Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a wildlife based safety system that is capable of ensuring safety of both vehicle and its passengers from potential harm caused by wildlife in prone areas by effectively creating a deterring environment using sound and visuals, discouraging animals from being too close and providing a safety barrier around the vehicle, for better safety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Vehicle collisions with wildlife pose significant risks to both human safety and animal populations. In the United States alone, approximately 1.5 million deer-vehicle collisions occur annually, leading to substantial human injuries, fatalities, and economic losses. To mitigate these incidents, integrating deterrent systems that emit specific sounds and visuals effectively alert and repel animals from roadways, reducing collision rates. Additionally, implementing physical barriers around vehicles, such as reinforced structures or specialized protective designs, safeguard occupants from potential animal attacks, especially in regions where large wildlife poses a threat. For instance, closed-body vehicles provide a protective barrier between passengers and wildlife, making it difficult for animals to access those inside. Combining these deterrent and protective measures not only enhances passenger safety but also contributes to wildlife conservation by preventing harmful interactions between vehicles and animals.

[0003] Traditionally, ensuring the safety of vehicles and their occupants from wildlife encounters necessitates specialized equipment designed to deter animals and prevent collisions. One prevalent solution is the installation of ultrasonic animal repellent devices, such as the Loraffe Under Hood Animal Car Repeller. This device emits a combination of sonic and ultrasonic waves, accompanied by LED strobe lights, creating an environment under the vehicle's hood that is hostile to animals, thereby deterring them from nesting or causing damage. In regions prone to larger wildlife crossings, technologies like thermal imaging cameras have been employed to detect animals near roadways. These cameras can identify the body heat of large animals, even in low-visibility conditions, alerting drivers to potential hazards ahead. Additionally, wildlife detection systems (WDS) utilize sensors to monitor animal movements near roadsides. Upon detecting an animal, these systems activate warning signals to alert drivers, reducing the likelihood of collisions. For physical protection, vehicles are equipped with reinforced bumpers or grill guards, providing a safety barrier against potential impacts with animals. Moreover, devices like deer whistles, which emit sounds intended to warn animals of an approaching vehicle, are commonly used, though their effectiveness varies.

[0004] WO2020004863A1 discloses an apparatus for preventing wild animals from trespassing, the apparatus, comprising: a photovoltaic module for converting solar energy into electrical energy and supplying the electrical energy; a sensor unit operating by receiving the electrical energy from the photovoltaic module, and sensing the approaching of a wild animal; a thermal imaging camera unit for, according to information received from the sensor unit, capturing the approaching wild animal; a display unit for, according to the information received from the sensor unit, notifying the outside of the approaching of the wild animal; and a warning and information processing unit for, according to the information received from the sensor unit, warning the wild animal and processing the information. The warning and information processing unit comprises: a light emission unit for, according to the information received from the sensor unit, emitting a light to the wild animal; an ultrasonic vibration generation unit for generating an ultrasonic vibration at the location on which the light emission unit emits light; a control unit for controlling the sensor unit, the light emission unit and the ultrasonic vibration generation unit, and processing the information; a communication unit for transmitting/receiving, to/from the outside, information on the thermal imaging camera unit, the light emission unit and the ultrasonic vibration generation unit; and a storage unit for storing the information on the thermal imaging camera unit, the light emission unit and the ultrasonic vibration generation unit.

[0005] US5602523A discloses an animal repelling system, especially for deer which generates a square wave signal output in the ultrasonic frequency range, and which has a piezo-electric driver utilizing a horn type device that produces harmonic distortion so that at any given time the fundamental frequency and harmonic distortion is present in the audio output, and the system is capable of frequency switching to at least 10 different frequencies.

[0006] Conventionally, many systems have been developed to provide vehicle safety, however the existing systems mentioned in the prior arts have limitations pertaining to development of a hostile environment for animals, keeping them at a safer distance along with providing safety barrier to prevent any harm from animals.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a system that is required to protect vehicle and its passengers from any harm posed by animals, generating deterrent sound and visuals to ward off animals, while also offering a safety barrier around the vehicle to secure occupants and prevent potential threats from nearby animals.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a system that is capable of providing safety to vehicle and passenger from any harm in presence of animal in wildlife animal prone zone.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a system that is capable of developing a deterring environment from sound and producing scary visuals to deter animal.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a system that is capable of providing safety barrier in proximity to the animal for safeguarding the vehicle and passenger.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to a wildlife based safety system that safeguards vehicle and its passengers from wildlife dangers, particularly in animal-prone areas by developing a deterring environment using sound and visual stimuli to keep animals away, while also establishing a safety barrier to protect both the vehicle and passengers, when animals approach.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a wildlife based safety system, comprises of a plurality of safety systems, interlinked together and installed over different segments of one or more vehicles, a central control unit connected with each of the safety systems via one or more communication networks, the safety system comprising of a cuboidal body, installed with an integrated assembly of thermal imaging unit and motion sensors to capture and process surrounding areas for real time detection of any animal, each of the cuboidal body, includes one or more suction cups, integrated over at least one surface of the body for attachment of the body with the vehicle, a speaker and holographic projector integrated over the body, operatively coupled with the central control unit, to produce a deterring environment.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed system further comprises of an assembly of barrel structure with motorized triggering unit, to trigger an round-shaped element over a body of the animal with a pre-defined pressure, is a pallet, preferably a rubberized pallet, a lid fabricated over a top portion of the body by means of a motorized hinge, at least two pneumatically extendable poles installed within the body, with a net like structure integrated in between the poles, to open the lid followed by extension of the poles to deploy the net like structure over the detected segment of vehicle, a microphone is integrated within each of the body for analyzing type of animal near the vehicle, in order to alert driver for taking precautionary actions.

[0016] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a wildlife based safety system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0019] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0020] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0021] The present invention relates to a wildlife based safety system that protects both vehicle and its passengers from any harm posed by animals in wildlife prone areas, such that generates deterrent sound and visuals to ward off animals, while also offering a safety barrier around the vehicle to secure its occupants and prevent potential threats from nearby animals.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a wildlife based safety system is illustrated, comprises of a cuboidal body 101 installed with an integrated assembly of thermal imaging unit 102 and motion sensors 103, a speaker 104 and holographic projector 105 integrated over the body 101, an assembly of barrel structure 106, one or more suction cups 107 integrated over at least one surface of the body 101, a lid 108 fabricated over a top portion of the body 101 by means of a motorized hinge 109, at least two pneumatically extendable poles 110 installed within the body 101, with a net like structure 111 integrated in between the poles 110, a microphone 112 integrated within each of the body 101.

[0023] The proposed invention includes multiple safety systems which are interlinked together for providing safety to one or more vehicle and their passengers from wildlife animals. The safety systems are installed at different portions of vehicles. The safety systems are interconnected and controlled via a central control unit connected with each of the safety systems via one or more communication networks. The communication networks include, but not limited to Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module, Bluetooth module, GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) module.

[0024] The Wi-Fi module contains transmitters and receivers that use radio frequency signals to transmit data wirelessly to the central control unit. The wireless module typically includes components such as antennas, amplifiers, and processors to facilitate communication and further connected to networks such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cellular networks, allowing systems to exchange information over short or long distances, for transmission of signal to operate the connected components.

[0025] Each of the mentioned safety system includes a cuboidal body 101 installed over the vehicle. Each of the cuboidal body 101, includes one or more suction cups 107, integrated over at least one surface of the body 101 for attachment of the body 101 with the vehicle. The suction cups 107, mentioned herein, create a negative air pressure against the surface of the vehicle for creating a vacuum inside the cups 107. The cups 107 further stick over the surface, thus, helping the body 101 to affix on the vehicle.

[0026] The body 101 is configured with an integrated assembly of thermal imaging unit 102 and motion sensors 103 for real time detection of any animal, during the vehicle movement in regions prone to wildlife animals.

[0027] The thermal imaging unit 102 works by detecting infrared radiation emitted by animals, which have a distinct heat signature compared to their surroundings. As the vehicle moves through wildlife-prone regions, the imaging unit 102 continuously scans the environment, capturing temperature variations. It processes this data in real-time to identify any animal's presence, even in low visibility conditions like night or dense foliage. The imaging unit 102 sends this information to the central control unit, which analyzes the animal's distance and movement direction, allowing the vehicle to activate safety measures such as deterrent sounds, visual projections, or net deployment to prevent potential collisions.

[0028] Each of the motion sensor 103 used herein detects the infrared rays emitted towards the animal and the bounced back rays are received by the sensor, that further converts the bounced back rays into an electronic signal. The central control unit analyses collected data of the motion sensors 103 and the imaging unit 102 to detect presence of any animal. The central control unit processes the information to identify distance of the animal along with the segment of the vehicle towards which the animal is approaching.

[0029] Simultaneously, the central control unit actuates a microphone 112 integrated within each of the body 101 to recognize nearby sound of the animal for analyzing type of animal near the vehicle. The microphone 112 turns the sound energy emitted by the user into electrical energy. The sound waves created by the user carry energy towards the microphone 112. Inside the microphone 112, a diaphragm, made of plastic, is present and moves back and forth when the sound wave hits the diaphragm. The coil attached to the diaphragm also moves in same way. The magnetic field produced by the permanent magnet cuts through the coil. As the coil moves, the electric current flows. The electric current from coil flows to an amplifier which convert the sound into electrical signal. The central control unit linked to the microphone 112 recognize the voice and perform the operations according to the command given by the user regarding sound of the animal to detect type of the animal, in order to alert driver for taking precautionary actions.

[0030] In case the central control unit evaluates the detected animal crosses a first threshold distance, the central control unit actuates a speaker 104 and holographic projector 105 integrated over the body 101 for deterring the animal. The speaker 104 works by taking the input signal from the central control unit, it then processes and amplifies the received signal through a series of equipment in a specific order within the speaker 104, and then sends the output signal in form of audio frequency for deterring the animal.

[0031] The holographic projector 105 uses interference patterns of light to create realistic three-dimensional images in mid-air. It typically consists of a laser source, beam splitters, mirrors, and a holographic screen or projection surface. The projector 105 projects light onto a surface from multiple angles, using the interference of light waves to produce 3D images visible from different perspectives for deterring the animal with scary images.

[0032] The combined effect of the speaker 104 and the projector 105 produces a deterring environment to safeguard from any chance of harm from the animal. The deterring environment corresponds to generation of pre-defined frequency of sound and depiction of a scary image for deterring away the animal.

[0033] The central control unit alters the frequency of sound and image based on the species of animal as detected by the imaging unit 102. The alteration of the frequency of sound and image is related to type of animal i.e. animals with small dimensions get scared from animals of big body dimensions.

[0034] The body 101 is integrated with an assembly of barrel structure 106 with motorized triggering unit. In case the central control unit evaluates presence of the detected animal crossing a second threshold distance. The central control unit via the imaging unit 102 selects the vehicle nearest to the animal for actuating the triggering unit to deter the animal via directing an element over the animal. The element corresponds to a round shaped element. The round shaped element is a pallet, preferably a rubberized pallet.

[0035] The triggering unit uses a motorized mechanism to direct the element toward the animal. When the central control unit detects an animal crossing the predefined third threshold distance, the central control unit activates the triggering unit. The triggering unit typically consists a motorized actuator that adjust the barrel's orientation. The control unit signals the motor of the actuator to rotate or pivot the barrel, aiming it in the direction of the detected animal. The barrel then releases the element, at the correct trajectory and pressure. This ensures that the element is directed precisely toward the animal, effectively deterring the animal.

[0036] The control unit regulates the pressure of the triggering unit, based upon a set of parameters including but not limited to skin type, size of animal detected by the imaging unit 102. The regulation in pressure of the triggering unit, ensure the element doesn’t harm the animal.

[0037] The top portion of the body 101 is fabricated with a lid 108 connected via a motorized hinge 109. The lid 108 covers an attachment of components to safeguard the vehicle form the animal. A net like structure 111 is equipped inside the body 101. At least two pneumatically extendable poles 110 installed within the body 101 such that the net like structure 111 is integrated over the poles 110.

[0038] The actuation of the poles 110 to deploy the net like structure 111 is powered by a pneumatic arrangement associated with the system. The pneumatic arrangement provides extension/retraction of the poles 110 as per requirement. In case the central control unit evaluates detection of the animal species beyond a third threshold distance, the central control unit actuates a direct current (DC) motor associated with the hinge 109 such that tilt the lid 108 by revolving along the longitudinal axis. The tilting of lid 108 opens the body 101 via the lid 108 for deployment of the netlike structure 111.

[0039] Simultaneously, the central control unit actuates an air compressor and air valve associated with the pneumatic arrangement consisting of an air cylinder, air valve and piston which works in collaboration to aid in extension and retraction of the poles 110. The air valve allows entry/exit of compressed air from the compressor. Then, the valve opens and the compressed air enters inside the cylinder thereby increasing the air pressure of the cylinder. The piston is connected to the poles 110 and due to the increase in the air pressure, the piston extends. For the retraction of the piston, air is released from the cylinder to the air compressor via the valve. Thus, providing the required extension/retraction of the poles 110 for deployment of net like structure 111over the segment of vehicle, having least proximity to the animal.

[0040] The control unit is pre-configured with a machine learning protocol that updates real time data including but not limited to animal behavior, potential risks and animal species to increase the accuracy of the system.

[0041] The central control unit via the imaging unit 102 detects animal is trying to cross damage the components of the system including speaker 104, holographic projector 105, barrel structure 106, motorized triggering unit, poles 110 or net like structure 111. In case the animal tries to harm the components of the system, the central control unit via the communication module relays a signal to a computing unit of local wildlife sanctuaries for prompt action against the animal.

[0042] In case the central control unit via a GPS unit, to detect that vehicle is approaching a wildlife reserve. The GPS (Global Positioning System) unit working in sync with a magnetometer provides enhanced positioning and orientation information of the vehicle. The GPS unit receives signals from multiple satellites in orbit around the Earth. These satellites transmit precise timing and position information of the vehicle. The GPS unit receives these signals and uses the time delay between transmission and reception to calculate the distance between the GPS unit and each satellite. By triangulating the distances from multiple satellites, the GPS unit determines its own position on the Earth's surface. This position is typically given in latitude and longitude coordinates.

[0043] The magnetometer measures the strength and direction of the magnetic field in its vicinity. The magnetometer detects the Earth's magnetic field, which is approximately aligned with the Earth's geographic north-south axis. By utilizing the magnetometer's measurements, the GPS unit determine the band heading or orientation relative to magnetic north. The magnetometer provides information about the direction of the Earth's magnetic field, which is compared with the band position information obtained from the GPS unit. The outputs of the GPS unit and the magnetometer are combined and processed by the central control unit in order to determine the location of the vehicle. The central control unit automatically alerts the driver through a pop-up notification displayed on the vehicle's dashboard, advising the driver to reduce speed for eliminating any risk of harm to animals.

[0044] In case presence of animal is detected near the vehicle, especially on highways or roads with multiple vehicles, the system automatically notifies nearby vehicles through a shared communication network (Vehicle-to-Vehicle or V2V). Nearby vehicles receive a real-time warning, including information about the species of the animal, distance from the vehicles, and the direction in which the animal is moving. This allows users of the vehicles to reduce speed of the vehicles, helping to prevent accidents. In high-traffic wildlife areas, the system also sends alerts to centralized wildlife monitoring authorities or park rangers, providing them with up-to-date information on animal sightings and movement patterns. This could help authorities coordinate response efforts and manage the safety of wildlife reserves more effectively.

[0045] A battery (not shown in figure) is associated with the system to supply power to electrically powered components which are employed herein. The battery is comprised of a pair of electrodes named as a cathode and an anode. The battery uses a chemical reaction of oxidation/reduction to do work on charge and produce a voltage between their anode and cathode and thus produces electrical energy that is used to do work in the system.

[0046] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the series of interconnected safety systems installed across various segments of one or more vehicles. Each system, featuring the cuboidal body 101 with the integrated thermal imaging unit 102 and motion sensors 103, continuously monitors the surroundings for animal detection. Upon detecting the animal, the imaging unit 102 and motion sensors 103 transmit the relevant data to the central control unit, which calculates the animal's distance and the segment of the vehicle it is approaching. If the animal crosses the first threshold distance, the control unit activates the speaker 104 and holographic projector 105 to create the deterring environment with specific sounds and images. If the animal approaches further, crossing the second threshold, the barrel structure 106 with the motorized triggering unit fires the pre-configured element at the animal, applying the pressure based on the detected species and size. If the animal crosses the third threshold, the control unit deploys the net by opening the lid 108, extending pneumatically powered poles 110 with the net between them to intercept the animal. The system can adjust the deterring environment based on the animal’s species, and it also includes features like suction cups 107 for mounting, machine learning for real-time updates on animal behavior, and communication with local wildlife sanctuaries in case of system damage or significant animal encounters. Additionally, the microphone 112 detects nearby sounds, aiding in species identification to alert the driver for precautionary actions.

[0047] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) A wildlife based safety system, comprising a plurality of safety systems, interlinked together and installed over different segments of one or more vehicles, a central control unit connected with each of said safety systems via one or more communication networks, wherein said safety system comprising:

i) a cuboidal body 101, installed with an integrated assembly of thermal imaging unit 102 and motion sensors 103 to capture and process surrounding areas for real time detection of any animal, wherein said imaging unit 102 and motion sensors 103 relays a corresponding information to the central control unit which processes the information to identify distance of said animal along with the segment of the vehicle towards which said animal is approaching;
ii) a speaker 104 and holographic projector 105 integrated over the body 101, operatively coupled with said central control unit, wherein said control unit selects corresponding safety system to activate said speaker 104 and projector 105, to produce a deterring environment in case said animal crosses a first threshold distance;
iii) an assembly of barrel structure 106 with motorized triggering unit, linked with the control unit, wherein said control unit is configured to select the corresponding safety system to trigger an element over a body 101 of the animal with a pre-defined pressure in case said animal crosses a second threshold distance;
iv) a lid 108 fabricated over a top portion of said body 101 by means of a motorized hinge 109; and
v) at least two pneumatically extendable poles 110 installed within said body 101, with a net like structure 111 integrated in between said poles 110, wherein said central control unit, based on the detected segment, selects corresponding safety system to open said lid 108 followed by extension of said poles 110 to deploy said net like structure 111 over the detected segment of vehicle, on detection of said animal species beyond a third threshold distance.

2) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said deterring environment corresponds to generation of pre-defined frequency of sound and depiction of a scary image for deterring away said animal.

3) The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein said central control unit alters the frequency of sound and image based on the species of animal detected by said imaging unit 102.

4) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said element corresponds to a round shaped element.

5) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said round shaped element is a pallet, preferably a rubberized pallet.

6) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said control unit regulates said pressure based on a set of parameters including but not limited to skin type, size of animal detected by the imaging unit 102.

7) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said cuboidal body 101, includes one or more suction cups 107, integrated over at least one surface of said body 101 for attachment of said body 101 with said vehicle.

8) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said control unit is pre-configured with a machine learning protocol that updates real time data including but not limited to animal behavior, potential risks and animal species to increase the accuracy of the system.

9) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein based on the output of the imaging unit 102, said control unit, relays a signal to local wildlife sanctuaries in case the animal is trying to cross damage the components of the system including speaker 104, holographic projector 105, barrel structure 106, motorized triggering unit, poles 110 or net like structure 111.

10) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a microphone 112 is integrated within each of said body 101 that recognizes nearby sound and relays a signal to the central control unit for analyzing type of animal near said vehicle, in order to alert driver for taking precautionary actions.