Description:Brief Description of the Drawings

Generally, the present disclosure relates to vehicle safety systems. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to an animal detection system for a vehicle.
Background
The background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
In contemporary times, vehicular safety has emerged as a paramount concern, with a focus on not just the safety of the vehicle occupants but also that of the surrounding environment, which includes pedestrians, other vehicles, and animals. As vehicles traverse diverse landscapes, the likelihood of encountering animals on or near roadways is significant. These encounters, unfortunately, often result in accidents that could cause harm to both the animals and vehicle occupants, besides causing damage to the vehicle itself. Consequently, the development of systems capable of detecting animals in the vicinity of a vehicle has gained traction.
One approach to enhancing vehicular safety with respect to animal detection involves the use of cameras and sensors positioned around the exterior of the vehicle. These devices capture visual and sometimes thermal images of the vehicle's surroundings, which are then processed to identify the presence of animals. Despite the advancements in camera and sensor technology, such systems often struggle to detect animals that are directly beneath or very close to the vehicle, areas that are typically not within the field of view of standard sensors and cameras.
Further to this, the integration of advanced processing units has been explored. These units are capable of analyzing the data captured by cameras and sensors to distinguish between various objects and detect the presence of animals. However, the effectiveness of these systems is frequently hampered by their inability to process information in real-time or under varied environmental conditions, such as in low light or adverse weather, thereby limiting their practical utility.
Moreover, once an animal is detected, conveying this information to the vehicle operator in a timely and effective manner is critical. Existing systems have employed various alert mechanisms, including visual signals on the vehicle's dashboard and auditory warnings through the vehicle's audio system. Yet, these alert systems often fail to capture the driver's attention immediately or are perceived as intrusive, especially in situations where quick response is crucial.
In light of the above discussion, there exists an urgent need for solutions that overcome the problems associated with conventional systems and techniques for detecting animals in the proximity of vehicles. Such solutions should be capable of detecting animals beneath the vehicle, processing information swiftly and accurately under varied conditions, and alerting the vehicle operator in a manner that is both prompt and non-intrusive.
Summary
The following presents a simplified summary of various aspects of this disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding of such aspects. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated aspects, and is intended to neither identify key or critical elements nor delineate the scope of such aspects. Its purpose is to present some concepts of this disclosure in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The following paragraphs provide additional support for the claims of the subject application.
In an aspect, the present disclosure aims to provide an animal detection system for a vehicle that includes a vehicle undercarriage surveillance apparatus installed under the vehicle body. This apparatus is designed to capture video footage of the area beneath the vehicle. A processing unit receives video input from the surveillance apparatus and analyzes it for the presence of animals. Upon detection, an alert system interfaced with the vehicle's dashboard and audio system provides visual and audible alerts to the vehicle operator. The surveillance apparatus is activated with the vehicle's ignition and includes an alert unit trigger to awaken and startle any detected animal, encouraging it to move away from the vehicle. Additionally, the apparatus features a camera mounted within a housing unit through a gimbal unit controlled by motors for dynamic orientation adjustment based on vehicle speed and environmental conditions. Sensors detect the vehicle's orientation relative to the ground, allowing the camera angle to be adjusted for optimal viewing. A method for detecting animals beneath a vehicle involves activating the camera system with the vehicle's ignition, capturing video footage, analyzing this footage for the presence of animals, and alerting the vehicle operator upon detection.
The system and method disclosed herein enhance vehicle safety by detecting animals beneath the vehicle and alerting the operator, thus preventing potential accidents. The dynamic adjustment of the camera's orientation based on vehicle speed and environmental conditions ensures effective monitoring under various circumstances. The incorporation of an alert unit trigger to awaken and startle detected animals adds a proactive measure to safeguard the animals by encouraging them to move away from the vehicle.

Field of the Invention

The features and advantages of the present disclosure would be more clearly understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of animal detection system (100), in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 2 illustrates a method (200) for detecting the presence of animals beneath a vehicle, in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart outlining the operational procedure of a vehicle undercarriage animal detection system, in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 4 illustrates a live car dashboard display showcasing the practical application of the vehicle undercarriage animal detection system, in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 5-7 illustrates different views of vehicle undercarriage surveillance apparatus, in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description
In the following detailed description of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. In the drawings, like numerals describe substantially similar components throughout the several views. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to claim those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments may be utilized and structural, logical, and electrical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.
The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and “at least one” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The use of the term “at least one” followed by a list of one or more items (for example, “at least one of A and B”) is to be construed to mean one item selected from the listed items (A or B) or any combination of two or more of the listed items (A and B), unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.
Pursuant to the "Detailed Description" section herein, whenever an element is explicitly associated with a specific numeral for the first time, such association shall be deemed consistent and applicable throughout the entirety of the "Detailed Description" section, unless otherwise expressly stated or contradicted by the context.
The term "animal detection system" as used throughout the present disclosure relates to a system designed for installation in a vehicle to detect the presence of animals beneath the vehicle. The system comprises a vehicle undercarriage surveillance apparatus, a processing unit, and an alert system.
The term "vehicle undercarriage surveillance apparatus" as used throughout the present disclosure relates to a device installed under the body of a vehicle. This apparatus is configured to capture video footage of the area beneath the vehicle. The purpose of the vehicle undercarriage surveillance apparatus is to provide continuous surveillance of the space beneath the vehicle to detect any animals that may be present.
The term "processing unit" as used throughout the present disclosure relates to a component within the animal detection system that is configured to receive video input from the vehicle undercarriage surveillance apparatus. The processing unit analyzes the captured video footage for the presence of an animal. The analysis conducted by the processing unit involves distinguishing between various forms of movement and shapes to accurately identify animals.
The term "alert system" as used throughout the present disclosure relates to a mechanism interfaced with the vehicle's dashboard and audio system. The alert system is configured to provide visual and audible alerts to the vehicle operator upon the detection of an animal beneath the vehicle. The visual alert may be displayed on the vehicle's dashboard, and the audible alert may be broadcast through the vehicle's audio system, ensuring that the vehicle operator is promptly informed about the presence of an animal.
FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of animal detection system (100), in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure. The animal detection system (100) comprises a vehicle undercarriage surveillance apparatus (102) installed under the body of a vehicle. The vehicle undercarriage surveillance apparatus (102) captures video footage of the area beneath the vehicle, facilitating the monitoring of this space for any signs of animals. The processing unit (104) receives video input from the vehicle undercarriage surveillance apparatus (102). It is tasked with analyzing the video for the presence of an animal, employing algorithms capable of identifying animal shapes and movements within the captured footage. The alert system (106) interfaces with the vehicle's dashboard and audio system. Upon detection of an animal by the processing unit (104), the alert system (106) provides both visual and audible alerts to the vehicle operator. This dual-alert approach ensures the operator is promptly and effectively notified, enabling them to take necessary precautions.
In an embodiment, the system (100), wherein the vehicle undercarriage surveillance apparatus (102) is activated upon the ignition of a power system of the vehicle. This feature ensures that the surveillance apparatus (102) commences operation automatically, eliminating the need for manual activation by the vehicle operator. Activation of the vehicle undercarriage surveillance apparatus (102) upon vehicle ignition signifies that surveillance of the area beneath the vehicle begins as soon as the vehicle's power system is engaged. This functionality enhances the efficiency and practicality of the animal detection system (100) by ensuring that it is always operational when the vehicle is in use. It contributes significantly to the safety of the vehicle by enabling immediate detection of animals from the moment the vehicle starts, thus reducing the likelihood of accidents caused by sudden animal appearances from beneath the vehicle.
In another embodiment, the system (100) is enhanced by the vehicle undercarriage surveillance apparatus (102) comprising an alert unit trigger designed to awaken and startle the animal to move away from the vehicle. This proactive measure serves not only to detect the presence of animals beneath the vehicle but also to actively deter them from remaining in the vehicle's path. The inclusion of an alert unit trigger within the vehicle undercarriage surveillance apparatus (102) adds a novel aspect to the animal detection system (100) by incorporating a means to mitigate potential hazards before they escalate. This feature demonstrates a holistic approach to animal detection, focusing on both the detection of animals and the prevention of possible accidents through behavioral influence on detected animals.
In an embodiment, a vehicle undercarriage surveillance apparatus (102) is disclosed, comprising a housing unit, one or more clamps adjustable to mount the housing with an undercarriage of a vehicle, a camera mounted within the housing unit through a gimbal unit controlled by motors, and a processing unit (104). The camera, oriented to capture a field of view beneath the vehicle, is mounted on a pivot within the housing unit, allowing for axial rotation to adjust the field of view manually or automatically based on analysis by the processing unit (104). This embodiment presents a sophisticated mechanism for monitoring the area beneath a vehicle, where the dynamic adjustability of the camera's field of view, facilitated by motor-controlled gimbal and pivot mechanisms, ensures comprehensive surveillance under varying conditions and vehicle orientations. The adjustable nature of the camera's positioning, governed by the processing unit (104), enhances the system's (100) ability to detect animals or objects with greater accuracy and responsiveness.
In a further embodiment, the vehicle undercarriage surveillance apparatus (102), wherein the motors are controlled by the processing unit (104), enabling dynamic orientation adjustment of the camera based on vehicle speed and environmental conditions. This functionality allows the surveillance apparatus (102) to adapt its monitoring based on the speed of the vehicle and prevailing environmental conditions, ensuring optimal surveillance efficacy under a broad spectrum of operational scenarios. The dynamic adjustment capability signifies an advanced level of responsiveness and adaptability in the animal detection system (100), making it highly effective in detecting animals beneath the vehicle across diverse driving conditions and environments. Such adaptability is crucial for ensuring the safety and reliability of the animal detection system (100) in real-world applications.
In an embodiment, the vehicle undercarriage surveillance apparatus (102) further refined by the inclusion of a gimbal unit comprising sensors for detecting the orientation of the vehicle relative to the ground. These sensors provide input to the processing unit (104) to adjust the camera angle for optimal viewing. The integration of orientation sensors within the gimbal unit enhances the apparatus's (102) capability to maintain a precise and effective field of view for the camera, regardless of changes in the vehicle's orientation. This feature ensures that the surveillance apparatus (102) consistently provides high-quality imagery for analysis by the processing unit (104), facilitating reliable detection of animals beneath the vehicle. The adaptation of the camera angle based on the vehicle's orientation to the ground is a key factor in the effectiveness of the animal detection system (100), providing a tailored approach to surveillance that accounts for the dynamic nature of vehicle movement.
FIG. 2 illustrates a method (200) for detecting the presence of animals beneath a vehicle, in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure. The method (200) for detecting the presence of animals beneath a vehicle is described, comprising activating a camera system in step (202), upon ignition of the vehicle. In step (204), capturing video footage of the area beneath the vehicle. In step (206), analyzing the captured video footage using a processing unit (104) to detect the presence of animals, and in step (208) providing an alert to the vehicle operator through the vehicle's dashboard screen and audio system upon detection of an animal. This method outlines a systematic approach to animal detection, emphasizing the importance of seamless integration with the vehicle's operation through activation upon ignition. The sequential process of capturing, analyzing, and alerting ensures a comprehensive and effective means of detecting animals, contributing to the overall safety and efficiency of the animal detection system (100). The method (200) encapsulates the core functionalities of the system (100), from initiation to the communication of detection results to the vehicle operator, showcasing a coherent and practical strategy for enhancing vehicular safety with respect to animal encounters.
FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart outlining the operational procedure of a vehicle undercarriage animal detection system, in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure. The flowchart outlining the operational procedure of a vehicle undercarriage animal detection system to alert the driver about the presence of animals under the vehicle. Upon car Ignition, the processing unit activate vehicle undercarriage surveillance apparatus for under vehicle scan to detect any animals that may have taken refuge under the vehicle. The processing unit analyze the video stream or images to confirm presence of animal, if no animal is detected, the processing unit display alert (i.e., “Enjoy Driving”) on dashboard to indicate that the vehicle is safe to drive. In case, animal is detected, the processing unit analyze trigger alert on screen to warn the driver of the animal underneath the vehicle. Optionally, processing unit provide audible alert to inform the driver of the potential hazard.
FIG. 4 illustrates a live car dashboard display showcasing the practical application of the vehicle undercarriage animal detection system, in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure. The dashboard display shows a graphical interface with the header "UnderCar Critter Scan. The processing unit control content of display screen to display a photographic image of a dog lying under a vehicle, identified as the subject of the alert. The real-time feedback loop exemplifies how the system detects and alerts drivers of animals underneath the vehicle, thereby preventing potential harm to the animal and ensuring driver awareness.
FIG. 5-7 illustrates different views of vehicle undercarriage surveillance apparatus, in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 shows an isometric view that reveals the isometric view comprising housing unit that appears to be the central body of the system. The housing is configured to withstand the undercarriage environment of a vehicle, which can be inhospitable due to road debris, moisture, and varying temperatures. Attached to the housing are adjustable clamps facilitate a secure mount to the undercarriage of diverse vehicle. The clamps are likely adjustable to accommodate variations in the undercarriage structure, enabling the apparatus remains firmly in place during the vehicle's operation. The camera within the housing, coupled to a gimbal mechanism to provide a comprehensive field of view. The gimbal, powered by motors, allows the camera to rotate and maintain a level field of vision, which is crucial for capturing clear and consistent imagery for analysis. FIG. 6 shows a top-down perspective view vehicle undercarriage surveillance apparatus shows the camera's axial rotation capability, which is pivotal for the apparatus to surveil the entire undercarriage area effectively. The spring can absorb shocks and vibrations, which is imperative to maintain the camera's stability as the vehicle moves. The stabilization improves quality of captured video/images, which in turn facilitates reliable object and animal detection. FIG. 7 represents a front-on view of vehicle undercarriage surveillance apparatus comprising gimbal unit within the housing. The motor enable precise movements, essential for the camera to track and follow potential objects or animals detected beneath the vehicle.
Example embodiments herein have been described above with reference to block diagrams and flowchart illustrations of methods and apparatuses. It will be understood that each block of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, respectively, can be implemented by various means including hardware, software, firmware, and a combination thereof. For example, in one embodiment, each block of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be loaded onto a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus create means for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart block or blocks.
Throughout the present disclosure, the term ‘processing means’ or ‘microprocessor’ or ‘processor’ or ‘processors’ includes, but is not limited to, a general purpose processor (such as, for example, a complex instruction set computing (CISC) microprocessor, a reduced instruction set computing (RISC) microprocessor, a very long instruction word (VLIW) microprocessor, a microprocessor implementing other types of instruction sets, or a microprocessor implementing a combination of types of instruction sets) or a specialized processor (such as, for example, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a digital signal processor (DSP), or a network processor).
The term “non-transitory storage device” or “storage” or “memory,” as used herein relates to a random access memory, read only memory and variants thereof, in which a computer can store data or software for any duration.
Operations in accordance with a variety of aspects of the disclosure is described above would not have to be performed in the precise order described. Rather, various steps can be handled in reverse order or simultaneously or not at all.
While several implementations have been described and illustrated herein, a variety of other means and/or structures for performing the function and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantages described herein may be utilized, and each of such variations and/or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the implementations described herein. More generally, all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the teachings is/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific implementations described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing implementations are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, implementations may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Implementations of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

I/We Claims

An animal detection system (100) for a vehicle comprising:
a vehicle undercarriage surveillance apparatus (102) installed under the body of a vehicle, configured to capture video footage of the area beneath the vehicle;
a processing unit (104), wherein the processing unit (104) is configured to receive video input from the vehicle undercarriage surveillance apparatus (102) and analyze the video for the presence of an animal;
an alert system interfaced (106) with the vehicle's dashboard and audio system, configured to provide visual and audible alerts to the vehicle operator upon detection of an animal beneath the vehicle.
The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the vehicle undercarriage surveillance apparatus (102) is activated upon the ignition of a power system of the vehicle.
The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the vehicle undercarriage surveillance apparatus (102) comprising an alert unit trigger awakening and startling the animal to move away from the vehicle.
A vehicle undercarriage surveillance apparatus (102) comprising:
a housing unit;
one or more clamps adjustable to adapted to mount housing with an undercarriage of a vehicle;
a camera mounted within the housing unit through a gimbal unit controlled by motors, the camera oriented to capture a field of view beneath the vehicle;
a processing unit (104) in communication with the camera, the processing unit (104) configured to analyze imagery captured by the camera to detect the presence of objects or animals beneath the vehicle.
the camera is mounted on a pivot within the housing unit, the pivot allowing for axial rotation of the camera to adjust the field of view manually or automatically based on the processing unit's (104) analysis.
The vehicle undercarriage surveillance apparatus (102) of claim 4, wherein the motors are controlled by the processing unit (104), enabling dynamic orientation adjustment based on vehicle speed and environmental conditions
The vehicle undercarriage surveillance apparatus (102) of claim 4, wherein the gimble unit comprises sensors for detecting the orientation of the vehicle relative to the ground, the sensors providing input to the processing unit (104) to adjust the camera angle for optimal viewing.
A method (200) for detecting the presence of animals beneath a vehicle, the method comprising:
activating a camera system upon ignition of the vehicle;
capturing video footage of the area beneath the vehicle;
analyzing the captured video footage using processing unit (104) to detect the presence of animals;
providing an alert to the vehicle operator through the vehicle's dashboard screen and audio system upon detection of an animal.

VEHICLE UNDERCARRIAGE SURVEILLANCE APPARATUS

The present disclosure provides an animal detection system for a vehicle comprising a vehicle undercarriage surveillance apparatus installed under the body of a vehicle, configured to capture video footage of the area beneath the vehicle; a processing unit, wherein the processing unit is configured to receive video input from the vehicle undercarriage surveillance apparatus and analyze the video for the presence of an animal; an alert system interfaced with the vehicle's dashboard and audio system, configured to provide visual and audible alerts to the vehicle operator upon detection of an animal beneath the vehicle.

, Claims:I/We Claims

An animal detection system (100) for a vehicle comprising:
a vehicle undercarriage surveillance apparatus (102) installed under the body of a vehicle, configured to capture video footage of the area beneath the vehicle;
a processing unit (104), wherein the processing unit (104) is configured to receive video input from the vehicle undercarriage surveillance apparatus (102) and analyze the video for the presence of an animal;
an alert system interfaced (106) with the vehicle's dashboard and audio system, configured to provide visual and audible alerts to the vehicle operator upon detection of an animal beneath the vehicle.
The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the vehicle undercarriage surveillance apparatus (102) is activated upon the ignition of a power system of the vehicle.
The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the vehicle undercarriage surveillance apparatus (102) comprising an alert unit trigger awakening and startling the animal to move away from the vehicle.
A vehicle undercarriage surveillance apparatus (102) comprising:
a housing unit;
one or more clamps adjustable to adapted to mount housing with an undercarriage of a vehicle;
a camera mounted within the housing unit through a gimbal unit controlled by motors, the camera oriented to capture a field of view beneath the vehicle;
a processing unit (104) in communication with the camera, the processing unit (104) configured to analyze imagery captured by the camera to detect the presence of objects or animals beneath the vehicle.
the camera is mounted on a pivot within the housing unit, the pivot allowing for axial rotation of the camera to adjust the field of view manually or automatically based on the processing unit's (104) analysis.
The vehicle undercarriage surveillance apparatus (102) of claim 4, wherein the motors are controlled by the processing unit (104), enabling dynamic orientation adjustment based on vehicle speed and environmental conditions
The vehicle undercarriage surveillance apparatus (102) of claim 4, wherein the gimble unit comprises sensors for detecting the orientation of the vehicle relative to the ground, the sensors providing input to the processing unit (104) to adjust the camera angle for optimal viewing.
A method (200) for detecting the presence of animals beneath a vehicle, the method comprising:
activating a camera system upon ignition of the vehicle;
capturing video footage of the area beneath the vehicle;
analyzing the captured video footage using processing unit (104) to detect the presence of animals;
providing an alert to the vehicle operator through the vehicle's dashboard screen and audio system upon detection of an animal.

VEHICLE UNDERCARRIAGE SURVEILLANCE APPARATUS