GB2420242A

GB2420242A - Surveillance system

Info

Publication number: GB2420242A
Application number: GB0522990A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Peter Bubb
Original assignee: ENJOY BIRDS MORE Ltd
Current assignee: ENJOY BIRDS MORE Ltd
Priority date: 2004-11-10
Filing date: 2005-11-10
Publication date: 2006-05-17
Anticipated expiration: 2025-11-10
Also published as: GB0522990D0; GB0424839D0; GB2420242B

Abstract

A surveillance system for monitoring activity in a bird nesting box comprises a camera, a transmitter for transmitting images from the camera to a receiver, a motion sensor and a controller. In order to make it possible for battery operation, the system has a power saving mode in which the controller is programmed to communicate periodically with the motion sensor and to activate the camera and transmitter when the motion sensor signals that movement of an object is detected and to deactivate the camera and transmitter when the motion sensor signals that no movement is detected. A lighting system also adapted to reduce power consumption is described along with a housing system and a data compression system for use in the surveillance system.

Description

SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM

The present invention relates to a surveillance system and more particularly but not exclusively to a surveillance system for monitoring the activity of nesting animals, especially birds. The invention further relates to a lighting system and to an image data compression system for use in a surveillance system.

Bird nesting boxes are used throughout the world by people who gain pleasure from seeing the birds in their garden. Nesting boxes are also used elsewhere to encourage various bird species to inhabit a particular location and for research into their habits and breeding activity. The most basic type of nesting box comprises a weatherproof housing with an aperture to allow the bird to enter and leave the box, the shape of either or both of the box and the aperture being chosen according to the species it is desired to attract. However, such nesting boxes do not allow the interested observer to see what goes in inside the nest.

More sophisticated nesting boxes that do allow a user to obtain images andlor video footage from inside the box are available. For example, it is known to fit cameras to such boxes, and thus obtain still images, video with sound and time lapse sequences from inside the nesting boxes, increasing the pleasure and interest of the bird box for enthusiasts and allowing research by scientists.

Modern video cameras are well suited to this purpose, since they can easily be fitted within the box. Fitting a camera to the box does however present a number of challenges. In particular, the camera requires an appropriate low voltage power supply, and means must be provided for the video signal to be conveyed to an appropriate "processor", such as a television set.

Moreover, the camera needs to be fitted to the nest box in such a way that it does not disturb the birds within, is sufficiently protected from the elements, is solidly mounted and provides a good view of nest activity.

In addition, since the nesting boxes, and the aperture through which the birds to enter and leave, vary in size and shape, the amount of natural light available inside the box also varies considerably. This causes a problem where there is insufficient light to ensure a good image.

* * *** S I * S * * S S * S S * S S S S S I S S. S S * S. I S

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S S 55 S If artificial light is provided, it is desirable that it does not disturb the birds, otherwise the birds may be deterred from entering the box.

Another factor to take into account is that birds are not always predictable enough to nest in the box provided, and the probability of securing a picture depends on where the box is sited and local conditions, such as the availability of other nest sites and bird populations.

A variety of solutions to the aforementioned problems have been proposed, most involving the use of a small black and white video camera, permanently fixed inside the roof of a nest box, connected by a cable into the house to provide power to the camera and take the signal from the nest box to the house where the cable can be plugged into a television or video recorder.

To provide adequate illumination for the camera to obtain a decent picture, infra red emitting diodes are used to illuminate the box. The latter are generally used because infrared is not visible to the birds, and so does not affect their lives in any way, especially their perception of night and day. The illumination remains switched on all day. Power for operating the camera and the illumination system is derived from a mains power unit situated within the house to provide low voltage direct current that is fed through the cable to the nest box.

Another more sophisticated system is known which involves the use of a colour video camera, and this requires an interior source of white light to provide an adequate colour picture.

However, the white light needs to be turned off at night to avoid disturbing the birds' perception of night and day and therefore necessitates the use of a daylight sensor switch to turn the white light off as night falls and turn it on again at daylight. This system also utilises a cable to provide power and take the video signal into the house.

It is also known to incorporate wireless transmission of the video camera signal to a receiver in the house. However, such a system has still required utilisation of a cable to supply power for the camera transmitter and lights. While the full benefits of wireless transmission avoiding the need for cables across the garden or into the house may be secured using battery power, the battery systems generally available cannot easily cope with the high power consumption of the camera, transmitter and lights. Accordingly, if there is a frequent need to change batteries when expended, this may disturb the birds and so be counterproductive.

* * .** a * * * S * .* * S * * S * S S S * S * S. * S * .S S S

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*5 S S 55 5 Another practical aspect that must be taken into account to achieve the best chance of a bird successfully nesting in the box is its design. In particular, it is important to design a box with the correct physical characteristics, including size, materials, entrance size and shape as well as to site it in the best location. As mentioned previously, these characteristics vary between bird species, and mean that bird boxes have many different sizes and shapes. Even with the best design and location of box, it is not possible to be sure a bird will choose to nest in it.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a practical means for observing nesting birds that overcomes or at least substantially reduces one or more of the aforementioned problems associated with the known surveillance systems.

Accordingly, and from a first aspect, the present invention resides in a surveillance system comprising a camera, a transmitter for transmitting images from the camera to a receiver, a motion sensor and a controller, wherein the system has at least one mode of operation in which the controller is programmed to communicate periodically with the motion sensor and to activate the camera and transmitter when the motion sensor signals that movement of an object is detected and to deactivate the camera and transmitter when the motion sensor signals that no movement is detected.

It will be appreciated that the invention offers a means for saving power by switching off the camera and transmitter during periods of inactivity. This is particularly beneficial for periods of prolonged inactivity where the system would otherwise consume a significant level of power when there is no action to observe.

Parameters determining the interval at which the controller communicates with the motion sensor may be set within the controller. Preferably the sensor derives its power from the controller. The sensor may also feed its signal to the controller.

In order to override the power saving mode, the system of the invention preferably has a second mode of operation in which the controller is programmed to activate the camera and transmitter independently of the signal from the motion sensor. Such a feature may, for example, be useful where it is desired to observe the birds even when they are sleeping and relatively motionless. Since the motion sensor is effectively redundant when the system is not in the power saving mode, the sensor is preferably deactivated in the second (normal) mode of * S *4I * I * * S S 3s S S S

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I. S * S S. S S * S I S S S S S SS S S ** . operation. In this way, the active life of the sensor may be extended and unnecessary signal transmission avoided. Passive infrared (PIR) sensors are especially suitable for use in the invention.

In order that there is no disturbance of the nesting birds, a remotely actuated switch for switching the system between first (power saving) and second (normal) modes is preferably provided. The mode switch may also include an "off' position where none of the electronic components of the nest box are powered.

As will already be understood, the system of the invention is suitable for battery operation in view of its power saving ability. In particular, it is preferred that the controller be battery powered. For maximum flexibility, the system may be powered by a switching power supply adapted for receiving a range of batteries of different voltages such that the system components are supplied with a substantially constant voltage.

The system according to the invention preferably comprises a receiver for supplying imaging signals from the transmitter to an image display apparatus and may also incorporate an image display apparatus. For convenience, the imaging signal is sent from the camera by wireless transmission.

The image display apparatus desirably includes means for detecting and displaying a received imaging signal and for displaying a recently received imaging signal when the apparatus detects an interruption in signal transmission. The governing software preferably operates to store an image at predetermined intervals, for example every few milliseconds, and the last one stored will generally be the one displayed when there is an interruption. Accordingly, the recently received imaging signal will typically be the most recently received image corresponding to the image when the last movement of an object occurred. In this way, an observer will be able to see what is effectively the current position of the bird(s) inside the nesting box, though to some extent this will depend on the interval at which the motion sensor is set to carry out its monitoring.

The image display apparatus may be selected from a television, a video recorder and a personal computer (PC). In the latter case, the PC should preferably include an internal video card or an external video to USB adapter.

* S **S S * * * S S 4. . * * * . S * S S S S S 5 5 I S. S S S * * S S S S S *S * * SS * The use of a PC as the image display apparatus is particularly preferred since when loaded with enabling software it creates the opportunity for continuously monitoring the pixel colours and pattern of the received signal to determine whether the signal has been interrupted and for selecting a recent image for display during interruption of the signal.

In order to allow an observer to listen to sounds being emitted by the bird(s) in the nesting box, the system may include a microphone and the transmitter is adapted to transmit an audio signal from the microphone to the receiver. This is most conveniently achieved when the transmitter transmits in the radio frequency bandwidth.

As will be readily appreciated, the quality of the images received by the camera will be largely dependent on the amount and quality of available light. When installed in a nesting box, it is inevitable that the ambient light conditions will not always be sufficient to provide decent images. Therefore it is preferred that the system according to the first aspect of the invention further comprises a lighting system for illuminating an area to be surveyed according to the ambient light conditions.

In this regard, the lighting system preferably includes a light sensor adapted to monitor periodically the ambient light conditions. To cope with poor light conditions, the lighting system is preferably adapted to provide artificial illumination when the light sensor detects that the ambient light is below a first predetermined level Li. More preferably, the lighting system includes a source of white light and is adapted to switch on the white light when the light sensor detects that the ambient light is below light level L 1 but is above a second predetermined level L2.

While the use of white light is beneficial during normal daylight hours, its use can disturb birds if it is switched on during the hours of darkness. Accordingly, the lighting system advantageously includes a source of infra red light and is adapted to switch on the infra red light when the light sensor detects that the ambient light is below light level L2.

Typically, light level Ll is calibrated to coincide with ambient light conditions that allow the camera to record a clear image without additional light and light level L2 is calibrated to coincide with ambient light conditions at dusk. Obviously, ambient light conditions at dusk * S *S S * * S S * J* S S S

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SS S S S 55 S S * S S * S S S * *S S S 55 * can vary according to where the nesting box is located, for example, it may be located in an urban environment where there is a higher level of ambient light than in a remote rural location. It is therefore desirable that light level L2 is calibrated in situ to take account of local conditions.

At night, when the ambient light level may remain pretty much the same throughout, the need to monitor the light level can be less frequent than during daylight hours when clouds can produce a sudden and dramatic reduction in the available light. Accordingly, it is preferable that the interval at which the light sensor is programmed to check ambient light conditions be dependent on the light level most recently detected.

In order to obtain a true reading of the light conditions, the lighting system may be conveniently adapted to switch off any artificial illumination before the light sensor is activated.

The use of one or more LEDs to provide the artificial illumination is preferred. LEDs generally have a much longer lifespan than incandescent light bulbs, for example, and also occupy very little space, so are particularly well suited to use in nest boxes. Both white light and infrared LEDs are of course widely available.

In keeping with the desire to reduce power consumption in the system and make battery operation a feasible option, the lighting system also preferably communicates (directly or indirectly) with the motion sensor such that it has at least a first mode of operation in which the lighting system is activated only when the motion sensor signals that movement of an object is detected and is deactivated when the motion sensor signals that no movement is detected.

It is also desirable to have the option of overriding the power saving mode, hence the lighting system may also have a second mode of operation in which it is activated independently of the signal from the motion sensor.

A mode switch adapted to switch the system between one or more powered modes and an off mode may be provided. When the system is powered by a battery or other power source * S 56.

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SS S S 55 5 located remote from the camera, the mode switch may conveniently be located adjacent the power source.

In a preferred arrangement where the controller is adapted to manage the status of the camera, motion sensor and transmitter, and optionally one or both of a microphone and lighting system, it is further preferred that the mode switch is adapted to switch between a normal powered mode in which the controller activates all system components and a power-saving mode in which the controller activates only the motion sensor until the sensor detects motion of an object whereupon the controller activates all system components.

In order to protect elements of the system from external influences and conditions, it is desirable that at least the camera and motion sensor components be installed in a housing.

Whilst the housing may itself comprise a nesting box, it is especially preferred for the components to be mounted in a separate housing, otherwise referred to as a pod, that can be easily mounted on a nesting box and demounted therefrom. In this way, it is easy to transfer the pod to another nesting box in the event that a different nesting location is selected. The pod should ideally be capable of fixing to various positions on the inside or outside of a nesting box of any size or shape.

Accordingly, and from a second aspect, the invention resides in a housing for accommodating at least a motion sensor and a camera of a surveillance system, the housing being adapted for mounting on a nesting box and having an opening for communicating with the interior of the nesting box when mounted thereon to permit detection of bird activity in the box by the motion sensor and recording of the activity by the camera.

The pod may either be installed within the nesting box or on the exterior of the nesting box. In the latter case, the nesting box should preferably be provided with an opening additional to the opening that permits entrance for the birds, such that the additional opening substantially overlaps the opening in the nesting box.

The pod is preferably in the form of an open-topped box provided internally with mounting means for the electronic components, such as one or more pillars. A hole may be provided in a wall of the pod through which cabling for the various components is fed which may then be routed to a battery box located in the vicinity.

* S.q. * * * S S * I S S S * S S S S * S S * US S S U S* S S * I * S S S S S S. I * *. * Rather than mounting the pod directly onto a nesting box, the pod is preferably mounted on a base plate adapted to receive the pod, the base plate itself being provided with attachment means for securing the plate to the box. The base plate may, for example, have screw or other fixing holes through which it can be secured to a nesting box. The base plate ideally has an aperture which overlaps with the opening in the pod when mounted thereon and with the corresponding opening in the nesting box thereby to allow the various components of the surveillance system to "see" into the nesting box.

The pod and base plate preferably fit together by means of an interference fit, such as by providing the base plate with a lip around its perimeter and the pod with beading around its base which snap fits over the lip. Ideally the beading is provided around the perimeter of the opening.

The pod may be made from a plastics material, such as moulded polyurethane, which has a degree of flexibility to allow for an interference fit with the base plate, such as the snap fit arrangement described above. The base plate is preferably made from a substantially rigid material, nylon being particularly preferred.

A blanking cover may also be provided for attachment to the base plate when the pod is not mounted thereon in order to cover the aperture in the base plate and the corresponding opening in the nesting box. For convenience, the blanking cover may be provided with the same features as that of the pod for fitting to the base plate, most preferably beading around its perimeter to produce a snap fit over lip of the base plate. The blanking cover may also be made from the same material as the pod, ideally to provide a degree of flexibility which is useful when removing the blanking cover from the base plate.

To facilitate replacement of the blanking cover with the pod and vice versa, both may be provided with handles which, when pulled, deforms the material from which the cover and pod is made, thereby allowing the beading or the like to ride over the lip on the base plate and the cover or pod to be detached from the base plate. Both the blanking cover and the pod are preferably designed to form a watertight fit with the nest box.

In practice, it is advantageous to locate a plurality of nesting boxes at various possible nesting locations, each box being fitted with a base plate. Initially, all of the nesting boxes are * * *Q.s * * * * * * 0. * . S * S S S S - S S. * * *. S S * a S S * - S * * I * . additionally fitted with a blanking cover, or all but one being so covered with the remaining one fitted with a pod containing the surveillance equipment. Once it has been established which of the boxes has been adopted by nesting birds, if necessary it is then a simple matter to swap the blanking cover for a pod on the adopted box. In this way, there is no need to disturb the birds for more than a few seconds.

It will be appreciated that the lighting system, as described hereinbefore, whilst particularly suited for use in the surveillance system according to the first aspect of the invention is equally suitable for use in other surveillance applications. Accordingly, and from a third aspect, the invention further resides in a lighting system for illuminating an area to be surveyed according to the ambient light conditions, the system comprising a light sensor adapted to monitor periodically the ambient light conditions and at least one light source adapted to provide artificial illumination when the light sensor detects that the ambient light is below a first predetermined level L 1.

Other features of the lighting system described hereinbefore with respect to the first aspect of the invention may also be incorporated in the system according to the third aspect. For example, the lighting system according to the second aspect of the invention may include a source of white light and be adapted to switch on the white light when the light sensor detects that the ambient light is below light level Ll but is above a second predetermined level L2. It may further include a source of infrared light and be adapted to switch on the infrared light when the light sensor detects that the ambient light is below light level L2. Light level Li can be calibrated to coincide with ambient light conditions that allow a camera to record a clear image without additional light.

Further features of the invention according to the third aspect and common with the lighting system included in the first aspect are set out in the appended claims.

From yet another aspect, the invention resides in an image data compression system for reducing the amount of image data transmitted to a receiver from a surveillance camera, the system comprising a motion sensor, a camera and a transmitter, wherein image data from the camera is transmitted only when the motion sensor detects movement of an object.

* * * * * * * * -,. * I - S S * S * Sb * * S 5 * S - . * SI 3 ** S I * S When the image data compression system further includes a receiver and image display apparatus, the image display apparatus is advantageously adapted to display a recently transmitted image during the period when the motion sensor does not detect movement.

In order that the various aspects of the invention may be more readily understood, reference is now made to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a schematic of a surveillance system in accordance with the first aspect of the invention; Figure 2 is a schematic of the controller forming part of the system of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a circuit diagram for the controller of Figure 2; Figure 4 is a printed circuit board layout corresponding to the circuit diagram of Figure 3; Figure 5 is a schematic of the movement sensor forming part of the system of Figure 1; Figure 6 is a schematic of a lighting system in accordance with a further aspect of the invention; Figure 7 is a schematic of the computer program for operating a surveillance system in accordance with the first aspect of the invention; Figure 8 is a schematic of the data compression system according to a yet further aspect of the invention; Figure 9 is a perspective view from above of a base plate for a nesting box for use in a surveillance system according to a first aspect of the invention; Figure 10 is a perspective view from below of a pod for connecting to the base plate of Figure 9; Figure 11 is a perspective view from above of the pod of Figure 10; * * w. * * * * * * i'J* S S S ISIS Il S* S * S IS S S IS - o I I S I) S S *I S Figure 12 is a perspective view from below of a blanking cover for use with the base plate of Figures 9 and 10; and Figure 13 is a cross- sectional view of the pod of Figure 10 connected to the base plate of Figure 9.

A schematic for a surveillance system as installed in relation to a nest box, and in accordance with a first aspect of the invention, is shown in Figure 1. The electronics system within the bird nesting box includes the following modules: a controller 1, a movement sensor 3, a lighting system 5, a camera 7, a microphone 9 and a transmitter 11.

The modules within the nest box are powered by battery 13 and a battery box housing the battery 13 is sited at a convenient location, up to 2 metres or so from the bird box, allowing the battery to be changed without the necessity to intrude into the nest box. The battery box is reasonably weatherproof and does not have any holes for birds to enter. In addition to the battery 13 or other power source, the battery box also has a mode switch 15 for switching the electronics off or to one of the operating regimes.

The mode switch 15 may be switched between a first (normal) position in which all modules are powered and a second (power saving) position, and also to off when none of the modules are powered.

The controller 1 is adapted to manage the status of all other modules in the box according to simple principles, and minimises power requirements as far as possible. For example, the movement sensor 3, typically a PIR sensor, is used to determine whether there is any movement of birds within the box. For prolonged periods of inactivity (determined by parameters set within the controller 1) the mode switch 15 is switched to power saving mode, and the controller 1 will switch off the camera 7, microphone 9 and transmitter 11, as well as any lights of the lighting system 5 which may otherwise be illuminated. The sensor 3 derives its power from and feeds its signal to the controller 1 irrespective of whether the system is in normal or power saving mode.

* . ... . S * * * * * 11. . * S S * S S S S 0 S. S S * S. S S S S S S S S * * S. S * *0 S A light sensor (not shown), which forms part of the lighting system 5, periodically senses the ambient light inside the nest box, momentarily switching off any light sources within the box.

If the light sensor detects that the ambient light entering the box is at a high enough level for the camera 7 to provide a good picture, the system 5 provides no illumination. As the light sensor detects that the ambient light has decreased, additional light from white light emitting diodes (not shown) is applied to supplement the natural light and thereby provide a good colour picture from the camera 7. At still lower detected ambient light levels, the white lights are switched off, and illumination is instead provided by infrared emitting diodes (not shown).

These provide a black and white picture from the video camera 7. The lighting system 5 is designed to provide a picture for 24 hours per day, without disturbing the natural diurnal rhythms of the nesting birds.

The camera 7, microphone 9 and transmitter 11 modules are selected for their low power consumption and high sensitivity to both white (visible) light and infrared. The transmitter 11 may transmit in the 2.4GHz band on low power output to make it applicable for unlicenced use worldwide.

The video and audio signal is received by a receiver 17, typically a 2. 4GHz receiver, which is located inside the house or at another monitoring location. The receiver 17 provides video and audio signals to a television 19, video recorder 21 or into a PC 23 via a USB adaptor 25 through the USB socket. Software in the PC 23 is designed to display, record and process the signals received and upload specific images or video sequences to web servers 27 on the Internet.

Figure 2 provides a schematic of the controller 1 forming part of the system of Figure 1. The controller draws its power supply from the battery 13 located in the battery box, typically a 6V battery.

The controller 1 first checks the position of the mode switch 15 (step 202) to determine if it is set to the "Off' position (step 204). If so, the controller 1 switches all sub systems/modules in the nest box to "Off' (step 206), including the camera 7, microphone 9, transmitter 11, lighting system 5 and movement sensor 3. The mode switch is checked again (step 202).

* * S.. S S * S S S S S * S S S I * S I I S S I. S S S 55 5 5

S I S S S S S S IS S S 55 5 If the mode switch 15 is not set to off, it is tested (step

208) to determine whether it is set to "Normal". If so, the camera 7, microphone 9, transmitter 11 and lighting system 5 are switched on (step 210), and the movement sensor 3 switched off (step 212). The mode switch is checked again (step 202).

If the mode switch 15 is set to "Power Saving", the movement sensor system is switched on (step 214). If movement is sensed (step 216), the camera 7, microphone 9, transmitter 11 and lighting system 5 are switched on (step 218). The mode switch 15 is checked again (step 202).

If movement is not sensed (step 216), the camera 7, microphone 9, transmitter 11 and lighting system 5 are switched off (step 220). The mode switch 15 is checked again (step 202).

A circuit diagram for the controller is shown in Figure 3 and a corresponding printed circuit board layout shown in Figure 4.

Figure 5 shows a schematic of the movement sensor 3 forming part of the system of Figure 1.

After being switched on by the controller 1 (step 502), the movement sensor 3, conveniently a PIR module, is given time Tl (approx 10 seconds) (step 504) to settle before being monitored by the controller 1 (step 506) .

If movement is sensed, the lighting system 5, camera 7, microphone 9 and transmitter 11 are switched on (step 508). After a wait T3 (approx 10 minutes) (step 510) the movement sensor 3 is checked again (step 506).

If no movement is sensed, the lighting system 5, camera 7, microphone 9 and transmitter 11 are switched off (step 512). After a wait 12 (approx 1 minute) (step 514) the movement sensor 3 is checked again.

Figure 6 shows a schematic of a lighting system 5 in accordance with a second aspect of the invention. However, it will be understood that the lighting system 5 is equally applicable for use in the surveillance system of Figure 1 and will now be described with particular reference to that use.

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SS S S ** S After being switched on by the controller 1, the lighting system 5 waits T4 (approx 2 seconds) (step 602) before commencing operation.

All lights in the lighting system 5 are switched off (step 604). After a wait T5 (approx ims) (step 606) the ambient light level inside the nest box is checked (step 608) using a light dependant resistor. If this is greater than level Li (calibrated to give a good picture with no additional light) a wait of T6 (approx 20 minutes) (step 610) is undertaken, before checking the ambient light level again (steps 604, 606, 610).

If the light level is less than level Li, it is then determined whether it is also greater than level L2 (calibrated to coincide with dusk) (step 612) then the white light is switched on, typically by means of white LEDs set to give a light level suitable for a good colour picture (step 614).

A wait of T6 (approx 20 minutes) is undertaken, before checking the ambient light level again (step 616).

If the level is not greater than L2, then the infra red light is switched on, typically by means of infrared LEDs set to give a light level suitable for a good black and white picture (step 618).

A wait of T6 (approx 10 minutes) is undertaken, before checking the ambient light level again (step 616').

Turning now to Figure 7, there is shown a schematic of the computer program for operating a surveillance system of Figure 1. Specifically, this application program is designed to receive, display, save and annotate the images sent from the nesting box by the transmitter Ii to the receiver 17, and upload selected material to the Internet via PC 23.

Using appropriate drivers, the software is designed to receive the video and audio signals from the USB converter 25 (step 702). After processing by the "Transmit Off Process" (step 704) the live video from inside the nest box is displayed on the PC screen and the audio played (step 706). There are facilities to adjust the audio and video properties (step 708), and adjust the file locations used by the program (step 710).

It is possible to save a frame from the incoming video (step 712), save a video/audio clip (step 714), or save a time-lapse sequence (step 716). This saved data is stored on the PC's disk, * S *S* S S * * . * * 14 * * * * S S * S S * S S S S S 55 5 * * S I * S S S S S. S 5 55 S most conveniently onto a local image archive database (step 718). Items from this database can then be uploaded to a server over the user's Internet service (step 720).

Archived data can be managed (step 722) by displaying (steps 724, 726, 728), adding text (steps 730, 732, 734) or removing files (steps 736, 738, 740).

The software is designed specifically to deal with the power saving features of the bird box electronics. As shown by the schematic of Figure 13, the "Transmit Off Process" (step 704) includes a software routine that detects whether the receiver 17 is receiving a signal from the transmitter 11 (step 802) by processing pixels from the incoming signal from the USB input 25. Provided the mode switch 15 is not turned off, lack of a signal generally means that the power saving mode of the system has shut down the transmitter 11, etc. In particular, the software continually monitors the pixel colours and pattern of the received signal (step 804), and when it detects that the signal from the transmitter 11 has been interrupted, i.e. that the transmitter 11 has been switched off, it displays a recent "good" frame continuously (step 808), and switches off the audio (step 810) until the signal is reinstated.

This results in the displayed picture being a faithful reproduction of the view from the camera since if there is no movement within the nesting box the frame being displayed will accurately show the view inside the box.

If the transmitter 11 is transmitting due to movement being sensed within the nesting box, the system displays incoming video (step 812) and audio data (step 814).

Figures 9 to 13 illustrate various components for fitting to a nesting box for implementing the surveillance system described in relation to Figure 1. Specifically, Figure 9 shows a base plate 33 having fixing holes 43 for mounting the plate 33 on a nesting box (not shown). The base plate 33 has an aperture 35 for overlapping with an opening in the nesting box when mounted on the box. A lip 37 extends around the perimeter of the plate 33 for cooperating with both the pod 31 illustrated in Figures 10 and 11 and the blanking cover 47 illustrated in Figure 12.

The pod 31 is in the form of an open box having beading 39 extending around the ends of the walls surrounding the opening. The beading 39 provides a snap fit over the lip 37 of the base plate 33. Inside the pod, pillars 43, 43' extend from the base (or side(s) or roof, depending on E! 15:: the orientation of the pod on the nesting box) and may be used for mounting components of the surveillance equipment, such as the motion sensor, camera, etc. The pod 31 has an exit hole 41 through which the power/switch cable is routed from the electronic components to an external battery box (not shown). A pair of handles 45, 45' extend from opposite sides of the pod 31 adjacent the opening to facilitate detachment of the pod 31 from the base plate 33 as required.

Figure 12 shows a blanking cover 47 for use with the base plate 33 to cover the opening in the nesting box when the pod 31 is not attached. A lip 49 extends around the periphery of the blanking cover 47 to form a snap fit with base plate 33 in the same way as the beading 39 of the pod 31. Also in common with the pod 31 are handles 51, 51' located on opposite sides of the blanking cover 47 to assist when detaching the cover 47 from the base plate 33 ready for installation of the pod 31.

A representation showing pod 31 mounted on base plate 33 is given in Figure 13.

It should be understood that the foregoing is only illustrative of the various aspects of the present invention and should not be construed as being limited to the specific embodiments described. For example, while aspects of the invention have been described in relation to the surveillance of bird activity in nesting boxes, the invention is equally useful for watching other animals and for monitoring inanimate objects that may be subjected to movement.

Accordingly, reference should be made to the appended claims as indicating the scope of the invention, and equivalents of the claims are to be included therein.

16:;

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A surveillance system comprising a camera, a transmitter for

transmitting images from the camera to a receiver, a motion sensor and a controller, wherein the system has at least one mode of operation in which the controller is programmed to communicate periodically with the motion sensor and to activate the camera and transmitter when the motion sensor signals that movement of an object is detected and to deactivate the camera and transmitter when the motion sensor signals that no movement is detected.
2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the system has a second mode of operation in which the controller is progranmied to activate the camera and transmitter independently of the signal from the motion sensor.
3. A system according to claim 2, wherein the motion sensor is deactivated in the second mode of operation of the system.
4. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the motion sensor is powered by the controller.
5. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the system is powered by a switching power supply adapted for receiving a range of batteries of different voltages such that the system components are supplied with a substantially constant voltage.
6. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is battery powered.
7. A system according to claim 2, further comprising a remotely actuated switch for switching the system between first (power saving) and second (normal) modes.
8. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a receiver for supplying imaging signals from the transmitter to an image display apparatus.
9. A system according to claim 8, further comprising an image display apparatus.

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10. A system according to claim 9, wherein the image display apparatus includes means for detecting and displaying a received imaging signal and for displaying a recently received imaging signal when the apparatus detects an interruption in signal transmission.
11. A system according to claim 10, wherein the apparatus is adapted to display a recently received image corresponding to the image when the last movement of an object occurred.
12. A system according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the image display apparatus is selected from a television, a video recorder and a personal computer (PC).
13. A system according to claim 12, wherein the PC includes an internal video card or an external video to USB adapter.
14. A system according to claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the image display apparatus comprises a PC loaded with software that enables the PC continuously to monitor the pixel colours and pattern of the received signal and to select a recent image for display during interruption of the signal.
15. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a microphone and wherein the transmitter is adapted to transmit an audio signal from the microphone to the receiver.
16. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a lighting system for illuminating an area to be surveyed according to the ambient light conditions.
17. A system according to claim 16, wherein the lighting system includes a light sensor adapted to monitor periodically the ambient light conditions.
18. A system according to claim 17, wherein the lighting system is adapted to provide artificial illumination when the light sensor detects that the ambient light is below a first predetermined level L 1.

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19. A system according to claim 18, wherein the lighting system includes a source of white light and is adapted to switch on the white light when the light sensor detects that the ambient light is below light level Li but is above a second predetermined level L2.
20. A system according to claim 19, wherein the lighting system includes a source of infra red light and is adapted to switch on the infra red light when the light sensor detects that the ambient light is below light level L2.
21. A system according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein light level Li is calibrated to coincide with ambient light conditions that allow the camera to record a clear image without additional light.
22. A system according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein light level L2 is calibrated to coincide with ambient light conditions at dusk.
23. A system according to any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein light level L2 is calibrated in situ to take account of local conditions.
24. A system according to any one of claims 17 to 23, wherein the interval at which the light sensor is programmed to check ambient light conditions is dependent on the light level most recently detected.
25. A system according to any one of claims 17 to 24, wherein the lighting system is adapted to switch off any artificial illumination before the light sensor is activated to detect the ambient light conditions.
26. A system according to any one of claims 16 to 25, wherein the artificial illumination is provided by one or more diodes.
27. A system according to any one of claims 16 to 26, wherein the lighting system has at least a first mode of operation in which the lighting system is activated only when the motion sensor signals that movement of an object is detected and is deactivated when the motion sensor signals that no movement is detected.

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28. A system according to claim 27, wherein the lighting system has a second mode of operation in which the lighting system is activated independently of the signal from the motion sensor.
29. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the transmitter transmits in the radio frequency bandwidth.
30. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the imaging signal from the camera is by wireless transmission.
31. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is adapted to manage the status of the camera, motion sensor and transmitter, and optionally one or both of a microphone and lighting system.
32. A system according to claim 31, further comprising a mode switch wherein the mode switch is adapted to switch the system between one or more powered modes and an off mode.
33. A system according to claim 32, wherein the mode switch is adapted to switch between a normal powered mode in which the controller activates all system components and a power- saving mode in which the controller activates only the motion sensor until the sensor detects motion of an object whereupon the controller activates all system components.
34. A system according to claim 32 or claim 33, wherein the system is powered by a battery or other power source located remote from the camera and the mode switch is located adjacent the power source.
35. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least the camera and motion sensor components are installed in a housing.
36. A system according to claim 35, wherein the housing comprises a nest box for nesting birds.
37. A system according to claim 35, wherein the housing comprises a pod for attaching to a nest box.

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38. A system according to claim 37, wherein the nest box is adapted for retaining and releasing the pod.
39. A housing system for accommodating at least a motion sensor and a camera of a surveillance system, comprising a pod being adapted for mounting on a nesting box and having an opening for communicating with the interior of the nesting box when mounted thereon to permit detection of bird activity in the box by the sensor and recording thereof by the camera.
40. A system according to claim 39, wherein the pod comprises internal mounting means for mounting at least the motion sensor and the camera thereon.
41. A system according to claim 39 or claim 40, further comprising a base plate adapted to receive the pod, the plate including attachment means for securing the plate to the nesting box.
42. A system according to claim 41, wherein the base plate has an aperture therethrough which overlaps with both the opening in the pod when the pod is mounted on the plate and an opening in the nesting box, thereby to permit the camera and motion sensor to monitor any activity within the box.
43. A system according to claim 41 or claim 42, further comprising a blanking cover for mounting on the base plate in the absence of a pod thereby to cover the aperture in the base plate andlor the opening in the box.
44. A system according to any one of claims 41 to 43, wherein the pod and, if included, the blanking cover are each provided with complementary engagement means for engaging with the base plate.
45. A system according to claim 44, wherein the pod and blanking cover form a snap fit with the base plate.
46. A lighting system for illuminating an area under surveillance according to the ambient light conditions, the system comprising a light sensor adapted to monitor periodically the * S *SS S S * * S S S S S * * * S * S S S S S S. S * S ** * S S * S * . ambient light conditions and at least one light source adapted to provide artificial illumination when the light sensor detects that the ambient light is below a first predetermined level Li.
47. A system according to claim 46, wherein the system includes a source of white light is adapted to switch on the white light when the light sensor detects that the ambient light is below light level Ll but is above a second predetermined level L2.
48. A system according to claim 47, wherein the lighting system further includes a source of infra red light and is adapted to switch on the infra red light when the light sensor detects that the ambient light is below light level L2.
49. A system according to any one of claims 46 to 48, wherein light level Li is calibrated to coincide with ambient light conditions that allow a camera to record a clear image without additional light.
50. A system according to any one of claims 47 to 49, wherein light level L2 is calibrated to coincide with ambient light conditions at dusk.
51. A system according to any one of claims 46 to 50, wherein the interval at which the light sensor is programmed to check ambient light conditions is dependent on the light level most recently detected.
52. A system according to any one of claims 46 to 51, wherein the system is adapted to switch off any artificial illumination before the light sensor is activated to detect the ambient light conditions.
53. A system according to any one of claims 46 to 52, wherein the artificial illumination is provided by one or more diodes.
54. An image data compression system for reducing the amount of image data transmitted to a receiver from a surveillance camera, the system comprising a motion sensor, a camera and a transmitter, wherein image data from the camera is transmitted only when the motion sensor detects movement of an object.

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55. A system according to claim 54, further comprising a receiver and image display apparatus and wherein the image display apparatus is adapted to display a recently transmitted image during the period when the motion sensor does not detect movement.
56. A surveillance system for monitoring activity in a nesting box substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings.
57. A controller for a surveillance system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of Figures 2 to 4 of the accompanying drawings.
58. A movement sensor for use in a surveillance system for monitoring activity in a nesting box substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 5 of the accompanying drawings.
59. A lighting system for illuminating an area under surveillance substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 6 of the accompanying drawings.
60. A surveillance system for monitoring activity in a nesting box when operated by a computer program substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 7 of the accompanying drawings.
61. A data compression system for use in a surveillance system for monitoring activity in a nesting box substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 8 of the accompanying drawings.
62. A housing system for accommodating components of a surveillance system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of Figures 9 to 13 of the accompanying drawings.

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