GB2472124A

GB2472124A - Animal Trap Alerting System

Info

Publication number: GB2472124A
Application number: GB201002178A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Daniel Paul Cooper
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-07-22
Filing date: 2010-02-10
Publication date: 2011-01-26
Also published as: GB201002178D0; GB0912728D0

Abstract

An animal trap alerting system A, comprising attachment means G for attaching the relevant modules to a humane animal trap. Sensors D are provide which when triggered by animal movement B activate the transmitter unit. The transmitter unit sends a signal E to a receiver unit F which produces an alert. The system can have a sleep mode which saves power and can be programmed to provide status alerts.

Description

Description:

Animal Trap Alerting System The invention relates to an electronic warning device that alerts the user of the activation of humane animal trap(s), at a distance and not necessarily line of sight.

This invention is applicable to the humane recovery of animals and also to wildlife management such as population control by relocation, for example. By stating humane', this means that the trap/mechanism of which is used to trap the animal, itself must be humane.

The use of conventional humane animal traps can lead to a number of difficulties.

If a standard non-intelligent humane animal trap is used, the user would have to perform routine checks in timely intervals, in order to check if the trap has been activated/tripped (if an animal is caught inside the trap) or not. The time periods in which the trap(s) must be checked must be quite small, otherwise the animal could be left caught within one of these humane animal traps for too long. As the captured animals have a tendency to panic and feel the need to escape by any means necessary, delaying checking may result in an animal inflicting injuries upon its self in order to escape, sometimes resulting in fatality.

Due to the short time increments of which the trap has to checked, the user has to remain close to the trap. This drawback means that some animals recognise that a human is still close-by, and do not venture into the trap or the surrounding area.

Recent advances in technology have seen some intelligent humane animal trap systems being produced, which incorporate electronic/computer systems.

Although these boast many new advantages over non-intelligent standard versions, there are still a number of drawbacks.

One of the most notorious drawbacks is that the usage time of the trap (mainly the time the trap remains in a dormant state, waiting to be triggered) is greatly dependent on battery duration. A battery is necessary to power such electronic/computer monitoring systems, even when the trap is dormant, and has not been triggered.

The present invention seeks to provide an Animal Trap Alerting System that is able to alert the user of a trap(s) activation (or tripping) or other miscellaneous information relating to the trap. However, unlike conventional intelligent trap monitoring systems, the present invention, Animal Trap Alerting System, utilises a sleep mode'.

Unlike other systems in which low-power/sleep modes' still use a substantial amount of power, the sleep mode' incorporated into embodiments of the present invention enables all of the modules (excluding the separate receiver module) to not drain and/or discharge the battery what so ever, whilst the system has not been triggered, and is in a donnant state (whilst in sleep mode'), When sensors on the trap are stimulated/triggered, the relevant Animal Trap Alerting System modules come out of sleep mode' and switch on/activate (only now draining/discharging the battery).

The animal may take a considerable amount of time to enter the trap, and therefore a way of monitoring the Animal Trap Alerting System may be required, to ensure the systems are functioning correctly in its non-triggered/dormant state.

A status-update system', integrated into the transmitter module, to periodically send updates (regarding the traps status, functioning correctly, battery life, etc, etc) to the user, in order to monitor the systems operation. Other intelligent humane animal trap systems have used similar status-update' methods in order monitor traps, but most require constantly running software or constant wireless connections between them, greatly wasting battery life.

To overcome this problem, a status-update' system is incorporated into the Animal Trap Alarm System and has control over the sleep mode' of the Transmitter module, which can be set to force the Animal Trap Alerting System transmitter to return from this sleep mode' at a given time period, in order to send a status-update. After the transmitter module' has sent the required update, the status-update system' then forces the transmitter module' back into the sleep mode', until the next status-update is required.

The status-update system' uses a very small current from the battery, in order to supply the status update system' with its minimal power requirements. However as detailed below, the battery is given a trickle charge from a renewable energy source. The current provided by this renewable energy source is substantial enough to compensate for the self discharge in the battery (whilst in sleep mode'), and also enough to supply very small current (and greater) that the status-update system' requires, thus effectively eliminating the discharge of the battery due to the status-update system' or the self-discharge of the battery.

For example, the Animal Trap Alerting System transmitter module could be set for a time period of 2Omins, where every 2Omins the status-update system' would force the entire Transmitter Module (except the receiver module) to return from low-power' temporarily, send a status update to the Animal Trap Alerting System receiver module and then return the system to the sleep mode'.

Also another major problem with intelligent humane animal trap systems is the issue natural self-discharge/deterioration, of the batteries. Batteries over time suffer from a natural self-discharge/deterioration of the stored charge/capacity.

Therefore if left for a considerable amount of time (anywhere from weeks to months, depending on the type of battery), the battery itself will start to lose charge and deplete, draining the battery. Also, some batteries are very sensitive to prolonged time kept in a low charge state, which in some cases can render the battery useless.

To overcome this problem, the present invention proposes an Animal Trap Alerting System that is able to incorporate a renewable energy source (such as; solar, wind, geothermal, hydropower), in order to provide a trickle-charge (small current charge), that is substantial enough to preserve the battery's charged state, and slowly re-charge the battery over time.

By incorporating a low-power', and a renewable energy source trickle-charging system, the Animal Trap Alerting System's usage time is considerably extended, and the system has the ability to stay in the sleep-mode' for many months.

This advantage would also be of much use if the Animal Trap Alerting System has been stored for a period of time and is then required straight away. The batteries incorporated in normal intelligent humane animal trap systems would have most likely suffered from natural self-discharge/deterioration of the batteries, and therefore would need charging before the intelligent humane animal trap system(s) could be used, thus wasting time waiting for the module/batteries to re-charge.

The invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows an drawn example of a typical trap configuration, where the relevant Animal Trap Alerting System modules are positioned to suit this example of a typical trap configuration, (the bold letters in brackets, in the following paragraphs, pages 4 & 5, relate to Figure 1), Figure 2 shows a flow diagram, which presents an example of some processes an Animal Trap Alerting System may establish in order to function correctly, (the bold Numbers in brackets, in the following paragraphs, pages 4 & 5, relate to Figure 2), In Figures 1 and 2, Animal Trap Alerting System modules are first attached to a humane trap (1), using a quick-release mechanism (G). These modules include; sensor modules(s) (which sense changes in the mechanism of the humane trap or sense an animal(s) presence within or around the humane trap) (D) and a transmitter module (A) that allows the Animal Trap Alerting System to wirelessly communicate (E) with a linked receiver module, that would be appropriate to the person willing to receive (F), although non-wireless methods of communication can also be incorporated.

Once the relevant Animal Trap Alerting System modules are fitted, positioned to suit the type of humane animal trap used, then the user no longer needs to be in visual range of the trap, which in some cases is enough to scare the animal away.

The user can therefore retreat back to a safe distance (with the receiver module) in order to avoid scaring the animal, giving it the confidence to wander into the humane trap (B).

After some time the animal enters the humane trap, the entrance door(s) close (C) and the animal is contained, triggering the sensor module(s) of the Animal Trap Alerting System (D) (2).

The transmitter module interfaces with the sensor module(s), and monitors the creation or change of the electrical property/connection of which the sensor module(s) produces. This electrical property/connection preferably relates to changes in voltage, of which the Animal Trap Alerting System monitors, although other electrical properties/connections can be monitored to produce the same effect, for example including but not limited to; electrical connections being made/broke, changes in Resistance, changes in Impedance, changes in Capacitance, changes in Inductance, changes in Frequency.

Once the Transmitter Module receives the correct electrical property/connection (3), the transmitter is forced out of its low-power' mode and all the relevant modules switch-on.

After this, the transmitter transmits a signal(s), as well as a live update of the Animal Trap Alerting System (which is provided by the status-update system) to the receiver module (that would be appropriate to the person willing to receive).

Once the receiver module receives a signal from the transmitter module, it produces an action/alert (4).

The operator who no longer needs to be in visual range of the humane trap can now break cover' and rescue the possibly injured and frightened animal in minimum time and place it in better surroundings, to allow it to settle (5).

After this, the operator can reset the trap and Animal Trap Alerting System, to allow for further capture of stray animals etc. The Animal Trap Alerting System has attachment means for attaching the relevant modules to humane animal traps. Preferably the attachment means is a magnetic quick-release mechanism.

This magnetic quick release mechanism is fully adjustable, thus enabling the Animal Trap Alerting System modules to be fitted to a variety of commonly used traps (as it can simply be moved from one trap to another, as required), and the; sensor(s), transmitter and battery modules (if an external battery module is required, in addition to that found in the transmitter' module) can be positioned relative to the attachment means/needs.

Using such quick release mechanisms has many advantages over other securing methods. These advantages include; ease of use & no additionallspecial tools.

The quick release mechanism is preferably provided by the magnetic under-side on each module (although any surface on the modules could be made magnetic), which allows the mechanism to secure itself onto the side of the trap without the need for screw-drivers or any specialist tools, although the securing means may also be provided by other means, such as; clamps or securing plates: The relevant modules are linked/interfaced by means of wired/wireless communications.

The interface between the transmitter module and the sensor module(s) are preferably provided by wired (non-wireless) communication, utilising standard connectors/connections, although the interface between the transmitter module and the sensor module(s) may also be provided by other means (such as, but not limited to) utilising non-standard type connectors/connections or wireless communications.

The interface between the transmitter module and the receiver modules(s) are preferably provided by wireless communication, utilising radio frequency channels in order to broadcastltransmit data, although the interface between the transmitter module and the receiver module(s) may also be provided by other means of (such as, but not limited to) other wireless communications or could utilise wired (non-wireless) methods such as standard connectors/connections.

The sensing means of the sensor module(s) are preferably provided by standard pressure switch/sensor(s), although the sensing means may also be provided by other means, such as any other type of sensor/switch which receives signal(s) or stimulus in order to create or change an electrical property/connection, such as (but not limited to) a heat, pressure, light, sound or motion sensor.

The sensor module(s) may be adjustable so that the degree of sensing/detection can be modified to suit the type of humane animal trap and the use it is intended for.

The transmitter module interfaces with the sensor module(s), and monitors the creation or change of the electrical property/connection of which the sensor module(s) produces. This electrical property/connect jon preferably relates to changes in voltage, of which the Animal Trap Alerting System monitors, although other electrical properties/connections can be monitored to produce the same effect, for example; electrical connections being made/broke, changes in Resistance, changes in Impedance, changes in Capacitance, changes in Inductance, changes in Frequency.

The transmitter module is activated/switched-on when a correct electrical property/connection is produced/changed by the sensor module(s) (which is determined by the transmitter module), which in-turn forces the transmitter module to send a signal to receiver module(s) (that would be appropriate to the person willing to receive). Once the receiver module receives a signal from the transmitter module, it produces an alert.

The Animal Trap Alerting System receiver module can monitor multiple traps/transmitter modules, and can be set-up to produce different alerts for the different traps.

The differences in the alerts produced are preferably provided by different warning lights/indicators being illuminated (preferably LED, but other indicators could be used), which depict the one or multiple traps, where many lights can depict many traps, accompanied by a audible alert(s). Differences in the audible alerts may also be provided by (for example, but not limited to) differences in the pitch of the tone or its volume.

Motion based alerts could also be provided by vibration/movement in a certain manor, to represent a certain trap.

Claims

Claims 1. A Animal Trap Alerting System comprising attachment means for attaching the relevant modules to a humane animal trap cage, electrical properties/connection(s) are created/changed when a sensor(s) is triggered activating/turning-on the transmitter unit from sleep mode, enabling the transmitter unit to send a signal to a receiver unit, forcing the receiver unit produce an alert, a status-update system is set-up to periodically send data to the person wilting to receive regarding the traps status, testing/resetting means and expansion port(s) are provided on transmitter and/or the receiver units.
2. A Animal Trap Alerting System according to claim 1, in which the means of creating/changing a electrical property/connection are provided by the triggering of sensor(s), which can be stimulated by sensing changes in the mechanism of the trap or sensing of the animal(s) presence around/within the trap.
3. A Animal Trap Alerting System according to claim 2, in which the means sensing changes in the mechanism of the trap or sensing of the animal(s) presence within the trap are provided by a sensor(s) which receives signal(s) or stimulus (which include/but are not limited to; heat, pressure, light, sound and motion).
4. A Animal Trap Alerting System according to claim 1, in which the activation means of the transmitter unit is provided the transmitter unit monitoring the creation or change of the electrical property/connection of which the sensing unit produces, switching-on/activating the transmitter unit accordingly when the correct electrical property/connection is established.
5. A Animal Trap Alerting System according to claim 1, in which the means of sending a signal to a receiver unit (that would be appropriate to the person willing to receive) is provided by the transmitter unit being switched on according to claim 4.
6. A Animal Trap Alerting System according to claim 1, in which the means of forcing the receiver unit produce an alert is provided by the receiver unit receiving a signal from the transmitter unit.
7. A Animal Trap Alerting System according to claim 1, in which the means power being supplied to Animal Trap Alerting System is provided by battery and/or mains supply providing a DC and/or AC electricity supply to the Animal Trap Alerting System units.
8. A Animal Trap Alerting System according to claim 1, in which the testing and resetting means is provided by external/internal switch(es) and indicator(s) and/or by remote controller(s).
9. A Animal Trap Alerting System according to claim 1, in which the means of the receiver producing an alert is provided by audible/visual and physical alerting user interface.
10. A Animal Trap Alerting System according to claim 1, in which the means to aid the preserving the charge of the main battery according to claim 7, is provided by the Animal Trap Alerting System switching to a sleep mode, which is a low-power state.
11. A Animal Trap Alerting System according to claim 1, in which the means of establishing a sleep mode according to claim 10, is provided by all the relevant modules (except the status-update module) consuming minimal power from the main battery whilst in sleep mode, in order to help maintain the battery's charged state and operational life of the trap, the minimal power used from the main battery is replenished by a renewable energy source.
12. A Animal Trap Alerting System according to claim 2, in which the means of maintaining/replenishing the charged state of the main battery according to claim 7, against self-discharge/deterioration' and depletion (during sleep mode) of such batteries according to claim 11, is provided by a renewable energy source (such as; solar, wind, geothermal, hydropower).
13. A Animal Trap Alerting System according to claim 1, in which the means of sending status-updates of the system to the receiver unit is provided by a constantly powered status-update system having control over the sleep mode of the Animal Trap Alerting System transmitter module, whereas the status-update system is able to force the Animal Trap Alerting System transmitter to return out of the sleep-mode after a set time period in order to send a required status-update, the Animal Trap Alerting System modules (excluding the receiver and status-update modules) forced to return to the low-power/sleep mode (by the status-update system) once status-update is sent (if configured to do so).
14. A Animal Trap Alerting System according to claim 12, wherein the means of compensating for the drainage/depletion of the charge of the main battery due to the constantly powered status-update module (applicable only when status-updates are required) is provided by a renewable energy source, according to claim 12.
15. A Animal Trap Alerting System comprising: -a sensor arranged to detect triggering of the trap, -a transmitter arranged to activate and transmit an alert signal upon detection of triggering the trap by the sensor.
16. A Animal Trap Alerting System according to Claim 15, wherein the transmitter has a dormant state and an active state and is arranged to switch to the active state upon detection of the triggering of the trap by the sensor module(s).