DE29808034U1 - Nesting box with camera for trouble-free animal observation and environmental education - Google Patents

Description

Technical name:

Nest box with camera for undisturbed animal observation and environmental education

Description

In order to achieve the greatest possible success in environmental education, direct learning experiences are particularly important. Observing birds and small mammals during breeding provides valuable learning experiences, as these activities cannot usually be easily observed in the wild. Since the idea of nature conservation is the basis here, natural processes as well as animals and plants should be disturbed as little as possible.

State of the art:

Up to now, elaborate nesting holes with observation stands or huts have been built for animal observation, for example in science. Mounting a nesting hole with a glass back wall, for example on a window, is also common practice, but involves considerable effort, as the window around the box must be darkened and the observation stand must be protected against light, etc., so that the animals do not recognize people and flee.

In the published patent application by Dr. Jens EGGERT (DE 197 00 223 A 1) on the process for producing nesting boxes from round wood for various animal species, observation cameras, etc., reference is made to the possible installation of a camera, but the patent claim primarily refers to the process for producing nesting boxes from the previously low-value cutting residues from round wood processing.

Lothar LINDSTEDT's utility model (G 86 16 309.4) describes a device for observing animals. By attaching it to a standard nesting box, the image is transmitted to the viewer using mirrors and lenses. The observer is in close proximity to the animals, however, and the disturbing light entering the box is minimized with a cover. The image from the box is only visible to individual viewers in a relatively small size. Sounds from the box are not transmitted. In the protection claims, the inventor claims under point 6 that the invention is "characterized in that the viewing shaft can also be replaced by a light guide (fiber optic cable) or a (television) camera." However, this very far-reaching and otherwise not further described protection claim contradicts the basic principle of unity of invention (Section 4 Paragraph 1 Sentence 2 GbmG). The electronic transmission of images and sounds solves other problems and formulates a claim for protection for a completely different technical area than with purely mechanical-visual transmission.

Further patent or utility model applications do not appear to be known in this area.

Advantageous effect of the invention over the prior art:

With the nest box with camera for undisturbed animal observation and environmental education, no acclimatization periods or escape distances need to be observed for the animals. The technically simple installation is carried out before the start of breeding. This gives even inexperienced animal observers an easy way to observe. The animals do not perceive the camera as a disturbing factor. Individual observers and groups are spatially separated from the nest box, so that even noisy school classes, for example, do not disturb the animals. A lesson or similar can be carried out directly during the ongoing observation and is independent of the weather. The microphone contained in the camera transmits the begging and luring calls and enables complete observation of the behavior. The high light sensitivity of the camera and the equipment with infrared LEDs enables observations even in complete darkness and is therefore also suitable for bat quarters, for example. The animals do not have to be accustomed to an artificial light source.

By connecting a video recorder or similar recording device, particularly important moments of the breeding process can be recorded and used regardless of the season.

Example:

A surveillance camera (B) is installed in an artificial nesting aid (designation "A" on sketch 1). The camera is supplied with power using a cable (C) and the audio and sound signals are sent to a UHF converter (D). The UHF converter converts the signals into signals that can be received by standard television sets (E) with a coaxial cable antenna input.

The artificial nesting aid is specially adapted to the requirements of camera use, i.e. the box is higher than usual above the entrance hole in order to move the camera out of the area that is disturbing for the animals and to enable a sharp image. The roof of the box (a, sketch 2) is secured with wire clamps (b) and can be replaced in a few easy steps. The box is tightly closed all around. The ability to remove the roof is necessary for cleaning after the breeding season. However, this also makes it possible to increase the occupancy success with several boxes and, if necessary, to move the camera and roof without any problems in just a few seconds.

Claims (5)

Utility model protection claims
General term: Nest box with camera for undisturbed animal observation and environmental education
Claim 1: The invention is characterized in that a camera from a modified artificial nesting aid for birds, bats, small mammals and insects transmits audio and video signals to a television set by means of a cable and converter. The invention according to claim 1 is further characterized in that 2. the transmission of audio and video signals can also be carried out wirelessly over longer distances, provided there is a suitable energy source near the box. 3. several artificial nesting boxes are hung up in order to have the greatest possible chance of a box being occupied and the roof is then subsequently replaced with a roof with a pre-installed camera. 4. the camera signal is fed directly into a television without a converter, e.g. with a Scart connection. 5. a recording device (video recorder) is connected between the camera and the television set and the camera signals are recorded.