Power-saving Sensor Network System for Detection of Harmful Animals by Step-by-step Sensor Linkage

In Japan, technology to remotely detect the presence of animals is attracting attention in order to decrease damage to crops by animals. In our previous research, we have developed a power-saving wildlife observation system that detects the animals by various sensors equipped with edge devices. This system improves the power efficiency of sensor nodes by linking sensors with different power consumption and sensing technologies. However, the problem with this method is that the accuracy of the estimation decreases significantly as the distance between the thermal camera and the target increases. Therefore, in this study, we conduct research and development of wild animals detection system that estimates the type, number, and posture of wild animals by processing and analyzing point clouds measured using 3D LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), which can accurately measure the distance to an object and its shape. In addition, the proposed system reduces the power consumption of sensor nodes, assuming installation in mountainous areas where there is no commercial power. To reduce power consumption at sensor nodes, the system activates the 3D LiDAR only when a low-power radio beacon device detects the target.