AU2020202481A1 - Pest control assembly, system and method - Google Patents
Pest control assembly, system and method Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- AU2020202481A1 AU2020202481A1 AU2020202481A AU2020202481A AU2020202481A1 AU 2020202481 A1 AU2020202481 A1 AU 2020202481A1 AU 2020202481 A AU2020202481 A AU 2020202481A AU 2020202481 A AU2020202481 A AU 2020202481A AU 2020202481 A1 AU2020202481 A1 AU 2020202481A1
- Authority
- AU
- Australia
- Prior art keywords
- unmanned aircraft
- assembly
- drone
- small unmanned
- base station
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 241000607479 Yersinia pestis Species 0.000 title claims abstract description 38
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title description 6
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 241000238631 Hexapoda Species 0.000 abstract description 2
- 230000006378 damage Effects 0.000 description 2
- 241000700159 Rattus Species 0.000 description 1
- 208000027418 Wounds and injury Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007812 deficiency Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000006698 induction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 208000014674 injury Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000422 nocturnal effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003068 static effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001960 triggered effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Landscapes
- Catching Or Destruction (AREA)
Abstract
A pest control assembly 10 comprises a drone 12 which in the embodiment is a hobby drone.
The drone 12 is tethered via a cable 14 to a base station 16. The cable 14 provides continuous
powerfor the drone 12 orfor recharging the batteries of the drone 12. The assembly 10 further
includes one or more movement sensors 20 which are mounted to detect movement generally
in a monitored region 44 adjacent an area 30 to be protected from pests 40. The protected
area 30 in the example is a window or door of a building 32. The building 32 for example can
be a greenhouse, barn or house. The pests 40 in the example are birds. The movement
sensors 20 are connected to a control means in the base station 16. In use, when the
movement sensors 20 detect movement from an oncoming pest 40, such as a bird or insect,
the control means will launch the drone 12 to fly in a pattern preferably fly for a specified period
of 5 to 20 seconds, or longer, in a random or a pre-determined pattern. The control means
can also be used to provide the drone with a different flying pattern each time it is operated.
1/0
10 -- 16
20 %
% %
32S
I 44
FIUR 1
Description
PEST CONTROL ASSEMBLY, SYSTEM AND METHOD
Field of the Invention [1] The present invention relates to a pest control assembly, system and method.
Background of the Invention [2] Pest birds are a massive problem worldwide. The static bird scaring models currently available work only for a short time until the birds realize there is no threat.
[3] The present invention seeks to overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative.
[4] It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.
Summary of the Invention [5] According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a system for pest control for a monitored region, the system comprising a small unmanned aircraft;
a base station on which the small unmanned aircraft rests when not flying;
at least one movement sensor mounted to one or more structures for sensing movement within the monitored region;
a control processor for receiving pest movement signal from the at least one movement sensor, the control processor adapted to operate the small unmanned aircraft to fly over an area of the monitored region for a predetermined period, and wherein the small unmanned aircraft is tethered via a cable to the base station, the cable providing power to the small unmanned aircraft and the control processor launching the drone to fly in a pattern up to a distance away from the base station equal to the length of the cable.
[6] Preferably, the small unmanned aircraft is a drone.
[7] Preferably, the cable is coiled or extendable/retractable via a coiling mechanism.
[8] Preferably, the small unmanned aircraft flies in a random pattern for the predetermined period.
[9] Alternatively, the small unmanned aircraft flies in a fixed pattern for the predetermined period.
2020202481 09 Apr 2020 [10] Further alternatively, the control means operates the small unmanned aircraft to fly in a different flying pattern each time it is operated.
[11] Preferably, the predetermined period is 5 to 20 seconds.
[12] In another embodiment, the small unmanned aircraft has the appearance of a bird of prey.
[13] In another embodiment, the small unmanned aircraft is adapted to make a noise similar to a bird of prey.
[14] In another embodiment, the small unmanned aircraft has a built-in movement sensor that enables the small unmanned aircraft to follow a pest around an area.
[15] In another embodiment, the small unmanned aircraft includes lights thereon.
[16] In another embodiment, the base station is movable along a rail or wire around the area. In another embodiment, the assembly further comprises a scanner for scanning the monitored region for obstructions.
[17] Preferably, the scanner comprises three orientation sensors for triangulating and monitoring the position of the aircraft in the area.
[18] Preferably, the cable is used to retract the unmanned aircraft back to the base station.
[19] The present invention also provides a method of pest control, the method comprising:
using at least one movement sensor to detect pest movement adjacent a protected area; and operating a small unmanned aircraft to fly adjacent the protected area for a predetermined period via a control processor after receiving movement signal from the movement sensor.
[20] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.
Brief Description of the Drawings [21] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
[22] Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of a pest control assembly in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention installed in use;
[23] Figure 2 is a schematic elevation view of a movement sensor and the monitored region; and
2020202481 09 Apr 2020 [24] Figure 3 is a schematic elevation view of the pest control assembly.
Description of Embodiments [25] It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features.
[26] Figures 1 to 3 show a pest control assembly/system 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The assembly 10 comprises a drone 12 (formally known as a “Small Unmanned Aircraft” and also called “microdrones”) which in the embodiment is a hobby drone. The drone 12 in the embodiment is a quadcopter but other types of drones and drones of different sizes can be used, such as RC helicopters, tricopters, hexacopters and octocopters.
[27] The drone 12 is tethered via a cable 14 to a base station 16. The cable 14 provides continuous power for the drone 12 or for recharging the batteries of the drone 12 and is permanently attached to the drone 12. The base station 16 is a platform on which the drone 12 is based when not operating. The base station 16 can include a roof or can be undercover to protect the drone 12 during rain.
[28] Alternatively, the base station 16 can act as a battery charging base, for example via induction. In this embodiment, the cable 14 can be a normal non-charging cable and used only for tethering the drone 12.
[29] The cable 14 can be straight, coiled or extendable/retractable via a coiling mechanism 23. The cable 14 for example can be a micro tether that supplies power and data transfer. The drone 12 can include a video camera and/or a microphone.
[30] The assembly/system 10 further includes one or more movement sensors 20 which are mounted to structures to detect movement generally in a monitored region 44 adjacent an area 30 to be protected from pests 40. The protected area 30 in the example is a window or door of a building 32. The building 32 for example can be a greenhouse, barn or house. The pests 40 in the example are birds. The movement sensors 20 can be mounted adjacent the protected area 30, for example to the building 32, or can be remote from the projected area 30, for example to posts. In either case, the movement sensors 20 in use are directed towards the monitored region 44. In another embodiment or additional embodiment, movement sensors 20 can be directed inside the protected area 30, for example inside the building 32.
[31] The movement sensors 20 are connected to a control means in the base station 16. The control means can be a control processor which receives signals from the movement sensors 20. The control processor is connected to the drone 12 via the cable 14 to provide operation instructions to the drone 12.
2020202481 09 Apr 2020 [32] The base station 16 will be mounted above head height via a stand 17, with the sensors 20 disposed preferably over the top of the protected area 30 and directed towards the monitored region 44.
[33] In use, when the movement sensors 20 detect movement from an oncoming pest 40, such as a bird or insect, the control means will launch the drone 12 to fly in a pattern up to a distance away from the base station 16 equal to the length of the cable 14. The drone 12 will preferably fly for a specified period of 5 to 20 seconds, or longer, in a random or a predetermined pattern. The control means can also be used to provide the drone with a different flying pattern each time it is operated. The propeller noise and movement of the drone 12 will intimidate and scare the pest 40 and urge the pest 40 to divert or stay away from the protected area 30. In the example of Figure 2, the pest birds 40 entering the monitored region 44 are detected by the sensor 20, which triggers flight of the drone unit 12. The drone unit 12 is operated to fly along the monitored area until the pest birds 40 are no longer in the vicinity of the protected area. The drone unit 12 is not activated and resting on the base station 16 until oncoming pest 40 is detected.
[34] The pest control assembly 10 preferably includes a scanner which in one embodiment is a range finder that will measure the monitored region 44 for obstructions for the drone 12 to avoid. The scanner can be mounted on the drone 12 as an obstacle avoidance scanner or on the base 16. For indoor use, the pest control assembly 10 can additionally include three orientation sensors 21 which uses triangulating signals to locate and orient the drone, and assist with avoidance of obstacles. In another embodiment, the drone unit uses Wi-Fi to determine its position inside a building where GPS is unreliable.
[35] After flying in a pattern for the specified period, the drone 12 will return to the base station 16 and stops its propellers until ordered to fly again by the control means.
[36] The present embodiment thus provides a drone adapted to imitate a predatory bird and be triggered by movement sensors to launch when a pest bird approaches. The drone take offs automatically and flies in a pattern automatically as well. The drone can thus stay operational in the area without the need for a person to operate the drone or charge its batteries.
[37] The tether cable will prevent the drone from falling to the ground if something fails to reduce the chance of the falling drone causing injury to persons nearby. The cable can also be used to retract the drone. The battery for the drone can also be omitted and the tether can be used to supply constant power to the drone. The drone unit 12 can also include a realistic predatory bird cover 13.
2020202481 09 Apr 2020 [38] In one embodiment, the drone unit 12 is not capable of any flight unless connected to tether 14 to reduce risk of entering other areas. Winch cable/tether 14 supplies the power to the drone. Winch 23 retracts the drone 12 back to the base plate 16 to ensure drone is in correct position for next flight. The assembly 10 is portable and powered from mains, battery or other. Platform/base is height adjustable and mobile.
[39] The present invention thus provides an effective pest control assembly and method which does not harm pest birds. The present invention can be used in situations where pests are prevalent, such as apartment balconies, cafes, plantations, and other areas.
[40] Whilst preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described, it will be apparent to skilled persons that modifications can be made to the embodiments described. For example, the assembly can have two or more drones operable to fly in respective sectors, and additional sensors mounted away from the protected area.
[41] It is also possible to have the drone untethered. The drone can be programmed to return and land on the base station after its operating period.
[42] Low flying drones can also be used against ground pests such as rats.
[43] The drone can also be altered to have the appearance of a bird of prey. The drone can also be adapted to make a noise similar to a bird of prey. The drone can also have built-in movement sensors that will enable it to follow a pest bird around an area.
[44] The base station can be made movable along a rail or wire around the area. The drone can also be lit at night to scare nocturnal pest birds. In another embodiment, the region 44 can be the drone flying area, with the areas surrounding the region 44 being the monitored area. This will allow the pest control assembly to fly the drone within the region 44 after sensing movement signal outside the around the region 44, such that the pests avoid the region 44 and do not come close to the protected area 30.
[45] The monitored area 44 can also be the protected area. The area 44 can be crops for example.
[46] In the preferred embodiment, the drone unit is tethered to the base allowing the drone unit to be physically restrained into an area of safe use, and unable to enter an area where it could cause a collision with a person or vehicle. The propelling component of the unit is taken from a UAV, but is only to provide lift as the tether is pulling the unit back to the base. The tether is also the power supply which allows for a much longer run time as the unit can run from 240v indefinitely. The drone unit is designed to have a high level of automation and is designed with as little operator interaction as possible, and would be allowed under current air space control rules anywhere in the world. The drone unit is designed to have a removable
2020202481 09 Apr 2020 cover that imitates a predatory bird that can be changed to suit a specific location and uses Wi-Fi to determine its position inside a building where GPS is unreliable.
Claims (14)
1. A system for pest control for a monitored region, the system comprising:
a small unmanned aircraft;
a base station on which the small unmanned aircraft rests when not flying;
at least one movement sensor mounted to one or more structures for sensing movement within the monitored region;
a control processor for receiving pest movement signal from the at least one movement sensor, the control processor adapted to operate the small unmanned aircraft to fly over an area of the monitored region for a predetermined period; and wherein the small unmanned aircraft is tethered via a cable to the base station, the cable providing power to the small unmanned aircraft and the control processor launching the drone to fly in a pattern up to a distance away from the base station equal to the length of the cable.
2. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the small unmanned aircraft is a drone.
3. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the cable is coiled or extendable/retractable via a coiling mechanism.
4. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the small unmanned aircraft flies in a random pattern for the predetermined period.
5. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the small unmanned aircraft flies in a fixed pattern for the predetermined period.
6. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the control means operates the small unmanned aircraft to fly in a different flying pattern each time it is operated.
7. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the small unmanned aircraft has the appearance of a bird of prey.
8. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the small unmanned aircraft is adapted to make a noise similar to a bird of prey.
9. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the small unmanned aircraft has a built-in movement sensorthat enables the small unmanned aircraft to follow a pest around an area.
10. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the small unmanned aircraft includes lights thereon.
11. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the base station is movable along a rail orwire around the area.
12. The assembly of claim 1 further comprising a scanner for scanning the monitored region for obstructions.
13. The assembly of claim 12 wherein the scanner comprises three orientation sensors for triangulating and monitoring the position of the aircraft in the area.
14. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the cable is used to retract the unmanned aircraft back to the base station.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2020202481A AU2020202481B2 (en) | 2016-01-23 | 2020-04-09 | Pest control assembly, system and method |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2016900206 | 2016-01-23 | ||
| PCT/AU2016/000295 WO2017124129A1 (en) | 2016-01-23 | 2016-08-24 | Pest control assembly and method |
| AU2018220118A AU2018220118A1 (en) | 2016-01-23 | 2018-08-23 | Pest control assembly and method |
| AU2020202481A AU2020202481B2 (en) | 2016-01-23 | 2020-04-09 | Pest control assembly, system and method |
Related Parent Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2018220118A Division AU2018220118A1 (en) | 2016-01-23 | 2018-08-23 | Pest control assembly and method |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| AU2020202481A1 true AU2020202481A1 (en) | 2020-05-07 |
| AU2020202481B2 AU2020202481B2 (en) | 2022-01-27 |
Family
ID=63452302
Family Applications (2)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2018220118A Abandoned AU2018220118A1 (en) | 2016-01-23 | 2018-08-23 | Pest control assembly and method |
| AU2020202481A Ceased AU2020202481B2 (en) | 2016-01-23 | 2020-04-09 | Pest control assembly, system and method |
Family Applications Before (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2018220118A Abandoned AU2018220118A1 (en) | 2016-01-23 | 2018-08-23 | Pest control assembly and method |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| AU (2) | AU2018220118A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN111279399B (en) * | 2018-12-11 | 2022-07-08 | 深圳市大疆创新科技有限公司 | Flyable device, control method and system thereof, and computer-readable storage medium |
Family Cites Families (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IL176200A (en) * | 2006-06-08 | 2013-03-24 | Israel Aerospace Ind Ltd | Unmanned air vehicle system |
| KR20120133885A (en) * | 2011-06-01 | 2012-12-11 | 연합정밀주식회사 | Power supply system on the ground for small air unmanned-robot |
| WO2014085328A1 (en) * | 2012-11-27 | 2014-06-05 | Wood, Lowell L., Jr. | Methods and systems for directing birds away from equipment |
| US9611038B2 (en) * | 2014-06-03 | 2017-04-04 | Working Drones, Inc. | Mobile computing device-based guidance navigation and control for unmanned aerial vehicles and robotic systems |
| WO2015187172A1 (en) * | 2014-06-06 | 2015-12-10 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Method and system to dissuade avian life forms from a region |
| CN204409382U (en) * | 2015-01-29 | 2015-06-24 | 马鞍山市赛迪智能科技有限公司 | One drives bird unmanned vehicle system |
-
2018
- 2018-08-23 AU AU2018220118A patent/AU2018220118A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2020
- 2020-04-09 AU AU2020202481A patent/AU2020202481B2/en not_active Ceased
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AU2020202481B2 (en) | 2022-01-27 |
| AU2018220118A1 (en) | 2018-09-13 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FGA | Letters patent sealed or granted (standard patent) | ||
| MK14 | Patent ceased section 143(a) (annual fees not paid) or expired |