Animals, especially dogs, are becoming an increasingly valuable asset across many industries. By studying the tasks assigned to working dogs, typical working environments, and dogs’ unique movements, we are able to offer our PSS for K-9 use – our K-9 Surveillance System (KSS).
The KSS equips the dog with advanced sensors and surveillance capabilities, making the dog itself a valuable information center. The command center is able to gather detailed information about the animal’s environment while also being able to closely monitor the animal’s health and safety. The Base Module is specifically designed to attach to most K-9 harnesses and includes all Base Module features. As with our traditional PSS, the KSS System can be customized by adding additional modules, including environmental sensors, vitality sensors, and a camera and microphone module that has been specially designed for a snug fit with minimal picture shake through movement.
KSS Central Command Base Module
Description
The KSS Main Console is specifically designed in a way that allows it to attach to most K-9 harnesses and includes the base console features, including its lightweight, durable and protective IP67 housing.
An accelerometer is used to detect changes in the animal’s orientation or directional heading, pace of movement, sudden changes in movement, free falls, intense vibrations or shocks. Sensor readings and data gathered by the console are both stored locally on the console and communicated directly with the command center. Local storage enables the console to continue gathering and saving information in the event the console goes offline. Once the console goes back online the readings and data are sent automatically to the command center where it can be accessed and stored.
Every console comes equipped standard with a panic alert button. Once pressed, a panic alert signal is immediately sent to the command center. The panic alert signal also relays vital information such as time, precise location, and current readings for all sensors, the camera’s microphone automatically broadcasts sound to the command center, and the communication channel out to the wearer opens.
The KSS incorporates both outdoor GPS and indoor IPS location tracking systems. Tracking information is further enhanced when detailed maps and building schematics are uploaded to the command center. An RFID tag can be used to identify the animal wearer, store useful information, and track the wearer at checkpoints and through rounds. This can improve personnel efficiency and help monitor the animal’s mobility. We incorporate WiFi and mobile data transfer over the most popular communication networks worldwide. Our devices work on the GSM network and can provide up to 4th generation LTE speeds where available. All console components use the latest Bluetooth standards and near field communication (NFC) technology for easy and reliable pairing.
Highlighted Features
KSS Camera Module
Description
As with our traditional PSS, the K-9 System is designed to incorporate additional modules. The KSS offers a camera module that is specially designed for a snug fit with minimal picture shake through movement. The added assets of sight and sound provide the command center with more insight into the animal’s surroundings in real time.
Despite a small, compact design, the camera offers full HD of 1080p at 30 fps and 16x digital zoom. The camera module communicates with the console via Bluetooth, has a built-in microphone to relay sound to the command center, and has both day and night mode capabilities.
Highlighted Features
KSS Environment Module
KSS Hazardous Environment Module
Description
In addition to standard environmental readings, the surveillance system provides tools for detecting hazardous environmental materials, many of which are often undetectable by humans or the presence of which the animal wearer may not be trained to communicate. The console equips the animal wearer with the gas sensors that will alert the handler or command center directly as to the presence of propane, butane, methane, and natural gas readings at unsafe levels.
A radiation sensor is an optional feature, which can be used to monitor radiation levels in areas of known exposure as well as in a precautionary capacity to alert the handler and the command center to the presence of harmful radiation levels. The potential for harmful radiation exposure is a devastating byproduct of damage to nuclear energy facilities and uncertain radiation distribution channels from known areas of concentration.
The combined capabilities of the Hazardous Environment Module can also be a valuable tool for first responders and medical personnel engaged in disaster relief by removing uncertainty as to the safety of their environment and allowing them to focus on providing aid to others. All module readings are communicated via Bluetooth to the Base Module for local storage and wirelessly on to the command center.
Highlighted Features
Additional KSS Modules
In addition to the wearable KSS modules, additional peripheral modules can be incorporated directly or via a handler into the KSS.
Thermal Imaging Module
As an extension of the Base Module, additional handheld peripheral modules can be incorporated into the surveillance system. An optional handheld thermal imaging camera (TIC) takes readings of infrared radiation and produces a visible light display on one of our display modules or directly in the command center. With a handheld TIC, images can be detected through smoke, heat-permeable barriers, and in darkness. Heat signatures can also be used to identify animals, people and objects.
The added benefits of a TIC span applications such as faulty electrical connections, detecting wildlife, aiding first responder and rescue operations to locate trapped victims and pets, and can be used as a stealth detection tool in surveillance. To maximize in-field system integration, the TIC is paired with either the HD or Head Display Module, which allows the thermal image to be produced directly on the display screen instead of on the handheld unit.
Battery Packs
The surveillance systems feature an interchangeable battery design for cross-compatibility with our module components. For the modules that naturally draw more power, the batteries are removable to facilitate on-the-go battery exchanging. The batteries are compact and lightweight so as to allow the user to carry an extra. All external batteries are exchangeable and rechargeable, and have an average battery life of 10 hours on a full charge.
For our more compact modules that have smaller power requirements, the batteries feature a fixed internal mount. Internal batteries are rechargeable and have an average battery life of 16 hours, depending on specific usage
Battery Chargers
All batteries used in the surveillance system are rechargeable. Our external battery charger is available with a single charging bay or a multi-charging bay that can charge up to 5 batteries simultaneously. A single-bay vehicle charger is offered for charging on-the-go. Modules with internal mount batteries offer wireless charging. For renewable energy recharging, single pack solar and kinetic chargers are also available. Battery health and charging status can be monitored through each of our charging units.
