Advanced Robotic Rover: AI-Powered Animal Detection System

Publication ID: 24-11856938_0006_PTD
Published: October 26, 2025
Category:Direct Improvements & Enhancements

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Advanced Robotic Rover: AI-Powered Animal Detection System,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11856938_0006_PTD, Published October 26, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11856938_0006_PTD
This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,856,938.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent for the robotic rover, while effective in monitoring properties, has limitations in accurately detecting and deterring unwanted animals. This invention addresses these limitations by integrating advanced sensors, machine learning algorithms, and modular payloads to improve the rover's detection capabilities and response to unwanted animals.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce novel and non-obvious improvements to the original patent, including the integration of advanced sensors, machine learning algorithms, and modular payloads, which provide a more efficient and effective solution for unwanted animal detection and deterrence. The inventive step lies in the combination of these features, which enables the robotic rover to adapt to different types of unwanted animals and provide a more comprehensive security solution.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the invention could include different types of sensors, such as thermal or infrared sensors, or different deterrent methods, such as ultrasonic frequencies or chemical repellents. The modular payload compartment could be designed to accommodate different types of modules, such as modules with bird-repellent lasers or snake-detecting thermal cameras. The system could also be integrated with other security systems, such as cameras or alarm systems, to provide a more comprehensive security solution.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The enhanced robotic rover system has significant commercial potential in the security and surveillance industry, particularly in the residential and commercial property markets. The system's ability to detect and deter unwanted animals provides an added layer of security and peace of mind for property owners, making it an attractive solution for those seeking to protect their properties from unwanted intrusions.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A01 A01M29/00
A A01 A01M7/0042
A A01 A01M7/0085
A A01 A01M7/0089
G G05 G05D1/0088
G G05 G05D1/0094
G G06 G06V20/52
G G05 G05D2201/0207

Field of Art

Autonomous robotic systems for property monitoring and animal detection, involving robotics, sensor integration, machine learning, and environmental surveillance technologies

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

An engineer with expertise in robotics, computer vision, sensor systems, and autonomous navigation, typically holding a BS/MS in electrical engineering, computer science, or robotics, with 3-5 years experience in autonomous drone and rover design

Obviousness Rationale

A person having ordinary skill would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable technological extensions of the source patent's core drone monitoring system. The disclosed improvements in sensor integration, machine learning, and modular payload design are logical progressions that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner seeking to enhance autonomous animal detection capabilities. These variations represent incremental innovations that leverage known techniques in sensor fusion, adaptive algorithms, and robotic system design.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Drone with sensor for generating sensor data and analyzing property conditions
PTD Variation
Integration of machine learning algorithm to improve detection accuracy and provide real-time feedback
Obviousness Reasoning
Applying machine learning to sensor data analysis is a known technique for improving detection capabilities, representing a predictable optimization of the original patent's core sensing methodology
Source Patent Element
Drone with water nozzle for animal deterrence
PTD Variation
High-frequency acoustic deterrent module undetectable to humans
Obviousness Reasoning
Substituting alternative deterrent mechanisms is a standard design choice for addressing animal control, with multiple known techniques for creating non-harmful animal repulsion
Source Patent Element
Property monitoring drone with basic navigation capabilities
PTD Variation
3D mapping module with route optimization algorithm for enhanced patrol efficiency
Obviousness Reasoning
Implementing advanced navigation techniques is an obvious improvement using standard robotics techniques for increasing autonomous system performance
Source Patent Element
Single drone monitoring system
PTD Variation
Network of communicating robotic rovers sharing animal detection information
Obviousness Reasoning
Extending single-device functionality to a networked system represents a standard scalability approach in autonomous robotic technologies
Source Patent Element
Basic sensor-driven drone for property monitoring
PTD Variation
Modular payload compartment supporting interchangeable specialized detection modules
Obviousness Reasoning
Designing modular robotic systems with adaptable payloads is a well-established engineering approach for increasing system flexibility and utility
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11856938, a person having ordinary skill in autonomous robotic monitoring systems would find the variations disclosed herein to be obvious extensions of the prior art, rendering claims directed to such technological improvements prima facie obvious under 35 U.S.C. ยง 103, with a reasonable expectation of success in implementing the described sensor, navigation, and deterrence enhancements.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,856,938
TitleRobotic rover
Assignee(s)Alarm.com Incorporated