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Cat detection

ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
edited 2004-07-09 00:51 in General Discussion
In a message dated 7/7/2004 1:52:55 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
laurasdog@w... writes:


> I'm wondering if the TCS230 color sensor kit has enough
> range (30+ inches) and sensitivity to detect and "sort"
> cats by color as they cross through a doorway..?
>

Steve, the TCS would do it providing you can get enough light on the cats
so that the TCS can detect it. The problem is that each cat will have a
different color for different parts of the body, and the TCS would have to be
"taught" the color of each cat. I have a TCS 230 if you would like to have it for
a few days to experiment with. The thing to remember is that you want to
detect the cats GOING IN, so you would only have to teach the TCS one side of
each cat, and you don't have to detect the cat that has permission to enter. I
assume spray painting the cats is not an acceptable alternative [noparse]:)[/noparse])

Sid


[noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Comments

  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2004-07-07 17:53
    In a message dated 7/7/2004 3:28:05 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
    laurasdog@w... writes:


    > Hmmm... thanks Sid, I may take you up on the loaner TCS offer!
    > I figured a small light that shines across the doorway to illuminate the
    > cats
    > as they walk through.... I don't know how much light the TCS needs to
    > see by. Do you think a small flashlight would be enough to illuminate
    > a cat at 30" in the dark enough for the TCS to "see" it?
    >

    No - the TCS uses a very bright white LED at about 1 inch to detect M&Ms.
    Assuming the cat breaks an IR beam to trigger the TCS, perhaps it could also
    turn on a bright light. How about one of those inexpensive video monitors
    from Radio Shack. I have one looking down the sidewalk to my front door and it
    works great. They can be set to sound an alarm from their built-in motion
    detector.

    Sid


    [noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2004-07-07 18:52
    I have 3 cats. One of them has health problems that require
    her to eat special food. I feed her in a different location than
    the other 2 cats, but the problem is that one of the other cats
    insists on sneaking in and stealing her food.

    So... I need a detector that can "watch" across a doorway
    and watch for cats entering a room and sound an alarm
    if either of the WRONG cats enter. I would rather not resort
    to using a "special" (magnetic) collar on the cats, and would
    prefer to find a way to distinguish between cats visually if
    possible...

    One cat is black, one is mottled grey, and one is mostly
    white.cream colored with dark siamese "points".

    I'm wondering if the TCS230 color sensor kit has enough
    range (30+ inches) and sensitivity to detect and "sort"
    cats by color as they cross through a doorway..?

    Anyone have any thoughts on how to detect a specific cat?

    Thanks much!

    Steve D... outsmarted by cats again


    [noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2004-07-07 19:11
    What about those little inventory IC's they use in stores, as well as EZPASS
    modules. I just used an EZPASS on the NJ turnpike at 55 MPH. I don't think
    cats are any faster than that...

    Also, you can get bug detectors for spy stuff that are supposed to detect a
    PN junction in a room. I'm guessing it floods the room with RF energy and
    listens for a detected signal.

    Also, the cats might have totally different visual signatures under IR or UV
    bandwidths. But I don't know of any studies to that effect.

    An interesting thing to think about as I have three cats as well (one that's
    allergic to fish, and must be fed separately).

    Mike Sokol
    mike@f...


    Fits & Starts Productions, LLC
    The Leader in Recording & Sound Seminars
    "Furthering Technology & EducationT"
    www.fitsandstarts.com
    Original Message
    From: <laurasdog@w...>
    To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    Sent: Wednesday, July 07, 2004 1:52 PM
    Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Cat detection


    >
    > I have 3 cats. One of them has health problems that require
    > her to eat special food. I feed her in a different location than
    > the other 2 cats, but the problem is that one of the other cats
    > insists on sneaking in and stealing her food.
    >
    > So... I need a detector that can "watch" across a doorway
    > and watch for cats entering a room and sound an alarm
    > if either of the WRONG cats enter. I would rather not resort
    > to using a "special" (magnetic) collar on the cats, and would
    > prefer to find a way to distinguish between cats visually if
    > possible...
    >
    > One cat is black, one is mottled grey, and one is mostly
    > white.cream colored with dark siamese "points".
    >
    > I'm wondering if the TCS230 color sensor kit has enough
    > range (30+ inches) and sensitivity to detect and "sort"
    > cats by color as they cross through a doorway..?
    >
    > Anyone have any thoughts on how to detect a specific cat?
    >
    > Thanks much!
    >
    > Steve D... outsmarted by cats again
    >
    >
    > [noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
    >
    >
    >
    > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and
    Body of the message will be ignored.
    >
    > Yahoo! Groups Links
    >
    >
    >
    >
    >
    >
    >
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2004-07-07 19:13
    You might want to google for a fellow who developed an image
    sensor/system to detect skunks entering the cat flap of his house as
    opposed to the cat. I think he used the profile of the skunk's head as
    opposed to color, but same idea.

    Harry

    --- In basicstamps@yahoogroups.com, laurasdog@w... wrote:
    >
    > I have 3 cats. One of them has health problems that require
    > her to eat special food. I feed her in a different location than
    > the other 2 cats, but the problem is that one of the other cats
    > insists on sneaking in and stealing her food.
    >
    > So... I need a detector that can "watch" across a doorway
    > and watch for cats entering a room and sound an alarm
    > if either of the WRONG cats enter. I would rather not resort
    > to using a "special" (magnetic) collar on the cats, and would
    > prefer to find a way to distinguish between cats visually if
    > possible...
    >
    > One cat is black, one is mottled grey, and one is mostly
    > white.cream colored with dark siamese "points".
    >
    > I'm wondering if the TCS230 color sensor kit has enough
    > range (30+ inches) and sensitivity to detect and "sort"
    > cats by color as they cross through a doorway..?
    >
    > Anyone have any thoughts on how to detect a specific cat?
    >
    > Thanks much!
    >
    > Steve D... outsmarted by cats again
    >
    >
    > [noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2004-07-07 19:26
    At 02:11 PM 7/7/04 -0400, Mike Sokol wrote:
    >What about those little inventory IC's they use in stores, as well as EZPASS
    >modules. I just used an EZPASS on the NJ turnpike at 55 MPH. I don't think
    >cats are any faster than that...

    Those are called RFID tags.


    >Also, you can get bug detectors for spy stuff that are supposed to detect a
    >PN junction in a room. I'm guessing it floods the room with RF energy and
    >listens for a detected signal.
    >
    >Also, the cats might have totally different visual signatures under IR or UV
    >bandwidths. But I don't know of any studies to that effect.
    >
    >An interesting thing to think about as I have three cats as well (one that's
    >allergic to fish, and must be fed separately).
    >
    >Mike Sokol
    >mike@f...
    >
    >
    >Fits & Starts Productions, LLC
    >The Leader in Recording & Sound Seminars
    >"Furthering Technology & EducationT"
    >www.fitsandstarts.com
    >
    Original Message
    >From: <laurasdog@w...>
    >To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    >Sent: Wednesday, July 07, 2004 1:52 PM
    >Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Cat detection
    >
    >
    >>
    >> I have 3 cats. One of them has health problems that require
    >> her to eat special food. I feed her in a different location than
    >> the other 2 cats, but the problem is that one of the other cats
    >> insists on sneaking in and stealing her food.
    >>
    >> So... I need a detector that can "watch" across a doorway
    >> and watch for cats entering a room and sound an alarm
    >> if either of the WRONG cats enter. I would rather not resort
    >> to using a "special" (magnetic) collar on the cats, and would
    >> prefer to find a way to distinguish between cats visually if
    >> possible...
    >>
    >> One cat is black, one is mottled grey, and one is mostly
    >> white.cream colored with dark siamese "points".
    >>
    >> I'm wondering if the TCS230 color sensor kit has enough
    >> range (30+ inches) and sensitivity to detect and "sort"
    >> cats by color as they cross through a doorway..?
    >>
    >> Anyone have any thoughts on how to detect a specific cat?
    >>
    >> Thanks much!
    >>
    >> Steve D... outsmarted by cats again
    >>
    >>
    >> [noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
    >>
    >>
    >>
    >> To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    >> basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    >> from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and
    >Body of the message will be ignored.
    >>
    >> Yahoo! Groups Links
    >>
    >>
    >>
    >>
    >>
    >>
    >>
    >
    >
    >
    >
    >To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    >from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and Body of the message will be ignored.
    >
    >Yahoo! Groups Links
    >
    >
    >
    >
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2004-07-07 20:01
    Hmmm... some interesting ideas!

    The RFID tags would probably be just the thing, except that I'd
    rather not have to "attach" anything to the cats. I used to try and
    keep collars on the cats, but had poor luck. The collars always
    disappear in a few days. Sometimes I find then in the brush
    outside, sometimes I never find them at all...
    Anything that uses a special "ID collar" is not going to work well.

    It would be far preferable to try and distinguish between cats
    based on some physical feature they already have. Color seems
    like it might be easiest to detect. (at least with these particular cats)

    The "skull shape" thing that Harry suggested seems interesting,
    but it also sounds like it might be more difficult and expensive to
    implement than a color sensor...

    Cost is definitely an issue. Assuming I already have a stamp to
    use, I'd like to be able to put something functional together for
    under $100 if possible.


    Steve D. - still trying to outsmart cats.


    At 11:26 AM 7/7/2004, you wrote:

    >At 02:11 PM 7/7/04 -0400, Mike Sokol wrote:
    > >What about those little inventory IC's they use in stores, as well as EZPASS
    > >modules. I just used an EZPASS on the NJ turnpike at 55 MPH. I don't think
    > >cats are any faster than that...
    >
    >Those are called RFID tags.
    >
    >
    > >Also, you can get bug detectors for spy stuff that are supposed to detect a
    > >PN junction in a room. I'm guessing it floods the room with RF energy and
    > >listens for a detected signal.
    > >
    > >Also, the cats might have totally different visual signatures under IR or UV
    > >bandwidths. But I don't know of any studies to that effect.
    > >
    > >An interesting thing to think about as I have three cats as well (one that's
    > >allergic to fish, and must be fed separately).


    [noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2004-07-07 20:21
    > > I'm wondering if the TCS230 color sensor kit has enough
    > > range (30+ inches) and sensitivity to detect and "sort"
    > > cats by color as they cross through a doorway..?
    > >
    >
    >Steve, the TCS would do it providing you can get enough light on the cats
    >so that the TCS can detect it. The problem is that each cat will have a
    >different color for different parts of the body, and the TCS would have to be
    >"taught" the color of each cat. I have a TCS 230 if you would like to
    >have it for
    >a few days to experiment with. The thing to remember is that you want to
    >detect the cats GOING IN, so you would only have to teach the TCS one side of
    >each cat, and you don't have to detect the cat that has permission to
    >enter. I
    >assume spray painting the cats is not an acceptable alternative [noparse]:)[/noparse])
    >
    >Sid

    Hmmm... thanks Sid, I may take you up on the loaner TCS offer!
    I figured a small light that shines across the doorway to illuminate the cats
    as they walk through.... I don't know how much light the TCS needs to
    see by. Do you think a small flashlight would be enough to illuminate
    a cat at 30" in the dark enough for the TCS to "see" it?

    And no, painting the cats is not an option! (-:

    Steve D. - contemplating color coded cats


    [noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2004-07-07 20:29
    I know they place RFID tags under the skin of pets at a lot of places so
    they can identify a lost cat or dog, collar or not. I'm not sure I want to
    be the one to hold down the cat to "inject" it though..... My little calico
    bit all the way through my thumb when I tried to give her a flea bath once.

    Mike Sokol
    mike@f...

    Original Message
    From: <laurasdog@w...>
    To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    Sent: Wednesday, July 07, 2004 3:01 PM
    Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Cat detection


    > Hmmm... some interesting ideas!
    >
    > The RFID tags would probably be just the thing, except that I'd
    > rather not have to "attach" anything to the cats. I used to try and
    > keep collars on the cats, but had poor luck. The collars always
    > disappear in a few days. Sometimes I find then in the brush
    > outside, sometimes I never find them at all...
    > Anything that uses a special "ID collar" is not going to work well.
    >
    > It would be far preferable to try and distinguish between cats
    > based on some physical feature they already have. Color seems
    > like it might be easiest to detect. (at least with these particular cats)
    >
    > The "skull shape" thing that Harry suggested seems interesting,
    > but it also sounds like it might be more difficult and expensive to
    > implement than a color sensor...
    >
    > Cost is definitely an issue. Assuming I already have a stamp to
    > use, I'd like to be able to put something functional together for
    > under $100 if possible.
    >
    >
    > Steve D. - still trying to outsmart cats.
    >
    >
    >
    > At 11:26 AM 7/7/2004, you wrote:
    >
    > >At 02:11 PM 7/7/04 -0400, Mike Sokol wrote:
    > > >What about those little inventory IC's they use in stores, as well as
    EZPASS
    > > >modules. I just used an EZPASS on the NJ turnpike at 55 MPH. I don't
    think
    > > >cats are any faster than that...
    > >
    > >Those are called RFID tags.
    > >
    > >
    > > >Also, you can get bug detectors for spy stuff that are supposed to
    detect a
    > > >PN junction in a room. I'm guessing it floods the room with RF energy
    and
    > > >listens for a detected signal.
    > > >
    > > >Also, the cats might have totally different visual signatures under IR
    or UV
    > > >bandwidths. But I don't know of any studies to that effect.
    > > >
    > > >An interesting thing to think about as I have three cats as well (one
    that's
    > > >allergic to fish, and must be fed separately).
    >
    >
    > [noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
    >
    >
    >
    > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and
    Body of the message will be ignored.
    >
    > Yahoo! Groups Links
    >
    >
    >
    >
    >
    >
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2004-07-07 20:29
    We had a similar situation, ended up with a low tech solution
    We fed one cat on top of the fridge for the last 8 years of her life


    Original Message
    From: laurasdog@w...
    [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=5hhjjCx34yYA1scgD0EP0d736kvNzxJDLqTiis9lcJ-YiwNWhYfhcK-Yfbrm9uev3MU28RkXG2_pnPCo5-mCvcJHw7YAaA]laurasdog@w...[/url
    Sent: Wednesday, July 07, 2004 3:01 PM
    To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
    Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Cat detection


    Hmmm... some interesting ideas!

    The RFID tags would probably be just the thing, except that I'd
    rather not have to "attach" anything to the cats. I used to try and
    keep collars on the cats, but had poor luck. The collars always
    disappear in a few days. Sometimes I find then in the brush
    outside, sometimes I never find them at all...
    Anything that uses a special "ID collar" is not going to work well.

    It would be far preferable to try and distinguish between cats
    based on some physical feature they already have. Color seems
    like it might be easiest to detect. (at least with these particular cats)

    The "skull shape" thing that Harry suggested seems interesting,
    but it also sounds like it might be more difficult and expensive to
    implement than a color sensor...

    Cost is definitely an issue. Assuming I already have a stamp to
    use, I'd like to be able to put something functional together for
    under $100 if possible.


    Steve D. - still trying to outsmart cats.


    At 11:26 AM 7/7/2004, you wrote:

    >At 02:11 PM 7/7/04 -0400, Mike Sokol wrote:
    > >What about those little inventory IC's they use in stores, as well as
    EZPASS
    > >modules. I just used an EZPASS on the NJ turnpike at 55 MPH. I don't
    think
    > >cats are any faster than that...
    >
    >Those are called RFID tags.
    >
    >
    > >Also, you can get bug detectors for spy stuff that are supposed to detect
    a
    > >PN junction in a room. I'm guessing it floods the room with RF energy and
    > >listens for a detected signal.
    > >
    > >Also, the cats might have totally different visual signatures under IR or
    UV
    > >bandwidths. But I don't know of any studies to that effect.
    > >
    > >An interesting thing to think about as I have three cats as well (one
    that's
    > >allergic to fish, and must be fed separately).


    [noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]



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  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2004-07-07 20:30
    You could use those ID tags they implant into animals. There must be a way
    to detect the tags remotely, that does not require a specialized reader. All
    you want is information that the cat is there, not the data from the pet
    tag. I cannot keep a halter on my horse either, so can sympathize with you.
    Good luck!
    -k

    At 12:01 PM 7/7/04 -0700, you wrote:
    >Hmmm... some interesting ideas!
    >
    > The RFID tags would probably be just the thing, except that I'd
    >rather not have to "attach" anything to the cats. I used to try and
    >keep collars on the cats, but had poor luck. The collars always
    >disappear in a few days. Sometimes I find then in the brush
    >outside, sometimes I never find them at all...
    >Anything that uses a special "ID collar" is not going to work well.
    >
    >It would be far preferable to try and distinguish between cats
    >based on some physical feature they already have. Color seems
    >like it might be easiest to detect. (at least with these particular cats)
    >
    >The "skull shape" thing that Harry suggested seems interesting,
    >but it also sounds like it might be more difficult and expensive to
    >implement than a color sensor...
    >
    >Cost is definitely an issue. Assuming I already have a stamp to
    >use, I'd like to be able to put something functional together for
    >under $100 if possible.
    >
    >
    >Steve D. - still trying to outsmart cats.
    >
    >
    >
    >At 11:26 AM 7/7/2004, you wrote:
    >
    >>At 02:11 PM 7/7/04 -0400, Mike Sokol wrote:
    >> >What about those little inventory IC's they use in stores, as well as EZPASS
    >> >modules. I just used an EZPASS on the NJ turnpike at 55 MPH. I don't think
    >> >cats are any faster than that...
    >>
    >>Those are called RFID tags.
    >>
    >>
    >> >Also, you can get bug detectors for spy stuff that are supposed to detect a
    >> >PN junction in a room. I'm guessing it floods the room with RF energy and
    >> >listens for a detected signal.
    >> >
    >> >Also, the cats might have totally different visual signatures under IR or UV
    >> >bandwidths. But I don't know of any studies to that effect.
    >> >
    >> >An interesting thing to think about as I have three cats as well (one that's
    >> >allergic to fish, and must be fed separately).
    >
    >
    >[noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
    >
    >
    >
    >To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    >from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and
    Body of the message will be ignored.
    >
    >Yahoo! Groups Links
    >
    >
    >
    >
    >
    >
    Very respectfully, your obedient servant.
    Brig. Gen. Johnston Pettigrew

    Admin@M...
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  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2004-07-07 20:32
    I entertained something like this as I also have a
    cat.
    If your cat is verbal, you might consider meow
    recognition...

    Kinda like Pavlov in reverse.. the cat would meow to
    get food.

    Just a thought,
    Thad

    --- Newzed@a... wrote:
    > In a message dated 7/7/2004 1:52:55 PM Eastern
    > Daylight Time,
    > laurasdog@w... writes:
    >
    >
    > > I'm wondering if the TCS230 color sensor kit has
    > enough
    > > range (30+ inches) and sensitivity to detect and
    > "sort"
    > > cats by color as they cross through a doorway..?
    > >
    >
    > Steve, the TCS would do it providing you can get
    > enough light on the cats
    > so that the TCS can detect it. The problem is that
    > each cat will have a
    > different color for different parts of the body, and
    > the TCS would have to be
    > "taught" the color of each cat. I have a TCS 230 if
    > you would like to have it for
    > a few days to experiment with. The thing to
    > remember is that you want to
    > detect the cats GOING IN, so you would only have to
    > teach the TCS one side of
    > each cat, and you don't have to detect the cat that
    > has permission to enter. I
    > assume spray painting the cats is not an acceptable
    > alternative [noparse]:)[/noparse])
    >
    > Sid
    >
    >
    > [noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been
    > removed]
    >
    >
    >
    > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > from the same email address that you subscribed.
    > Text in the Subject and Body of the message will be
    > ignored.
    >
    > Yahoo! Groups Links
    >
    >
    > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    >
    >
    >
    >





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  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2004-07-07 20:45
    RFID tags sounds the most straightforward. And with an update system
    in place, the cats can earn rewards points ...

    Anyway, two more attributes you could possibly use: the weight of the
    cats and their size (length or height). If the cats could stand on a
    weigh scale, or something spring loaded with a switch ... if one cat
    weighs 5lb and the others 8 and 10 it would offer some lattitude in
    measurement (wouldn't need to be precise).

    Size (length) would maybe easier with the image sensor perhaps.
    Determining length or height as opposed to color? I don't really know
    for a fact that it would be easier - just a guess.

    Harry

    --- In basicstamps@yahoogroups.com, "Mike Sokol" <mike@f...> wrote:
    > I know they place RFID tags under the skin of pets at a lot of places so
    > they can identify a lost cat or dog, collar or not. I'm not sure I
    want to
    > be the one to hold down the cat to "inject" it though..... My little
    calico
    > bit all the way through my thumb when I tried to give her a flea
    bath once.
    >
    > Mike Sokol
    > mike@f...
    >
    >
    Original Message
    > From: <laurasdog@w...>
    > To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    > Sent: Wednesday, July 07, 2004 3:01 PM
    > Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Cat detection
    >
    >
    > > Hmmm... some interesting ideas!
    > >
    > > The RFID tags would probably be just the thing, except that I'd
    > > rather not have to "attach" anything to the cats. I used to try and
    > > keep collars on the cats, but had poor luck. The collars always
    > > disappear in a few days. Sometimes I find then in the brush
    > > outside, sometimes I never find them at all...
    > > Anything that uses a special "ID collar" is not going to work well.
    > >
    > > It would be far preferable to try and distinguish between cats
    > > based on some physical feature they already have. Color seems
    > > like it might be easiest to detect. (at least with these
    particular cats)
    > >
    > > The "skull shape" thing that Harry suggested seems interesting,
    > > but it also sounds like it might be more difficult and expensive to
    > > implement than a color sensor...
    > >
    > > Cost is definitely an issue. Assuming I already have a stamp to
    > > use, I'd like to be able to put something functional together for
    > > under $100 if possible.
    > >
    > >
    > > Steve D. - still trying to outsmart cats.
    > >
    > >
    > >
    > > At 11:26 AM 7/7/2004, you wrote:
    > >
    > > >At 02:11 PM 7/7/04 -0400, Mike Sokol wrote:
    > > > >What about those little inventory IC's they use in stores, as
    well as
    > EZPASS
    > > > >modules. I just used an EZPASS on the NJ turnpike at 55 MPH. I
    don't
    > think
    > > > >cats are any faster than that...
    > > >
    > > >Those are called RFID tags.
    > > >
    > > >
    > > > >Also, you can get bug detectors for spy stuff that are supposed to
    > detect a
    > > > >PN junction in a room. I'm guessing it floods the room with RF
    energy
    > and
    > > > >listens for a detected signal.
    > > > >
    > > > >Also, the cats might have totally different visual signatures
    under IR
    > or UV
    > > > >bandwidths. But I don't know of any studies to that effect.
    > > > >
    > > > >An interesting thing to think about as I have three cats as
    well (one
    > that's
    > > > >allergic to fish, and must be fed separately).
    > >
    > >
    > > [noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
    > >
    > >
    > >
    > > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the
    Subject and
    > Body of the message will be ignored.
    > >
    > > Yahoo! Groups Links
    > >
    > >
    > >
    > >
    > >
    > >
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2004-07-07 21:50
    My dog has a rifd tag becuase he likes to escape. Anyway, the chip only sends out a serial #, and the reader gets the # and looks it up on a database Which has the pets info. I'm not sure, but doesn't the chip send out a very weak signal and the receiver amps it up? It sounds Like the RIFD Route would be too expensive, but a sweet setup [noparse]:)[/noparse]

    -Mlike
    Original Message
    From: "Thad Larson"<Highwayman_33402@y...>
    Sent: 7/7/04 3:32:00 PM
    To: "basicstamps@yahoogroups.com"<basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Cat detection
    I entertained something like this as I also have a
    cat.
    If your cat is verbal, you might consider meow
    recognition...

    Kinda like Pavlov in reverse.. the cat would meow to
    get food.

    Just a thought,
    Thad

    --- Newzed@a... wrote:
    > In a message dated 7/7/2004 1:52:55 PM Eastern
    > Daylight Time,
    > laurasdog@w... writes:
    >
    >
    > > I'm wondering if the TCS230 color sensor kit has
    > enough
    > > range (30+ inches) and sensitivity to detect and
    > "sort"
    > > cats by color as they cross through a doorway..?
    > >
    >
    > Steve, the TCS would do it providing you can get
    > enough light on the cats
    > so that the TCS can detect it. The problem is that
    > each cat will have a
    > different color for different parts of the body, and
    > the TCS would have to be
    > "taught" the color of each cat. I have a TCS 230 if
    > you would like to have it for
    > a few days to experiment with. The thing to
    > remember is that you want to
    > detect the cats GOING IN, so you would only have to
    > teach the TCS one side of
    > each cat, and you don't have to detect the cat that
    > has permission to enter. I
    > assume spray painting the cats is not an acceptable
    > alternative [noparse]:)[/noparse])
    >
    > Sid
    >
    >
    > [noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been
    > removed]
    >
    >
    >
    > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > from the same email address that you subscribed.
    > Text in the Subject and Body of the message will be
    > ignored.
    >
    > Yahoo! Groups Links
    >
    >
    > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    >
    >
    >
    >





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  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2004-07-07 22:00
    Oh ya forgot to mention the vet that put the chip in, charged 10 or 15$ for tle chip,25 to enter the database and 20 for putting it in. But it might be worth the money if your cats ever get lost, becuase the system does work,we got our dog back in 5 hrs.

    -Mike

    Original Message
    From: "Mike Dillon"<mikedillon89@c...>
    Sent: 7/7/04 4:50:04 PM
    To: "basicstamps@yahoogroups.com"<basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Cat detection

    My dog has a rifd tag becuase he likes to escape. Anyway, the chip only sends out a serial #, and the reader gets the # and looks it up on a database Which has the pets info. I'm not sure, but doesn't the chip send out a very weak signal and the receiver amps it up? It sounds Like the RIFD Route would be too expensive, but a sweet setup [noparse]:)[/noparse]

    -Mlike
    Original Message
    From: "Thad Larson"<Highwayman_33402@y...>
    Sent: 7/7/04 3:32:00 PM
    To: "basicstamps@yahoogroups.com"<basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Cat detection
    I entertained something like this as I also have a
    cat.
    If your cat is verbal, you might consider meow
    recognition...

    Kinda like Pavlov in reverse.. the cat would meow to
    get food.

    Just a thought,
    Thad

    --- Newzed@a... wrote:
    > In a message dated 7/7/2004 1:52:55 PM Eastern
    > Daylight Time,
    > laurasdog@w... writes:
    >
    >
    > > I'm wondering if the TCS230 color sensor kit has
    > enough
    > > range (30+ inches) and sensitivity to detect and
    > "sort"
    > > cats by color as they cross through a doorway..?
    > >
    >
    > Steve, the TCS would do it providing you can get
    > enough light on the cats
    > so that the TCS can detect it. The problem is that
    > each cat will have a
    > different color for different parts of the body, and
    > the TCS would have to be
    > "taught" the color of each cat. I have a TCS 230 if
    > you would like to have it for
    > a few days to experiment with. The thing to
    > remember is that you want to
    > detect the cats GOING IN, so you would only have to
    > teach the TCS one side of
    > each cat, and you don't have to detect the cat that
    > has permission to enter. I
    > assume spray painting the cats is not an acceptable
    > alternative [noparse]:)[/noparse])
    >
    > Sid
    >
    >
    > [noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been
    > removed]
    >
    >
    >
    > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > from the same email address that you subscribed.
    > Text in the Subject and Body of the message will be
    > ignored.
    >
    > Yahoo! Groups Links
    >
    >
    > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    >
    >
    >
    >





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  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2004-07-07 22:58
    RFID is not very expensive. Take a look at what www.hvwtech.com and
    www.canakit.com have to offer.

    Tim


    At 01:50 PM 7/7/2004, you wrote:
    >My dog has a rifd tag becuase he likes to escape. Anyway, the chip only
    >sends out a serial #, and the reader gets the # and looks it up on a
    >database Which has the pets info. I'm not sure, but doesn't the chip send
    >out a very weak signal and the receiver amps it up? It sounds Like the
    >RIFD Route would be too expensive, but a sweet setup [noparse]:)[/noparse]
    >
    >-Mlike
    >
    Original Message
    > From: "Thad Larson"<Highwayman_33402@y...>
    > Sent: 7/7/04 3:32:00 PM
    > To: "basicstamps@yahoogroups.com"<basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    > Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Cat detection
    > I entertained something like this as I also have a
    > cat.
    > If your cat is verbal, you might consider meow
    > recognition...
    >
    > Kinda like Pavlov in reverse.. the cat would meow to
    > get food.
    >
    > Just a thought,
    > Thad
    >
    > --- Newzed@a... wrote:
    > > In a message dated 7/7/2004 1:52:55 PM Eastern
    > > Daylight Time,
    > > laurasdog@w... writes:
    > >
    > >
    > > > I'm wondering if the TCS230 color sensor kit has
    > > enough
    > > > range (30+ inches) and sensitivity to detect and
    > > "sort"
    > > > cats by color as they cross through a doorway..?
    > > >
    > >
    > > Steve, the TCS would do it providing you can get
    > > enough light on the cats
    > > so that the TCS can detect it. The problem is that
    > > each cat will have a
    > > different color for different parts of the body, and
    > > the TCS would have to be
    > > "taught" the color of each cat. I have a TCS 230 if
    > > you would like to have it for
    > > a few days to experiment with. The thing to
    > > remember is that you want to
    > > detect the cats GOING IN, so you would only have to
    > > teach the TCS one side of
    > > each cat, and you don't have to detect the cat that
    > > has permission to enter. I
    > > assume spray painting the cats is not an acceptable
    > > alternative [noparse]:)[/noparse])
    > >
    > > Sid
    > >
    > >
    > > [noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been
    > > removed]
    > >
    > >
    > >
    > > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > > from the same email address that you subscribed.
    > > Text in the Subject and Body of the message will be
    > > ignored.
    > >
    > > Yahoo! Groups Links
    > >
    > >
    > > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > >
    > >
    > >
    > >
    >
    >
    >
    >
    >
    > __________________________________
    > Do you Yahoo!?
    > New and Improved Yahoo! Mail - 100MB free storage!
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    >
    >
    >
    > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
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    > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject
    > and Body of the message will be ignored.
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    >
    >
    >
    >
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    >
    >
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  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2004-07-07 23:43
    A variation on Harry's suggestion based on weight of the cats. Place
    food in a box with an open side. Build a sensitive scale consisting of
    a flat plate supported by one or more load cells, and put it in front of
    the open-sided box. When one of the "wrong cats" steps on the scale,
    activate a solenoid which closes a door on the food box. Open the door
    when the "wrong cat" steps off the scale. Leave the door open for only
    the "right cat."

    This also excludes the approach of more than one cat simultaneously.

    Dennis

    Original Message
    From: harrybstoner [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=Cvg7snLDxYxN2QwXshoISLuagrOPW36aFdXIQrKPQNKnqvBd6Wp0f7pM58BA0L5GqhJYNqNBWg6NhaQ]tedstoner@1...[/url
    Sent: Wednesday, July 07, 2004 12:46 PM
    To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
    Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Re: Cat detection


    RFID tags sounds the most straightforward. And with an update system in
    place, the cats can earn rewards points ...

    Anyway, two more attributes you could possibly use: the weight of the
    cats and their size (length or height). If the cats could stand on a
    weigh scale, or something spring loaded with a switch ... if one cat
    weighs 5lb and the others 8 and 10 it would offer some lattitude in
    measurement (wouldn't need to be precise).

    Size (length) would maybe easier with the image sensor perhaps.
    Determining length or height as opposed to color? I don't really know
    for a fact that it would be easier - just a guess.

    Harry
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2004-07-08 00:19
    At 12:21 PM 7/7/04 -0700, laurasdog@w... wrote:

    >> > I'm wondering if the TCS230 color sensor kit has enough
    >> > range (30+ inches) and sensitivity to detect and "sort"
    >> > cats by color as they cross through a doorway..?
    >> >
    >>
    >>Steve, the TCS would do it providing you can get enough light on the cats
    >>so that the TCS can detect it. The problem is that each cat will have a
    >>different color for different parts of the body, and the TCS would have to be
    >>"taught" the color of each cat. I have a TCS 230 if you would like to
    >>have it for
    >>a few days to experiment with. The thing to remember is that you want to
    >>detect the cats GOING IN, so you would only have to teach the TCS one side of
    >>each cat, and you don't have to detect the cat that has permission to
    >>enter. I
    >>assume spray painting the cats is not an acceptable alternative [noparse]:)[/noparse])
    >>
    >>Sid
    >
    >Hmmm... thanks Sid, I may take you up on the loaner TCS offer!
    >I figured a small light that shines across the doorway to illuminate the cats
    >as they walk through.... I don't know how much light the TCS needs to
    >see by. Do you think a small flashlight would be enough to illuminate
    >a cat at 30" in the dark enough for the TCS to "see" it?
    >
    >And no, painting the cats is not an option! (-:

    Not to belabor the point but what about BRANDING? :-)

    >Steve D. - contemplating color coded cats
    >
    >Bruce
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2004-07-08 03:07
    I haven't check the past messages, so apologies if this has already been
    mentioned.

    We have two cats, both of whom have collars with small bells in an
    attempt to cut down on the local bird casulaties.

    You might want to consider putting bells of different tones on your cats
    and detect them audibly. Now range and direction should also be less of
    an issue.

    Andy
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2004-07-08 22:03
    --- In basicstamps@yahoogroups.com, Newzed@a... wrote:
    > Assuming the cat breaks an IR beam to trigger the TCS, perhaps it
    could also
    > turn on a bright light. How about one of those inexpensive video
    monitors
    > from Radio Shack. I have one looking down the sidewalk to my
    front door and it
    > works great. They can be set to sound an alarm from their built-
    in motion
    > detector.
    > Sid

    Which brings up a question my wife asked...Wouldn't the light scare
    the cat when it suddenly came on? IN fact, my wife had another
    question that I wanted to ask...If the cat that is supposed to be in
    there is, and another tries to enter, will the alarm still go off?
    Perhaps scaring away the cat that should be there? Inquiring minds
    want to know! =)

    Chris Savage
    Knight Designs
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2004-07-09 00:51
    Would it be possible to detect the individual cats by their weight? If all
    3 cats don't weigh exactly the same, (whats the odds of that) it could be
    done using an pressure sensor under the doormat. or what about detecting
    the height of the cat. Ummm that could be more tricky.

    I had a different cat problem last year. my neighbours cats kept insisting
    they wanted inside my garage. Now I didn't mind them visiting but don't
    want having sleep overs. So I noticed about how tall the cats were, set up
    a photo detector to sense when a cat comes in. Then a loud beeper would
    sound scaring the cat back out. Its really super simple but effective.

    Daryl



    At 04:03 PM 7/8/2004, you wrote:
    >--- In basicstamps@yahoogroups.com, Newzed@a... wrote:
    > > Assuming the cat breaks an IR beam to trigger the TCS, perhaps it
    >could also
    > > turn on a bright light. How about one of those inexpensive video
    >monitors
    > > from Radio Shack. I have one looking down the sidewalk to my
    >front door and it
    > > works great. They can be set to sound an alarm from their built-
    >in motion
    > > detector.
    > > Sid
    >
    >Which brings up a question my wife asked...Wouldn't the light scare
    >the cat when it suddenly came on? IN fact, my wife had another
    >question that I wanted to ask...If the cat that is supposed to be in
    >there is, and another tries to enter, will the alarm still go off?
    >Perhaps scaring away the cat that should be there? Inquiring minds
    >want to know! =)
    >
    >Chris Savage
    >Knight Designs
    >
    >
    >
    >
    >To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    >from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and
    >Body of the message will be ignored.
    >
    >Yahoo! Groups Links
    >
    >
    >
    >
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