AU604480B2 - Animal deterent device - Google Patents

Description

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FILING DATE: PH 5606 24th April, 1986 This document contains the amendments made under Section 49 and is correct for printing FORM Regulation 13(2) COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1952-1973 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR THE INVENTION ENTITLED:- "ANIMAL DETERENT DEVICE" The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me:- 1 ~-1_1 i i O 04 o *I 4 1t IL I

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THIS INVENTION relates to an animal deterent device particularly to an animal deterent device for providing a sound to warn off animals.

In general, animal deterents have been in the main mechanical devices for preventing animals from entering specific locations. Standard and electrical fencing h.ve provided forms of protection against invading animals. Domestic animals such as cattle and sheep have their movement restricted by fencing. In expansive areas where there is little road traffic and low stock numbers, fencing of roads is uneconomical. A driver may be unlucky enough to have a collision with a cow or sheep and cause damage to the animal and to his vehicle with the chance of injuring himself as well.

Domestic dogs and cats are notorious for invading property and fowling gardens and childrens play areas.

Chemical deterents have been provided for the home gardener to spread about the garden in an effort to keep straying dogs and cats away. Some domestic pets are of a mischievous nature and may cause physical injury to a person or for a person to experience nervous shock as a result of an attack by domestic pets. The victims only defence in these cases is usually to shout at the offending animal or to arm himself with some defensive weapon to strike the animal as it attacks.

Fencing provides some measure of safety, but where fencing is of inadequate quality, animals are free 2 1 th is d ay o f 19 8 I Signature of Apl1icant or (Dav amore Gore) Applicants.

To: THE COMMISSIONER OF PATENTS.

-3to roam into locations where potentially dangerous encounters with humans may occur. Wildlife such as kangaroos, possums, wombats and many other animals, are prone to nocturnal wanderings which make it difficult for a driver to respond to an animal which suddenly appears in his field of view.

This invention has for its primary object to overcome or alleviate at least some of the above deficiencies by providing an improved animal deterrent device for warning off animals at a distance. A further object of the invention is to provide an animal deterrent device which o a warns the user of the proximity of an animal.

o With the foregoing and other objects in view, the ro invention resides broadly, in one aspect a vehicle mounted animal deterrent device suitable for warning off animals such as kangaroos and other wildlife in the vicinity of the vehicle when the vehicle is moving forward at speed, the device including a transmitter for providing sound waves in a direction forward of the vehicle, said sound waves including waves of a frequency inaudible to humans but being in the animal's audible frequency range and in a direction forward of the vehicle, said sound waves being automatically modulated so as to warn the wildlife of the approaching vehicle.

In a further aspect, the invention includes a variable frequency electrical oscillator so as to vary the frequency of a signal supplied to a speaker.

In order that the invention may be more readily 1 LS u i T

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i 3a understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention wherein:t; ae

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4. 1 a 4

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at i :1 1 4 Fig. 1 is a schematic view illustrating preferred forms of an animal deterrent device constructed in accordance with the invention; Figs. 2, 3 and 4 are waveforms illustrating frequency variation with time; Figs. 5 and 6 are circuit diagrams illustrating a preferred circuit for implementing one form of animal deterrent device constructed in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 7 is gratuitous information concerning the application of ultrasound to crop protection and is not part 04, of the present invention; Fig. 9 is a schematic view illustrating a typical sound field in front of a vehicle; and p Figs. 8 and 10 are waveforms illustrating preferred forms of modulated sound waves in accordance with the present invention.

Referring to the drawings and firstly to Fig. 1, there o is illustrated an animal deterrent device 10 including r. transmitter section 11 and a receiver section 12. Sound wave generator 13 comprises an output section 14 driven by a variable frequency oscillator 15 which is controlled by scan means 16 which includes a waveform generator 17.

Waveform generator 17 may preferably be of analog type for example, a unijunction transisuLr oscillator suitably interfaced to provide a varying voltage waveform to variable frequency oscillator

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C CI II I t Cl I 10 I Ib which in turn is suitably interfaced with output section 14 which is preferably a speaker, horn or other means for transmission of sound.

Transmitter section 11 may be a stand alone unit for providing a periodically varying sound signal and receiver section 12 may be omitted from the animal deterent device 10. The operation of receiver section 12 will be described below.

Referring to Fig. 2, there is illustrated a waveform 18 of modified saw tooth shape which represents a possible voltage output from waveform generator 17 and is also representative of the periodic variation in frequency with time of the output sound waves. The frequency gradually increases at section 19 of the waveform to a steady high frequency at section 20 before dropping rapidly at section 21 whereafter the cycle is repeated in periodic fashion.

The lowest frequency may be above the human threshold. However a portion of the frequency spectrum may be within the human hearing range indicating to the operator that the deterent device is operational.

Fig. 3 illustrates two more waveforms where the frequency increases sharply to the high level before decreasing gradually for waveform 22 and remaining constant before decreasing for waveform 23.

Referring to Fig. 4, there is illustrated a waveform 24 similar in shape to the waveform of Fig. 2, C C 5 -j wherein the frequency is modulated as a series of periodic "chirps" (one "chirp" shown).

Seferably, the peak frequency of the waveforms will be that frequency corresponding to the peak response frequency, of a particular animal or group of animals.

The vertical scale represented by section 21 of waveform 18 may represent a frequency range of for example, from 13 kHz to 22 kHz or an interval within this range for example, 15 kHz to 20 kHz.

In the former case, the peak frequency of 22 kHz will be maintained for the time represented by 0 section 20 of waveform 18 whereas in latter, this peak ea96 frequency would be at 20 kHz for a different animal.

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6 The frequency may be continuously variable over I 15 the whole range of frequencies to which animals are responsive above the human threshold. The waveforms may S"ue be of any shape or configuration. However, it is C C c preferable to maintain the frequency constant during part o e of the waveform cycle at the point at which the animal being warned off is most responsive. Furthermore, the output sound waves may be amplitude modulated to provide S variation in loudness at the peak frequency. With this in mind and referring to Fig. 1, waveform generator 17 may be of programmable form wherein a series of waveforms representing different peak frequencies may be stored so that transmitter 11 may provide a sequence of short bursts of waves, each burst having a different peak 6 ,Ij frequency. The sound waves from output section 14 may be further modified by providing directional features, for example, there may be provided a resonant tube through which the sound waves are propogated.

The aforedescribed embodiment has not included receiver section 12 of Fig. 1, it being realised that transmitter section 11 may be used without receiver section 12 as a stand alone animal deterent device, which may be operated at the discretion of the user.

Receiver 12 includes a detector section 25, a computational section 26 and a storage unit 27. Section and 26 may perform control functions on transmitter 11.

Receiver section 12 may be for example, a 15 passive infra-red detector or an active detector *responding to reflections of signals transmitted by animal deterent device 16. The detector 25 may respond Ec to received signals from animals to provide signals to S" computational unit 26 whereby information about the I 20 relative location of an animal, the animals size and by ec, calculating the doppler shift of the received signals the velocity of the animal may be calculated. The system may be sophisticated so such an extent to provide visual displays and warning indications to the user of the relative motion of the animal and the detector. Storage section 27 may include a store of waveforms or instructions to provide waveforms depending on the 7 S 2 1; C q. 8 results of computation by the computational section 26.

The animal deterrent device 10 may be provided with a learn and memorise mode whereby the calculated size of an animal may be related to a past successful warning off, and thereby the past successful waveform may be adopted as soon as the animal is detected. If warning off is unsuccessful, alternative output sound waves may be tried. The transmitter section 11 may be operative only on instruction from the receiver section 12.

The device may provide coverage in a region of 500 metres to the front and 100 metres to each side of a 0 044 travelling vehicle.

It will be realised from the aforementioned o O embodiment, that the output sound waves may be of any form ;a suitable for warning off animals. It will be further realised that by varying the frequency of the output sound waves, warning off signals may be provided for a variety of 4 animals having different frequency thresholds.

11:1 >Referring -now to Figs. 5 and 6, there is illustrated a specific example of an implementation of the present invention in the form of an electronic unit. The animal deterrent device 100 comprises first and second oscillators SC 101 and 102, a power amplifier 103 and an output speaker 104.

Oscillator 101 is frequency variable by means of variable resistor 105 in order to vary the output frequency to amplifier 103 along line 106.

Oscillator 101 operates over a range of frequencies -9which lay be set by the selection of resistor 105. In the present invention, it is preferable to operate oscillator 101 at over a frequency range of from 12 kHz 25 kHz, more preferably over the range of from 15 kHz 20 kHz. In the case of kangaroos, it is particularly preferred to operate oscillator 101 at a frequency of about 18 kHz.

Oscillator 102 is a modulating oscillator which operates preferably in the range of from 50 cycles per--- .4 0r 0 l4e 0 44 44 4 *t 4 at 4 12r

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1 ii 4 I I ninute 200 cycles per minute, more preferably in the range of from 1 10 Hz. When the output of oscillator 102 is coupled to the input of oscillator 101 several sound effects are available at the output of oscillator 101. These sound effects are selected by varying the amount of signal voltage of oscillator 102. When this signal voltage is low there is a warbling sound created by the output of oscillator 101. By using the full output of oscillator 102 the effect on oscillator 101 is to key it on and off at a rate of 1 -10 times per second determined by the operating frequency of oscillator 102.

For example, with oscillator 101 operating at c, frequency o, between 18 25 kHz and oscillator 102 operating at a O o frequency of around 2 5 Hz the final output from 15 oscillator 101 consists of bursts of sounds at a rate determined by the frequency of oscillator 102, this is accompanied by a thumping sound as the sound is keyed ia off, and on, by oscillator 102.

t r This signal is then fed to the input of an amplifier 103 which raises the output to several watts of output power, speakers 104 are coupled to the amplifier and the resultant output intensity is about 130 dB of sound (decibels). Speaker 104 is preferably a piezoelectric speaker.

The frequency may be set at somewhere near Khz making it inaudible to the average human ear, but within the range of animals such as dogs, cats, and 10 A -11 kangaroos.

It will be realised that by varying the form of modulating oscillator 102 various forms of output waveforms may be obtained and accordingly, various output sound waves may be obtained consistent with those mentioned in relation to Figs. 2, 3 and 4.

Referring to Fig. 7, there is illustrated gratuitous information where ultrasonic transmitters can be employed for the protection of a crop or the like 50 which is enclosed within a perimeter 51 across which one desires to prevent animals such as kangaroos from crossing.

A plurality of sound transmitters such as speakers 52 are placed at spaced intervals along perimeter 51. Speakers are directional and this feature is illustrated with the ,4 S rays 53, the speakers are aligned with the perimeter 51 and all are directed in the same direction along the perimeter at such spacings that their sound levels overlap to ensure a specified minimum sound level is provided along the entire i perimeter. Preferably the sound level should be within the range of from 80 150 dB and more preferably within the range of from 100 130 dB. Of course the particular intensity will depend on the animal concerned, for example, in the case of kangaroos it is preferred to have a minimum Sintensity of about 130 dB.

In any case, it is preferable to have the minimum intensity at such a level to cause discomfort or pain in the animal as it approaches the perimeter 51.

It will be realised that a plurality of deterent devices of the type described with respect to Figs. 5 and 6 may be employed each speaker having an output sound waveform as schematically illustrated in Fig. 8 to give a pronounced thumping effect.

Referring to Fig. 9, there is illustrated another application of the invention wherein the animal deterent device is applied to a vehicle such as a car which may be moving along a country road 61. An animal deterent device constructed in accordance with the o present invention may be incorporated into the front o e S.0 part of the vehicle 60 and be arranged to emitt a ao:. substantially pear shaped sound pattern 62 to warn nearby 15 animals of the approaching car.

1 It has been found that in the embodiment of Fig. 9 a particularly useful output waveform is one that S, is periodically frequency modulated over a range of frequencies commencing at a low frequency in each cycle.

The amplitude may be held constant during each cycle or may crescendo from a low intensity to a high intensity.

A typical but non-limiting example is given in Fig. It will be realised that in the embodiment of Fig. 9 there is no need to induce pain in an animal since the circumstances involved are different to the circumstances of Fig. 7 for example where the animals may be hungry and may be attempting to feed on the crop -12 i" ri-~ j The sound pattern 62 may be effective over a distance of about 500 metres in front of the car 60 and be about 200 metres wide at its widest point. The pattern has the effect of being narrow at region 63 to warn off animals centrally located on or immediately adjacent the road at a distance of about 500 metres where the wide portion 64 has the effect of warning off fast moving animals approaching the road from the sides in relatively close proximity to the moving vehicle.

Whilst the above has been given by way of illustrative example of the invention, many modifications and variations as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art may be made thereto without departing from the broad scope and ambit of the invention as herein set forth and defined in the appended claims.

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Claims (11)

1. A vehicle mounted animal deterrent device suitable for warning off animals such as kangaroos and other wildlife in the vicinity of the vehicle when the vehicle is moving forward at speed, the device including a transmitter for providing sound waves in a direction forward of the vehicle, said sound waves including waves of a frequency inaudible to humans but being in the animal's audible frequency range and being automatically modulated so as to warn the wildlife of the approaching vehicle.

2. An animal deterrent device as defined in Claim 1, .o *ee wherein said frequency is variable in the range of from 12- t 15kHz at an intensity of between 80-150 dB at a specified *e distance from said transmitter. C

3. An animal deterrent device as defined in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein said frequency is constant and said modulation comprises periodic switching on and switching off of said sound waves between a low intensity or zero ~4 intensity and a high intensity, said high intensity being such as to exceed the pain threshold of said animal at C CC specified locations within the range of said transmitter.

4. An animal deterrent device as defined in Claim 3, wherein said frequency is within the range of from 15-20 kHz or is about 18 kHz at an intensity in the range of from 100- 130 dB at a specified distance from said transmitter. An animal deterrent device as defined in Claim 1, wherein said modulation is frequency modulation over a range of frequencies within the said animal's audible frequency range.

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6. An animal deterrent device as defined in Claim 3, wherein said sound waves are modulated from a low frequency to a high frequency in each periodic cycle.

7. An animal deterrent device as defined in any one of the preceding claims wherein the frequency of said periodic modulation is in the range of from 50 cycles per minute to 200 cycles per minute or in the range of from 65 cycles per minute to 120 cycles per minute.

8. An animal deterrent device as defined in Claim 4, wherein said low frequency is in the range of from 12 kHz to kHz and said high frequency is in the range of from 18 kHz to 25 kHz. ,C

9. An animal deterrent device as defined in any one of S° the preceding claims wherein said transmitter provides a c¢ p eriodic thumping sound.

An animal deterrent device as defined in an one of Claims 1 to 9, wherein said sound waves are directed substantially forwardly and outwardly of said vehicle terr 4, tC forming a relatively broad sound pattern adjacent the front i C S of said vehicle and a relatively narrow sound pattern at a location in front of and distant from said vehicle.

11. An animal deterrent device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 to 6, 9 and DATED this 24th day of April, 1987 ROO-GUARD PTY LTD (formerly SHU-ROO PTY LTD) By their Patent Attorneys ZZ N ~PETER MAXWELL ASSOCIATES ~L