Tray trap for plant pests

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device and a method for immobilizing plant pests for the purpose of identifying them.

Description

[0001] Catch tray for plant pests

[0002] The present invention relates to a device and a method for immobilizing plant pests for the purpose of identification.

[0003] About two-thirds of currently known animal species belong to the arthropod family (phylum Arthropoda), 85% of which are insects. A significant proportion of arthropods are phytophagous: these animals feed on plants and can impair plant growth, cause sucking and feeding damage, and transmit viral diseases. This causes, for example, significant yield and quality losses in crop cultivation.

[0004] In modern agriculture, the detection and identification of pests within agricultural areas plays an important role.

[0005] WO2018054767, W02020058170 and W02020058175 disclose traps that can be filled with water and additives to immobilize pests.

[0006] If several pests enter the trap, they may cluster together in one or more groups and hide from each other. Identifying individual pests in such clusters is often difficult or even impossible; the pests must first be separated and isolated to identify them.

[0007] As described in W02020058170 and W02020058175, traps can be equipped with a camera. The camera is mounted at a defined distance above the bottom of the trap, projecting an image of the bottom of the trap onto a camera sensor. The camera allows the contents of the trap to be inspected from a distance. The images captured by such a camera can be (automatically) analyzed to detect, count, and / or identify pests. However, such (automated) analysis of all individual pests from a distance is not possible if the pests are clustered together in one or more groups.

[0008] Based on the described state of the art, the technical task is to prevent pests from accumulating in a trap tray.

[0009] This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent patent claims. Preferred embodiments of the present invention can be found in the dependent patent claims as well as in the present description and the drawings. A first subject matter of the present invention is a device for immobilizing pests, comprising a tray for holding a liquid, wherein the tray comprises a base and walls that provide a volume for holding the liquid, characterized in that the base has a plurality of recesses.

[0010] A further object of the present invention is a method comprising the steps of: providing a device, wherein the device comprises a tray for receiving a liquid, wherein the tray comprises a bottom and walls, wherein the bottom and the walls provide a volume for receiving the liquid, wherein the bottom has a plurality of recesses,

[0011] - Fill the bowl with the liquid,

[0012] - Identifying a pest located in a recess of the tray or identifying and / or counting a plurality of pests in a plurality of recesses of the tray.

[0013] A further object of the present invention is the use of a device for immobilizing and / or identifying pests, preferably in an area in which crops are grown, the device comprising: a tray for receiving a liquid, the tray comprising a bottom and walls which provide a volume for receiving the liquid, characterized in that the bottom has a plurality of depressions.

[0014] The invention is described in more detail below, without distinguishing between the subject matters of the invention (device, method, use). Rather, the following explanations are intended to apply analogously to all subject matters of the invention, regardless of the context (device, method, use) in which they occur.

[0015] If steps are mentioned in a particular order in this description or in the claims, this does not necessarily mean that the invention is limited to that order. Rather, it is conceivable that the steps may be performed in a different order or even in parallel; unless a step builds on another step, which absolutely requires that the subsequent step be performed (which will become clear in individual cases). The specified sequences thus represent preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0016] The device according to the invention, its structure, and its mode of operation can be described particularly clearly based on a device that contains at least one liquid and is set up, suspended, or otherwise fixed in a location. However, this should not mean that the invention is limited to a device filled with liquid and fixed in place. For example, a device according to the invention is usually offered as a sales product without a liquid already contained therein, and the device is usually not already fixed in a location as a sales product. Nevertheless, a corresponding sales product is intended to be protected by the present patent.Therefore, if reference is made to a liquid in the description and / or definition of the device according to the invention, or if the device is described in a defined position, the scope of protection is of course also intended to include a device without any liquid in any position. The invention serves to immobilize pests. A "pest" is understood to be a mobile organism that appears during plant cultivation and can damage plants or negatively influence the harvest of the plants. Preferably, the pest is an insect (in the various stages from larva (caterpillar, dewlap) to the adult stage) or an arachnid. Pests must be "mobile" in the sense that they can reach the tray of the device autonomously.

[0017] The term "immobilization" means that pests that enter the device cannot exit independently, at least for a certain period of time. During this defined period, a camera can be used, for example, to capture one or more images of the pests in the device in order to identify and / or count the pests depicted in the images.

[0018] The device has a tray within which pests are immobilized. This is preferably done by means of a liquid in the tray. Pests that enter the liquid are usually unable to leave on their own or are at least held captive by the liquid for a certain period of time. It is conceivable that pests drown in the liquid and / or are held captive by the liquid. The liquid is usually water or usually comprises water, preferably as its main component. One or more additives can be added to the liquid. Such an additive can, for example, be a surfactant to reduce the surface tension. Such an additive can, for example, be a thickener to increase the viscosity of the liquid. Such an additive can also be an attractant to attract (specific) pests.Such an additive can also be an agent for preventing algae growth (for example, a herbicide). Such an additive can also be a dye. Other additives are conceivable. The shell can have a specific color and / or pattern to attract pests. For example, many rapeseed pests are attracted by a yellow color; to attract rapeseed pests, the shell can be wholly or partially yellow. Some moths, for example, are attracted by a striped pattern; the shell can therefore have a striped pattern, wholly or partially. Some pests are attracted by electromagnetic radiation in a specific wavelength range; the shell can therefore comprise one or more sources of electromagnetic radiation in a specific wavelength range.

[0019] The bowl has a bottom and walls. The bottom defines the boundaries of the bowl in one direction (downward). In the opposite direction (upward), the bowl is usually open to allow pests to enter. The sides of the bowl are typically defined by walls.

[0020] If the bowl is filled with a liquid, the liquid remains in the bowl because the bottom and walls prevent it from flowing out.

[0021] When liquid is introduced into the tray interior, the volume of liquid within the tray defines a collection area in which pests can accumulate. The pests can swim on the surface of the liquid, suspend within the liquid volume, and / or sink to the bottom of the tray. The volume of the collection area is bounded on one side by the bottom of the tray, on other sides by the walls of the tray, and on the open side by the liquid surface.

[0022] A shell within the meaning of the present invention can, for example, have the shape of a cylinder, with one of the base surfaces of the cylinder missing (a cylinder open on one side). A shell within the meaning of the present invention can, for example, have the shape of a truncated cone, with one base surface of the truncated cone missing (preferably the one with the larger surface area). A shell within the meaning of the present invention can, for example, have the shape of a cuboid, with one base surface of the cuboid missing. A shell within the meaning of the present invention can, for example, have the shape of a truncated pyramid, with one base surface of the truncated pyramid missing (preferably the one with the larger surface area). Other shapes, in particular hybrid forms of the aforementioned shapes, are conceivable.

[0023] It is conceivable that the tray is provided with a lid “at the top”, wherein the lid has one or more openings through which (specific) pests can enter the tray. It is conceivable that the size of such an opening or a plurality of openings is adapted to the size of specific pests, for example in order to specifically allow pests into the tray that can pass through the opening(s) due to their (smaller) size, while larger pests and / or larger objects (e.g. plant parts or other dirt), which cannot pass through the opening(s) due to their size, cannot enter the tray. It is conceivable, for example, that such a lid comprises a grid, wherein the grid spacing is of a size that allows specific pests to pass through.

[0024] The base can have a round, oval, elliptical, angular (triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal or generally angular, with n as an integer greater than or equal to three) or other shape (when viewed from above). The base is preferably round or rectangular (in particular square) in shape (when viewed from above). A rectangular shape has the advantage that the entire surface of the dish (or the base of the dish and / or the surface of a liquid in the dish) can be imaged on a camera sensor, thereby making optimal use of the camera sensor. Therefore, a dish with an aspect ratio that corresponds to the aspect ratio of the camera sensor (e.g., 4:3, 3:2, 16:9, or another common format) is particularly preferred. The corners are preferably rounded. An oval, elliptical, or round dish, or a dish with rounded corners, has the advantage of being easier to clean than a dish with corners.

[0025] The bottom of the bowl, when viewed from above, should preferably be oval, round, elliptical, or otherwise corner-free. This shape makes cleaning the bowl easier.

[0026] The floor can be flat or curved, assuming no indentations. Preferably, the floor is flat (assuming no indentations). A flat floor has the advantage that all areas of the floor can be captured sharply on a camera.

[0027] The walls preferably extend conically or cylindrically at an angle to the base surface in the range of 60° to 120°, preferably in the range of 80° to 120°, and even more preferably in the range of 90° to 110° from the base, so that the base and the walls form a space that is open on one side (towards the top) but is otherwise separated from the outside by the base and the walls. This space serves to hold the liquid. This space is also referred to as the shell interior in this description.

[0028] The floor preferably covers an area of ​​10 cm when viewed from above 2 up to 2000 cm 2 , even more preferably from 50 cm 2 up to 1000 cm 2 .

[0029] The base has a plurality of depressions. The depressions preferably extend over a large part of the base. In other words, there are preferably more regions of the base that have depressions than regions of the base without depressions. In other words, the base preferably comprises one or more first regions that do not comprise depressions and one or more second regions that comprise a plurality of depressions, wherein the one or more first regions occupy a first area and the one or more second regions occupy a second area, wherein the first area is smaller than the second area.

[0030] Preferably, the recesses extend over the entire base, with optionally only an area along the walls being free of recesses.

[0031] Preferably, the depressions are arranged so that they form a regular pattern, for example a triangular pattern, a square grid, a hexagonal grid or another pattern. Such a pattern can be helpful for focusing the camera, correcting lens errors (and / or other imaging errors) and / or determining the size of pests. Preferably, the depressions are arranged so that a tiling is visible in the top view. A tiling refers to the gapless and overlap-free covering of the floor by uniform partial surfaces. The tiling can be Platonic or non-Platonic. In a preferred embodiment, the tiling is Platonic. Examples of tiling can be found in the following publications, the content of which is incorporated in this description by reference: http: / / www.math.info / pdf / MI39Heinrich.pdf .htp: / / www.math.uni-magdeburg.de / reports / 2002 / parkett.pdf htp: / / www.willimann.org / A07020-Parketierungen-Theorie.pdf htp: / / www.udo-rehle.de / pdf / iv-llc.pdf.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the recesses have a round cross-section and are arranged in the shape of a hexagonal grid. Such a structure is also referred to as a honeycomb structure.

[0033] The recesses have a round, elliptical, angular (e.g., triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, or generally n-angular, where n is an integer greater than 2), or other cross-sections. Recesses with various cross-sections (shapes) are also conceivable.

[0034] The term cross-section in this description preferably means a section in the plane of the ground (without depressions), unless otherwise stated.

[0035] The recesses can be shaped like a spherical segment (also referred to as a spherical section), a truncated cone, a truncated cylinder, a truncated pyramid, a cube, a cuboid, or another shape. They are preferably shaped like a spherical segment, with the volume of the spherical segment preferably being less than half the volume of the sphere from which the spherical segment originates. Recesses with such a trough or dome shape are easier to clean than recesses with corners and / or edges.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, each recess of the plurality of recesses provides a volume that is larger than the volume occupied by a specific (defined) pest but smaller than the volume occupied by two specific (defined) pests. In other words, the recess is preferably sized to accommodate one specific (defined) pest but not two. Depending on the specific pest that is intended to enter the trap, a specialist can dimension the recesses accordingly.

[0037] It is conceivable that the specific pest fits completely into the depression or that the specific pest fits with part (e.g. a large part) of its body into the depression, while part of the body protrudes above the (otherwise preferably flat) floor surface.

[0038] The specific (defined) pest can, for example, be a pest that occurs at the location where the device is in use or is to be used. For example, it is conceivable that the device according to the invention is to be used in a field for specific crops or is to be used there to test and / or monitor the presence of a specific pest for the specific crop.

[0039] An example of a specific crop is rapeseed; an example of a specific pest is the rapeseed stem weevil. Further examples of specific pests are: codling moth, aphid, natterjack, fruit skin tortrix, Colorado potato beetle, cherry fruit fly, cockchafer, European corn borer, plum tortrix, rhododendron leafhopper, seed moth, scale insect, gypsy moth, spider mite, grape tortrix, walnut fruit fly, whitefly, spotted cabbage stem weevil, rapeseed beetle, cabbage pod weevil, cabbage pod midge or rapeseed flea, or a forest pest such as aphid, blue pine beetle, bark beetle, oak jewel beetle, oak processionary moth, oak tortrix, spruce web sawfly, common woodworm, large brown barkeater, pine bush sawfly, pine moth, pine moth, pine moth, small spruce sawfly, nun moth, Horse chestnut leaf miner, gypsy moth, sapwood beetle.

[0040] The depressions can have a cross-sectional dimension of 1 mm to 2 cm. Preferably, the depressions have a cross-sectional dimension of 2 mm to 8 mm, even more preferably of 3 mm to 6 mm. Preferably, the minimum cross-sectional dimension is at least 2 mm, and the maximum cross-sectional dimension is a maximum of 8 mm.

[0041] For example, a recess with a square shape when viewed from above can have a side length of the square of 2 to 8 mm.

[0042] For example, a depression with a round shape when viewed from above can have a circular diameter of 2 to 8 mm.

[0043] A recess with a rectangular shape when viewed from above can, for example, have side lengths of 2 to 8 mm each. The recesses preferably have a depth of 1 mm to 5 mm, even more preferably 1 mm to 3 mm. The recesses preferably have a minimum depth of at least 1 mm and a maximum depth of 1 cm.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the depressions are arranged and dimensioned such that a camera mounted above the depressions can detect pests located in the depressions without significant shadows being cast or obscured by the depressions (particularly in the edge area near the walls). In a preferred embodiment, the size of the depressions can be varied. For example, it is conceivable to provide inserts that are inserted into the tray and provide a plurality of depressions. For example, it is conceivable to use grid inserts with square cutouts that have different grid spacings, for example one grid with a grid spacing of 3 mm, another grid with a grid spacing of 4 mm, and another grid with a grid spacing of 6 mm. Other grid spacings are also conceivable.The grilles can also have round, elliptical, oval, or square cutouts, where n is an integer greater than 2. Other shapes are also conceivable. The grilles can be closed on one side or open on both sides.

[0045] The depth of the plurality of recesses can also be varied using inserts. For example, it is conceivable to have one grid insert with a height of 1 mm, another grid insert with a height of 1.5 mm, another grid insert with a height of 2 mm, another grid insert with a height of 3 mm, another grid insert with a height of 4 mm, and another grid insert with a height of 5 mm. Other heights are conceivable. Multiple grid inserts can be stacked on top of one another to increase the height.

[0046] The inserts are, of course, not limited to grids. It is conceivable to provide a honeycomb structure insert with round recesses or cutouts arranged in a hexagonal grid. A square arrangement of round recesses or cutouts (or recesses / cutouts of other shapes) is also conceivable.

[0047] The inserts / inserts can be closed on one side (downwards) and open on one side (upwards) or open on both sides (downwards and upwards).

[0048] In addition to the increased variability in pest isolation, such inserts have the advantage that they are easier to clean after removal from the tray than depressions that are permanently embedded in the soil.

[0049] When liquid is introduced into the tray interior, the volume of liquid present in the tray interior defines a collection area where pests can gather. The depressions ensure that the pests settle in the depressions, with typically no more than one pest being deposited in each depression. Accumulation is reduced or completely avoided. Preferably, a quantity of liquid is introduced into the tray that results in the shortest distance from the liquid surface to a part of the soil that has no depression being less than the depth of the depressions.

[0050] It is conceivable that the liquid in the device according to the invention is set in motion at defined times. Preferably, the device thus comprises means that set the liquid in the tray in motion at defined times. Such a movement promotes the distribution of pests in the liquid of the tray to individual depressions and their isolation, so that each depression contains no more than one pest. Such a movement can be generated, for example, by a float on the surface of the liquid, which, for example, with the aid of a motor or a reciprocating piston, performs one or more movements on the liquid surface, leading to the generation of one or more waves. It is also conceivable that the walls or the base are stimulated by a mechanical pulse generator, or that the tray performs a horizontal movement or a tilting movement or the like.

[0051] For use according to the invention, the device according to the invention is typically set up, suspended, or otherwise fixed in a location. The device is oriented such that the preferably flat base of the dish (ignoring the recesses) extends preferably horizontally, i.e., parallel to the flat surface. In other words: the surface normal (the perpendicular to the flat base of the dish) points toward the Earth's center.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment, the device according to the invention comprises at least one camera and / or at least one holder for at least one camera.

[0053] Such a camera can create digital images. It comprises an image sensor (camera sensor) and optical elements. The image sensor is a device for electrically capturing two-dimensional images from light. These are typically semiconductor-based image sensors such as CCD (charge-coupled device) or CMOS (complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor) sensors. The optical elements (lenses, apertures, and the like) serve to create the sharpest possible image of the object, of which a digital image is to be created, on the image sensor.

[0054] The at least one mount and / or the at least one camera is / are positioned such that the entire collection area or at least a portion of the collection area is imaged on the at least one image sensor. It is conceivable to use multiple cameras that image different areas of the collection area on the respective image sensor. When using multiple cameras in this way, it is advantageous if the imaged areas at least partially overlap, in order to more easily generate an overall image from the individual images at a later time.

[0055] At least one camera can be preferably reversibly fixed to the at least one mount. The at least one mount is preferably located at a defined and constant distance from the collection area, thus ensuring a defined and constant distance between the at least one image sensor and the collection area.

[0056] It is conceivable that the device according to the invention is equipped with at least one source of electromagnetic radiation, preferably in the visible, infrared, and / or ultraviolet range of the spectrum. Such a source of electromagnetic radiation can illuminate the collection area, allowing digital images of consistent quality to be generated regardless of sunlight (e.g., even at night).

[0057] The digital images of the collection area generated by the at least one camera can be analyzed by an expert or by a self-learning system to determine whether a pest is present in the collection area and to count and / or identify a pest present in the collection area. Details on this are contained, for example, in the following publications: W02020058170, W02020058175, WO2018054767, KR1020100127473, WO0217119, O. Lopez et al.: Monitoring Pest Insect Traps by Means of Low-Power Image Sensor Technologies, Sensors 2012, Vol. 12 No. 12, pages 15801-15819.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment, the device according to the invention comprises a power supply, for example, to supply electrical energy to an existing camera and / or existing means for generating waves in the liquid of the tray to isolate the pests and / or an existing control and monitoring unit. The power supply can be, for example, an electrochemical cell (battery), a rechargeable accumulator, a solar panel, a fuel cell, a wind turbine with a generator, and / or another source of electrical energy, or a combination of the aforementioned units.

[0059] The device according to the invention preferably has means with which the device can be stationed on or in the ground. The device can preferably be secured in the ground to prevent it from toppling over, for example during a storm. Means are preferably provided with which the distance between the ground and the collection area can be varied. An example of such a height adjustment is a telescopic rod, which can be secured in the ground at one end and to whose other end the collection area can be attached. Another example of a height adjustment is a lifting platform. Such a variable height adjustment makes it possible to position the collection area above plants so that flying insects can detect the collection area when flying over the plants.The variable height adjustment allows the height of the collection area (distance from the ground) to be adjusted to the growing plants, preventing the surrounding plants from obscuring the collection area. In a preferred embodiment, the height adjustment is automatic; however, it is also possible manually. The height adjusts automatically, preferably so that the collection area is always above or at the same height as the surrounding plants. This can be achieved using distance sensors and / or brightness sensors.

[0060] However, it is also conceivable that the device according to the invention has means by which it can be attached to a plant or other object, such as by means of a hook or a loop or a strap for attaching it to a branch or twig or trunk.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment, the device according to the invention comprises a transmitting unit with which camera images can be transmitted to a separate computer system. This transmission can be carried out, for example, via a network such as the mobile communications network.

[0062] The device according to the invention may have further features, in particular features described in the disclosure WO2020058170 and / or WO2020058175. The aforementioned disclosures are hereby incorporated in their entirety into this description by reference.

[0063] Preferred embodiments are:

[0064] 1. A device for immobilizing pests comprising a tray for holding a liquid, the tray comprising a bottom and walls providing a volume for holding the liquid, characterized in that the bottom has a plurality of recesses.

[0065] 2. The device according to embodiment 1, wherein a large portion of the base has recesses. 3. The device according to one of embodiments 1 or 2, wherein the recesses extend over the entire base, optionally wherein regions of the base adjacent to the walls are free of recesses.

[0066] 4. The device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the recesses are arranged in a regular pattern.

[0067] 5. The device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the recesses form a Platonic tiling.

[0068] 6. The device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the recesses form the shape of a honeycomb structure.

[0069] 7. The device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 6, wherein each well has a volume that completely or partially traps one specific pest, but does not trap two specific pests.

[0070] 8. The device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein each depression in the plane of the base has an extension of at least 2 mm and at most 8 mm.

[0071] 9. The device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 8, wherein each recess has a depth of 1 mm to 5 mm.

[0072] 10. The device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 9, wherein the base with the recesses is formed by an insert that can be reversibly removed from the tray.

[0073] 11. The device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 10, further comprising means that emit one or more pulses to the walls and / or the floor at defined times.

[0074] 12. The device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 10, further comprising a camera with an image sensor, wherein the image sensor has a rectangular shape with an aspect ratio, wherein the shell has a rectangular shape in plan view, wherein the corners are preferably rounded, wherein the rectangular shape of the shell has an aspect ratio that corresponds to the aspect ratio of the image sensor of the camera.

[0075] 13. A method comprising the steps of:

[0076] - Providing a device according to one of embodiments 1 to 12,

[0077] - Fill the bowl with the liquid,

[0078] - Identifying a pest located in a depression of the tray or identifying and / or counting a plurality of pests in a plurality of depressions of the tray. 14. The method according to embodiment 13, wherein the tray is filled with an amount of liquid that results in the shortest distance of the liquid surface to a part of the bottom that has no depression being less than the depth of the depressions. 15. Use of a device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 12 for

[0079] Immobilizing and / or identifying pests, preferably in an area where crops are grown.

[0080] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to drawings, without wishing to limit the invention to the features and combinations of features shown in the drawings.

[0081] They show:

[0082] Fig. 1 shows, by way of example and schematically, an embodiment of the device according to the invention (a) in plan view, (b) in cross-section from one side and (c) in an enlarged view.

[0083] Fig. 2 shows, by way of example and schematically, an embodiment of a base of the device according to the invention (a) in plan view and (b) in cross-section from one side.

[0084] Fig. 3 shows, by way of example and schematically, an embodiment of a base of the device according to the invention (a) in plan view and (b) in cross-section from a side. Fig. 4 shows, by way of example and schematically, an embodiment of an insert for a device according to the invention (a) in plan view and (b) in cross-section from a side.

[0085] Fig. 5 shows, by way of example and schematically, an embodiment of the device according to the invention (a) in plan view, (b) in cross-section from one side, and (c) in an enlarged view. Fig. 6 shows, by way of example and schematically, an embodiment of the device according to the invention in cross-section from one side.

[0086] Fig. 1 (a) shows a device according to the invention in plan view (from “above”). The device (10) comprises walls (11) and a base (12), which together form a bowl. The base (12) has the shape of a rectangle with rounded corners. Recesses (13) are made in the base (12). The recesses form the regular pattern of a honeycomb structure. Fig. 1 (b) shows the device in cross-section along the dashed lines AA' from the side. The walls (11) extend upwards from the base (12) at an angle of more than 90°. Fig. 1 (c) shows a section of Fig. 1 (b) in an enlarged view. The recesses (13) have the shape of a spherical segment. In the plane of the base (12) (in the top view), the recesses (13) have a round shape with the diameter / extension a. The recesses (13) have a maximum depth t.

[0087] Fig. 2 (a) shows another embodiment of the base of a device according to the invention in a top view (from above). Recesses (13) are formed in the base (12). The recesses (13) are cuboid-shaped. The recesses (13) form a regular square pattern. Fig. 2 (b) shows the base (12) in cross-section along AA' from the side.

[0088] Fig. 3 (a) shows another embodiment of the base of a device according to the invention in a top view (from above). Recesses (13) are formed in the base (12). The recesses (13) are in the form of cylinders with a triangular basic shape. The recesses (13) form a regular hexagonal pattern. Fig. 3 (b) shows the base (12) in cross-section along AA' from the side.

[0089] Fig. 4 (a) shows an embodiment of an insert for a device according to the invention in a top view (from above). The insert consists of a flat, cuboid-shaped body (15) into which recesses (16) are made, resulting in a grid. The recesses (16) are cuboid-shaped and form a regular square pattern. Fig. 4 (b) shows the body (15) with the recesses (16) in cross-section along AA' from the side.

[0090] Fig. 5 (a) shows the insert from Fig. 4, which is inserted into a tray, in a top view (from above). In the present example, the insert has been placed into the tray. Fig. 5 (b) shows the tray with insert in cross-section along AA' from the side. The insert creates a base with recesses in the tray. The base is formed by the body (15), and the recesses by the recesses (16).

[0091] Fig. 6 (a) shows a device comprising walls (11) and a base (12) with depressions (13), which together form a dish. A liquid F is introduced into the device. The liquid F forms a liquid surface (represented by a line of dashes and dots). The shortest distance h of the liquid surface from a part of the base (12) that has no depression is smaller than the depth t of the depressions (13).

Claims

Patent claims 1. Device for immobilizing pests comprising a tray for receiving a liquid, wherein the tray comprises a base and walls providing a volume for receiving the liquid, characterized in that the base has a plurality of depressions.

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the device comprises a camera and / or a camera mount.

3. Device according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the device comprises a source of electromagnetic radiation.

4. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the device has means for stationing it in a field for cultivated plants, preferably at the height of the cultivated plants or above the height of the cultivated plants.

5. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the base comprises one or more first areas which do not include depressions, and the base comprises one or more second areas which include a plurality of depressions, wherein the one or more first areas occupy a first surface and the one or more second areas occupy a second surface, wherein the first surface is smaller than the second surface.

6. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein areas of the floor adjacent to the walls are free of depressions, and wherein the depressions otherwise extend over the entire floor, 7. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the recesses are arranged in a regular pattern.

8. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the depressions form a Platonic tessellation.

9. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the recesses form the shape of a honeycomb structure.

10. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein each depression in the plane of the ground has an extent of a minimum of 2 mm and a maximum of 8 mm.

11. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein each depression has a depth of 1 mm to 5 mm.

12. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the base with the depressions is formed by an insert which can be reversibly removed from the tray.

13. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the recesses have the shape of a spherical segment, a truncated cone, a truncated cylinder, a truncated pyramid, a cube or a cuboid.

14. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising means which set the liquid in motion at defined times.

15. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising a camera with an image sensor, wherein the image sensor has a rectangular shape with an aspect ratio, wherein the tray has a rectangular shape in top view, wherein the corners are preferably rounded, wherein the rectangular shape of the tray has an aspect ratio that corresponds to the aspect ratio of the image sensor of the camera.

16. The procedure comprises the following steps: Providing a device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, - Filling the bowl with a liquid including water, - Wait until one or more pests enter the bowl and are wholly or partially submerged in the liquid, - Identifying a pest located in a depression in the tray or identifying and / or counting a plurality of pests in a plurality of depressions in the tray.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the tray is filled with an amount of liquid such that the shortest distance between the liquid surface and a portion of the base without a depression is less than the depth of the depressions.

18. Use of a device according to any one of claims 1 to 15 for immobilizing and / or identifying pests, preferably in an area where crops are cultivated.

Images