A.L.E.R.T
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Animal
Location
Evasive
Response
Technology |
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The A.L.E.R.T. (Animal Location Evasive Response
Technology) system is designed to detect animals crossing or present
in a roadway and alert drivers to their presence before a collision
occurs.
The system uses cameras, optics, infrared illumination, and a computer
to gather and analyze digital imagery.
Advanced proprietary machine vision algorithms have been developed
to detect animals, track their position, and to distinguish between
animals, background plant life, and automobiles.
The system can operate during the day using ambient light and at
night using the attached infrared illuminator.
Upon detection of an animal a signal will be generated to flash
a beacon or warning signal to approaching motorists. |
| Animal-vehicle crashes are a significant problem on the nation’s
roadways, accounting for approximately 726,000 vehicle collisions
annually . Hundreds of millions of dollars are spent each year for
crash-prevention measures and post-crash repair/cleanup. Intelligent
Transportation Systems (ITS) initiatives have focused on advanced
technology solutions to transportation system problems. The limited
technologies available for roadside animal detection are only effective
for short-range detection. Most marketed systems are limited in coverage,
provide low background contrast, or visually distract drivers with
unsightly continuously flashing lights, wildlife warning reflectors,
mirrors, or wildlife fences. |
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Innovative Technology
The A.L.E.R.T. system is innovative in that it is the only animal
detection system to use cameras and machine vision algorithms to
analyze images for the detection of deer, antelope, and other wildlife.
This provides the system with some distinct advantages over other
current technology such as:
• Sees both sides of the road with a single camera
• Day/Night operation
• Operates in rain/snow/fog
• Operating temperature -10 to 120 degrees fahrenheit
• Sees over uneven terrain
• Dynamically learns the background scenery allowing it to
adapt to changing lighting and weather conditions
• Tracks and warns of animals that are anywhere in its field
of view
• Distinguish between an animal, an automobile, and plant
life. |
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Configuration Options
• Day only or both day and night operation
• Self supporting or tethered interface
• Remote monitoring from a central location via the internet. |
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