Device for observing behavior of arthropods utilizing condensed water

By designing an observation device for arthropods' use of condensate water, and combining multi-view cameras and environmental sensors, the shortcomings of existing technologies in monitoring condensate water behavior have been addressed. This enables simultaneous monitoring of arthropod behavior and environmental factors, improving the accuracy and efficiency of observation.

CN120997909APending Publication Date: 2025-11-21NORTHWEST INST OF ECO ENVIRONMENT & RESOURCES CAS
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202511243127.0
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-09-02
Publication Date
2025-11-21

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing technologies cannot monitor the behavior of arthropods using condensation water in arid areas in real time, and lack the ability to simulate and automatically mark the trajectory of condensation water formation on different surface materials.

Method used

A device for observing arthropod behavior using condensate was designed, comprising an automatic behavior recording unit and an environmental element dynamic monitoring unit. Combined with a multi-view camera component, a tracer pigment area, environmental sensors, and an automated control system, it enables simultaneous monitoring of condensate formation and arthropod behavior.

Benefits of technology

This enables systematic, precise, and efficient observation of arthropods' condensation behavior, reducing the cost of manual monitoring, improving work efficiency, and accurately determining the relationship between animal behavior and environmental factors.

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Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of animal behavior observation, particularly relates to a behavior observation device for arthropods utilizing condensed water, and aims to solve the problems that arthropod behaviors and environmental data are acquired by equipment, time and space are asynchronous and cause and effect analysis is affected in the conventional device. In order to solve the problem that the condensed water utilization mode of arthropods may vary along with the change of earth surface materials and is difficult to observe, the invention provides the following scheme: the system comprises an automatic behavior recording unit and a dynamic environment element monitoring unit; meanwhile, the occurrence time and quantity of condensed water on the surfaces of different materials are observed, environmental factors such as rainfall, temperature and wind speed influencing formation of the condensed water and the mode that arthropods utilize the condensed water are recorded and monitored, the manual monitoring cost is greatly reduced, and the influence of human factors on the observation result is reduced; and the behavior and mode of utilizing condensed water by arthropods can be accurately judged, and environmental influence factors are determined, so that the working efficiency is remarkably improved.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an arthropod behavior observation device, specifically an arthropod behavior observation device utilizing condensed water, belonging to the field of arthropod behavior observation technology. Background Technology

[0002] Water is a major limiting factor for the survival of plants and animals in arid and semi-arid regions. Desert animals obtain the necessary water for survival through precipitation, condensation on various surfaces, and by consuming water-rich food. Seasonal or permanent water bodies formed by precipitation on the ground provide the most direct water source for desert animals, but due to high evaporation rates in desert areas, these surface water bodies evaporate quickly. Furthermore, precipitation drives fluctuations in soil moisture, promoting plant growth and thus providing animals with a long-term, stable source of water and energy. However, woody vegetation is sparse in arid and semi-arid regions, and its growth slows or stops during the dry season; herbaceous plants only grow during periods of higher rainfall. This uneven spatial and temporal distribution of vegetation limits the ways animals obtain water by consuming plants. Besides precipitation and vegetation, atmospheric condensation is also an important source of water in arid environments. Condensation often forms in the early morning when temperatures are low and can accumulate on vegetation, litter, and rock surfaces, thus supplementing the water needs of various organisms, including desert mammals, birds, rodents, reptiles, and arthropods.

[0003] Vertebrates such as reptiles, rodents, birds, and mammals can obtain water and energy by expanding their foraging range and consuming water-rich plants and insects. In contrast, arthropods, due to their smaller size, shorter lifespan, and weaker migration and dispersal capabilities, are more dependent on condensation for survival in arid environments. Currently, research on the use of condensation by desert arthropods mainly relies on field observations or laboratory analysis of beetle elytra and body structures to infer their condensation utilization behavior. Condensation typically occurs during the cooler period before sunrise, and in arid and semi-arid regions, condensation formation is closely related to changes in precipitation pulsations. However, effective and precise monitoring methods are still lacking regarding the specific mechanisms by which arthropods utilize condensation. In-depth research on the dependence of arthropods on condensation will not only help reveal their survival strategies but also provide important theoretical support and monitoring methods for eco-hydrological processes in arid regions, holding significant scientific importance for understanding the mechanisms of biological adaptation in arid ecosystems.

[0004] In arid regions, the formation of condensate is influenced by multiple environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and wind speed, resulting in highly spatiotemporal instability in its distribution and formation patterns. Existing monitoring methods largely rely on manual sampling and fixed-point observation. However, condensate formation is small and changes rapidly, making it difficult for traditional monitoring methods to capture its dynamic changes in real time. Furthermore, some equipment has poor environmental adaptability and cannot operate stably for long periods under typical arid conditions such as high temperatures and sandstorms.

[0005] Some existing related technologies have obvious limitations. For example, a condensate collection device disclosed in CN207295844U effectively solves the problem of condensate accumulation in gas pipelines, extends pipeline life, and avoids the long-term accumulation of condensate in gas pipelines. The condensation ring can accelerate the condensation of water vapor in the gas, making the condensate concentrated for easy collection, without significantly affecting gas transportation. The condensate collection tank allows the condensate to flow out of the gas pipeline quickly and smoothly, reducing corrosion to the inside of the gas pipeline. The use of curved pipes enables the condensate to self-seale, preventing gas from escaping from the condensate collection channel, causing waste and pollution. However, it only focuses on water volume monitoring, does not involve animal behavior observation, and lacks a surface material simulation module, making it impossible to analyze the interaction mechanism between arthropods and different media surfaces. For example, an insect behavior monitoring system disclosed in announcement number CN201754606U uses a camera device to record activity trajectories, but it does not integrate environmental sensors and cannot correlate condensate dynamics with animal behavior; its open observation chamber cannot simulate the high temperature and strong evaporation environment of arid areas, and it lacks a daytime protection structure, resulting in the dehydration and distortion of plant samples. Furthermore, the arthropod rearing and observation device disclosed in announcement number CN213074086U includes a rearing plate, a rearing dish, and a rearing tube, which can be disassembled and combined for long-term observation of the entire life cycle behavior from eggs and larvae to adults. The rearing dish has a built-in anesthesia module to quickly anesthetize arthropods to reduce observation interference and is suitable for recording activity trajectories. A servo motor drives a threaded rod, which in turn drives a rack plate to mesh with a gear, enabling the observation head to swing at multiple angles (±45° in the horizontal direction). Combined with an infrared camera, it dynamically captures the activity path of arthropods. Although this device supports temperature and humidity control, it does not integrate a condensation generation module and cannot simulate the microclimate environment of arid areas (such as dew formation). In addition, it relies on manual replenishment of tracer pigments, and its automation level is lower than that of the pressure cap linkage pigment transfer design in your device. It also lacks the ability to monitor environmental parameters synchronously and cannot simulate the influence of surface materials (such as soil and litter) on condensation formation. In summary, existing technologies have many shortcomings in monitoring the relationship between arthropod behavior and condensation. There is an urgent need for a comprehensive device that integrates behavioral observation, environmental monitoring, and microenvironment simulation to achieve systematic, accurate, and efficient observation of arthropod behavior in utilizing condensation. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention aims to address the problems of asynchronous data collection and temporal / spatial synchronization between the aforementioned devices and environmental data, which affects causal analysis; the differences in condensation formation on different material surfaces, which can influence arthropod behavior; and the fact that traditional tracer pigments require manual replenishment and cannot achieve automated trajectory marking. Therefore, this invention provides a device for observing arthropod behavior utilizing condensation.

[0007] The present invention achieves the above objectives through the following technical solution: a device for observing the behavior of arthropods using condensate, comprising an automatic behavior recording unit and an environmental element dynamic monitoring unit, wherein the environmental element dynamic monitoring unit is located at the upper end of the automatic behavior recording unit, and a square positioning tube is connected between the environmental element dynamic monitoring unit and the automatic behavior recording unit. The behavior automatic recording unit includes a metal frame and multiple metal boxes. The metal box limiter is placed inside the metal frame. The edge of the metal frame is connected to an outwardly protruding edge plate. The upper surface of the outwardly protruding edge plate is provided with a tracer pigment area. The metal boxes contain ground simulation materials. The metal boxes are also equipped with protective units. A pressure cover is movably installed on the top of the metal frame, and a hollow edge plate is connected to the edge of the pressure cover. A penetrating sponge coating block is connected to the lower surface of the hollow edge plate, and the hollow edge plate can be movably attached to the upper surface of the convex edge plate. A multi-angle camera component is also installed directly above the metal frame, and the multi-angle camera component performs multi-angle camera monitoring on the metal box placed inside the metal frame.

[0008] As a further embodiment of the present invention: a cross support plate is connected inside the metal frame, and magnetic limiting blocks are connected to the inner wall of the metal frame and the two side plates of the cross support plate. A limiting slot is opened on the outer wall of the metal box, and the limiting slot is magnetically connected to the magnetic limiting block.

[0009] As a further embodiment of the present invention: the bottom edges of both the convex edge plate and the hollow edge plate are inclined downwards. The inner cavity of the hollow edge plate is connected to a pigment partition. The upper side of the hollow edge plate is connected to a feeding port, which is connected to the inner cavity of the hollow edge plate. The inner cavity above the pigment partition is filled with tracer pigment. A penetrating sponge block is placed in the inner cavity above the pigment partition. Part of the penetrating sponge block penetrates the bottom surface of the hollow edge plate and is convex outwards. A pressing and leaking unit is connected to the body of the pigment partition.

[0010] As a further embodiment of the present invention: the press-to-leak unit includes a variable diameter push rod and a conical plug. The conical plug is connected to the front end of the small diameter rod of the variable diameter push rod. The inclined bottom plate of the pigment partition has a conical through hole. The conical plug is movably locked in the conical through hole. The large diameter rod of the variable diameter push rod passes through the bottom plate surface of the hollow edge plate and is convex. The small diameter rod of the variable diameter push rod is fitted with a compression spring, and the two ends of the compression spring abut against the lower plate surface of the pigment partition and the stepped variable diameter part of the variable diameter push rod.

[0011] As a further aspect of the present invention: multiple weighing sensors are embedded in the bottom of the metal box, one of which is located at the center of the bottom of the metal box, and the remaining weighing sensors are evenly distributed in a ring.

[0012] As a further aspect of the present invention: each metal box contains a water-storing substrate, and a temperature recorder is embedded in the middle of the water-storing substrate. The metal box used to place surface simulation materials such as fresh plant leaves or fallen leaves is also equipped with a rigid protective net. The metal box used to place surface simulation materials such as soil or plexiglass sheets is also equipped with a microporous cover plate.

[0013] As a further embodiment of the present invention: the bottom end of the square positioning tube is connected to a buried cone, the bottom end of the square positioning tube and the docking part of the buried cone are fixedly connected to a positioning plate, and a movable sleeve plate is movably sleeved on the rod of the square positioning tube, and the movable sleeve plate is connected to one side corner of the metal frame.

[0014] As a further embodiment of the present invention: a lifting inner ring is movably sleeved on the body of the square positioning tube, the lifting inner ring is located above the movable sleeve plate, a rotating outer ring is rotatably connected to the outer ring of the lifting inner ring, a pneumatic push rod is fixedly connected to the body of the square positioning tube, the movable end of the pneumatic push rod is fixedly connected to the upper surface of the ring of the lifting inner ring, a semi-circular internal gear ring is fixedly connected to the upper surface of the ring of the rotating outer ring, a stepper motor is embedded in the body of the lifting inner ring, a gear is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft of the stepper motor on the same axis, the gear meshes with the semi-circular internal gear ring, and the rotating outer ring is connected to one side corner of the pressure cap.

[0015] As a further aspect of the present invention: a camera link is connected to the middle of the rod of the square positioning tube, and a multi-view camera assembly is provided at the front end of the camera link. The multi-view camera assembly is located directly above the metal frame. The multi-view camera assembly includes a camera base and a camera group. The camera base is connected to the front end of the camera link, and the camera group consists of several infrared cameras. One of the infrared cameras is vertically connected to the bottom of the camera base, and the remaining infrared cameras are tilted downwards at 45° and connected to the four sides of the camera base.

[0016] As a further embodiment of the present invention: the dynamic environmental element monitoring unit includes a solar panel, a battery, a data acquisition controller, a rain gauge, an air temperature and humidity sensor, a wind direction and speed sensor, and a condensate monitoring sensor. A solar support plate is connected to the upper end of the rod of the square positioning tube, and a top support plate is connected to the top of the rod of the square positioning tube. The solar panel is fixedly connected to the solar support plate in an inclined manner. The battery and the data acquisition controller are fixedly connected to the solar support plate in a parallel manner, and the connection position of the battery and the data acquisition controller is located directly below the solar panel. The rain gauge, air temperature and humidity sensor, wind direction and speed sensor, and condensate monitoring sensor are connected to the top support plate in a parallel manner. The data acquisition controller is signal-connected to each electrical component of the observation device, and the battery is electrically connected to each electrical component of the observation device.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this invention are: 1. This invention is equipped with an automatic behavior recording unit and an environmental element dynamic monitoring unit. A square positioning tube connects the environmental element dynamic monitoring unit and the automatic behavior recording unit. The square positioning tube allows the automatic behavior recording unit and the environmental element dynamic monitoring unit to be combined into a whole. Thus, when observing the behavior of arthropods using condensate, it is possible to simultaneously observe the time and amount of condensate on different material surfaces. It can also record and monitor environmental factors such as rainfall, temperature and wind speed that affect the formation of condensate and the way arthropods use condensate. This significantly reduces the cost of manual monitoring, reduces the impact of human factors on the observation results, and can accurately determine the behavior and method of arthropods using condensate and identify environmental influencing factors, thereby significantly improving work efficiency. 2. The automatic behavior recording unit of this invention includes a metal frame and multiple metal boxes. The edge of the metal frame is connected to a convex edge plate. The upper surface of the convex edge plate is provided with a tracer pigment area. The metal boxes contain simulated ground materials and protective units. By setting multiple metal boxes, different simulated ground materials can be placed in them, such as fresh plant leaves, fallen leaves, soil, or plexiglass plates. The behavior of arthropods and their response to plant and soil surfaces can be dynamically monitored by simulating the formation of condensation water and temperature changes on different ground materials. The convex edge plate facilitates climbing by arthropods, and the tracer pigment area allows arthropods such as beetles to get pigment on their feet when they climb over the convex edge plate, thus marking their activity trajectory on the surface of different metal boxes. 3. The metal frame of this invention is movably equipped with a pressure cap on top, and a hollow edge plate is connected to the edge of the pressure cap. A permeable sponge coating is connected to the lower surface of the hollow edge plate. A multi-angle camera assembly is also provided directly above the metal frame. The pressure cap can cover multiple metal boxes on the metal frame during the daytime when condensation does not form, thereby ensuring protection of simulated ground materials such as fresh plant leaves, fallen leaves, soil, or plexiglass panels during the day. For example, it can prevent fresh plant leaves from being exposed to the sun during the day, which would cause leaf dehydration and prevent the accurate simulation. Furthermore, the multi-angle camera assembly can obliquely capture the movement trajectory of arthropods and monitor the behavior of arthropods in different metal boxes, so as to accurately determine the behavior and methods of arthropods using condensation. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the pressure cap and the metal frame in the closed state of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cover and metal frame in the unfolded state of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the pressure cap and metal frame in the fully unfolded state of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the metal frame and the metal box of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the metal frame structure of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the rigid protective mesh and metal box in their disassembled state according to the present invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the disassembled structure of the microporous cover plate and the metal box of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a side view of the convex edge plate and the hollow edge plate of the present invention. Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the hollow edge plate in this invention; Figure 10 For the present invention Figure 9 Schematic diagram of the sealing structure of the leakage unit at point B; Figure 11 For the present invention Figure 9 Schematic diagram of the open state of the liquid leakage unit at point B; Figure 12 For the present invention Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure at point A in the middle; Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the multi-view camera component structure of the present invention; Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the dynamic environmental element monitoring unit of the present invention.

[0019] In the diagram: 1. Metal frame; 11. Protruding edge plate; 12. Tracer pigment area; 13. Cross support plate; 14. Magnetic limiting block; 2. Pressure cap; 21. Hollow edge plate; 22. Feed port; 23. Variable diameter push rod; 24. Pigment partition; 25. Tracer pigment; 26. Penetrating sponge coating block; 27. Conical through hole; 28. Compression spring; 29. ​​Conical plug; 3. Metal box; 31. Weighing sensor; 32. Limiting slot; 4. Water storage base plate; 41. Temperature recorder; 5. Rigid protective net; 6. Microporous cover plate; 7. Square positioning tube; 71. Camera linkage; 72. 73. Buried cone; 74. Positioning plate; 75. Movable sleeve plate; 76. Lifting inner ring; 77. Rotating outer ring; 78. Pneumatic push rod; 79. Semi-circular internal gear ring; 70. Stepper motor; 710. Gear; 711. Solar panel; 712. Top support plate; 8. Multi-angle camera assembly; 81. Camera base; 82. Camera group; 93. Environmental element dynamic monitoring unit; 94. Solar power panel; 95. Battery; 96. Data acquisition controller; 97. Rain gauge; 98. Air temperature and humidity sensor; 99. Wind direction and speed sensor; 90. Condensate monitoring sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0021] Example 1 like Figures 1 to 14 As shown, an arthropod behavior observation device for condensation utilization includes an automatic behavior recording unit and an environmental element dynamic monitoring unit 9. The environmental element dynamic monitoring unit 9 is located above the automatic behavior recording unit, and a square positioning tube 7 connects the environmental element dynamic monitoring unit 9 and the automatic behavior recording unit. The square positioning tube 7 allows the automatic behavior recording unit and the environmental element dynamic monitoring unit 9 to be combined into a whole. Thus, when observing the behavior of arthropods using condensation, it is possible to simultaneously monitor the behavior of arthropods using condensation as well as environmental elements such as condensation, rainfall, temperature, and wind speed. This significantly reduces the cost of manual monitoring and the impact of human factors on the observation results. It can also accurately determine the behavior and methods of arthropods using condensation, greatly improving work efficiency. The automatic behavior recording unit includes a metal frame 1 and multiple metal boxes 3. The metal boxes 3 are placed inside the metal frame 1. The edge of the metal frame 1 is connected to an outwardly protruding edge plate 11. The upper surface of the outwardly protruding edge plate 11 is provided with a tracer pigment area 12. The metal boxes 3 are respectively placed with simulated ground materials. The metal boxes 3 are also provided with protective units. By setting multiple metal boxes 3, different simulated ground materials can be placed, such as fresh plant leaves, fallen leaves, soil or plexiglass plates. Then, by monitoring the changes in factors such as the amount of condensation on the surface of different simulated ground materials and temperature, the behavior of arthropods and their response to plant and soil surfaces can be dynamically monitored. The outwardly protruding edge plate 11 facilitates arthropod climbing, and the tracer pigment area 12 allows arthropods such as beetles to get pigment on their feet when they climb over the edge of the outwardly protruding edge plate 11, thus marking their activity trajectory on the surface of different metal boxes 3. A pressure cover 2 is movably mounted on the top of the metal frame 1. A hollow edge plate 21 is connected to the edge of the pressure cover 2. A penetrating sponge coating block 26 is connected to the lower surface of the hollow edge plate 21, and the hollow edge plate 21 can be movably and tightly attached to the upper surface of the protruding edge plate 11. A multi-angle camera assembly 8 is also installed directly above the metal frame 1, and the multi-angle camera assembly 8 performs multi-angle camera monitoring of the metal box 3 placed inside the metal frame 1. The pressure cover 2 can monitor multiple metal objects on the metal frame 1 during the daytime when condensation does not form. The metal box 3 provides shielding, thereby ensuring protection for the simulated ground materials such as fresh plant leaves, fallen leaves, soil, or plexiglass panels during the day. For example, it can prevent fresh plant leaves from being exposed to direct sunlight during the day, which would cause the leaves to dehydrate and fail to achieve the effect of accurate simulation. Furthermore, the multi-view camera component 8 can be used to capture the movement trajectory of arthropods at an angle and monitor the behavior of arthropods in different metal boxes 3, so as to accurately determine the behavior and methods of arthropods in utilizing condensed water.

[0022] Example 2 Improvements based on Example 1: like Figures 1 to 5 , Figures 8 to 10As shown, a cross support plate 13 is connected inside the metal frame 1. Magnetic limiting blocks 14 are connected to the inner wall of the metal frame 1 and the two side plates of the cross support plate 13. A limiting slot 32 is opened on the outer wall of the metal box 3, and the limiting slot 32 is magnetically connected to the magnetic limiting block 14. The cross support plate 13 can divide the interior of the metal frame 1 into four independent spaces, allowing the metal box 3 to be placed in different positions. With the magnetic limiting of the magnetic limiting block 14 and the limiting slot 32, the metal box 3 can be kept stable when installed inside the metal frame 1. It should be noted that the cross sections of the magnetic limiting block 14 and the limiting slot 32 are trapezoidal. On the one hand, this facilitates the alignment and docking of the magnetic limiting block 14 and the limiting slot 32, and on the other hand, it can enhance the connection firmness of the docking part.

[0023] Furthermore, the bottom edges of both the convex edge plate 11 and the hollow edge plate 21 are inclined downwards. A pigment partition 24 is connected to the inner cavity of the hollow edge plate 21. A feeding port 22 is connected to the upper side of the hollow edge plate 21 and communicates with the inner cavity of the hollow edge plate 21. The inner cavity above the pigment partition 24 is filled with tracer pigment 25. A penetrating sponge coating block 26 is placed in the inner cavity above the pigment partition 24, and part of the penetrating sponge coating block 26 extends through the bottom surface of the hollow edge plate 21 and is convex outwards. A press-to-leak unit is connected to the body of the pigment partition 24. The pigment partition 24 divides the inner cavity of the hollow edge plate 21 into two independent... The cavity, in conjunction with the pressing and leaking unit, allows the tracer pigment 25 to leak out when the unit is pressed open. This allows the tracer pigment 25 to permeate the penetrating sponge block 26. When the convex edge plate 11 and the hollow edge plate 21 are joined, the penetrating sponge block 26 applies the tracer pigment 25 to the tracer pigment area 12 of the convex edge plate 11, creating a stamp-like effect and completing the transfer of the tracer pigment 25. This ensures that the tracer pigment area 12 is coated with tracer pigment 25 every time the observation device is used, and that arthropods can leave tracer pigment 25 on their feet when crawling over the convex edge plate 11, facilitating the marking of the arthropods' movement tracks.

[0024] Furthermore, the pressure leakage unit includes a variable diameter push rod 23 and a conical plug 29. The conical plug 29 is connected to the front end of the small diameter rod of the variable diameter push rod 23. The inclined bottom plate of the pigment partition 24 has a conical through hole 27. The conical plug 29 is movably locked in the conical through hole 27. The large diameter rod of the variable diameter push rod 23 is convex, penetrating the bottom plate surface of the hollow edge plate 21. A compression spring 28 is sleeved on the small diameter rod of the variable diameter push rod 23, and the two ends of the compression spring 28 abut against the lower plate surface of the pigment partition 24 and the stepped variable diameter part of the variable diameter push rod 23. The compression spring 28 allows the conical plug 29 to be tightly locked in the conical through hole 27 in the initial state, thus preventing the tracer pigment 25 from seeping out. When the hollow edge plate 21 and the convex edge plate 11 are tightly pressed together, it can... Pushing the protruding body of the variable-diameter push rod 23 inward allows the conical plug 29 to separate from the conical through hole 27, allowing the tracer pigment 25 to seep out from the conical through hole 27 and penetrate the permeating sponge coating block 26. At the same time, when the hollow edge plate 21 and the protruding edge plate 11 are tightly attached together, the permeating sponge coating block 26 can also be tightly attached to the tracer pigment area 12, thus achieving the transfer of the tracer pigment 25. By adopting the design of transferring the tracer pigment 25 simultaneously when the pressure cap 2 is connected to the metal box 3, it can be ensured that when the observation device is used outdoors for a long time, it can not only protect the simulated surface materials such as fresh plant leaves, fallen leaves, soil or plexiglass plates during the day, but also accurately mark the activity trajectory of arthropods when used for observation at night.

[0025] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, multiple weighing sensors 31 are embedded in the bottom of the metal box 3. One weighing sensor 31 is located at the center of the bottom of the metal box 3, and the other weighing sensors 31 are evenly distributed in a ring. They can weigh the simulated ground material placed inside the metal box 3, and determine the amount of condensate based on the weight change during the observation period. It should be noted that the weighing sensor 31 can be a strain gauge weighing sensor, and the model is CYL90F.

[0026] Furthermore, each metal box 3 contains a water-retaining substrate 4, with a temperature recorder 41 embedded in the center. Metal boxes 3 used for holding simulated ground materials such as fresh plant leaves or fallen leaves also have a rigid protective net 5, while those used for holding simulated ground materials such as soil or plexiglass sheets have a microporous cover 6. The water-retaining substrate 4 absorbs excess condensate, preventing it from flowing out and ensuring accurate weighing. The rigid protective net 5 protects the simulated ground materials like fresh plant leaves or fallen leaves from arthropods consuming the condensate. The microporous cover 6 protects the simulated ground materials like soil or plexiglass sheets from getting soil or plexiglass particles stuck to their legs when crawling. The rigid protective net 5 and the microporous cover plate 6 can prevent the loss of simulated ground material and thus prevent inaccurate weighing. The mesh of the rigid protective net 5 and the holes of the microporous cover plate 6 can form a micro-water sac effect, prolonging the retention time of condensed water and more closely resembling the water film state of natural vegetation surface. The edges of the holes simulate the texture of rocks or bark, providing natural gripping points for arthropods. The design of the rigid protective net 5 and the microporous cover plate 6 only allows the arthropods' feet to contact each other, blocking direct sucking with their mouthparts, forcing the animals to lick the water on their feet to simulate natural water intake behavior. It should be noted that the temperature recorder 41 can be a button-type temperature recorder of Shanghai Wodisen Electronic Technology Co., Ltd., model DS1921G-F5, used to record changes in ground temperature. This recorder is small in size and can store data, recording data every 5 minutes to accurately measure temperature changes.

[0027] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 12 As shown, the bottom end of the square positioning tube 7 is connected to a buried cone 72. A positioning plate 73 is fixedly connected to the docking part between the bottom end of the square positioning tube 7 and the buried cone 72. A movable sleeve plate 74 is movably sleeved on the rod of the square positioning tube 7, and the movable sleeve plate 74 is connected to one side corner of the metal frame 1. By inserting the buried cone 72 into the ground, the position of the square positioning tube 7 can be fixed, that is, the placement position of the observation device can be fixed. The positioning plate 73 can be placed on the ground surface to further stabilize it. The movable sleeve plate 74 can move the metal frame 1 up and down, that is, after the square positioning tube 7 is positioned and installed, the metal frame 1 can be placed on the ground to achieve the positioning of the metal frame 1.

[0028] Furthermore, a lifting inner ring 75 is movably fitted onto the body of the square positioning tube 7. The lifting inner ring 75 is located above the movable sleeve plate 74. A rotating outer ring 76 is rotatably connected to the outer ring of the lifting inner ring 75. A pneumatic push rod 77 is fixedly connected to the body of the square positioning tube 7. The movable end of the pneumatic push rod 77 is fixedly connected to the upper surface of the ring of the lifting inner ring 75. A semi-circular internal gear ring 78 is fixedly connected to the upper surface of the ring of the rotating outer ring 76. A stepper motor 79 is embedded in the body of the lifting inner ring 75. A gear 710 is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft of the stepper motor 79 along the same axis. The gear 710 meshes with the semi-circular internal gear ring 78. The rotating outer ring 76 is connected to one side corner of the pressure cover 2. The lifting inner ring 75 can be moved up and down by the pneumatic push rod 77. The stepper motor 79 drives the gear 710 to rotate. In conjunction with the meshing of the gear 710 and the semi-circular internal gear ring 78, the outer ring 76 rotates. This enables the pressure cap 2 to move up and down and rotate circumferentially. When condensation does not form during the day, the pressure cap 2 and the metal frame 1 are in a closed state. When condensation forms at night, the pressure cap 2 and the metal frame 1 are in an open state. This allows the multiple metal boxes 3 on the metal frame 1 to be covered, thus ensuring the protection of simulated ground materials such as fresh plant leaves, fallen leaves, soil, or plexiglass panels during the day. It should be noted that both the pneumatic push rod 77 and the stepper motor 79 are equipped with timer starters, and the pushing distance of the pneumatic push rod 77 is a set distance.

[0029] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 13As shown, a camera link 71 is connected to the middle of the square positioning tube 7. A multi-view camera assembly 8 is provided at the front end of the camera link 71. The multi-view camera assembly 8 is located directly above the metal frame 1. The multi-view camera assembly 8 includes a camera base 81 and a camera group 82. The camera base 81 is connected to the front end of the camera link 71. The camera group 82 consists of several infrared cameras, one of which is vertically connected to the bottom of the camera base 81. The remaining infrared cameras are tilted downwards at 45° and connected to the four sides of the camera base 81. The vertically arranged infrared cameras can capture images of multiple metal boxes 3. Each tilted infrared camera can be aimed at two side-by-side metal boxes 3 to capture images. Therefore, when observing the behavior of arthropods on the metal frame 1 using the multi-view camera assembly 8, three infrared cameras can simultaneously capture images of the same metal box 3 from different perspectives. This allows for precise recording of various behaviors of the arthropods on the metal box 3, capturing their dynamic changes in real time. It should be noted that the infrared cameras can be UVL8 models from Shenzhen Youwei Vision Technology Co., Ltd., set to a timed shooting mode, starting to take a photo every 5 minutes and recording 10 seconds of video. The camera supports 4K high-definition video, and the memory card capacity is 512GB, which meets the experimental requirements.

[0030] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 14As shown, the environmental element dynamic monitoring unit 9 includes a solar panel 91, a battery 92, a data acquisition controller 93, a rain gauge 94, an air temperature and humidity sensor 95, a wind direction and speed sensor 96, and a condensate monitoring sensor 97. A solar support plate 711 is connected to the upper end of the square positioning tube 7, and a top support plate 712 is connected to the top of the square positioning tube 7. The solar panel 91 is fixedly connected to the solar support plate 711 at an angle. The battery 92 and the data acquisition controller 93 are fixedly connected side-by-side to the solar support plate 711, with the connection point of the battery 92 and the data acquisition controller 93 located directly below the solar panel 91. The rain gauge 94, air temperature and humidity sensor 95, wind direction and speed sensor 96, and condensate monitoring sensor 97 are connected side-by-side to the top support plate 712. The data acquisition controller 93 is signal-connected to each electrical component of the monitoring device, and the battery 92 is electrically connected to each electrical component of the monitoring device. The sensors continuously monitor dynamic changes in environmental elements. Combined with observations of arthropod behavior, they enable analysis of changes in arthropod behavior and interspecific relationships with condensation volume and meteorological elements. This allows for the assessment of the impact and regulatory role of condensation on individual arthropods, populations, and communities. The solar panel 91 absorbs sunlight and converts it into electricity, providing a continuous and stable power source for all electrical components, ensuring the observation device can operate independently for extended periods, especially in remote or arid areas without external power. It should be noted that the data acquisition controller 93 can be the controller described in CN118603178A, entitled "An Environmental Temperature and Humidity Monitoring Device, Method, and System," primarily responsible for real-time reception, storage, and preliminary processing of multi-dimensional environmental data such as temperature and humidity collected by the sensors. The battery 92, as an independent power supply unit, works in conjunction with the solar panel to ensure continuous operation of the equipment and uninterrupted data acquisition. The rain gauge 94, air temperature and humidity sensor 95, wind direction and speed sensor 96, and condensation monitoring sensor 97 can measure environmental temperature and humidity in real time and record the intensity and duration of precipitation. The rain gauge 94 (model S-RGB-M002), the air temperature and humidity sensor 95 (model S-THB-M008), and the wind direction and speed sensor 96 (model S-WSB-M003) record data every 5 minutes, dynamically recording meteorological elements such as rainfall, temperature, relative humidity, wind direction, and wind speed. The condensate monitoring sensor 97 can be a HOBO leaf surface humidity sensor (model S-LWA-M003), used to monitor and record the amount and distribution of water vapor in the air condensing into liquid water during cooling or temperature reduction, recording data every 5 minutes to dynamically record changes in condensate levels.

[0031] Working principle: The buried cone 72 at the bottom of the square positioning tube 7 is inserted into the ground, and the positioning plate 73 fits against the ground surface to enhance stability. The movable sleeve plate 74 adjusts the height of the metal frame 1 to make it level with the ground surface. The metal box 3 is fixed to the four independent areas divided by the cross support plate 13 inside the metal frame 1 by the magnetic attraction between the magnetic limit block 14 and the limit slot 32. These areas are filled with fresh plant leaves, fallen leaves, soil, and plexiglass plates, respectively. The environmental element dynamic monitoring unit 9 is fixed directly above the behavior automatic recording unit by the square positioning tube 7. The solar power generation panel 91 is installed at an angle on the solar support plate 711 to power the battery 92 and the sensors.

[0032] When there is no condensation during the day, the pneumatic push rod 77 drives the lifting inner ring 75 to move downward. The stepper motor 79, through gear 710, meshes with the semi-circular internal gear ring 78, driving the rotating outer ring 76 to rotate, causing the pressure cap 2 to close and cover the metal frame 1. At the moment the pressure cap 2 closes, the hollow edge plate 21 is pressed tightly against the convex edge plate 11, and the penetrating sponge coating block 26 contacts the tracer pigment area 12. The hollow edge plate 21 presses the variable diameter push rod 23 to move inward, and the compression spring 28 contracts, causing the conical plug 29 to disengage from the conical through hole 27. The tracer pigment 25 seeps into the penetrating sponge coating block 26 through the through hole. The penetrating sponge coating block 26 applies the pigment to the tracer pigment area 12 of the convex edge plate 11, completing the pigment replenishment.

[0033] During behavior monitoring, the weighing sensor 31 at the bottom of the metal box 3 detects weight changes and calculates the amount of condensed water; the temperature recorder 41 inside the water storage substrate 4 continuously records the surface temperature; the vertical infrared camera on the camera base 81 covers the entire metal box 3, and four 45° tilted infrared cameras are respectively aimed at adjacent metal boxes 3, taking photos and 10 seconds of video every 5 minutes; when arthropods climb the convex edge plate 11, their feet pick up the pigment in the tracer pigment area 12, forming activity tracks on the surface of the metal box 3.

[0034] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered in all respects as exemplary and non-limiting, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within the present invention. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0035] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A device for observing arthropod behavior using condensate, comprising an automatic behavior recording unit and an environmental element dynamic monitoring unit (9), characterized in that: The environmental element dynamic monitoring unit (9) is set at the top of the behavior automatic recording unit, and a square positioning tube (7) is connected between the environmental element dynamic monitoring unit (9) and the behavior automatic recording unit. The automatic behavior recording unit includes a metal frame (1) and multiple metal boxes (3). The metal boxes (3) are placed inside the metal frame (1). The edge of the metal frame (1) is connected to an outwardly protruding edge plate (11). The upper surface of the outwardly protruding edge plate (11) is provided with a tracer pigment area (12). The metal boxes (3) contain ground simulation materials. The metal boxes (3) are also provided with a protective unit. A pressure cover (2) is movably provided above the metal frame (1). A hollow edge plate (21) is connected to the edge of the pressure cover (2). A penetrating sponge coating block (26) is connected to the lower plate surface of the hollow edge plate (21). The hollow edge plate (21) can be movably attached to the upper plate surface of the convex edge plate (11). A multi-angle camera assembly (8) is also provided directly above the metal frame (1). The multi-angle camera assembly (8) performs multi-angle camera monitoring on the metal box (3) placed inside the metal frame (1).

2. The device for observing arthropod behavior using condensed water according to claim 1, characterized in that: The metal frame (1) is connected to a cross support plate (13) inside the frame. The inner wall of the metal frame (1) and the two sides of the cross support plate (13) are connected to magnetic limit blocks (14). The outer wall of the metal box (3) is provided with a limit slot (32), and the limit slot (32) is magnetically connected to the magnetic limit block (14).

3. The device for observing arthropod behavior using condensed water according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom edges of the convex edge plate (11) and the hollow edge plate (21) are both inclined downwards. The hollow edge plate (21) is connected to a pigment partition plate (24) in its inner cavity. The upper side of the hollow edge plate (21) is connected to a feeding port (22), and the feeding port (22) is connected to the inner cavity of the hollow edge plate (21). The inner cavity above the pigment partition plate (24) is filled with tracer pigment (25). The inner cavity above the pigment partition plate (24) is equipped with a penetrating sponge coating block (26), and part of the penetrating sponge coating block (26) penetrates the bottom surface of the hollow edge plate (21) and is convex outwards. The pigment partition plate (24) is connected to a pressing and leaking unit.

4. The arthropod behavior observation device using condensed water according to claim 3, characterized in that: The press-to-leak unit includes a variable diameter push rod (23) and a conical plug (29). The conical plug (29) is connected to the front end of the small diameter rod of the variable diameter push rod (23). The inclined bottom plate of the pigment partition (24) has a conical through hole (27). The conical plug (29) is movably locked in the conical through hole (27). The large diameter rod of the variable diameter push rod (23) is convex through the bottom plate of the hollow edge plate (21). The small diameter rod of the variable diameter push rod (23) is fitted with a compression spring (28), and the two ends of the compression spring (28) abut against the lower plate of the pigment partition (24) and the stepped variable diameter part of the variable diameter push rod (23).

5. The device for observing arthropod behavior using condensed water according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the metal box (3) is embedded with multiple weighing sensors (31), one of which is located at the center of the bottom of the metal box (3), and the remaining weighing sensors (31) are evenly distributed in a ring.

6. The device for observing arthropod behavior using condensed water according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each of the metal boxes (3) is equipped with a water storage substrate (4), and a temperature recorder (41) is embedded in the middle of the water storage substrate (4). The metal boxes (3) used to place surface simulation materials such as fresh plant leaves or fallen leaves are also equipped with a rigid protective net (5). The metal boxes (3) used to place surface simulation materials such as soil or plexiglass plates are also equipped with a microporous cover plate (6).

7. The device for observing arthropod behavior using condensed water according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom end of the square positioning tube (7) is connected to a buried cone (72). The bottom end of the square positioning tube (7) and the docking part of the buried cone (72) are fixedly connected to a positioning plate (73). A movable sleeve plate (74) is movably sleeved on the rod of the square positioning tube (7), and the movable sleeve plate (74) is connected to one side corner of the metal frame (1).

8. The device for observing arthropod behavior using condensed water according to claim 7, characterized in that: The square positioning tube (7) is also movably fitted with a lifting inner ring (75), which is located above the movable sleeve plate (74). The outer ring of the lifting inner ring (75) is rotatably connected to a rotating outer ring (76). A pneumatic push rod (77) is fixedly connected to the tube of the square positioning tube (7). The movable end of the pneumatic push rod (77) is fixedly connected to the upper surface of the ring of the lifting inner ring (75). A semi-circular internal gear ring (78) is fixedly connected to the upper surface of the ring of the rotating outer ring (76). A stepper motor (79) is embedded in the ring of the lifting inner ring (75). A gear (710) is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft of the stepper motor (79) along the same axis. The gear (710) meshes with the semi-circular internal gear ring (78). The rotating outer ring (76) is connected to one side corner of the pressure cap (2).

9. The device for observing arthropod behavior using condensed water according to claim 1, characterized in that: The square positioning tube (7) has a camera link (71) connected to the middle of its shaft. The front end of the camera link (71) is provided with a multi-view camera assembly (8). The multi-view camera assembly (8) is located directly above the metal frame (1). The multi-view camera assembly (8) includes a camera base (81) and a camera group (82). The camera base (81) is connected to the front end of the camera link (71). The camera group (82) consists of several infrared cameras. One of the infrared cameras is vertically connected to the bottom of the camera base (81), and the other infrared cameras are tilted downwards at 45° and connected to the four sides of the camera base (81).

10. The device for observing arthropod behavior using condensed water according to claim 1, characterized in that: The environmental element dynamic monitoring unit (9) includes a solar panel (91), a battery (92), a data acquisition controller (93), a rain gauge (94), an air temperature and humidity sensor (95), a wind direction and speed sensor (96), and a condensate monitoring sensor (97). The upper end of the square positioning tube (7) is connected to a solar support plate (711), and the top end of the square positioning tube (7) is connected to a top support plate (712). The solar panel (91) is fixedly connected to the solar support plate (711) in an inclined manner. The battery (92) The data acquisition controller (93) is fixedly connected to the solar panel (711) in a parallel arrangement, and the connection position of the storage battery (92) and the data acquisition controller (93) is located directly below the solar panel (91). The rain gauge (94), air temperature and humidity sensor (95), wind direction and speed sensor (96) and condensate monitoring sensor (97) are connected to the top support plate (712) in a parallel arrangement. The data acquisition controller (93) is signal connected to each electrical component of the observation device, and the storage battery (92) is electrically connected to each electrical component of the observation device.

Citation Information

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