WO2023134924A1

WO2023134924A1 - Bird protection device

Info

Publication number: WO2023134924A1
Application number: PCT/EP2022/084214
Authority: WO
Inventors: Daniel Decroupet; Gaetan FRIART
Original assignee: Agc Glass Europe
Priority date: 2022-01-13
Filing date: 2022-12-02
Publication date: 2023-07-20

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system for preventing a bird from colliding with a building. The system comprises at least one lidar to monitor the area around the building, the at least one lidar being installed on the building itself. The system further comprises a processing unit to detect the bird and localize its trajectory from raw data obtained from the lidar, the processing unit being programmed with deterministic and/or artificial intelligent algorithms. The system further comprises a control unit to evaluate the need to repel the bird from the building to avoid a potential collision. The system further comprises at least one bird repellent device activated by the control unit. The present invention also relates to a method for preventing a bird from colliding with a building.

Description

BIRD PROTECTION DEVICE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION _

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of bird protection devices. More specifically it relates to systems and methods to prevent a bird from colliding into a building, more specifically to a window of such building.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION _

[0002] Bird-building collisions, particularly collisions with windows and other reflective surfaces, are by far the largest source of avian collision mortality. As an example, it causes between 365 to 988 million bird fatalities annually in the United States (Loss SR, Lao S, Eckles JW, Anderson AW, Blair RB, Turner RJ (2019) Factors influencing bird-building collisions in the downtown area of a major North American city. PLoS ONE 14(11 )).

[0003] Conventional ways of reducing bird collisions with windows include the use of nets or decals. However, these solutions are considered ineffective because of the aesthetic impact on the architecture and/or because they do not work as they do not make the glass more visible to birds.

[0004] US2020281188A1 discloses an avian repellent tape that comprises both avian deterrents and ultraviolet patterning to warm avian pests of the presence of avian deterrents. The tape is adhered to a window to help prevent birds from flying into the window. The tape is used in combination with deterrents. Such deterrents can be chemical (such as Methyl anthranilate), used to irritate the mouth and lungs of birds, or physical (such as bird spikes and electric shock-based devices), used to create a hostile physical environment that deters birds from landing on one or more surfaces. Beside the fact that such tape would require to install it on all windows of a building, the use of such deterrents is harmful for birds.

[0005] Alternately, US2009130349A1 , WO2015183681 A1 and WO2019055953A1 for example disclose windows for reducing bird collisions. Such windows comprise a UV reflecting coating on the outwards facing surface so as to maximize the degree of UV reflectance. While the performance regarding collisions appears satisfactory, the coating nevertheless is subjected to wear and tear by its exposure to weather and cleaning. Furthermore, even if the coating is designed to be mostly visible in the ultraviolet wavelength range, the coating is still noticeable to the naked human eye, in particular when it is applied in a pattern. Moreover, such solution is usually not applicable for old buildings, as it would require all the windows to be replaced by such UV coated windows. It can represent a high cost for the building owner.

[0006] CN110679584A disclose an automatic bird repelling device. Such system is intended for airports. The automatic bird repelling device is controlled to move to the target position along the movement path to perform bird repelling operations. Such device is not intended to be used in a city, and could therefore not be used to protect the birds from colliding into buildings. Using such device in a city would imply to have automatic bird repelling device moving around the building which is not practical. The device would indeed move on an area where people would also be likely to walk.

[0007] US9474265B2 discloses a system for directing a bird away from equipment such as a wind turbine. The system comprises a drone, and would therefore require having a drone flying around the building, which is not convenient and usually not permitted by drone law regulations. Beside, such system, based on ultrasound, is not fully efficient as most birds are not sensitive to ultrasound.

[0008] US9775337B2 discloses a system for directing a bird away from equipment such as a wind turbine. Again such device is not intended to be used in a city for several practical reasons. First, it requires the use of a camera to cover a public area of the city, which is often not allowed for privacy reasons. Second, it requires the installation of the system in the vicinity of the building, usually outside of the building property area which is convenient for a wind turbine but not practical in a city. Third, the beam of audio-modulated sound needs to reach the bird at its exact detected position, which is again convenient for a wind turbine but not practical in a city due to obstruction (urban furniture, building part, ... ). This system could therefore not be used to protect the birds from colliding into buildings. Beside, such system, based on ultrasound, is not fully efficient as most birds are not sensitive to ultrasound.

[0009] There is therefore a need for an improved solution which prevents or at least reduces bird collisions, which shows improved durability, which could be deployed in a city and without having to change all the windows of a building. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present invention concerns a system for preventing a bird from colliding with a building. The system comprises at least one lidar to monitor an area around the building, the at least one lidar being preferably installed on the building itself. The system further comprises a processing unit to detect the bird and localize its trajectory from raw data obtained from the lidar, the processing unit being programmed with deterministic and/or artificial intelligent algorithms. The system further comprises a control unit to evaluate the need to repel the bird from the building to avoid a potential collision. The system further comprises at least one bird repellent device activatable by the control unit.

[0011] The present invention further concerns a method for preventing a bird from colliding with a building.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS _

[0012] The invention will now be described further, byway of examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements in the various figures. These examples are provided by way of illustration and not of limitation. The drawings are a schematic representation and not true to scale. The drawings do not restrict the invention in any way. More advantages will be explained with examples.

[0013] Fig.1 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Fig.2 and Fig.3 illustrate alternative embodiments of the present invention.

[0015] Fig.4 illustrates a method according to the present invention.

[0016] Fig.5 illustrates an alternative method according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS _

[0017] The present invention will be described with respect to particular embodiments and with reference to certain drawings but the invention is not limited thereto but only by the claims.

[0018] While some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

[0019] The present invention proposes a system for preventing a bird from colliding with a building. A building is understood as a construction equipped with at least one window. A window installed on a building at least partly reflects the current environment of the building, more specifically the sky. From a bird’s point of view, the window is therefore often seen as a continuation of the sky, and therefore not perceived as an obstacle. This causes the bird from colliding with the window, which is often lethal to the bird. Moreover such window may reflect the image of trees within the surroundings, therefore leading the bird to see a tree while it is only its reflection in the window. This can further cause the bird to collide with the window.

[0020] The system of the present invention comprises at least one lidar. Lidar is an acronym for “light detection and ranging”. It is sometimes called “laser scanning” or “3D scanning”. The technology uses eye-safe laser beams to create a 3D- representation of the surveyed environment. Operating wavelength of lidar compatible with the present invention is comprised between 750 and 1650 nm (usually referred to as near-infrared range). More specifically, known operating wavelengths of currently produced lidars compatible with the present invention are 850 nm, 905 nm, 940 nm, 1064 nm, 1310 nm, 1350 nm, 1550 nm, 1650 nm. An acceptable variance of 25 nm around the nominal value of the wavelength may be considered, such that, for example, a wavelength range of 1525 to 1575 nm may be accepted around the nominal value of 1550 nm. The lidar monitors the area around the building from which the bird could fly into the building. It means the lidar targets an area around the building with a laser and measures the time for the reflected light to return to the receiver. The lidar has a sufficient point cloud resolution to detect and localize a single bird in the vicinity of a building, contrary to a radar. Since a radar is working at larger wavelengths, its returned results aren’t nearly as detailed as a lidar. Lidar data is of much higher accuracy and resolution when compared with radar data, making it possible to build exact 3D models of objects. Moreover a lidar acquires anonymized data (i.e. no acquisition of biometric data like facial information or skin/hair color) which makes it naturally GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) compliant, contrary to a camera. This key feature allows the installation of the system in a city without extensive authorizations and security protocols. [0021] The at least one lidar is intended to be installed on the building, meaning it is installed on a fagade or on the roof of the building. Because of its small dimensions, such a lidar may be easily installed on a wall or roof of a building, without excessively impairing its aesthetics, especially for buildings protected as historic monuments. Such an installation is also advantageous in terms of cost, especially compared to the replacement of all windows by windows with a UV-reflecting pattern. Such an installation allows also for installation in cities, even crowded avenues, especially compared to moving detection devices used in airports or wind farms.

[0022] In a less preferred embodiment, the at least one lidar could also be installed in the close vicinity of the building, for example at a distance less than 2 meters from the building, meaning it may often still be installed in the building’s grounds.

[0023] The system of the present invention further comprises a processing unit. The processing unit is connected to the at least one lidar. The processing unit is arranged to analyze an output from the at least one lidar and to provide a location and trajectory of the bird. The processing unit therefore detects the bird and determines its trajectory from raw data obtained from the lidar. It is programmed with deterministic and/or artificial intelligent algorithms.

[0024] The system of the present invention further comprises a control unit. The control unit is connected to the processing unit. The control unit is arrange to analyze an output from the processing unit and to evaluate the need to repel the bird from the building. The control unit therefore evaluates the need to repel the bird from the building in order to avoid a potential collision.

[0025] The system of the present invention further comprises at least one bird repellent device. The at least one bird repellent device is connected to the control unit. The at least one bird repellent is arranged to be activated by the control unit. The at least one bird repellent device is activated by the control unit. The aim of the at least one bird repellent device is to direct the bird away from the part of the building facade where collision may occur. The repelling signal can be either directed specifically towards the bird or emitted from or along the facade of the building, depending on the position and trajectory of the bird or the obstructions that are typically present in an urban environment (urban furniture, greenery, ... ).

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one bird repellent device is arranged to be provided on the building, meaning it is installed on a fagade or the roof of the building. Installation on the building itself allows also for installation in cities, even crowded avenues, especially compared to a moving detection device as used in airports or wind farms. In a less preferred embodiment, it can also be installed in the close vicinity of the building, for example at a distance less than 2 meters from the building, meaning it may often still be installed in the building’s grounds.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment, the bird repellent device comprises a device able to emit light. It means that light is either directed towards the bird or emitted from or along the fagade of the building in order to repel the bird. Such light can be flashing or continuous. Such light can be in the ultraviolet, visible or infrared range. CN212728575U describes a bird repellent device based on infrared light emission.

[0028] According to another preferred embodiment, the bird repellent device comprises a device able to emit sound, in particular infrasound, signal. In this case, the sound or infrasound signal is emitted from the bird repellent device positioned on the fagade of the building in order to repel the bird from the building, therefore avoiding the bird from colliding with the building. Such a sound can be in the bird audible sound range, generally comprised between 20 Hz and 20 kHz, more preferably between 1 kHz and 4 kHz as within this range birds’ hearing is the most sensitive. Such a sound can also be in the infrasound range, meaning below 20 Hz, as some bird species are sensitive to very low frequency range, such as pigeons, for example, who are sensitive to frequencies as low as 0.05 Hz. A sound-based bird repellent device such as described in US8934319B2 or US9521838B2 can be used to repel the bird.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one lidar is arranged to be provided behind a window or spandrel of the building, the window or spandrel being transparent at the operating wavelength of the lidar. Such installation allows for protection of the lidar against weather conditions. The lidar may be glued to the window, or fixed to a bracket, the bracket being fixed to the window (such bracket can be glued to the window, or fixed to the window through encapsulation process). Preferably, the window or spandrel behind which the lidar is placed is made of glass having an absorption coefficient at the operating wavelength of the at least one lidar of less than 15 m’¹, preferably less than 10 m’¹, even more preferably less than 5 rrr¹.

[0030] According to an alternative embodiment, the at least one lidar is installed on a wall of the building, such as on a fagade or on the roof of the building. In order to protect the lidar from weather conditions, the lidar is enclosed in a housing comprising an optical window. The optical window is transparent to the operating wavelength of the lidar. Preferably, the optical window is made of a glass having an absorption coefficient at the operating wavelength of the at least one lidar of less than 15 rrr¹, preferably less than 10 m’¹, even more preferably less than 5 rrr¹.

[0031] To quantify the low absorption of the glass sheet in the near infrared range, in the present description, the absorption coefficient is used in the wavelength range from 750 to 1650 nm. The absorption coefficient is defined by the ratio between the absorbance and the optical path length traversed by electromagnetic radiation in a given environment. It is expressed in rrr¹. It is therefore independent of the thickness of the material but it is function of the wavelength of the absorbed radiation and the chemical nature of the material.

[0032] In the case of glass, the absorption coefficient (p) at a chosen wavelength X can be calculated from a measurement in transmission (T) as well as the refractive index n of the material (thick = thickness), the values of n, p and T being a function of the chosen wavelength X:

with p = (n-1 )²/(n+1 )².

[0033] According to the present invention, the glass having an absorption coefficient at the operating wavelength of the at least one lidar of less than 15 m’¹, preferably less than 10 rrr¹, even more preferably less than 5 rrr¹, may be a soda-lime-silica glass, alumino-silicate, boro-silicate, ...

[0034] Preferably, a glass composition compatible with the present invention comprises a total content expressed in weight percentages of glass:

SiO₂ 55 - 85%

AI2O3 0 - 30%

B2O3 0 - 20%

Na₂O 0 - 25% CaO 0 - 20%

MgO 0-15%

K₂O 0 - 20%

BaO 0 - 20%

[0035] More preferably, a glass composition compatible with the present invention comprises in a content expressed as total weight of glass percentages:

SiO₂ 55 - 78%

AI2O3 0-18%

B2O3 0-18%

Na₂O 0 - 20%

CaO 0-15%

MgO 0-10%

K₂O 0-10%

BaO 0 - 5%

[0036] More preferably, for reasons of lower production costs, the glass compatible with the present invention is made of soda-lime glass. A glass composition compatible with the present invention comprises a content expressed as the total weight of glass percentages:

SiO₂ 60 - 75%

AI2O3 0 - 6%

B2O3 0 - 4%

CaO 0-15%

MgO 0-10%

Na₂O 5 - 20%

K₂O 0-10%

BaO 0 - 5%.

[0037] In addition to its basic composition, the glass may include other components, nature and adapted according to quantity of the desired effect. A solution to obtain a very transparent glass in the near infrared, with weak or no impact on its aesthetic or its color, is to combine in the glass composition a low iron quantity and chromium in a range of specific contents. Thus, the glass preferably has a composition which comprises a content expressed as the total weight of glass percentages:

Fe total (expressed asFe₂O3) 0,002 - 0,06%

Cr₂O₃ 0,0001 - 0,06 %.

[0038] Such glass compositions combining low levels of iron and chromium showed particularly good performance in terms of infrared reflection and show a high transparency in the visible and a little marked tint, near a glass called "extra- clear ". These compositions are described in international applications W02014128016A1 , WO2014180679A1 , W02015011040A1 , WO2015011041 A1 , W02015011042A1 , W0201501 1043A1 and W02015011044A1 , incorporated by reference in the present application.

[0039] According to a preferred embodiment, the central processing unit is able to identify the type of bird. The control unit is able to select and activate a corresponding repellent signal through the at least one bird repellent device, based on knowledge of deterrent signal corresponding to the bird species.

[0040] The present invention further proposes a method for preventing a bird from colliding with a building. The first step of the method is to monitor the area around the building. Such monitoring can be done using one lidar or a combination of several lidars, as specified in the preceding description. The at least one lidar is preferably placed in such a way that the area to monitor is covered by the union of the field of view of the at least one lidar. The second step is the detection of the bird and the localization and trajectory determination by a processing unit. The processing unit collects the raw data (point cloud) from the lidar and is able to proceed to the detection and localization and trajectory determination through deterministic and/or artificial intelligence algorithms. The third step is to evaluate the need to repel the bird, done by a control unit. The control unit, based on information from the processing unit, is able to determine if the bird must be repelled or not. If the bird has to be repelled, then the fourth step is to repel the bird through a bird repellent device. Then the process goes back to the monitoring of the area. A system applying this method is also an object of this invention.

[0041] The method can further comprise the identification of the bird by the processing unit. If the species of the bird is known, then the bird repellent device can be used based on this identification to send an adapted signal. A system applying this method is also an object of this invention.

[0042] Referring to Fig.1 , a building (2) is shown. A lidar (3) is installed on one of the fagade of the building (2). The lidar (3) has a specific field of view (31 ), usually referred to as FOV. When a bird (1 ) enters in the FOV (31 ) of the lidar (3), raw data obtained from the lidar are transferred to the processing unit (not shown). Based on these data and on deterministic and/or artificial intelligent algorithms, the processing unit is able to detect the presence of the bird (1 ) and to localize its trajectory. A control unit (not shown) evaluates the need to repel the bird (1 ) from the building (2) to avoid a potential collision. If the bird (1 ) needs to be repelled from the building (2), the control unit activates the bird repellent device (4). In this embodiment, the bird repellent device (4) is also installed on the same fagade of the building (2).

[0043] The control unit either switches off the bird repellent device (4) in case the bird (1 ) is indeed repelled from the building (2) or indicates to the bird repellent device (4) to pursue sending its signal or to send another signal in case the bird (1 ) is not repelled yet from the building (2).

[0044] As shown in Fig.2, several lidars (3) and/or bird repellent devices (4) can be installed on a same fagade of the building (2).

[0045] As shown in Fig.3, several lidars (3) and/or bird repellent devices (4) can be installed on more than one fagade of the building (2). Depending on the need to protect the bird (1 ), lidars and/or bird repellent device (4) can be installed on more than one fagade of the building (2), eventually including also an installation on the roof of the building (2). Such installation is particularly efficient in case of multiple birds (1 ) to prevent from colliding with the building (2).

[0046] Fig.4 describes the steps of a method for preventing a bird (1 ) from colliding with a building (2). The first step (a.) of the method is to monitor the area around the building (2). Such monitoring can be done using one lidar (3) or a combination of several lidars (3), as specified in the preceding description. The second step (b.) is the detection of the bird (1 ) and its localization and trajectory determination by a processing unit. The processing unit collects raw data (point cloud) from the lidar (3) and is able to proceed to the detection and localization through deterministic and/or artificial intelligence algorithms. The third step (c.) is to evaluate the need to repel the bird (1 ), done by a control unit. The control unit, based on information from the processing unit, is able to determine if the bird (1 ) must be repelled or not. If the bird (1 ) has to be repelled, then the fourth step (d.) is to repel the bird (1 ) through a bird repellent device (4). Then the process is back to the monitoring of the area.

[0047] Fig.5 illustrates the method further comprising the identification of the bird (1 ) by the processing unit at second step (b.). If the species of the bird (1 ) is known, then the bird repellent device (4) can be used based on this identification in order to send an adapted signal.

[0048] While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive. The foregoing description details certain embodiments of the invention. It will be appreciated, however, that no matter how detailed the foregoing appears in text, the invention may be practiced in many ways. The invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments.

Claims

Claims System for preventing a bird (1 ) from colliding with a building (2) comprising: a. at least one lidar (3) oriented towards an area around the building (2) from which the bird (1 ) could fly into the building (2), the at least one lidar (3) arranged to be provided on the building (2); b. a processing unit, connected to said at least one lidar (3), arranged to analyze an output from said at least one lidar (3) and to provide a location and trajectory of the bird (1 ); c. a control unit, connected to said processing unit, arranged to analyze an output from said processing unit and to evaluate the need to repel the bird (1 ) from the building (2) and d. at least one bird repellent device (4), connected to said control unit, arranged to be activated by the control unit. System according to claim 1 wherein the at least one bird repellent device (4) is arranged to be provided on the building (2). System according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the at least one bird repellent device (4) comprises a device able to emit light. System according to claim 3 wherein the wavelength of light is in the ultraviolet, visible or infrared range. System according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the at least one bird repellent device (4) comprises a device able to emit sound, in particular infrasound, signals. System according to claim 5 wherein the sound, in particular infrasound, signals’ frequency is comprised between 0.05 Hz and 20 000 Hz, preferably between 20 Hz and 20 000 Hz, more preferably between 1 kHz and 4 kHz. System according to any of the previous claims wherein the at least one lidar (3) is arranged to be provided behind a window or spandrel of the building (2), the window or spandrel being transparent at the operating wavelength of the at least one lidar (3). System according to claim 7 wherein the window is made of glass having an absorption coefficient at the operating wavelength of the at least one lidar (3) of less than 15 m’¹, preferably less than 10 m’¹, even more preferably less than 5 rrr¹. System according to any of the previous claims wherein the lidar (3) is enclosed in a housing comprising an optical window, the optical window being transparent at the operating wavelength of the at least one lidar (3), the housing being arranged to be provided on a wall of the building (2). System according to claim 9 wherein the optical window is made of a glass having an absorption coefficient at the operating wavelength of the at least one lidar (3) of less than 15 m’¹, preferably less than 10 m’¹, even more preferably less than 5 rrr¹. System according to any of the previous claims wherein the processing unit is able to identify the type of bird (1 ) and wherein the control unit is able to activate a corresponding repellent signal through the at least one bird repellent device (4). Method for preventing a bird (1 ) from colliding with a building (2), the method comprising the following steps: a. Monitoring an area around the building (2) by at least one lidar (3); b. Detecting the bird (1 ) and localizing and determining its trajectory by a processing unit, based on raw data obtained from the at least one lidar (3), the processing unit being programmed with deterministic and/or artificial intelligence algorithms; c. Evaluating the need to repel the bird (1 ) by a control unit; d. Repelling the bird (1 ) through a bird repellent device (4). Method according to claim 12 further comprising identifying the bird (1 ) by the processing unit at step b. Method according to claim 13 further comprising an adapted signal from the bird repellent device (4) based on the identification of the bird (1 ).