System for detecting pests

Abstract

A system for detecting the presence of a pest. In one aspect, the system comprises an imaging system comprising: a housing comprising one or more pest inlets; a pest attractant disposed within the housing; a pest detection surface; an image capture device configured to capture one or more images of the pest detection surface; and a trigger sensor device for detecting a target pest on or about to enter the pest detection surface, the trigger sensor device configured to provide a trigger signal if the presence of an object is detected, the image capture device configured to take an image of the pest detection surface in response to the trigger signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to systems, methods, and apparatus for automatically detecting the presence of harmful organisms. Background Technology

[0002] Existing pest trapping or monitoring solutions require regular human intervention. This is most commonly used to inspect the traps or monitors to identify any captured pests and determine what action needs to be taken. Existing solutions also require regular maintenance, such as replacing consumables like attractants or the trapping materials used, such as adhesive mats.

[0003] This need for regular human intervention is expensive and often a source of error, which significantly reduces the effectiveness and commercial viability of trapping or monitoring solutions.

[0004] Furthermore, the need for human intervention means the system must be designed for this purpose and placed in an accessible location to avoid increasing the operator's maintenance workload. However, many pests will actively avoid locations that may be disturbed, meaning these locations are not ideal for monitoring. This severely limits the effectiveness of the overall monitoring solution.

[0005] The need for accessibility often means placing traps or monitors in locations visible to passersby. In many applications, the presence of visible pest control measures is unacceptable. This is particularly true in the hospitality industry, where customers react strongly and negatively to the presence of pest control measures, correctly or incorrectly inferring that it indicates a persistent pest problem on the premises. Raising awareness of the problem in this way can have a significant impact on businesses and may be worse than the pest problem the system is addressing. Therefore, many businesses in these industries are reluctant to adopt existing solutions unless in extreme circumstances.

[0006] Several attempts have been made to automate the monitoring process by introducing electronic systems. However, these attempts have not overcome the need for maintenance, as they still rely on short-lived consumables. Additionally, such systems typically require an external power source. This further limits the placement options for the trap or monitor, which can actually make the device more likely to be noticed by customers.

[0007] Furthermore, existing electronic traps typically do not include any means of transmitting their results to the end user. If they do include this, it comes with a complex setup procedure for connecting the device to a local network. These limitations reduce the product's appeal and cost-effectiveness to potential customers.

[0008] A particular challenge faced by many pest traps and monitors is the short lifespan of the attractants used to lure pests into the traps or monitors. These are often pheromones, phenanthrene, or other volatile fragrance chemicals that are difficult to release sustainably for extended periods. Existing solutions limit the evaporation rate of the bait components. However, this does not address the natural chemical degradation of attractants that often occurs when they are exposed to air or even through reactions between the constituent chemical components themselves.

[0009] In this application, the terms “trapper,” “detector,” and “monitor” are used interchangeably for any device intended to indicate the presence or absence of a pest. For the purposes of this application and the appended claims, it is not important whether the device captures, kills, or otherwise influences the behavior of the pest. Summary of the Invention

[0010] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a system for detecting the presence of harmful organisms is provided, the system comprising an imaging system, the imaging system including:

[0011] The shell includes one or more pest inlets.

[0012] A pest attractant, wherein the pest attractant is disposed within the shell;

[0013] Surfaces for detecting harmful organisms;

[0014] An image capturing device configured to capture one or more images of the pest detection surface; and

[0015] A trigger sensor device is included for detecting target pests on or about to enter the pest detection surface. The trigger sensor device is configured to provide a trigger signal if the presence of the object is detected. An image capture device is configured to capture an image of the pest detection surface in response to the trigger signal.

[0016] The trigger sensor device is configured to monitor the area between the one or more inlets and the pest attractant.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the system includes a power source with a finite amount of charge, such as a battery pack or a capacitor.

[0018] In another embodiment, the system includes a service module removably attached to the housing, wherein the service module is adapted to receive the pest attractant and / or power source.

[0019] In yet another embodiment, at least the electrical components of the trigger sensor device and the pest detection surface are arranged on a common support surface.

[0020] According to another embodiment, the system includes a power source having a finite amount of charge, the power source being sized to provide an output at a first voltage, and wherein the system includes a voltage converter to increase the output of the power source to a second voltage.

[0021] In yet another embodiment, the second voltage is adapted to operate the image capture device.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the monitoring area is configured such that any path between the one or more entrances and the attractant passes through the monitoring area.

[0023] In another embodiment, the pest detection surface is arranged between the one or more inlets and the attractant, such that any path between the one or more inlets and the attractant passes through the pest detection surface.

[0024] The trigger sensor device may include at least one photoelectric sensor.

[0025] In another embodiment, the photoelectric sensor includes a first sensor component and a second sensor component arranged relative to the pest detection surface, such that when viewed in a plan view, electromagnetic radiation traveling between the first sensor component and the second sensor component passes through at least a portion of the pest detection surface.

[0026] In another embodiment, the first component of the photoelectric sensor and the pest detection surface are arranged on a common support surface and / or the second component of the photoelectric sensor and the pest detection surface are arranged on a common support surface.

[0027] The at least one photoelectric sensor may be one of a through-beam sensor, a reflection sensor, or a diffuse sensor.

[0028] In another embodiment, the electromagnetic radiation of the photoelectric sensor has a wavelength between 300 nm and 1100 nm, more preferably between 450 nm and 950 nm, more preferably between 650 nm and 950 nm, and most preferably between 750 nm and 950 nm.

[0029] Each part of the trigger sensor device can be located outside the field of view of the image capturing device. Alternatively, at least a portion of the trigger sensor device can be located on the pest detection surface.

[0030] The trigger sensor device can be arranged to monitor at least a portion of the pest detection surface.

[0031] In another embodiment, the pest detection surface extends between a first end arranged near one or more inlets of the housing and a second end arranged near the attractant, and wherein the trigger sensor device is configured to monitor at least a portion of a region extending less than half the path between the first and second ends from the first end.

[0032] In another embodiment, the trigger sensor device is configured to monitor the area between the one or more inlets and the pest detection surface.

[0033] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method is provided for detecting the presence of pests within a pest detection system, the pest detection system including a pest detection surface, an image capture device, and a trigger sensor device for detecting a target pest, the method comprising:

[0034] At least a portion of the pest detection surface is monitored by means of the trigger sensor device;

[0035] If the trigger sensor device detects the presence of an object, it provides a trigger signal to the image capture device;

[0036] Upon receiving the trigger signal, one or more images of the pest detection surface are captured by the image capture device.

[0037] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a system for detecting the presence of harmful organisms is provided, the system comprising an imaging system, the imaging system including:

[0038] Surfaces for detecting harmful organisms; and

[0039] An image capturing device configured to capture one or more images of the pest detection surface, the image capturing device including an imaging sensor and a light source.

[0040] The light source and the imaging sensor are arranged on a common support surface.

[0041] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a system for detecting the presence of harmful organisms is provided, the system comprising an imaging system, the imaging system including:

[0042] Surfaces for detecting harmful organisms; and

[0043] An image capturing device configured to capture one or more images of the pest detection surface, the image capturing device including an imaging sensor.

[0044] The imaging sensor and the harmful organism detection surface are arranged on a common support surface.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the system includes a trigger sensor device for detecting a target pest on or about to enter the pest detection surface, the trigger sensor device being configured to provide a trigger signal in response to the detected object, an image capturing device being configured to capture an image of the pest detection surface in response to the trigger signal, and wherein at least electrical components of the trigger sensor device are arranged on the common support surface.

[0046] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a system for detecting the presence of harmful organisms is provided, the system comprising an imaging system, the imaging system including:

[0047] Surfaces for detecting harmful organisms;

[0048] An image capturing device configured to capture one or more images of the pest detection surface, the image capturing device including an imaging sensor; and

[0049] A trigger sensor device is included for detecting target pests on or about to enter the pest detection surface. The trigger sensor device is configured to provide a trigger signal in response to the detected object. An image capture device is configured to capture an image of the pest detection surface in response to the trigger signal.

[0050] The trigger sensor device and at least the electrical components of the harmful organism detection surface are arranged on a common support surface.

[0051] In another embodiment, the trigger sensor device includes at least one photoelectric sensor, preferably a through-beam sensor, wherein the electrical components of the photoelectric sensor include a light emitter and a photoelectric receiver.

[0052] The pest detection surface can be arranged on the common support surface.

[0053] The common support surface can be a printed circuit board.

[0054] In another embodiment, one or more of the pest detection surface, the image capture device, and the common support surface are axially symmetric.

[0055] The system may include a reflector arranged opposite to and facing the common support surface.

[0056] In another embodiment, the reflector is axially symmetric about its axis of symmetry, and the axis of symmetry of the reflector intersects with the imaging sensor of the image capture device, and / or the axis of symmetry of the reflector is aligned with the central axis of the imaging sensor.

[0057] In another embodiment, the reflector is manufactured by one or more of machining, injection molding, thermoforming, vacuum forming, and stamping.

[0058] In another embodiment, the image capturing device includes multiple light sources, preferably arranged around the periphery of the pest detection surface. The light sources can be arranged to illuminate the pest detection surface from multiple angles.

[0059] In another embodiment, the light source of the image capturing device is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation invisible to the target pest, and / or the light source of the image capturing device is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation invisible to the human eye.

[0060] In another embodiment, the light source of the image capturing device is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength between 300 nm and 1100 nm, more preferably between 450 nm and 950 nm, more preferably between 650 nm and 950 nm, and most preferably between 750 nm and 950 nm.

[0061] In another embodiment, the color of the pest detection surface is selected such that it provides high contrast compared to the color of the target pest.

[0062] The pest detection surface may be highly reflective of electromagnetic radiation provided by the light source of the image capture device. Alternatively, the pest detection surface may be highly absorptive of electromagnetic radiation provided by the light source of the image capture device.

[0063] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a system for detecting the presence of harmful organisms is provided, the system comprising:

[0064] Surfaces for detecting harmful organisms;

[0065] An image capturing device, the image capturing device including an imaging sensor configured to capture one or more images of the pest detection surface, the imaging sensor having a field of view smaller than that of the pest detection surface;

[0066] An apparatus for increasing the field of view of an image sensor in such a way that the field of view of the image sensor covers the pest detection surface.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the device for increasing the field of view includes a reflector.

[0068] In another embodiment, the system includes a housing with a first wall positioned relative to the pest detection surface and spaced apart from the pest detection surface by a first distance. A mirror is arranged on the first wall to create an optical distance between the pest detection surface and the imaging sensor, the optical distance being longer than an optical path covering the cavity height of the imaging cavity.

[0069] The reflector can be arranged opposite to and facing the pest detection surface.

[0070] The reflector can be dome-shaped.

[0071] In another embodiment, the image capturing device and the pest detection surface are arranged on a common support surface.

[0072] Devices for increasing the field of view may include wide-angle lenses, particularly fisheye lenses.

[0073] The wide-angle lens may be part of the image capturing device, which may have a viewing angle of 75 degrees or greater.

[0074] The reflector can be shaped to compensate for the distortion introduced by the wide-angle lens.

[0075] In another embodiment, the reflector is manufactured by one or more of machining, injection molding, thermoforming, vacuum forming, and stamping.

[0076] The pest detection surface can be shaped to compensate for the distortion introduced by the wide-angle lens.

[0077] In another embodiment, the system includes a housing, within which the pest detection surface and the image capture device are arranged.

[0078] The housing may include a top having a circular outer surface.

[0079] In another embodiment, the housing includes attachment means for securing the housing to one or more components of the bed.

[0080] The housing can have a total height of less than 30 mm.

[0081] In another embodiment, the image capturing device is mounted in a fixed spatial relationship with the pest detection surface.

[0082] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a system for detecting the presence of harmful organisms is provided, the system comprising an imaging system, the imaging system including:

[0083] Surfaces for detecting harmful organisms;

[0084] An image capturing device configured to capture one or more images of the pest detection surface, the image capturing device including an imaging sensor and a lens that introduces distortion into the one or more images of the pest detection surface;

[0085] A curved surface, which is arranged in the field of view of the image capturing device and is shaped to compensate for distortion caused by the lens.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the system includes a reflector arranged opposite to and facing the pest detection surface.

[0087] The surface may be defined at least partially by the reflector.

[0088] The reflector can be axially symmetric about the reflector's axis of symmetry.

[0089] In another embodiment, the mirror axis of symmetry of the mirror intersects with the imaging sensor of the image capturing device, and / or the mirror axis of symmetry of the mirror is aligned with the central axis of the imaging sensor.

[0090] In another embodiment, the reflector is arranged opposite to and facing the image capturing device.

[0091] The reflector can be dome-shaped.

[0092] In another embodiment, the reflector is manufactured by one or more of machining, injection molding, thermoforming, vacuum forming, and stamping.

[0093] In another embodiment, the curved surface is at least partially defined by the pest detection surface.

[0094] The reflector can be substantially flat.

[0095] In another embodiment, the lens is a wide-angle lens, particularly a fisheye lens.

[0096] In another embodiment, the image capturing device has a viewing angle of 75 degrees or greater.

[0097] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method for determining the shape of a surface for compensating for distortions caused by lenses in a system for detecting the presence of pests, said system comprising:

[0098] An image capturing device configured to capture one or more images of a pest detection surface.

[0099] The method includes:

[0100] The image capture device is used to photograph a reference object of known size;

[0101] Determine a distortion function that describes the mathematical correlation between one or more locations in the image and their corresponding locations on the reference object.

[0102] The compensation function is determined by mathematically inverting the distortion function.

[0103] The compensation function is used to calculate the shape of the surface used to compensate for the lens distortion.

[0104] According to one embodiment, the reference object is a flat polygonal surface of known size.

[0105] In another embodiment, the reference object has a chessboard pattern with squares of known size.

[0106] In another embodiment, the one or more locations of the image are one or more corners of the reference object.

[0107] In another embodiment, the distortion function is derived by associating one or more locations of the image with their corresponding locations on the reference object using polynomial regression fitting, preferably least squares.

[0108] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a system for detecting the presence of harmful organisms is provided, the system comprising at least one active component having a finite lifespan and a control unit configured to:

[0109] Receive lifetime status data indicating the remaining lifetime of the at least one active component;

[0110] Lifetime parameters are determined based on the lifetime status data, whereby the lifetime parameters represent the time period until the end of the working life of the active component.

[0111] The service status signal is determined based on the lifetime status data.

[0112] According to one embodiment, the control unit is configured to:

[0113] Compare the lifetime parameter with the service time threshold;

[0114] The service status signal is determined based on the comparison results.

[0115] In another embodiment, the control unit is configured to determine a service status signal for requesting maintenance of the at least one active component if the lifetime parameter drops below the service time threshold.

[0116] In another embodiment, the at least one active component includes a power supply, preferably a battery pack, and the lifetime status data includes information about the remaining charge of the power supply.

[0117] In another embodiment, the lifetime status data includes environmental condition data indicating environmental conditions acting on the at least one active component.

[0118] In another embodiment, the environmental condition data includes one or more of the following:

[0119] Humidity data, which indicates the level of air humidity acting on the active component;

[0120] Temperature data, which indicates the air temperature acting on the active component;

[0121] In another embodiment, the control unit is configured to:

[0122] Receive a service interval parameter representing a predetermined time interval between scheduling services of the system;

[0123] Determine the current operating time of the active component;

[0124] The lifetime parameter is compared with the difference between the service interval parameter and the current operating time;

[0125] The service status signal is determined based on the comparison results.

[0126] In another embodiment, the control unit is configured to determine a service status signal for requesting maintenance of the at least one active component if the difference between the service interval parameter and the current operating time is higher than the lifetime parameter.

[0127] In another embodiment, the system includes:

[0128] Surfaces for detecting harmful organisms; and

[0129] An image capturing device configured to capture one or more images of the pest detection surface.

[0130] The at least one active component includes a power source for supplying power to the image capture device.

[0131] In another embodiment, the power source includes a battery pack, preferably a disposable alkaline battery pack.

[0132] In another embodiment, the power supply is sized to provide an output at a first voltage, and the system includes a voltage converter to increase the output of the power supply to a second voltage.

[0133] In another embodiment, the second voltage is used to operate the image capture device.

[0134] In another embodiment, the system includes a pest attractant containing one or more active substances for attracting target pests, wherein at least one active component contains the one or more active substances of the pest attractant.

[0135] In another embodiment, the active substance of the pest attractant comprises one or any combination of pheromones, luteolins, and food of the target pest.

[0136] In another embodiment, the system includes a service module removably attached to a housing of the system, wherein the service module is adapted to receive the pest attractant and the power source.

[0137] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a system including at least one active component having a finite lifetime is provided, the method comprising:

[0138] Receive lifetime status data indicating the remaining lifetime of the at least one active component;

[0139] Lifetime parameters are determined based on the lifetime status data, whereby the lifetime parameters represent the time period until the end of the working life of the active component.

[0140] The service status signal is determined based on the lifetime parameters.

[0141] Within the scope of this application, it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, and alternatives set forth in the foregoing paragraphs and claims and / or the following description and drawings, and in particular their various features, may be employed independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and all features of any embodiment can be combined in any manner and / or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to accordingly amend any originally filed claim or to file any new claim, including the right to modify any originally filed claim to include any feature subordinate to and / or incorporated into any other claim, even though it was not initially claimed in the manner stated above. Attached Figure Description

[0142] Examples of the invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0143] Figure 1 It shows typical bed components and common habitats for pests;

[0144] Figure 2 This is a cross-section of one possible embodiment of the internal configuration for a monitor or trap;

[0145] Figure 3 This demonstrates a method for calculating the shape of a curved mirror to compensate for distortions introduced in the imaging subsystem;

[0146] Figure 4 This is a cross-section of a second possible embodiment of the internal configuration for a monitor or trap;

[0147] Figure 5 This is a floor plan of a possible embodiment of the internal configuration for a monitor or trap.

[0148] Figure 6 An embodiment showing a combined battery pack and attractant cartridge in disassembled (left) and assembled (right) states;

[0149] Figure 7 and Figure 8 Showing external views from above and below a possible embodiment of the monitor according to the invention;

[0150] Figure 9 This diagram shows a circuit block diagram for powering sensing and communication electronics from a low-voltage source; and,

[0151] Figure 10 This demonstrates a method for the field configuration of intelligent pest monitors. Detailed Implementation

[0152] This disclosure provides systems and methods for detecting insect pests, which can be used as pest traps, detectors, or monitors, or as part of such traps. It substantially solves the aforementioned problems by significantly reducing the amount of human intervention required. It also allows pest monitors, traps, or detectors to be placed in other impractical locations.

[0153] Although this disclosure is described with reference to currently preferred embodiments for use in automated insect detectors, it should be understood that the invention will be beneficial in a wide range of applications, including passive traps and systems with and without automated detection capabilities. These systems may include traps and / or passive and active monitoring devices, with or without trapping or killing functions. While traps may constitute the majority of pest activity sensing devices in a given pest control procedure, in some locations and applications, devices that only monitor pest activity may be preferred. Therefore, both types of devices can be used in a variety of environments where the invention can be employed. Furthermore, unless the context otherwise provides, both traps and passive or active pest monitoring devices are included within the scope of the term "pest detector" as used herein.

[0154] This disclosure provides a method, apparatus, and system for effective, practical, and inexpensive pest detectors that allow detectors to be discretely placed in which they can remain in situ for extended periods with minimal human intervention.

[0155] refer to Figure 1The diagram illustrates advantageous locations for bed bug monitors. Bed bugs typically feed on exposed skin areas, particularly the arms, neck, upper chest, and back of the bed occupant. After feeding, they move to concealed hiding places, most commonly behind the headboard 23 or in the bed frame 24 under the mattress 25. This is well known to practitioners in the art. Therefore, locations close to feeding or hiding places are obviously good locations for monitors. In particular, locations 26 behind or immediately below the headboard and 27 on the floor under the head of the bed are advantageous because insects must pull a short distance from their natural position to reach the monitor. Location 28 between the mattress and the bed frame is the most advantageous location because it is situated on the insects' most frequent path, maximizing the likelihood of detection. These locations are also advantageous because monitors placed in these locations are less likely to be noticed by the bed occupant. However, all these locations share a major drawback: difficulty in accessing them to inspect the monitors. In all cases, minimizing the amount of human intervention required is advantageous, and even necessary. Furthermore, location 28 is challenging because the device must be made thin enough to be undetectable by the bed occupant. The present invention and the features described below solve these problems and allow the monitor to be placed in the most advantageous location 28 without the bed occupant being aware of its presence, and allow for extended operating cycles without human intervention.

[0156] refer to Figure 2 An embodiment of a system that advantageously implements the invention is shown. An axisymmetric optical system is arranged about an axis of symmetry 2 and includes a camera 6 and a mirror 1. In this system, the camera consists of an imaging sensor and a wide-angle lens (commonly referred to as a "fisheye lens"). The mirror is designed such that, in its reflection, the camera can produce an image of a base plate surface 4, which will hereinafter be referred to as the device base plate or imaging surface.

[0157] In this embodiment, the device base plate is designed as the lower surface of a "drop-type" trap, as is familiar to experts in the field of insect trapping. The ramp 3 allows crawling insects to approach the monitor, but the vertical surface prevents the insects from escaping again once they are on the device base plate and in a position to be imaged by the camera. This may be advantageous for some systems, but the action of trapping insects is not a necessary condition for the invention and is included as an example in this embodiment.

[0158] Similar arrangements including lenses and mirrors but lacking axial symmetry are also possible and covered by the present invention, but these arrangements are considered less advantageous than the presented embodiments because the design and manufacture of non-rotationally symmetric optical components (so-called "free-form" optical elements) are much more expensive.

[0159] Additionally, the additional active components 5 and 12 are located together on the base plate of the device. These can typically be LEDs or any other illumination source for the imaging system 5. Furthermore, they may include components for triggering the imaging system when an insect may be within the field of view 12.

[0160] The advantage of placing the active components of the camera and illumination on a single plane is that it can be easily manufactured using standard printed circuit board (PCB) production techniques, which helps reduce the system's cost. Conventional imaging systems for detecting harmful organisms, which do not correspond to this invention, require additional wiring and manufacturing complexity.

[0161] Wide-angle lenses (such as 6) typically introduce significant optical distortion. Figure 2 In this process, the reflector 1 is shaped to compensate for this distortion, thereby producing an output image that is essentially a straight line on the image surface 4. This greatly reduces the amount of image processing required and significantly reduces the complexity and cost of the associated processing components.

[0162] The optimal shape for mirror 1, provided that the selected lens 6 does not introduce significant distortion, will be a flat surface. Mirror 1 can be manufactured by a variety of methods, including but not limited to machining, injection molding, thermoforming, vacuum forming, and stamping.

[0163] The reflector 1 is suspended above the base plate 4 by a device not shown in the figure, but a range of methods, including hooks and clips and adhesives, will be apparent to those skilled in the art. This mounting can be formed on the inner surface of the additional top plate component, such as... Figure 7 As shown in Figure 11.

[0164] Figure 3 This demonstrates a method that can be used to derive the necessary shape of the reflector. A reference image 31 of the known object 29 (such as a uniform chessboard of black and white squares of known size) is acquired from a known distance using a lens and camera 30 for compensation. From this reference image, the mathematical correlation between the corner positions in the chessboard and their true positions is derived using a polynomial least squares fit to the distortion function used for the camera and lens 32. This is a bivariate equation for the true position as a function of position in the image, typically expressed in polar or Cartesian coordinates. The inverse equation is the compensation function 33, which can be used to calculate the desired shape of the reflector 34 using simple geometry.

[0165] refer to Figure 4An alternative embodiment of the invention is shown. In this embodiment, a plane mirror 7 is suspended above the camera, lens 6, and molded base plate 8. In this configuration, the base plate is designed such that its shape compensates for lens distortion. This allows the plane mirror 7 to be used even when the lens introduces significant distortion. This embodiment offers the advantage of allowing relatively expensive optical components to be simple and planar by increasing the complexity of the base plate component, which can be produced at a lower quality using inexpensive methods such as injection molding.

[0166] exist Figure 2 and Figure 4 Of the two, the focal length of the camera and lens element 6 is suitable for providing a sharp focus for the system base plate 4 or 8, and this focal length is approximately twice the distance between the lens and the mirror.

[0167] refer to Figure 5 The embodiments of the present invention are shown in plan view. Ramp 3, camera 6, imaging surface or base plate 4, illumination element 12, trigger sensor 5 as shown in reference. Figure 2 The following description will describe the system's functionality, with additional explanation provided by this alternative view. This embodiment also includes an outer housing 11 to house the system's components. The field of view 9 (diagonally shaded rectangle) is designed to substantially fill the base plate area of ​​the system 4. This minimizes the area where insects may be inside the monitor but not visible to the imaging system.

[0168] In this embodiment, the trigger sensor 5 is configured as a "light shutter," with one element being an optical emitter and the other an optical sensor. The imaging system is triggered to capture an image when the light path 13 is blocked by an insect. In this embodiment, the positions of the components 5 and the light beam 13 are advantageously positioned to maximize the probability that the insect is within the field of view 9 when the sensor is triggered. This is achieved by placing the sensor very close to the edge of the field of view without intruding on the image. An arrangement with one or more elements 5 within the field of view 9 is within the scope of the invention but not preferred, because image processing becomes more challenging if the elements 5 are within the field of view 9.

[0169] Furthermore, this embodiment includes an attractant 10, which may include pheromones, phenotypes, or other attractants familiar to experts in the field of insect pest control. In this embodiment, the attractant 10 is positioned such that any insects entering the device via the ramp 3 (cross-shading lines) must pass through the monitor base plate 4 and are likely to enter the camera's field of view 9 before reaching the attractant 10. More advantageously, this configuration will ensure that there is no path from the device's entrance to the attractant that passes through neither the trigger sensor devices 5 and 13 nor the field of view 9. This configuration, which can be readily implemented by various means such as increasing the field of view 9 to cover the entire base plate 4, is included within the scope of the invention.

[0170] The choice of illumination wavelength depends on many factors. LEDs are generally preferred because they provide energy-efficient light production in small, low-cost packages. The challenge of using LEDs is that they produce narrow-band wavelength light, and the selection of the appropriate wavelength depends on many factors.

[0171] The use of low-cost LEDs is advantageous, which makes wavelengths greater than about 950 nm and shorter than about 400 nm less disadvantageous than wavelengths in the near-UV to near-infrared range of 400 nm to 950 nm, where low-cost LEDs are readily available.

[0172] For typical silicon CMOS and CCD image sensors, wavelengths falling within the high-sensitivity region of the spectrum are also advantageous. Furthermore, wavelengths suitable for low-cost polymer optics, typically made of PMMA, are preferred. Other types of imaging sensors are more expensive and consume more power compared to silicon CMOS and CCD devices. Other lens types (such as glass) are fragile and expensive compared to molded polymer lenses. For this reason, wavelengths in the 450 nm to 950 nm range are preferred.

[0173] Furthermore, it is advantageous to use wavelengths invisible to insects to avoid triggering an escape response, and also invisible to humans for the sake of caution. Most insects have very limited photoreception at wavelengths longer than 650 nm, while human vision ends at approximately 750 nm. Therefore, wavelengths longer than these are preferred.

[0174] In summary, the above points mean that embodiments of the present invention will use an illumination element 12 that generates light of a wavelength for imaging in the range of 300 nm to 1100 nm, more preferably between 450 nm and 950 nm, more preferably between 650 nm and 950 nm, and most preferably between 750 nm and 950 nm.

[0175] The color of the imaging surface 4 is selected to provide good image contrast for the target insect species at the wavelength selected for the illumination element 12. In the most advantageous embodiment described above, illumination in the range of 750 nm to 950 nm is used, as most insects substantially absorb the illumination wavelength; therefore, a surface that is highly reflective of the illumination wavelength is preferred to provide good contrast.

[0176] refer to Figure 6The figure illustrates an embodiment of the invention in both disassembled (left) and assembled (right) form. The figure shows a replaceable cartridge 14, which can be attached to the housing 11 via a non-permanent means. In this embodiment, this is achieved via a snap-fit ​​feature 23, but it can also be achieved through various alternative methods familiar to those skilled in the art. The cartridge 14 contains a battery pack 16 and a volume 18 for storing attractant. The capacities of both 14 and 18 are designed such that both achieve a lifespan equal to or greater than the system's service interval. Combining these consumable components into a single user-replaceable part is advantageous because it reduces the user's cost and burden.

[0177] refer to Figure 7 The image shows an external view of an embodiment of the invention. The outer housing 11 is attached to the tube 14. It also includes a ramp 3 that allows insects to access the interior space below the top plate 22. As described above, the reflector 1 or 7 is mounted to the lower surface of the top plate 22. The outer housing also includes smooth, circular outer surfaces 19 on the top and sides to minimize any possibility of the device being felt by the mattress.

[0178] refer to Figure 8 It shows Figure 7 The diagram shows an external view of the lower side of the embodiment. Attachment tabs 20, including hole features for screws and lip features for ties, provide the ability to secure the device to the bed frame. Alternatively, adhesive pads 21 are fitted to the lower side of the device to provide attachment.

[0179] refer to Figure 9 The circuit diagram of the power subsystem of the present invention is shown. As mentioned above, it is advantageous for the device to be powered by battery pack 16 for reasons of caution, cost, and user convenience. Solutions including multiple battery packs in series or parallel configurations are perfectly acceptable in some cases. However, to minimize the size and cost of the trap and its consumable cartridge 14, it is advantageous to use a single battery pack or battery. For safety and cost reasons, it is advantageous for the single battery or battery pack to be an alkaline chemical single battery. A single alkaline battery has an operating voltage of no more than 1.5 volts, which may be insufficient to operate power-consuming components 36 such as imaging sensors and radio communication components. To address this problem, this embodiment utilizes a boost converter 35, as is well known to those skilled in the art.

[0180] refer to Figure 10The inventors have recognized the limitations of existing "smart monitoring" solutions, which require users to perform complex setup procedures to register devices to specific locations, making it difficult to associate received data with meaningful physical locations such as room numbers. This invention avoids this problem by providing monitors pre-configured to specific locations. The user sends a list 37 of locations to be monitored, such as a list of room numbers. An automated deployment system 39 acquires this list and registers each location from a specific device from a storage device 38. The system also prints a label 40 indicating the designated location, which is affixed to the monitor before shipment. Upon receiving the shipment of monitors, the user can simply place each monitor at the location indicated by the label without requiring on-site configuration.

Claims

1. A system for detecting the presence of harmful organisms, the system comprising an imaging system, the imaging system comprising: The shell includes one or more pest inlets. A pest attractant, wherein the pest attractant is disposed within the shell; Surfaces for detecting harmful organisms; An image capturing device configured to capture one or more images of the pest detection surface; as well as A trigger sensor device is provided for detecting target pests on or about to enter the pest detection surface. The trigger sensor device includes at least one through-beam photoelectric sensor. The trigger sensor device is configured to monitor the area between the one or more pest inlets and the pest attractant. The at least one through-beam photoelectric sensor includes a light emitter and a photodetector, the light emitter and the photodetector being arranged relative to the pest detection surface such that, when viewed in a plane, the optical path between the light emitter and the photodetector passes through at least a portion of the pest detection surface. The trigger sensor device is configured to provide a trigger signal if the optical path is blocked by an object, and the image capture device is configured to capture an image of the pest detection surface in response to the trigger signal.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the system includes a power source having a finite amount of charge.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the power source is a battery pack or a capacitor.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the trigger sensor device is configured to monitor an area, the monitored area being set such that any path between the one or more pest inlets and the pest attractant passes through the monitored area.

5. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the pest detection surface is arranged between the one or more pest inlets and the pest attractant, such that any path between the one or more pest inlets and the pest attractant passes through the pest detection surface.

6. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the trigger sensor device is arranged to monitor at least a portion of the pest detection surface.

7. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the system includes a service module removably attached to the housing, and wherein the service module is adapted to receive the pest attractant and / or power source.

8. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the trigger sensor device and at least the electrical components of the harmful organism detection surface are arranged on a common support surface.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the system includes a power source having a finite amount of charge, the power source being sized to provide an output at a first voltage, and wherein the system includes a voltage converter to increase the output of the power source to a second voltage.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the second voltage is adapted to operate the image capture device.

11. The system according to claim 1, The light emitter of the direct-beam photoelectric sensor and the harmful organism detection surface are arranged on a common support surface; and / or The photodetector and the pest detection surface of the direct-beam photoelectric sensor are arranged on a common support surface.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the electromagnetic radiation of the through-beam photoelectric sensor has a wavelength between 300 nm and 1100 nm.

13. The system according to claim 12, wherein, The electromagnetic radiation of the direct-beam photoelectric sensor has a wavelength between 450 nm and 950 nm.

14. The system according to claim 13, wherein, The electromagnetic radiation of the direct-beam photoelectric sensor has a wavelength between 650 nm and 950 nm.

15. The system according to claim 14, wherein, The electromagnetic radiation of the direct-beam photoelectric sensor has a wavelength between 750 nm and 950 nm.

16. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each part of the trigger sensor device is located outside the field of view of the image capture device.

17. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least a portion of the trigger sensor device is located on the pest detection surface.

18. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the pest detection surface extends between a first end arranged near the one or more pest inlets of the housing and a second end arranged near the pest attractant, and wherein the trigger sensor device is configured to monitor at least a portion of a region extending from the first end less than half the path between the first end and the second end.

19. A method for detecting the presence of pests within a pest detection system, the pest detection system comprising an imaging system, the imaging system comprising: The shell includes one or more pest inlets; A pest attractant is disposed within the shell; Surfaces for detecting harmful organisms; Image capture device; as well as A trigger sensor device includes at least one through-beam photoelectric sensor and is configured to detect target pests on or about to enter the pest detection surface. The at least one through-beam photoelectric sensor includes a light emitter and a photoreceiver, the light emitter and the photoreceiver being arranged relative to the pest detection surface such that, when viewed in a plane, the optical path between the light emitter and the photoreceiver passes through at least a portion of the pest detection surface. The method includes: At least a portion of the pest detection surface is monitored by means of the trigger sensor device; If the optical path of the trigger sensor device is blocked by an object, a trigger signal is provided to the image capture device; and Upon receiving the trigger signal, one or more images of the pest detection surface are captured by the image capture device.

Images