Active Bird Deterrent to Reduce Bird Collisions with Windows
Bird collisions with windows is the leading man-made cause of bird deaths worldwide. Each year within the United States alone, approximately half a billion birds are reported to die due to window collisions. These collisions occur worldwide and are an unfortunate result of human impacts on the world. Follow this link to see the physical impact we have on the wildlife around us.
Collisions occur for a variety of reasons. For example, birds are unable to perceive glass and are therefore unable to distinguish the natural landscape from a reflection, thus resulting in a collision. Additionally, windows on directly opposite sides create a visual corridor through a building. Birds attempting to fly through this corridor will result in a collision. Because birds fly a high speeds, the collisions often crush their skulls upon impact, resulting in death. Other times, collisions temporarily stun the birds, which makes them more vulnerable to predators such as house cats. Many commercial products are available to reduce bird collisions (e.g., decals, screening, window coverings). These products are passive and are intended to increase window visibility; however, the success of such products vary widely, even for the same product, partially due to inadequate placement or covering of the window. Furthermore, such passive products are only effective during the day when birds can see the deterrent. Many collisions happen at night when migrating birds travel and cannot see passive deterrents. In short, the current tools used to reduce collisions are not working. The aim of this design project is to engineer an active bird deterrent that is visible day or night that will detect an approaching bird and notify the bird of an obstruction prior to a collision. Using readily available micro controllers, AI cameras, and an LED array, the group will design a system that actively monitors the direction and speed of objects within the vicinity of a window. When a critical threshold is triggered (e.g., x speed and y distance to window), the LED array will flash in attempts to prevent a window collision. Unlike existing window coverings which cover the entire window, this device will be inconspicuous and will either mount above the window on the structure or mount to the window via suction cup. In this manner, such devices could be deployed to homes and buildings retroactively. REASONS TO PICK THIS PROJECT 1. This is a real project. It isn't a boutique solution. It isn't a cute, special case, funky project. Your solution could save billions of birds' lives. You will have flexibility to develop, build, and market a product that has real impact. 2. You are in the driver's seat 100%. You have the flexibility to create your own solution and will have control over every aspect. 3. This project has worldwide applications.
Objectives
The ultimate goal of this project is to develop a product that actively deters birds from windows and can be widely deployed by the general public. This project consists of various lab and field components. Depending on the students' progress, they will be able to work through some/all of the following steps. Using off-the-shelf hardware including an Arduino micro controller, an ultrasonic sensor, and an LED strobe light, the student will program the strobe light to flash based on incoming velocity data from the ultrasonic sensor. Because the hardware is off-the-shelf, example scripts are widely available, so little programming experience is required, but some is helpful. In addition to developing the deterrent, the student will collect field and literature data on bird flight velocities, which will be required for setting specific thresholds for triggering the LED strobe light. Once the critical threshold is established, the device will be field tested on OSU’s campus. For this product to be successful, the LED must deter birds once activated, so the student will have to demonstrate that once the strobe light is triggered, birds move away from the window. The device will be used outdoors, so once critical thresholds are identified and the device is field tested, a weather proof container must be developed using off-the-shelf products or 3-D printers. The product must be inconspicuous and be mountable to the outside structure/window (e.g., suction cups). The student will develop a marketing plan to distribute this product to the public.
Motivations
This project is motivated to save the lives of hundreds of millions of birds. Existing strategies are not working, but with off-the-shelf and freely available hardware, an engineered solution is readily attainable. The results of this project will be published, and a small business opportunity will be available to market and sell this invention to developers. This topic will have real world impacts long after the design term is complete.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
Students must be creative and find unorthodox solutions to problems. There are few canned solutions to engineering design, so students must be willing to fail. The ability to try a good idea, alter it, and try again is necessary to any design project. Trial and error is critical.
Preferred Qualifications:Students should be familiar with programming micro controllers and sensors. While this isn't a prerequisite, my expertise is not sensor development, so I can provide little guidance. Experience with 3D printers could be useful for constructing a case for the device.
Details
Project Partner:
Gerrad Jones
NDA/IPA:No Agreement Required
Number Groups:1
Project Status:Accepting Applicants
Website:http://osubirdnerds.weebly.com/campus-bird-strike-project.html
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKWg9GPKapk
Keywords:
MicrocontrollerSensorsProduct DevelopmentWildlifeAI cameraPIR sensors