Ultrasonic activated energy-efficient autonomous camera system for activity observation

This Paper presents a proof-of-concept system for autonomous object detection and tracking, employing a pan-tilt mechanism and ultrasonic sensors for energy-efficient operation. The system’s design aims to reduce unnecessary power consumption by activating energy-intensive components, such as the camera and LED lights, only when nearby objects are detected. Key functionalities, including distance sensing and object detection, are evaluated across multiple tests to assess system performance. While the system demonstrated consistent distance sensing and power savings, object detection results were inconsistent, primarily due to the limited training dataset and hardware constraints. Recommendations for future improvements include expanding the dataset, exploring advanced object detection models, and upgrading the camera to enhance detection consistency and overall performance. This prototype serves as a stepping stone toward developing robust, autonomous underwater photography systems for marine research.