occurs, then the procedure does not respond.) The amplifier output signals that arise for the cases described above under 1 to 5 are summarized in the table below, the outputs always corresponding to S _{V 1} = S _{D 1} - S _{D 3} ; S _{V 2} = S _{D 2} - S _{D 3} and S _{V 3} = S _{D 3} - S _{V 2} .

Table 1

Thus, the respective amplifier output levels for the five cases in total are shown in Table 1 above. From this it can be seen that an amplifier output is always at a positive level when Wild is located below the sensor arrangement S in one of the ways described.

For further signal processing and alarm equipment, three downstream comparators K 1 to K 3 are therefore sufficient , each of which is followed by one of the transistors T 1 to T 3 , all of which switch on the siren SI or a warning lamp L. The switching level of the comparators K 1 to K 3 is set so that they switch cases 2 to 5 (Table 1) safely when the level is positive. As soon as one of the comparators turns on, the transistor connected downstream becomes conductive and thus switches the supply voltage for a relay R. This closes relay contacts r 1 and r 2 , so that voltage is applied to the siren SI and to the warning lamp L , which are then both - acoustically and optically - give alarm. An alarm is maintained until the driver of the mower vehicle releases the relay R by actuating a button b , thereby opening its contacts r 1 and r 2 . In response to an alarm, the driver must then stop the mowing vehicle and proceed as described at the beginning.

Of course, other evaluation circuits are also as well as a different number of detectors and a different detector arrangement in connection with the inventive method applicable; however, there are certain advantages and Disadvantage. For example, an arrangement with only one would be The cheapest detector, but less reliable in of detection. More than three detectors would be more expensive to offer but there is considerable detection reliability.

For the sake of completeness, the possibility should also be mentioned here the use of two-element or multi-element Detectors are pointed out. Here is an embodiment with one or two two-element detectors inexpensive, reliable solution, where necessary an image field separation of the two detectors in each case by mechanical means (for example a partition) made in a known manner can be.  

In the case of an evaluation and alarm circuit which is simpler in terms of circuitry, the comparators K 1 to K 3 can be omitted. In such a case, the outputs of the amplifiers V 1 to V 3 are then switched directly to the transistors T 1 to T 3 . If necessary, two transistors can also be connected three times in parallel, namely one transistor each of the PNP and NPN types; this would then trigger an alarm for both positive and negative amplifier outputs. In such a circuit design, the amplification factor of the amplifiers V 1 to V 3 is set in a known manner in such a way that the output voltage does not differ from 0 V in the usual radiation inhomogeneities of a meadow W to such an extent that the transistors only switch when "warm game" is detected . The gain factor thus replaces the function of the switching threshold of the comparators K 1 to K 3 provided in FIG. 6 .

As protection against dust, dirt, water and mechanical damage the infrared detectors in the holder sunk behind one transparent to infrared radiation Windows are attached. Suitable materials for this are Germanium or silicon or other infrared-optical Materials such as KRS 5, KRS 6, Irtram (registered Trade name). Polyethylene film is also suitable and permitted on top of that, similar to at least germanium and silicon windows, easy cleaning and therefore inexpensive Commitment. The windows can also be used as infrared optical converging lenses be formed in the focal point of the detectors are arranged and which the setting of a receiving aperture and enable field of view angle of the arrangement.

Furthermore, the radiation can also be collected via a so-called light guide cone, which is arranged in front of each of the detectors D 1 to D 3 . Such a light-guiding cone is a cone which is charged with high reflectivity on the inside, the tip of which contains the detector, and the open base of which faces the meadow and the game. The radiation entering through the base is placed on the respective detector via reflections on the cone walls.

An alarm can of course also trigger a Mowing vehicle itself and / or its mower during game detection automatically in a manner familiar to those skilled in the art to be stopped.

Grass lying flat and covering the recognizing game can optionally with a before the infrared optical Sensor arrangement attached rake erected and so optically be "diluted". Such a rake would have to be proportionate closely arranged tines, for example, at a distance of 10 cm arranged tines, which approximately in the form of are small, double-edged plowshares. Means such a rake can be swiped past the grass can be erected, which then creates the view released to the meadow floor and thus becomes freer. Such a Rake is then to be attached so that its prongs - seen in the direction of travel - at the front edge of the field of vision of the detectors.

Claims (13)

1. Method for the detection of themselves in meadows u. Ä. Game crouching in front of approaching mowing vehicles, characterized in that by means of an infrared-optical sensor arrangement ( S ) attached to a mowing vehicle (MF) , the meadow (W) and the meadow floor (WB) at a sufficient distance in front of the mowing vehicle (MF) and in the width of the mower of the mowing vehicle (MF) is scanned infrared-optically, that an existing piece by means of the sensor arrangement (S) due to the contrast of infrared radiation between the warm game body and the colder meadow (W) or the colder meadow ground (WB) Game is recognized that when game is detected by means of the sensor arrangement (S) an acoustic and / or visual alarm is triggered in order to make the driver of the mowing vehicle (MF) aware of the recognized game, or that when game is detected by means of the sensor arrangement ( S ) the mower (MF) is stopped automatically. 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that to create a double monitoring in addition to the front of the mower of the mower vehicle (MF) aligned sensor arrangement (S) by means of a second, laterally on the mower vehicle ( MF) attached infrared-optical sensor arrangement (S) the meadow strip to be mowed is then monitored. 3. Device for performing the method according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that preferably three in the infrared range up to 14 microns sensitive infrared detectors ( D 1 to D 3 ) form the sensor arrangement (S) and at a certain distance (a) are attached to a holder (H) from one another, which (H) is mounted on horizontally aligned in turn mowing vehicle (MF) at a height (h) above the meadow soil (WB). 4. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that for receiving infrared radiation from the meadow ( W) and the meadow floor (WB), the infrared detectors ( D 1 and D 3 ) of the sensor arrangement (S) are mounted on the mowing vehicle (MF) , that they are aligned vertically down to the meadow floor (WB) . 5. Device according to one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that the infrared detectors ( D 1 to D 3 ) each have an aperture (B) to restrict and determine the field of view angle. 6. Device according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the diaphragms (B), the distance (a) between the detectors ( D 1 to D 3 ) and the height (h) above the meadow ground (WB) are chosen are that the meadow floor under the bracket (H) is continuously detected by the detectors ( D 1 to D 3 ) at steep viewing angles in the width of the cutting strip. 7. Device according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that at a field of view angle of the detectors ( D 1 to D 3 ) of 40 ° and a maximum image angle perpendicular to the meadow ground (WB) of 20 °, the stripes detected by adjacent detectors about cover up. 8. Device according to one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that by means of an electronic evaluation and alarm device, the signals of the infrared detectors ( D 1 to D 3 ) are each amplified in differential amplifiers ( V 1 to V 3 ) and are linked such that the three possible differences of the signals from the three detectors ( D 1 to D 3 ) are present at the outputs of the amplifiers ( V 1 to V 3 ), and are only non-zero if Wild from one or more of the detectors ( D 1 to D 3 ) is recorded. 9. Device according to one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that the amplifier outputs are connected to comparators ( K 1 to K 3 ) which compare the amplifier signals with threshold values and switch through when the threshold values are exceeded or fallen below that the comparators ( K 1 to K 3 ) a transistor ( T 1 to T 3 ) is connected downstream, which transistors ( T 1 to T 3 ) are connected together with a siren (SI) and / or a warning lamp (L) so that the transistor ( T 1, T 2 or T 3 ) becomes conductive, whose upstream comparator ( K 1, K 2 or K 3 ) has switched through, and that the siren (SI) through the conductive transistor ( T 1, T 2 or T 3 ) supplied with voltage and an alarm is triggered. 10. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that for protection against dust, dirt, water and mechanical damage, the detectors attached to the holder (H) ( D 1 to D 3 ) each have windows made of germanium, silicon, KRS 5, KRS 6 , Irtran or polyethylene film or another conventional infrared window material, which windows are preferably designed as infrared optical converging lenses. 11. Device according to one of claims 3 to 10, characterized in that two-element or multi-element detectors are provided as infrared detectors ( D 1 to D 3 ). 12. Device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that a so-called light guide cone is attached to the radiation collection in front of each detector ( D 1 to D 3 ). 13. Device according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that a rake with long prongs in the form of two-sided plowshares is attached to erect flat grass in front of the sensor arrangement (S) .