This disclosure provides a method of detecting and deterring a target animal from a target area. A target area is positioned within the field of vision of a video camera connected to a computer processing system. An animal identification computer program using convolution neural networks and deep learning computer programs and camera images rapidly detects a target animal. The animal identification computer program is trained to identify target animals accurately using a learning algorithm and related machine learning technology. The time to deploy a deterrent against a target animal from the instant of detection is 2 seconds or less so that little or no time is available to the target animal to damage the target area.

This disclosure provides a method of detecting and deterring a target animal from a target area. A target area is positioned within the field of vision of a video camera connected to a computer processing system. An animal identification computer program using convolution neural networks and deep learning computer programs and camera images rapidly detects a target animal. The animal identification computer program is trained to identify target animals accurately using a learning algorithm and related machine learning technology. The time to deploy a deterrent against a target animal from the instant of detection is 2 seconds or less so that little or no time is available to the target animal to damage the target area.

A navigation device provides for autonomous interactions with animals and navigation of the animal environment, such as a poultry barn. The navigation device includes one or more cameras for detecting animals. The navigation device also includes one or more cameras for object detection purposes. The navigation device also includes a camera or a LiDAR for mapping the position and orientation (pose) of the navigation device within the environment. By the object detection and the pose information, the navigation device autonomously travels within the environment. The navigation device also includes a spinner assembly for deterring animals from the path of the navigation device.

A navigation device provides for autonomous interactions with animals and navigation of the animal environment, such as a poultry barn. The navigation device includes one or more cameras for detecting animals. The navigation device also includes one or more cameras for object detection purposes. The navigation device also includes a camera or a LiDAR for mapping the position and orientation (pose) of the navigation device within the environment. By the object detection and the pose information, the navigation device autonomously travels within the environment. The navigation device also includes a spinner assembly for deterring animals from the path of the navigation device.

An irrigation system having animal deterrent capability includes an irrigation system controller having an irrigation switching circuit, which selectively provides a water valve energizing voltage on an output thereof. A water valve connected to a water source is electrically coupled to the irrigation switching circuit output, and allows water to flow out of a water outlet thereof in response to the water valve energizing voltage being provided on the irrigation switching circuit output. A water sprinkler receives water from the water valve. A motion detector transmits a detection signal in response to detected motion of an object. A detection signal receiver receives the detection signal and includes a bypass switching circuit, which selectively provides the water valve energizing voltage to the water valve in response to the detection signal.

An irrigation system having animal deterrent capability includes an irrigation system controller having an irrigation switching circuit, which selectively provides a water valve energizing voltage on an output thereof. A water valve connected to a water source is electrically coupled to the irrigation switching circuit output, and allows water to flow out of a water outlet thereof in response to the water valve energizing voltage being provided on the irrigation switching circuit output. A water sprinkler receives water from the water valve. A motion detector transmits a detection signal in response to detected motion of an object. A detection signal receiver receives the detection signal and includes a bypass switching circuit, which selectively provides the water valve energizing voltage to the water valve in response to the detection signal.

A non-powered insect repellent device includes a heating element, a reservoir, and an activating member. The heating element includes a chemical compound configured to generate heat via an exothermic reaction when exposed to air. The reservoir is coupled with the heating elements and includes a dosing member and a container. The container included a cavity containing a volume of insect repellent material. The activating member is coupled with the heating element and the reservoir. With the activating member in a closed position, the activating member prevents air from passing to the chemical compound and prevents the insect repellent material from being dispensed from the cavity to the dosing member. With the activating member in the open position, air passes through the first opening to the chemical compound to facilitate the exothermic reaction and the insect repellent material is dispensed to the dosing member.

A non-powered insect repellent device includes a heating element, a reservoir, and an activating member. The heating element includes a chemical compound configured to generate heat via an exothermic reaction when exposed to air. The reservoir is coupled with the heating elements and includes a dosing member and a container. The container included a cavity containing a volume of insect repellent material. The activating member is coupled with the heating element and the reservoir. With the activating member in a closed position, the activating member prevents air from passing to the chemical compound and prevents the insect repellent material from being dispensed from the cavity to the dosing member. With the activating member in the open position, air passes through the first opening to the chemical compound to facilitate the exothermic reaction and the insect repellent material is dispensed to the dosing member.

A system for repelling animals that includes a spraying device, a water pump, a motion detector, and a power source. The system will cause the spraying device to spray water when the motion detector detects motion. The inclusion of the water pump allows the system to be used on boats that are at sea or in other situations where a pressurized water source is not readily available. The system may include means for changing a direction of the spray of the water, including the directions of both vertical and lateral motion. As such, a specific area to be sprayed may be programmed into the system so that the system will only spray in that area.