Camera Trap
A camera trap is a remotely activated camera that is equipped with a motion sensor or an infrared sensor, or uses a light beam as a trigger. Camera trapping is a method for capturing wild animals on film when researchers are not present, and has been used in ecological research for decades. In addition to applications in wildlife viewing, research applications include studies of nest ecology, detection of rare species, estimation of population size and species richness, as well as research on habitat use and occupation of human-built structures.[1]
Movement is the key defining character of most animals, and there are two basic ways to record animal motion. Invasive approach monitors a specific organism, for example with a GPStag, and records a series of locations it passes through. The noninvasive approach, on the other hand, monitors a specific location and records the movement of all organisms across it. Camera Trap follows the second approach.
Camera traps are used to photograph vulnerable wildlife without disturbing them, and they can also be used to capture shy or nocturnal animals on film. Many conservation organizations use camera traps in their work, and some publish the most interesting images so that the general public can take a look. A camera trap is installed in a site that a rarely-seen animal is expected to visit. When a motion or infrared sensor detects the presence of an animal, a photo is taken. After a period of time, a researcher will typically return to the camera to collect the photographs.
I along with my friend Ruchik Shastri worked on development of Camera Traps as part of Master Thesis. Under the guidance of Prof. Andre Pittet (IISc) and Prof. N.S. Dinesh (IISc), we have designed a “Modular Camera Trap” for wild life researchers. The need to develop this kind of system is that all Camera Traps available in market are designed for hunters. In order to cater the different needs of all researchers (viz. trapping diff animals, diff time of photography) and their preferred cameras, we built a modular system. Traditionally sensors (PIR / Active) are mounted on the system itself. System has two major units, Motion Detector (MD) and Image Capture Unit (ICU) for faster response and controllability. These systems can have multiple MD's with different types of sensors (wide angle / narrow angle/ Active). The major challenge was to develop a low-cost (~100$), quick response and low power rugged system matching IP-67 standards.
Reliable triggering of PIR sensors in vegetation and bright sunlight is the major challenge. We developed an adaptive gain algorithm solution, which takes day time temperature and daylight intensity as feedback. Now we have an in-house Camera system, a wireless system for MD and ICU and the provision to control system using Smart Phones. CEDT is the only manufacturer in India to develop serious Camera Traps. Our Camera Traps have been present with many researchers and Wild life photographers all around the globe. More noticeable being Mr. Sandesh Kadur and National Geographic. It played major role in the Tiger census In India in 2011. We have a group of Professors, students and support staff for the design, development and production of Camera Trap. Currently we are working on making it for DSLR.
We are working on enhnacing the PIR sensors circuits and triggering algorithms for better results.