DEVICE AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATED GARBAGE ANALYSIS IN BEEHIVES

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device and a method for automated waste analysis in beehives, which enables the detection of the degree of infestation of varroatosis in honey bee hives and their treatment.

[0002] The western honey bee (Apis mellifera) is kept as the third most important farm animal worldwide and is responsible for the pollination of almost 80% of all cultivated and wild plants. Since the 2000s, however, so-called "bee mortality" has become increasingly common, resulting in beekeepers losing entire colonies in a short period of time. The causes of this bee mortality are diverse, but the Varroa mite (Varroa destructor), which originates from East Asia, plays a key role, as it transmits varroasis, which can cause significant damage to a colony and lead to its death over the winter.

[0003] The Varroa mite is thus the most economically significant bee pest. Nevertheless, there are currently no automated diagnostic devices that reliably and continuously monitor the infestation of bee colonies. Until now, beekeepers have always had to manually check the infestation level, which requires considerable manual effort. Although the results are also of interest to government animal disease control agencies, there is currently no comprehensive monitoring of Varroa mite infestation.

[0004] Devices for controlling Varroa mites are generally known from the prior art. DE 20 2017 000 059 U1 describes a device for controlling Varroa mites in beehives, comprising a suspension device that can be positioned in a frame of the beehive, with a flat internal unit attached to the suspension device. This device is said to be characterized in that the internal unit has a honeycomb-like structure, at least in some areas, wherein the honeycomb-like structure is provided, at least in some areas, with an adhesive that serves to absorb the Varroa mites. Furthermore, DE 20 2020 005 651 U1 discloses a device for treating bees infested with bee-harmful mites using UV light, which comprises at least one radiation source for emitting UV light, which is intended to kill the Varroa mites. CN 216 601 275 U discloses an intelligent automatic cleaning device for beehives.A conveyor belt is provided to collect dead bees and bee droppings. A pressure sensor is mounted beneath the conveyor belt. When a certain weight is applied to the conveyor belt, it activates the conveyor mechanism to transport the dead bees and bee droppings collected on the conveyor belt to the outside. Additionally, scrapers and other mechanical means are provided to clean the conveyor belt.

[0005] According to the current state of the art, counting Varroa mites to determine the infestation level is a time-consuming task that requires suitable light exposure to count the Varroa mites in the waste. The beekeeper (or a qualified person) must generally evaluate each of their hives individually and record the infestation level. Several simple systems have been designed to assist the beekeeper in this task (counting). These systems typically utilize a mobile phone camera, which also has appropriate software (app; application) that performs the Varroa mite counting for the beekeeper.

[0006] The known methods and devices generally have the disadvantage that none of them work completely autonomously, so that the beekeeper is always required to manually initiate and evaluate the counting (with technical support).

[0007] Despite the constantly evolving state of the art, there is a lack of data that would allow us to better understand the phenomenon of "bee mortality," for example, where the spread is highest or which control methods are most effective.

[0008] There is therefore a great need for sensible solutions that allow beekeepers to carry out their Varroa mite counts effectively and efficiently and to make the results accessible to a wide number of researchers worldwide.

[0009] The present invention is therefore based on the object of providing a device for automated waste analysis in beehives and specifying a corresponding method which is non-invasive so that the bee colony is not affected or disturbed.

[0010] This object is achieved in a first aspect of the present invention by a device according to claim 1 for automated waste analysis in beehives, comprising a frame (1) for supporting a honeycomb box (W), the frame (1) being designed to collect the waste (G) falling out of a beehive system, a transport mechanism (3) arranged in the frame (1) which is designed to receive the collected waste (G) of the beehive and transport it to an analysis area, an analysis area (5) arranged outside the frame (1) for the transport mechanism (3), a recording unit (7) provided above the analysis area (5) and an electronic evaluation unit (9) for recording, processing and evaluating the data recorded by the recording unit (7).

[0011] "Waste" is generally defined as what accumulates beneath the hive, i.e., what detaches from the honeycombs, such as parasites such as the Varroa mite, pollen residue, wax residue, dead bees, and the like. "Beehive" refers to the actual housing, i.e., a container in which, for example, wooden frames are hung, in which the bees build their honeycombs. The "comb box" represents the part of the hive in which the honeycombs hang. The comb box (W) is a more or less uniform component that comes in various sizes.

[0012] The "frame" according to the invention is placed under the honeycomb box (W) (or the honeycomb box (W) is placed on the frame (1)) and can either be of a size that matches the honeycomb box (W) or be connected to it via suitable adapters. Since beehives (with the honeycomb boxes (W)) only come in a limited number of common sizes, the number of adapters required is limited.

[0013] According to the invention, the "transport mechanism" is initially just an element that receives the waste (G) and transports it to an analysis area. It is preferred that the transport mechanism (3) occupies the entire area below the honeycomb box (W) so that the waste can be collected quantitatively. Various designs of transport mechanisms (3) are defined within the scope of the present invention.

[0014] The "analysis area" is preferably located outside the hive, primarily to ensure good accessibility for counting by the detection unit (7). The already analyzed waste (G) is collected in a container for disposal or recounting. A cleaning device for the transport system is also integrated.

[0015] If there is sufficient space below the hive, the analysis area 5 with the detection unit 7 can also be located directly on or above the device according to the invention.

[0016] The "electronic evaluation unit" in the sense of the present invention is a device for detecting individual mites in the garbage (G) by means of optical, chromatographic, acoustic, electrostatic or other electronic sensors.

[0017] The phrase "outside the frame (1) for the transport mechanism (3)" can mean either that the analysis area (5) is located laterally in front of the frame (1) or that the analysis area (5) is located above the frame (1). In the latter case, precautions must be taken to deflect the waste (G) onto the transport mechanism (3), as described below.

[0018] The device according to the invention has the primary advantage of creating the technical prerequisites for automated waste analysis in beehives. By positioning it below the honeycomb box (W) or the beehives, the bee colony is not disturbed, and the device can be operated non-invasively. Furthermore, the transport mechanism (3) allows for quantitative and continuous collection of waste, thus enabling highly accurate detection without a localized accumulation of waste (G) and without the mites being concealed by other waste components.

[0019] Since Varroosis is classified as a "notifiable bee disease" throughout the EU, it is particularly important for every beekeeper to document the degree of infestation of their colonies without spending a great deal of time. This invention stores and maintains all infestation figures and statistics, and even the success of treatment can be documented in this way.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the device according to the invention comprises a cleaning device for the transport mechanism (3) so that it is free of mite material below the hive before being reinserted into the frame (1), which would falsify subsequent detection. This cleaning can be performed using a brush, a blower, a cleaning sponge, or other mechanical and electrostatic devices (electric field, ultrasound).

[0021] It has also proven advantageous if the device according to the invention comprises a collection container in which the already analyzed waste (G) is received. In particular, this collection container is mechanically and functionally connected to the cleaning device.

[0022] In a further development of the device according to the invention, the transport mechanism (3) has a conveyor belt (301) which completely covers the bottom area of ​​the frame (1) and extends out of it on one side by a dimension (M), so that the analysis area (5) is formed.

[0023] This special advanced training allows for the continuous or discontinuous removal of waste (G) from the hive. In continuous mode, the infestation level can be determined over time, while discontinuous mode allows for quantitative recording at predefined intervals. The user can independently adjust recording periods and frequencies remotely via the online control system.

[0024] By further developing a conveyor belt (301), the transport mechanism (3) can also be cleaned directly when the analysis area (5) has been released.

[0025] One embodiment provides that the detection unit (7) comprises an optical scanner designed to detect the waste (G). This achieves a very low data rate, since the detection range is optimized within the device itself (removal of redundant data) and only the data actually required is sent for evaluation.

[0026] In another embodiment, the data processing can also be carried out on-site, and only the results are then transferred to the control server, which can represent a cost advantage, especially for larger beekeeping operations.

[0027] As an alternative to optical detection, the waste (G) can also be detected in other ways, for example chemically, electrostatically or by ultrasound.

[0028] The electronic evaluation unit (9) preferably has a control module for the transport mechanism (3), a storage module for the acquired data, and a communication interface to external devices. This makes it possible to send data to the central server, for example, via a smartphone app in the home Wi-Fi network. Furthermore, only one central data connection needs to be provided on-site for all acquisition units.

[0029] It has proven advantageous for the efficiency of the device according to the invention if the electronic evaluation unit (9) is based on artificial intelligence (AI). This achieves consistent evaluation results regardless of the user's visual acuity.

[0030] Since the device according to the invention makes it possible to detect the degree of Varroa mite infestation of a bee colony, another embodiment further comprises a sensor-controlled treatment unit (11) for treating the bee colony housed in the honeycomb box (W). The treatment cycle is started manually by the user and then runs fully automatically; the medicinally effective acid content inside the hive is automatically controlled, and the application of the bee medication is regulated according to the desired concentration. The success of the treatment is monitored based on the mites found in the waste (G) over time, and the treatment is automatically terminated when no new mites are detected after a certain time interval.

[0031] The treatment unit (11) according to the invention comprises a housing with at least one outlet opening (1103), an evaporator chamber arranged in the housing with a heated and tiled evaporator surface, a feed unit for a liquid treatment agent onto the heated and tiled evaporator surface, which is in fluid-dynamic connection with a tank (1101), a blower unit for guiding air over the heated and tiled evaporator surface towards the outlet opening (1103), at least one sensor arranged in the brood chamber within the honeycomb box (W), which is connected to the electronics of the treatment unit (11).

[0032] The feed unit can advantageously be a micro-dosing pump for conveying the liquid treatment agent from the tank (1101).

[0033] The above-mentioned object is achieved in a second aspect of the present invention by a method according to claim 8.

[0034] The method according to the invention essentially has the same advantages as the device, namely that it enables automated waste analysis in beehives. The method is non-invasive, so the bee colony is not disturbed. The method can be carried out continuously or discontinuously and allows for quantitative collection of the waste (G), thus ensuring highly accurate recording.

[0035] A further development of the method according to the invention provides that the detection in step c) is carried out by means of imaging units. This enables resource-saving, long-lasting and cost-effective mass production and thus widespread use.

[0036] It has proven advantageous for the efficiency of the method according to the invention if the evaluation in step d) is carried out using artificial intelligence (AI), and a qualitative and quantitative result of a possible infestation of the bee colony housed in the honeycomb (W) is output to the recipient. This not only provides information about the infestation itself, but also about the degree of infestation and, as a result, possible treatment options.

[0037] Due to the above method features, it is advantageously possible for the method to further comprise the steps e) treating the bee colony housed in the honeycomb box (W) according to the determined infestation, wherein the treatment is started manually and then carried out automatically by a sensor-controlled treatment unit (11), f) analyzing the degree of infestation at predeterminable time intervals and correlating it with the treatment duration, wherein the treatment is adapted on the basis of the result of the correlation.

[0038] The method according to the invention not only enables the detection of an infestation and a degree of infestation, but can also simultaneously comprise the treatment of the infestation in step e).

[0039] If the affected bee colony is treated with the method according to the invention, it has proven advantageous if the degree of infestation is analyzed at predetermined time intervals in order to determine the success of the treatment and, based on this, to adapt the treatment according to step e).

[0040] Further objects, features, advantages, and possible applications will become apparent from the following description of non-limiting embodiments of the invention, also with reference to the figures. All described and / or illustrated features, individually or in any combination, constitute the subject matter of the invention, regardless of their summary in the claims or their reference back to them. They show: Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a device according to the invention according to a first embodiment with attached honeycomb box W, Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a device according to the invention according to a first embodiment, Fig. 3 is a schematic detailed representation A from Fig. 2 , Fig. 4 a schematic representation of the device according to the invention from Fig. 2 with removed elements, Fig. 5 a schematic plan view of the device according to the invention Fig. 2, Fig. 6 a schematic detail view B from Fig. 5 and Fig. 7 a schematic cross-sectional view CC of Fig. 5 .

[0041] In the figures, all identical components are designated by the same reference symbols; however, for reasons of clarity, not all reference symbols are necessarily included in all illustrations.

[0042] Figure 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention for automated waste analysis in beehives, which is placed under a conventional honeycomb box W. The illustration shows how the frame 1 with the transport mechanism 3 protrudes from under the honeycomb box W, thus easily enabling automated waste analysis in the analysis area 5. The transport mechanism 3 is only indicated schematically; details are shown in the subsequent figures.

[0043] In Figure 2The honeycomb box W has been removed, revealing the complete frame 1, in which a conveyor belt 301 is arranged as part of the transport mechanism 3. This also includes the stepper motors 303 for moving the conveyor belt 301. The detection unit 7 is also only indicated schematically here, by showing a camera carriage 701 that can be moved across the entire width of the analysis area 5. The frame 1 contains load cells 101 in its sides, onto which the honeycomb box W is placed. These load cells 101 serve, among other things, to detect weight changes.

[0044] Figure 3 represents the detailed view A as shown in Figure 2 defined by the circle. For better orientation, the conveyor belt 301 is shown. The camera carriage 701 can be moved along the guide rail over its edge. Also shown in detail is one of the bearing units 307 for the conveyor belt 301.

[0045] In Figure 4 is opposite the Figure 2 The conveyor belt 301 is removed to allow a view into the interior of the frame 1. The deflection roller 305, mounted in the bearing units 307, is arranged in the front area. The conveyor belt tensioner 309 is provided on the opposite side of the frame 1. The evaluation unit (electronics) 9 can also be seen inside the frame 1. This illustration also shows the sensor-controlled treatment unit 11, which is connected to the tank 1101, which holds a liquid treatment agent. The liquid treatment agent is preferably an organic acid such as formic acid.

[0046] Figure 5 shows a plan view of the device according to the invention Figure 2 , which once again shows the arrangement of the sensor-controlled treatment unit 11 in relation to the other elements. In Figure 5another detailed view B and a marker for a cross-sectional view CC are shown.

[0047] Figure 6 represents the detailed view b, as shown in Figure 5 defined by the circle, schematically. This illustration clearly shows the arrangement of the sensor-controlled treatment unit 11 and the tank 1101 relative to one another.

[0048] In Figure 7 the cut is made along the mark CC as shown in Figure 5 marked. Here, it can be seen that the sensor-controlled treatment unit 11 is arranged below the conveyor belt 301, while the tank 1101 is provided at the edge above the analysis area 5 for better accessibility. In addition, the outlet opening 1103, through which the liquid treatment agent is discharged, is open.

[0049] A specific embodiment of the invention is described below, but is not to be construed as limiting.

[0050] According to the present invention, the analysis of the infestation level is generally carried out by counting dead "fallen" Varroa mites in the so-called Varroa drawer or "diaper" of the hive, which is located below the brood chamber (the honeycomb (W)) of the bee colony. This counting is well known and is still largely performed manually, possibly with the assistance of a camera.

[0051] Bees regularly groom themselves and the hive, removing parasites from their bodies or from the brood combs. These parasites fall to the bottom as waste G along with pollen residue, wax residue, or even dead bees and collect in the Varroa infestation drawer.

[0052] In the present invention, the classic Varroa drawer is replaced by the device consisting of frame 1, transport mechanism 3 and analysis area 5, to which are added the detection unit 7 and the electronic evaluation unit 9.

[0053] The mechanism of the device according to the invention was developed and tested as a prototype. It consists of a remotely controlled conveyor belt 301, which ensures low-vibration transport of the waste G to the analysis area 5 and hourly to daily monitoring. Furthermore, outside of the Varroa control period, the conveyor belt 301 also functions as a controllable ventilation grille / heating board to improve the climate in the hive. The collected waste G is collected in a waste bin and is available for further analysis or disposal. The connection to the Internet of Things is established via an access point that connects all devices according to the invention present at a location to the evaluation server (electronic evaluation unit 9).

[0054] The present invention is particularly designed as a modular system in order to be both expandable (new functions and sensors) and cost-effective.

[0055] The treatment unit 11, which is only shown schematically in the figures, monitors the concentrations of the reagents used, especially the acid concentration (e.g., formic acid), thus providing protection against treatment-related damage to the bee colony. The concentrations, especially the acid concentration, and the associated treatment success are transmitted live to the server and can be viewed and controlled by the user.

[0056] In the treatment unit 11, which is connected to the tank 1011 for the liquid treatment agent (e.g., formic acid), a heated and tile-covered evaporator surface is provided, onto which the liquid treatment agent is applied by means of a feed unit. In a specific embodiment, this liquid treatment agent is conveyed from the tank 1011 by means of a micro-dosing pump. A blower unit then blows air over the humidified evaporator surface, whereby the evaporated liquid treatment agent is blown out of the outlet opening 1103 into the brood chamber located within the honeycomb box W. A sensor connected to the electronics of the treatment unit 11 is installed in the brood chamber itself, which controls the application of the liquid treatment agent.

[0057] The evaluation software and the evaluation server (preferably in a cloud) are initially trained on the Varroa mite. The electronic unit in the hive is available as a prototype and is currently undergoing testing.

[0058] The infestation calculation is done on servers where users can log in and register their hives. In a user area, the individual registered systems can be configured (e.g., frequency of recordings, etc.). In the user area, infestation statistics can also be accessed.

[0059] With special software (e.g., a mobile app), infestation warnings and the like can also be issued. The technology of the detection unit 7 is designed to modularly expand the device according to the invention and to incorporate additional functionalities such as a warning against "robbery" (attacking another bee colony with the high risk of reinfection with Varroa mites and other pathogens). Furthermore, a module for temperature monitoring, for weight monitoring of the entire system, and an entry / exit monitoring unit are planned.

[0060] It is also possible to diagnose other bee diseases besides varroasis from the litter analysis. For this purpose, appropriate modifications to the analysis software can be made.

[0061] Specific application examples are listed below, but these do not limit the scope of protection of the patent claims. Application example 1

[0062] In this application example, the device according to the invention, including the detection unit 7, is mounted or installed as a complete unit beneath the hive. The detection of the waste G is thus carried out beneath the hive using a fixed or movable camera as the detection unit 7.

[0063] In order to prevent waste G from remaining on the camera or other parts of the detection unit 7 and not being detected, which would falsify the measurement, all parts of the detection unit 7 are provided with deflecting elements, for example pointed cones or steep roofs, from which any waste G slides off and falls onto the transport mechanism 3 where it can be detected. Application example 2

[0064] In the second application example, a particularly flat design of the device according to the invention is used, in which only the frame 1 with transport mechanism 3 is placed beneath the bee colony. The waste G is transported to the outside by means of a conveyor belt 301 and stored or analyzed there. Application example 3

[0065] This third application example follows on from the second application example, where the collected and / or stored waste G is counted in a separate unit. The link to the respective beekeeping unit is established via a barcode or transponder. Application example 4

[0066] In this Application example In the sensor-controlled treatment unit 11, the acid concentration is determined either according to the applied volume in relation to the hive volume or according to sensors with regard to the measured concentration. Reference symbol

[0067] 1Frame 101Load cells 3Transport mechanism 301Conveyor belt 303Stepper motors 305Deflection pulley 307Bearing units 309Conveyor belt tensioner 5Analysis area 7Detection unit 701Camera carriage 703Guide rail 9Evaluation unit (electronics) 11Sensor-controlled treatment unit 1101Tank 1103Discharge opening GWaste KIArtificial intelligence MMassment WWab box

Claims

1. Device for automated debris analysis in beehives, comprising - a frame (1) for supporting a honeycomb box (W), wherein the frame (1) is designed to collect debris (G) falling out of a beehive system, - a transport mechanism (3) arranged in the frame (1), which is designed to pick up the collected debris (G) from the beehive and transport it to an analysis area, - an analysis area (5) arranged outside the frame (1) for the transport mechanism (3), - a detection unit (7) provided above the analysis area (5), and - an electronic evaluation unit (9) for recording, processing and evaluating the data recorded by the detection unit (7).

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the transport mechanism (3) has a conveyor belt (301) that completely covers the bottom area of the frame (1) and extends beyond it on one side by a distance (M) such that the analysis area (5) is formed.

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the detection unit (7) comprises an optical scanner designed to detect the waste (G).

4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the electronic evaluation unit (9) comprises a control module for the transport mechanism (3), a memory module for the recorded data and a communication interface to external terminal devices.

5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the electronic evaluation unit (9) is based on artificial intelligence (AI).

6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a sensor-controlled treatment unit (11) for treating the bee colony housed in the honeycomb box (W).

7. Device according to claim 6, wherein the treatment unit (11) comprises - a housing with at least one outlet opening (1103), - an evaporator chamber arranged in the housing with a heated and fleece-covered evaporator surface, - a feed unit for a liquid treatment agent onto the heated and fleece-covered evaporator surface, which is in fluid dynamic connection with a tank (1101), - a blower unit for directing air over the heated and flow-covered evaporator surface to the outlet opening (1103), - at least one sensor arranged in the brood chamber inside the honeycomb box (W), which is connected to the electronics of the treatment unit (11).

8. Method for automated debris analysis in beehives using the device according to one of claims 1 to 7, comprising the steps of a) collecting the debris (G) within a frame (1) on a transport mechanism (3) for a predeterminable period of time, b) transporting the debris (G) collected in step a) to an analysis area (5), c) detecting the debris (G) in the analysis area (5) by means of a detection unit (7) and transferring the detected data to an electronic evaluation unit (9), d) evaluating the detected data in the electronic evaluation unit (9) and outputting results to a receiver.

9. Method according to claim 8, wherein the detection in step c) is performed by means of imaging units.

10. Method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the evaluation in step d) is performed by means of artificial intelligence (AI) and a qualitative and quantitative result of a possible infestation of the bee colony residing in the honeycomb box (W) is output to the receiver.

11. Method according to one of claims 8 to 10, further comprising the steps of e) treating the bee colony housed in the honeycomb box (W) according to the determined infestation, wherein the treatment is started manually and then carried out automatically by a sensor-controlled treatment unit (11), f) analysing the degree of infestation at predeterminable time intervals and correlating it with the duration of treatment, whereby the treatment is adjusted on the basis of the result of the correlation.