System for the early detection of bark beetle infestation using modular sensor units

Abstract

System for the early detection of bark beetle infestation, characterized in that the system has at least one stationary or mobile sensor unit for recording infestation indicators, a local processing unit for evaluating the recorded data and a communication module for transmitting infestation information to an external receiving unit.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a technical system for monitoring forest areas, in particular for the early detection of bark beetle infestation on trees, by means of sensor-based recording, local data processing and secure data transmission. State of the art

[0002] Known solutions for detecting bark beetle infestations include visual inspections by forestry personnel, the use of pheromone traps, drones with camera systems, and satellite-based analyses. These established methods are either time-consuming, expensive, weather-dependent, or do not allow for continuous monitoring of individual trees. Furthermore, detection often only occurs at an advanced stage of infestation. Object of the invention

[0003] The object of the invention is to provide a cost-effective, energy-autonomous and scalable system that enables early and automated detection of bark beetle infestation and transmits a timely warning to forest owners or forestry operations. Solution to the task

[0004] The task is accomplished by a system with at least one stationary or mobile sensor unit that detects infestation indicators such as acoustic signals, vibrations, visual characteristics, or sawdust. The collected data is evaluated in a local processing unit. Upon detection of an infestation, an infestation notification is transmitted to an external user interface via a communication module. Multiple sensor units can be connected to form a wireless mesh network. Embodiments of the invention

[0005] In a preferred embodiment, the sensor unit is stationary and mounted on a tree, operating autonomously via solar power and a battery. In another embodiment, the sensor unit is designed as a mobile robot that can move autonomously or remotely within a forest area. Data transmission is encrypted. Software updates can be performed wirelessly. Advantages of the invention

[0006] The invention enables the early detection of bark beetle infestations and thus contributes to preventing large-scale forest damage. The system is modularly expandable, requires little maintenance, and is more cost-effective than known drone- or satellite-based solutions. Reference numeral list (optional) Fig. 1 sensor unit Fig. 2 Mesh network Fig. 3 User Interface Fig. 4 Mobile Robots

Claims

[1] System for the early detection of bark beetle infestation, characterized by that the system includes at least one stationary or mobile sensor unit for recording infestation indicators, a local processing unit for evaluating the recorded data, and a communication module for transmitting infestation information to an external receiving unit. [2] System according to claim 1, characterized by that the sensor unit includes at least one acoustic sensor, one vibration sensor, one optical sensor or one drilling dust sensor. [3] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the processing unit is designed as an edge computing unit for local data processing. [4] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the sensor unit is operated energy-autonomously, in particular by means of solar energy and a battery. [5] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the communication module enables secure data transmission, in particular via encrypted connection or VPN. [6] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that several sensor units are connected to form a wireless mesh network. [7] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a user interface is provided for displaying infestation information and warning messages. [8] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the sensor unit is designed as a mobile robot that can move autonomously or remotely controlled. [9] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that software updates for the processing unit are performed wirelessly.

Images