Improved device for determining the number of insects

Abstract

Device (10) for determining the number of insects (1), preferably for counting pest insects (1), comprising a container (20) for attracting and / or catching insects (1), characterized in that: - the container (20) comprises: - a containing structure (21), - an opening (22) for the entry of insects into the containment structure (21), - a seat (23) defined within the containment structure (21) for receiving insect-attracting chemicals (1), - within the containment structure (21) there is defined a path (24) connecting the opening (22) to the seat (23) and configured and intended to be traversed by insects (1) which, once they have entered the containment structure (21) through the opening (22), proceed towards the seat (23), - an optoelectronic device (30) installed within the containment structure (21) of the container (20) and configured to detect the passage of the insects (1) through at least a portion of the path (24) connecting the opening (22) to the seat (23), - a wireless communication module (11) with the outside, wherein the wireless communication module (11) is electrically connected to the optoelectronic device (30) and is configured to send out data output from the optoelectronic device (3) and representative of the passage of the insects through at least a portion of the path (24) connecting the opening (22) to the seat (23), - power supply means (60) for supplying power to the optoelectronic device (30) and the wireless communication module (11), - a software module which, when executed, is configured to determine, from the data received from the wireless communication module (11), the number of insects (1) that have traversed the path (24) connecting the opening (22) to the seat (23) of the container (20).

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates to an apparatus for determining the number of insects, in particular for counting insect pests. The apparatus according to the present innovation can be used on an agricultural field for monitoring insect pests present on this field.PRIOR ARTIn agriculture, the protection of the plants from pests of plant, animal and fungal origin is essential in order to ensure that the production meets the required quality standards. The use of crop protection agents plays a decisive role in crop protection, but the use of an integrated approach, which also employs agricultural, physical and biological pesticidal techniques in a coordinated manner, is important in order to minimize the use of only chemical treatments, thereby reducing environmental impact and production costs.This approach involves assessing the risk of damage to the culture caused by the presence and activity of insect pests and determining appropriate intervention thresholds, i.e. infestation strengths where the costs of damage exceed the costs of crop protection treatments.Pheromone traps or chromotropic traps are used for the effective monitoring of insect pests, which traps are correspondingly placed on the fields. These cases allow the population of insect pests to be quantified and to determine when intervention is required. The ultimate aim is to optimize the use of crop protection treatments and only intervene when this is absolutely necessary in order to achieve economic savings and also to improve the quality of the agricultural products.In general, the typical approach for treating insect pests in an agricultural field is to carry out treatments with crop protection agents at regular intervals, regardless of the actual need for use. However, this method leads to an excessive use of crop protection agents, with possible adverse effects on the environment and the health of the plants.A more advanced alternative is to monitor the presence of insect pests by purely mechanical traps. In particular, this approach requires an operator to check mechanical traps with a certain regularity to determine the number of insects present and determine the actual need for treatment. Although this method is more sophisticated than simply planning interventions with fixed schedules, it still requires the presence of an operator who checks the mechanical traps with a certain regularity in order to detect an increase in the insect population and accordingly to decide the most suitable interventions.GOALS OF INNOVATIONThe aim of the innovation is to propose a device for determining the number of insects, preferably for counting insect pests in an agricultural field, which makes it possible to at least partially solve the drawbacks of the known solutions.Another aim of the innovation is to propose a device with which the number of insects can be accurately, reliably and accurately counted, in particular the number of insect pests in the agricultural field on which the device itself is installed / used.Another object of the innovation is to propose a device that delivers information substantially in real time.Another object of the innovation is to propose a device that can be manufactured simply, quickly and cost-effectively.Another object of the innovation is to propose a device that can be installed simply, quickly and cost-effectively.Another object of the innovation is to propose a device that is simple, quick and cost-effective to maintain.Another object of the innovation is to propose a device which is simple and convenient to operate.Another aim of the innovation is to propose a device that can operate for a long time without the need for the operator to intervene.Another aim of the innovation is to propose a device which can be remotely controlled and, in particular, can be remotely controlled and monitored and which sends the measurements made remotely.Another object of the innovation is to propose a device that is highly automated.Another aim of the innovation is to propose a device that can be camouflaged very well in its installation environment.Another object of the innovation is to propose a device that is highly integrated and self-contained.Another aim of the innovation is to propose a device which is completely autonomous and independent both from a mechanical and from an electrical point of view.Another goal of innovation is to avoid the use of image sensors, cameras and / or video cameras, which, due to their cost, could be at risk of theft and also require a considerable amount of energy for their operation.Another object of the innovation is to propose a device that is ecologically durable.Another goal of innovation is to automatically, promptly and immediately report a situation in which the number of insects has increased.A further aim of the innovation is to propose an apparatus with which a corresponding treatment against insect pests can be carried out only when this is actually required, and which at the same time allows an automatic and immediate warning with an increase in the number of insect pests.Another goal of the innovation is to collect information about the number of insects over time.Another goal of innovation is to provide historical statistics about the presence and number of insect pests.Another object of the innovation is to provide a device which can be manufactured quickly and efficiently in series.Another object of the innovation is to propose a device that can be remotely controlled.Another aim of the innovation is to propose a device that is better and / or alternative to the conventional ones.Another object of the innovation is to provide a device having an alternative characterization compared to conventional devices, both in structural and functional terms.Another aim of the innovation is to provide the necessary information for assessing the condition of an agricultural field, in particular to determine the actual need for treatment against insect pests.SUMMARY OF INNOVATIONAll these objects, taken alone or in any combination thereof, and others which will become apparent from the following description are achieved, according to the innovation, with a device according to claim 1.DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURESThe present innovation will be further explained below in some of its preferred embodiments, which are given by way of example only and not by way of limitation with reference to the attached drawing tables, wherein: FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of an innovative device for determining the number of insects, FIG. 2 shows a photographic overview of a first embodiment of the innovative device for determining the number of insects, FIG. 3 shows a perspective plan view of the optoelectronic device of the innovative device, FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the container for attracting and / or catching the insects of the innovative device, FIG. 5 shows a side view of the container from FIG. 4, FIG. 6 shows it according to section VI-VI of FIG. 5 , FIG. 7 shows it according to section VII-VII of FIG. 5 , FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the container of FIG. 4, FIG. 9 is a photographic overview of a different embodiment of the device according to the innovation for determining the number of insects; and FIG. 10 shows a further photographic overview of the apparatus of FIG. 9.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INNOVATION AND SOME OF ITS PREFERRED EMBODIMENTSThe present innovation relates to an apparatus - indicated in its entirety by the reference number "10"- for determining the number of insects 1, preferably for counting insects 1 which are insect pests. In particular, the device 10 according to the present innovation can be used on an agricultural field to determine the number of insect pests 1 present in this agricultural field, so as to monitor the presence and activity of the insect pests 1 present in this agricultural field.The device 10 comprises a container 20 for attracting and / or catching insects 1.a hold-off structure 21,an opening 22 for the entry of insects into the containment structure 21,a seat 23 defined within the containment structure 21 for receiving insect attracting chemicals 1 (e.g., pheromones),Inside the containment structure 21 there is defined a path 24 connecting the opening 22 to the seat 23 and configured and intended to be crossed by insects 1 which, once they have entered the containment structure 21 through the opening 22, go towards the seat 23.More specifically, the path 24 is defined and interposed between the opening 22 and the seat 23.The device 10 also comprises an optoelectronic device 30 installed within the containment structure 21 of the container 20 and configured to detect the passage of insects 1 through at least a portion of the pathway 24 connecting the opening 22 to the seat 23. Preferably, the path 24 passes through the optoelectronic device 30, which is then configured to detect the passage of insects 1 through the same optoelectronic device 30.The device 10 also includes a wireless communication module 11 with the outside. In particular, the wireless communication module 11 is electrically connected to the optoelectronic device 30 and is configured to transmit data provided at the output from the optoelectronic device 30 and representative of the passage of the insects 1 to the outside over at least a portion of the path 24 connecting the opening 22 to the seat 23.The device 10 also comprises a software module which, when executed, is configured to determine, from the data received from the wireless communication module 11, the number of insects that have passed through the path 24 connecting the opening 22 to the seat 23 of the container 20.Preferably, the device 10 also comprises an external remote unit 50, for example a real or virtual remote server and / or a cloud system.Preferably, the wireless communication module 11 is configured to send data to this external remote unit 50, which may be, for example, a real or virtual remote server and / or cloud system.Conveniently, the external remote unit 50 is a central remote unit to which a plurality of wireless communication modules 11 communicate, each of which is connected to a respective optoelectronic device 30 installed in the containment structure 21 of a respective container 20.Advantageously, at least one software module is loaded and / or executed in the remote external unit 50, configured to determine, from the data received from the wireless communication module 11, the number of insects 1 that have passed through the path 24 connecting the opening 22 to the seat 23 of the container 20.Preferably, the remote external unit 50 then communicates with (and is therefore accessible from) an electronic (preferably portable) device 51 such as a personal computer, laptop, smart phone, tablet or equivalent. More preferably, the remote external unit 50 communicates with the electronic device 51 via the Internet.The optoelectronic device 30 includes at least one optical transmitter 31 and an optical receiver 32 operatively coupled to each other, preferably a plurality (i.e., two or more) of optical transmitters operatively coupled to respective optical receivers configured to detect passage of insects through at least a passage portion of the pathway 24 that connects the opening 22 to the seat 23 within the containment structure 21 of the container 20.Preferably, each optical transmitter 31 is configured to emit a light radiation, more preferably an infrared radiation. Conveniently, each optical transmitter 31 comprises an infra red LED.Preferably, each optical receiver 32 is configured to detect the light radiation emitted by a respective optical transmitter 31, more preferably the infrared radiation. Conveniently, each optical detector 32 comprises a photodiode or phototransistor.The optoelectronic device 30 includes an electronics board 33 configured to internally have a through hole 34 defined along a portion of the path 24 connecting the opening 22 to the seat 23. In essence, the path 24 - which is configured and intended to be traversed by insects 1 which, once they have entered the containment structure 21 through the opening 22, pass towards the seat 23 - pass through the through hole 34 of the electronic board 33.Preferably, the electronic board 33 is in the form of a circular ring and surrounds the circular through hole 34 formed centrally.Conveniently, each pair of optical transmitter 31 and optical receiver 32 is mounted on the electronics board 33 in the vicinity of the through hole 34, and in particular each optical transmitter 31 is mounted on the electronics board 33 in a diametrically opposite position, taking into account the through hole 34, with respect to the corresponding optical detector 32 to which it is operatively coupled. In a possible exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, six optical transmitters 31 are provided that are functionally coupled to and diametrically facing six corresponding optical detectors 32.Suitably, the device 10 comprises at least one control and / or processing unit 35. in particular, the at least one control and / or processing unit 35 is electronically connected to each pair of optical transmitter 31 and optical receiver 32 and is also electronically connected to the wireless communication module 11.Preferably, the at least one control and / or processing unit 35 comprises at least one microcontroller or a microprocessor, which is further preferably mounted on this electronic board 33.Conveniently, in one possible embodiment, multiple microprocessors (e.g., three microprocessors in FIG. 3 ) may be provided that operate at a particularly low frequency (e.g., 16 MHz) to absorb less electrical energy than a single microprocessor that operates at a higher frequency (e.g., 48 MHz). Preferably, each of the three microprocessors controls two pairs (of the six optical transmitters 31 - optical receivers 32 provided in the possible embodiment of Fig. 3).Expediently, in another possible embodiment, a single microprocessor with two comparators can be provided.Expediently, the device 10 can comprise a storage unit which is electronically connected or installed in the at least one control and / or processing unit 35.Expediently, in one possible embodiment, the wireless communication module 11 is mounted on the same electronic board 33.Each control and / or processing unit 35 is electronically connected to at least one pair of optical transmitter 31 - optical receiver 32 and programmed to manage the at least one pair.In particular, each control and / or processing unit 35 is electronically connected to at least one optical receiver 32 and is configured to convert the electrical signals received by the optical receiver 32 into a corresponding signal (for example a bit sequence) in order to then be sent to the external remote unit 50 via the wireless communication module 11.Preferably, each control and / or processing unit 35 is programmed such that:normally it generates a signal of a first type; in particular, under normal conditions, i.e. in the absence of insects crossing through hole 34, each optical receiver 32 receives the light radiation emitted by the corresponding optical transmitter 31 to which it is operatively coupled, thus generating the first output signal,generating a signal of a second type different from that of the first type when an optical receiver 32, and preferably also only one optical receiver 32, does not receive the light radiation emitted by the corresponding optical transmitter 31; in particular, this interruption in the reception of the light radiation is due to an insect 1 passing through the through hole 34.Advantageously, this allows a resolution of about 1-15 ms, and in particular the minimum detectable time for passage of an insect 1 through the through hole 34 is about 1-15 ms.Each control and / or processing unit 35 mounted on the electronic board 33 is electronically connected to the wireless communication module 11 so as to transmit the output signal received from each control and / or processing unit 35 to the remote external unit 50.Conveniently, the remote external unit 50 is programmed to count the number (e.g., by incrementing a counter) of received and preferably received second type output signals at a particular time interval so as to determine the number of insects that have passed through the through hole 34 provided along the path 24.Conveniently, in a possible embodiment, it is the control and / or processing unit 35 which can be configured to increase a corresponding counter when an optical receiver 32, and preferably also only one optical receiver 32, does not receive the light radiation emitted by the corresponding optical transmitter 31. The value of this counter is thus representative of the number of insects that have passed through the through hole 34 provided along the path 24. Preferably, at predetermined time intervals and / or when the counter reaches or exceeds a threshold value, the control and / or processing unit 35 generates an output signal representative of the value of that counter, and that output signal is then sent to the remote external unit 50 via the wireless communication module 11.Preferably, the optoelectronic device 30 also comprises a trimmer mounted on the electronic board 33 for adjusting the sensitivity of the optical receivers 32 receiving the light radiation emitted by the respective optical transmitters 31. Advantageously, the presence of the trimmer prevents false alarms due to external light sources such as sunlight and also prevents saturation of the optical receivers 32, thereby compromising their proper function.Preferably, each control and / or processing unit 35 and / or the external remote unit 50 can be configured to determine the direction of passage of the through hole 34 through the insect 1 and in particular to distinguish whether the direction of passage is inward (corresponding to the direction extending from the opening 22 to the seat 23) or outward (corresponding to the direction extending from the seat 23 to the opening 22).More preferably, the remote external unit 50 may be programmed to perform the following steps:determining the instant T0 of passage of an insect,determining the time T1 following the time T0 in which the next insect passage was determined,If the time T1 lies between 1 ms and T0+1 s, the total number N of insects detected at the time T0 is retained,If the time T1 is greater than T0+1s, the total number N of insects detected at the time T0 is increased by one unit.Conveniently, the software module loaded and / or executed in the remote external unit 50 is also configured to organizeally store the data received from each wireless communication module 11 and to enable the access and interrogation of this data by at least one electronic device 51. Preferably, this software module may also be configured to perform further processing and / or analysis (including statistics) of the received and stored signals and data.Preferably, the software module loaded and / or executed in the external remote unit 50 can be configured such that it enables the electronic device 51 to access and display the data stored and / or processed by and / or on the external remote unit 50 only after an authentication method. Conveniently, the access of the user managing the electronic device 51 via the Internet to the data stored and / or processed by and / or at the remote external unit 50 is subject to a correct authentication by the user himself, for example via an introduction screen displayed on a display equipped to the electronic device 51 and at which the user himself is prompted to perform a traditional authentication phase, for example by entering user and password.Conveniently, the software module loaded and / or executed in the remote external unit 50 is also configured such that the electronic device 51 allows the display of the data stored and / or processed by and / or on the remote external unit 50 via suitable graphical interfaces, preferably containing graphics or tables (for example based on the number of insects counted divided by days and / or time zones).Preferably, the wireless communication module 11 is a wireless communication module, i.e. it is of the type suitable for receiving - and optionally also for transmitting - radio signals. In particular, the wireless communication module 11 comprises a radio receiver or radio transceiver. Conveniently, the wireless communication module 11 may be configured for wireless reception or propagation(s) via cellular technologies (e.g., 2G, GPRS, 3G, 4G (LTE), and 5G), or other conventional technologies such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth® Sigfox® or ZigBee®. Expediently, in one possible embodiment, the wireless communication module 11 is configured such that it uniquely identifies the device 10 and can provide for example the use of a smart card such as a SIM card (so-called "subscriber identity module").Conveniently, the wireless communication module 11 may be configured for wireless reception or short and / or long range retransmission. In a possible and preferred embodiment, this wireless communication module 11 is a communication module with GPRS and / or LTE technology.Preferably, the wireless communication module 11 may also be configured to receive at least one external wireless control signal from the outside.Expediently, the containment structure 21 internally delimits a closed volume into which insects can only enter through the opening 22.Preferably, the containment structure 21 may be substantially cylindrical with a closed rear wall 80 and an opposing access port 81 in communication with the opening 22.Preferably, the opening 22 for insect entry into the containment structure 21 and the seat 23 for receiving chemicals (e.g., pheromones) for attracting insects 1 are defined within the containment structure 21 at opposite positions - more preferably at opposite ends - of the containment structure 21.More preferably, the seat 23 is defined on the inner side of the rear wall 80 of the containment structure 21. More preferably, the opening 22 is defined at the access opening 81 of the retaining structure 21.Preferably, the optoelectronic device 30, and more preferably the electronic board 33, on which both the pairs of optical transmitters 31 - optical receivers 32 and at least one control and / or processing unit 35 - are mounted, is positioned within the containment structure 21 between the access opening 81 and the rear wall 80.Preferably, the container 20 comprises a cover element 29 (e.g. a lid) associated with the containment structure 21 so as to be spaced from the access mouth 81, thereby defining - between the edge (which is ideally flanged) of the access mouth 81 and the cover element 29 - the opening 22 for the entry of the insects 1 into the containment structure 21.Preferably, the electronic board 33 of the electronic device 30 is mounted inside the containment structure 21 such that the through hole 34 of this board is substantially aligned with or facing the seat 23 positioned and / or obtained on the inside of the rear wall 80 of the containment structure 21.Preferably, in one possible embodiment, the containment structure 21 comprises:a first element 82 comprising a substantially cylindrical or frustoconical body closed at one end by a rear wall 80 and having a thread 83 at the free edge provided at the other end; on the inside of said rear wall 80 is positioned or obtained said seat 23 for receiving chemicals (e.g. pheromones) in order to lock insects 1 in said containment structure 21;a second element 84 comprising a substantially cylindrical or frustoconical body provided at one end with a counter-thread 85 for screwing to the thread of the first element 82, and having an access orifice 81 surrounded by a flange edge 86 at the other end.The second element 84 comprises a housing 87 for the optoelectronic device 30, and more preferably for the circular ring-shaped electronic board 33 surrounding the through hole 34, in which are mounted both the pairs of optical transmitters 31-optical receivers 32 and at least one control and / or processing unit 35.Conveniently, the housing 87 may comprise a base wall 87' internally tightened to the side wall of the second element 84 and provided centrally with a corresponding further through hole 88, preferably having dimensions and shape corresponding to those of the through hole 34 of the electronic board 33. In particular, the base wall 87' is configured to support and / or receive the electronic board 33 such that the further through hole 88 faces the support base 87' of the through hole 34 of that board.Preferably, on the side wall of the second member 84, a cable passing hole 95 for passing an electrical connection cable (for electrical supply and / or signal and data transmission) of the electronic board 33 to the outside of the container 20 is configured. Conveniently, on the base wall 87', a guide for this electrical connection cable of the electronic board 33 to the outside of the container 20 can be obtained.Preferably, the flange edge 86 includes a ring portion that develops radially outward from the access orifice 81.Preferably, the container 20 comprises a guiding element 90 supported within the containment structure 21 and in particular within the second element 84 and configured to guide insects 1 from the opening 22 to the passage of the optoelectronic device 30 and in particular to the through hole 34 of the electronic board 33 of the optoelectronic device 30. Advantageously, the element 90 guides the insects that have just entered the containment structure 21 through the opening 22 and the access mouth 81 to continue the path 24 towards the seat 23 by passing through the through hole 34 of the electronic board 33 and the further through hole 88 of the second element 84.This guide element 90 is preferably substantially funnel-shaped or at any rate has a substantially recessed configuration toward the through hole 34 of the electronic circuit board 33. Expediently, the guide element 90 can have an outer cylindrical wall and can internally comprise a funnel-shaped or at least substantially recessed configuration.This guide element 90 is preferably supported by the base wall 87' and in particular rests on the base wall 87'.More preferably, the guide member 90 has a countersunk configuration in which the widest portion is disposed at / near the access port 81 of the second member 84, while the narrowest end portion 93 is bored and disposed at / near the other through hole 88 of the second member 84. Expediently, the narrower and drilled end section 93 comes substantially into contact with the region of the electronics board 33 surrounding the through-hole 34 on the outside.Conveniently, the path 24 defined within the containment structure 21 and connecting the opening 22 to the seat 23 is (successively) bounded by the access orifice 81, the guide element 90, the through hole 34 of the electronic board 33, the further through hole 88 of the second element 84 and the internal volume of the first element 82.Preferably, the cover element 29 may comprise a curved central part surrounded by a ring part.Preferably, the container 20 comprises mechanical elements 91 (such as screws and bolts with suitable clamping elements or other equivalent elements) to support the cover element 29 spaced from the access mouth 81 of the second element 84. More preferably, the mechanical elements 91 are connected at one end to the flange edge 86 of the second element 84, while at the other end they are connected to the ring part of the cover element 29. Ideally, the mechanical elements 91 are adjustable such that the distance of the cover element 29 from the access opening 81 changes and thus the height extension of the opening 22 correspondingly varies.The device 10 may comprise power supply means 60 for supplying power to the optoelectronic device 30 and to the wireless communication module 11. In particular, the power supply means 60 supply the electrical energy for the electronic components of this device, namely for the pairs of optical transmitters 31-optical receivers 32 and for the control and / or processing unit 35.Preferably, the apparatus 10 also comprises means 40 for generating electrical energy from renewable sources. More preferably, the means 40 for generating electrical energy from renewable sources may comprise a photovoltaic module 41. In one possible embodiment, the photovoltaic module 41 is a photovoltaic panel that generates and supplies an electrical output voltage of 21 V, for example.Preferably, the power supply means 60 for supplying power to the optoelectronic device 30 and to the wireless communication module 11 are electronically connected to the means 40 of this device 10 for generating electrical energy from renewable sources.Expediently, in a possible embodiment not shown in the figures, the power supply means 60 for supplying power can be supplied from the outside and in particular from an external power supply source independent of the device 10. Preferably, the power supply means 60 may receive electrical energy from an external electrical source, such as the power grid, and / or from means for generating electrical energy from renewable sources external and independent of the device 10 and / or from an external electrical energy storage unit (e.g., an external battery).Expediently, the power supply means 60 of the device 10 can comprise a module 61 which is electrically, preferably by wire, connected to the optoelectronic device 30. Preferably, the module 61 comprises a power supply.Conveniently, the power supply means 60 of the device 10 may comprise a further module 62 electrically connected to the output of the means 40 for generating electrical energy from renewable sources. Preferably, the further module 62 can be connected to the wireless communication module 11 at the output, preferably by wire. Preferably, such a further module 62 can be connected to the input of the module 61 for supplying power to the optoelectronic device 30 at the output, preferably via wire. Preferably, the further module 62 comprises an electrical transformer electrically connected to the output of the means 40 for generating electrical energy from renewable sources. More preferably, the electrical transformer may be configured to modify the electrical energy supplied at the output of the electrical energy generating means 40 from renewable sources so as to enable the supply of the wireless communication module 11. For example, the electrical transformer may be configured to switch the voltage from 21V (provided at the output of the means 40) to 12V.The device 10 can preferably comprise an electrical energy storage unit 63, for example an electrical battery. Further preferably, the electric energy storage unit 63 can serve as a backup electric source. Advantageously, the electrical energy storage unit 63 is rechargeable with the energy supplied by the means 40 for generating electrical energy from renewable sources and is configured to supply the wireless communication module 11 and the optoelectronic device 30, optionally via this module 61.Expediently, the power supply means 60 and the wireless communication module 11 can be accommodated in at least one housing 43. The at least one housing is preferably substantially watertight and can in particular have the protection type IP65. Expediently, in one possible embodiment, a first housing 43' can be provided in which the wireless communication module 11 and the module 61 are accommodated, and in addition a second housing can be provided (not visible in the figures and preferably positionable on the photovoltaic module 41) in which the further module 62 and the electrical energy storage unit 63 are accommodated.The device 10 may also include one or more sensors (not shown) for measuring weather and / or environmental parameters. Conveniently, these sensors are of conventional type and may comprise, for example, a solarometer for measuring solar radiation and / or a moisture sensor and / or a sensor (e.g. an anemometer) for measuring wind speed or wind pressure and / or generally other sensors for measuring other weather and / or environmental parameters. Expediently, the device 10 can detect rain, temperature, solar radiation and / or wind, for example.Expediently, the device 10 can comprise an I / O interface for connecting these sensors to this at least one control and processing unit 35 and / or to this wireless communication module 11.Optionally, if appropriate sensors are provided, the wireless communication module 11 is configured to also transmit data representative of weather and / or environmental parameters to the outside.Preferably, the device 10 also comprises a support structure 70 on which the container 20 with the optoelectronic device 30, the wireless communication module 11 and the power supply means 60 is mounted. Further preferably, the means 40 for generating electrical energy from renewable sources and / or the electrical energy storage unit 63 can also be mounted on the supporting structure 70. Further preferably, one or more sensors (not shown) for measuring weather and / or environmental parameters can also be mounted on the supporting structure 70.Conveniently, the support structure 70 may be fixed or movable. In particular, in one possible embodiment (see FIGS. 1 and 2 ), the support structure 70 may be a mast 70', a pillar, or an equivalent structure that may be secured to the ground. In particular, in another possible embodiment (see FIGS. 9 and 10 ), the support structure 70 may be a vehicle and, in particular, a self-propelled machine 70" or else a towed machine.In particular, in a possible embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the support structure comprises a self-propelled wheeled and motorized machine 70", in which:the photovoltaic panel 41 is mounted on the front hood,the power supply means 60 and the wireless communication module 11 are housed in the bonnet between the axles of the front wheels,the container 20 is mounted on the rear of the machine and preferably a removable attachment is used to allow the container to be removed to allow the enclosed insects to be removed,the connecting cables between the various components of the device run under the lower housing of the machine.Expediently, the device 10 is free of image sensors, cameras and video cameras.As is clear from the foregoing, the solution according to the innovation is very advantageous, as it makes it possible to achieve all the stated objectives, and in particular:is quick and easy to install and use,is simple and cost-effective to implement,it makes it possible to provide precise, reliable and accurate information about the number of insects, in particular about the number of insect pests in the agricultural field on which the appliance itself is installed / used.it makes it possible to provide information about the number of insects, in particular about the number of insect pests present in the agricultural field in which the appliance itself is installed / used, substantially in real time and remotely, without having to physically move to the container serving as a trap for the insect pests.

Claims

Device (10) for determining the number of insects (1), preferably for counting insect pests (1), comprising a container (20) for attracting and / or catching insects (1), characterized in that: - the container (20) comprises: - a containment structure (21), - an opening (22) for the entry of insects into the containment structure (21), - a seat (23) defined inside the containment structure (21) for receiving insect attracting chemicals (1), - inside the containment structure (21) a path (24) is defined which connects the opening (22) to the seat (23) and which is configured and determined to be traversed by insects (1) which, once they have entered the containment structure (21) through the opening (22), Walking towards the seat (23), - comprising an optoelectronic device (30) installed inside the containment structure (21) of the container (20) and configured to detect the passage of the insects (1) through at least a portion of the path (24) connecting the opening (22) to the seat (23), - comprising a wireless communication module (11) to the outside, the wireless communication module (11) being electrically connected to the optoelectronic device (30) and configured to transmit data in the output from the optoelectronic device (3) and representative of the passage of the insects to the outside through at least a portion of the path (24) connecting the opening (22) to the seat (23), - power supply means (60) for supplying power to the optoelectronic device (30) and to the wireless communication module (11), a software module configured, when executed, to determine, from the data received from the wireless communication module (11), the number of insects (1) that have passed through the path (24) connecting the opening (22) to the seat (23) of the container (20).Device according to claim 1, characterised in that: - it also comprises an external remote unit (50), - the wireless communication module (11) is configured to send data to this external remote unit (50), - the software module is loaded and / or executed in the external remote unit (50).The apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the path (24) connecting the opening (22) to the seat (23) passes through the optoelectronic device (30).The apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the optoelectronic device (30) comprises at least one optical transmitter (31) and an optical receiver (32) operatively coupled to each other, preferably a plurality of optical transmitters (31) operatively coupled to corresponding optical receivers (32) configured to detect the passage of insects (1) through at least a passage portion of the path (24) connecting the opening (22) to the seat (23) within the containment structure (21) of the container (20).The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: - the optoelectronic device (30) comprises an electronic board (33) provided internally with a through hole (34) defined along a portion of the path (24) connecting the opening (22) to the seat (23), - comprises a plurality of optical transmitters (31), preferably infrared, operatively coupled to respective optical receivers (32), - each pair of optical transmitter (31) and optical receiver (32) is mounted on the electronic board (33) in the vicinity of the through hole (34), - each optical transmitter (31) is mounted on the electronic board (33) in a diametrically opposite position, taking into account the through hole (34), with respect to the respective optical detector (32) to which it is operatively coupled.The device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises: - at least one control and / or processing unit (35) mounted on an electronic board (33) with which said optoelectronic device (30) is equipped, - said at least one control and / or processing unit (35) being electronically connected to at least one pair of optical transmitter (31) and optical receiver (32) and being programmed to manage said at least one pair.The device according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein each control and / or processing unit (35) and / or the external remote unit (50) is configured to determine the direction of passage of the through hole (34) of the electronic board (33) of the optoelectronic device (30) through the insect (1).The appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: - the containment structure (21) internally delimits a closed volume into which the insects can only enter through the opening (22), - the containment structure (21) comprises a closed rear wall (80) and an opposite access mouth (81), - the seat (23) for receiving insect attracting chemicals (1) is defined and / or positioned on the inside of the rear wall (80) of the containment structure (21), - the container (20) comprises a covering element (29) associated with the containment structure (21) so as to be spaced from the access mouth (81), thereby defining the opening (22) for the entry of insects (1) into the containment structure (21), the optoelectronic device (30) is positioned within the containment structure (21) between the access opening (81) and the rear wall (80), the container (20) comprises a guide element (90) which is mounted within the containment structure (21) and is configured to guide the insects (1) from the opening (22) to the passage of the optoelectronic device (30).Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that : - it comprises means (40) for generating electrical energy from renewable sources, preferably comprising a photovoltaic module (41), - the power supply means (60) are electronically connected to said means (40) for generating electrical energy from renewable sources so as to provide the electrical energy for the operation of the electronic components of the device (10) itself.Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that: - it comprises a support structure (70) on which the container (20) comprising the optoelectronic device (30), the wireless communication module (11) and the power supply means (60) and - if provided - also the means (40) for generating electrical energy from renewable sources are mounted, - the support structure (70) is either fixed, preferably it is a mast (70') or the like, or is movable, preferably a self-propelled machine (70").Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus is free of image sensors, cameras and video cameras.

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