Device, system and method for trapping insect pests

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for trapping insect pests, comprising: - a device for diffusing, into the surrounding ambient air, a lure having a composition suitable for attracting the insects, - an enclosure in which the following are installed: - an insect trap, - a fan driven by a control unit, the fan being suitable for generating a flow of air that suctions the insects from an opening in the enclosure to the trap. The device also comprises a detector for detecting insects to be captured, comprising a detection zone situated around the opening, the detector being connected to the control unit, the control unit being configured to modify the control of the fan when the detector detects one or more insect pests to be captured, such that the suction force of the suction air flow carries the detected insect or insects at a speed that enables them to be captured in the trap.

Description

Description Title: Apparatus, installation and method for trapping harmful insects Technical field [1] The invention relates to an apparatus, an installation and a method for trapping harmful insects. [2] It concerns the technical field of systems for attracting and capturing harmful insects, including, but not limited to, flying insects such as mosquitoes, in particular nematocera (blood-sucking) Diptera and hematophagous (biting) Diptera. State of the art [3] In areas particularly exposed to the presence of mosquitoes, communities, tourist offices and individuals spend considerable sums to carry out preventive treatments to destroy mosquito larvae. [4] Various mosquito control techniques currently exist: - Larvicide technique: it involves the use of chemical or biological products that act on mosquitoes at the immature stage to slow their development. This technique is effective in slowing the development of mosquitoes, because their larvae generally occupy a minimal geographical space and are easily located. However, it is very expensive. In addition, the frequent use of larvicides can lead to a phenomenon of habituation and resistance to the product used. - Insecticide technology: This aims to eliminate adult mosquitoes with synthetic or natural chemical substances (e.g., pyretroids). However, this technique is very expensive and requires heavy logistics (aerial or ground spraying). In addition, insecticidal substances can also have harmful effects on the health of humans and animals. Furthermore, their repeated use poses a risk of resistance. - The repellent technique: it aims to divert mosquitoes from their potential target, by disrupting their ability to locate them with substances synthetic or natural chemicals (e.g. DEET (N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide). However, this technique does not generally kill mosquitoes, but repels them from their prey. In addition, few long-term toxicity studies have been conducted on the repellents currently available on the market. [5] Environmental studies show that all chemicals degrade poorly and tend to spread throughout the ecosystem. In addition to being harmful to wildlife in treated areas by impacting the base of the food chain, mosquito control only treats wild areas without treating urbanized areas where nuisances are essential and where the risks of proliferation of viral infection linked to mosquitoes are greatest. The chemicals used reach and destroy the natural predators of mosquitoes, which has the effect of significantly reducing the overall effectiveness of mosquito control campaigns. [6] The protection of residential areas located in regions infected by mosquitoes therefore requires the search for ecologically less aggressive means. [7] Patent documents WO2016 / 020627 (TECHNO BAM), US 2009 / 0162253 (PORCHIA), US 2007 / 0006520 (DURAND), US 2004 / 0154213 (MOSHER) or US 5813166 (WIGTON), EP 1 .049.373 (AMERICAN BIOPHYSICS CORP), WO2016 / 168347 (UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA RESEARCH FOUNDATION), US2019 / 281805 A1 (BREAKTHROUGH TECHNOLOGIES LLC), FR3080740 (OCTOPUS ROBOTS) disclose devices capable of providing an appropriate alternative response, corresponding to a real need. These trapping devices generally comprise: - a means for diffusing into the surrounding ambient air, a lure whose composition is suitable for attracting insects; - an enclosure provided with an opening and in which are arranged an insect trap and a fan controlled by a control unit, which fan is suitable for generating an air flow sucking the insects from the opening towards the trap. [8] However, these prior art devices must be switched on permanently and therefore consume a lot of energy. They are also generally heavy, bulky and difficult to transport. [9] The invention aims to remedy all or part of the aforementioned drawbacks. Presentation of the invention

[0010] The solution proposed by the invention is a device for trapping harmful insects comprising: - a device for diffusing, into the surrounding ambient air, a lure whose composition is adapted to attract insects, - an enclosure in which are installed: -- an insect trap, -- a fan driven by a control unit, which fan is adapted to generate an airflow sucking insects from an opening of said enclosure towards said trap.

[0011] The apparatus further comprises an insect detector to be captured comprising a detection zone located around the opening, which detector is connected to the control unit, said control unit being configured to modify the control of the fan when said detector detects one or more harmful insects to be captured, so that the suction force of the suction air flow transports the detected insect(s) at a speed allowing their capture in the trap.

[0012] The fan is thus controlled according to an operation allowing the capture of insects, only when they are detected. This allows in the absence of insects not to activate the fan, or to operate it at a minimum. This specific control makes it possible to reduce the energy consumption of the device in comparison with the techniques of the aforementioned prior art.

[0013] The strategic arrangement of the detection zone around the enclosure opening has a significant impact on the operation, efficiency and durability of the insect trapping device.

[0014] In fact, the fan activation is triggered only when harmful insects are detected, thus helping to minimize the energy consumption of the device.

[0015] Additionally, when the detection zone is positioned around the opening, the fan can be activated precisely when insects enter the immediate capture area. However, with a remote detection zone, the fan may require extended operation to ensure that the remotely detected insect actually reaches the opening, thus increasing energy consumption.

[0016] On the other hand, a detection zone located around the opening is less likely to mistakenly detect insects that are not heading towards the unit, reducing unnecessary fan activations. This is particularly relevant in environments where insects are abundant but not necessarily heading towards the unit. By detecting insects right at the enclosure opening, the unit can react immediately and effectively, capturing the insects without requiring prolonged, intermittent, or repeated fan operation, resulting in improved energy efficiency.

[0017] Additionally, with concentrated detection around the opening, the device can optimize the suction force needed to capture detected insects. In contrast, a remote detection zone may require more powerful airflow to ensure insects reach the enclosure, which consumes more energy.

[0018] In addition to optimizing the overall energy efficiency of the insect trapping apparatus, the strategic arrangement of the detection zone around the opening, in accordance with the present invention, makes a significant contribution to the sustainability of the apparatus by extending the life of the components and minimizing the environmental impact.

[0019] Other advantageous features of the invention are listed below. Each of these features can be considered alone or in combination with the remarkable features defined above. Each of these features contributes, where appropriate, to the resolution of specific technical problems defined further in the description and in which the other features defined above do not necessarily contribute. The following characteristics may thus be the subject, where appropriate, of one or more divisional patent applications:

[0020] According to one embodiment, the detector is an optical detector, consisting of one or more cameras whose images are processed by a processing unit integrated into said device.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the processing unit executes a computer application for recognizing species of harmful insects to be captured, based on an artificial intelligence model or based on pixel analysis.

[0022] According to one embodiment, a light-colored area is provided around the opening, said opening and / or an area located around said light-colored area being of a darker color.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the light-colored area is illuminated using infrared light emitters.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the detector consists of a plurality of pairs of light emitters and light receivers, each pair forming a light barrier, which pairs are arranged around the opening such that said opening is surrounded by a series of light barriers.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the control unit is configured to operate the fan at 100% (+ / - 10%) of its rated power or its maximum power when the detector detects one or more harmful insects to be captured.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the control unit is configured to inactivate the fan when the detector does not detect a harmful insect to be captured.

[0027] According to one embodiment, wherein the control unit is configured to operate the fan between 5% and 20% of its nominal power or its maximum power when the detector does not detect a harmful insect to be captured.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the fan is reversible so that the control unit is configured to control said fan according to at least two modes: a “suction” mode in which said fan generates the air flow suction according to a suction force adapted to transport the detected insect(s) at a speed allowing their capture in the trap, and a “blowing” mode in which said fan generates a flow of air blown in a direction opposite to the suction air flow. The control unit is then configured to control the fan according to the “suction” mode when the detector detects one or more harmful insects to be captured, and to control said fan according to the “blowing” mode when said detector does not detect an insect to be captured.

[0029] According to one embodiment, in “blowing” mode, the fan generates a flow of air entering the diffusion device to emerge charged as a decoy, which flow of charged air circulates in the detection zone of the detector.

[0030] According to one embodiment, an electrified grid is installed in the enclosure between the opening and the trap, in the passage of the suction air flow, which grid is adapted to kill by electrocution the insects which pass through it, carried by said flow.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the grid is connected to the control unit, said unit being configured to analyze variations in electrical resistance of said grid when an insect is electrocuted and to deduce therefrom the number of insects captured.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the apparatus comprises means of locomotion, which apparatus is autonomous and capable of moving alone.

[0033] Another aspect of the invention relates to an installation comprising an apparatus or a fleet of autonomous apparatuses of the aforementioned type and a remote management computer server, and in which each said apparatus integrates on-board computer equipment configured to exchange information and / or data with said server.

[0034] Yet another aspect of the invention relates to a method for trapping harmful insects by means of the aforementioned installation, said method comprising the following steps: - distribute the fleet's device(s) within a geographical area, said device(s) being deployed in different sub-areas of said geographical area, - transmit to the server, from the equipment, the positions of each device and for each position, the number of insects captured by each said device over a predetermined time interval, - determine the sub-zone(s) in which the concentrations of harmful insects are the highest, - geographically distribute the device(s) according to the concentrations of harmful insects thus determined.

[0035] According to one embodiment, before determining the sub-zone(s) in which the concentrations of harmful insects are the highest, said method comprises a step of autonomously moving the device(s) in their respective sub-zone, along a predefined route, for a predetermined number of hours or days.

[0036] According to one embodiment, after having determined at least one sub-zone in which the concentration of harmful insects is the greatest, said method comprises the steps of: - generate, from the server, requests for movement to the said determined sub-zone, - transmitting said requests to the equipment of the devices located in the other sub-zones, each request containing in particular the coordinates of said determined sub-zone and a predefined route to reach said determined sub-zone or a specific position of said determined sub-zone, the reception of said request by equipment causing the automatic movement of the corresponding device towards said determined sub-zone or said specific position. Brief description of the figures

[0037] Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the description of the embodiments which follow, with reference to the appended drawings, produced as indicative and non-limiting examples and in which: [Fig. 1 A] shows a diagram of a first embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention, the diffusion device diffusing the lure. [Fig. 1 B] schematizes the apparatus of Figure 1A, an air flow sucking in an insect towards the trap. [Fig. 2A] shows a diagram of an apparatus according to the invention according to a variant of the first embodiment, the diffusion device diffusing the lure. [Fig. 2B] schematizes the apparatus of Figure 2A, an air flow sucking an insect towards the trap. [Fig. 3A] shows a diagram of a second embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention, the diffusion device diffusing the lure. [Fig. 3B] schematizes the apparatus of Figure 3A, an air flow sucking an insect towards the trap. [Fig. 4] and a perspective view of a prototype of the decoy diffusion device installed above the opening of the device enclosure. [Fig. 5] shows a diagram of an installation in accordance with the invention. Description of the embodiments

[0038] The invention may implement one or more computer programs executed by the capture device and / or the server. For the sake of clarity, it is to be understood within the meaning of the invention that "the device or the server does something" or that "the computer program does something" means "the computer program executed by a control unit of the device or the server does something".

[0039] Where appropriate and to possibly supplement their current definition, the following clarifications are made to certain terms used in the claims and the description: - “Computer resource” can be understood in a non-limiting way as: component, hardware, software, file, connection to a computer network, quantity of RAM memory, hard disk space, bandwidth, processor speed, number of CPUs, etc. - “Control unit” can be understood in a non-limiting way as: processor, microprocessors, CPU (for Central Processing Unit), in particular installed on an electronic card. - “Computer program” can be understood as: software, computer application, or software, the code instructions of which are notably executed by a control unit. - As used herein, unless otherwise indicated, the possible use of the ordinal adjectives "first", "second", etc., to describe an object merely indicates that different occurrences of similar objects are being referred to and does not imply that the objects so described must be in any given sequence, whether in time, space, ranking, or otherwise. - “X and / or Y” means: X alone or Y alone or X+Y. - Generally speaking, it will be appreciated that on the various attached drawings, the objects are arbitrarily drawn to facilitate their reading.

[0040] The apparatus of the invention is intended to trap flying or crawling harmful insects, and more particularly nematocerous Diptera (blood-sucking) such as mosquitoes and hematophagous Diptera (biting their prey) such as Blackflies. The principle consists of simulating the presence and / or breathing of a mammal in its location. More generally, the invention aims to trap harmful insects. Attracted by a lure, the targeted insects are then sucked in and captured. Thus trapped, the insects can be either killed or recovered alive, for example for later scientific study. First embodiment

[0041] Figures 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B illustrate a first embodiment of the apparatus A which is the subject of the invention. This apparatus A comprises an enclosure 1 associated with a device 2 adapted to diffuse into the surrounding ambient air, a lure whose composition is adapted to attract insects I.

[0042] The enclosure 1 is, for example, in the form of a vertically arranged tube. For example, the enclosure 1 has a cylindrical shape with a diameter of between 5 cm and 10 cm and a height of between 10 cm and 50 cm, so that it is relatively compact. It can be made of steel or plastic.

[0043] The interior of the enclosure 1 defines a hollow chamber 13 in which an insect trap 14 and a fan 15 are installed. Access to the chamber 13 can be gained from an opening 11, or from a hatch, for example, provided on a side wall of the enclosure 1.

[0044] The enclosure 1 has an opening 11 opening into the hollow chamber 13. The opening 11 is advantageously arranged at an upper end of the enclosure 1 and located opposite the diffusion device 2. Its diameter is for example between 2 cm and 10 cm.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the trap 14 is in the form of a flexible mesh or net bag. It is attached in a removable manner in the chamber 13, for example by means of a cord or a tightening collar. This net is advantageously reusable. According to one embodiment, the trap 14 is associated with a sensor making it possible to indicate its filling.

[0046] The fan 15 is installed in the hollow chamber 13 so as to generate an air flow FP (figure 1 B) sucking the insects I from the opening 11 towards the trap 14. The fan 15 can be powered by the mains, or advantageously by batteries or by photovoltaic cells to make the device A autonomous. The fan 15 is controlled by a control unit 10 installed in the enclosure 1. Orifices 150 opening out of the chamber 13 can be arranged in the side wall of the enclosure 1, preferably in the lower part of said enclosure, under the fan 15, so as to allow optimal circulation of the air flow FP in said enclosure. The fan 15 is advantageously adapted to suck the air flow FP at a flow rate of between 50 m 3 / H and 400 m 3 / H, preferably around 300 m 3 / H.

[0047] Optionally, an electrified grid 16 is installed between the opening 11 and the trap 14, in the passage of the air flow FP. This grid 16 is adapted to kill by electrocution the insects I which pass through it, carried by the flow FP. In addition to this function, the grid 16 forms a means of counting the captured insects I which is particularly simple, reliable and inexpensive. Indeed, when an insect I is electrocuted by the grid 16, the electrical resistance of the latter is modified. According to one embodiment, the grid 16 is connected to the control unit 10 so that the latter can detect these resistance variations and deduce therefrom the number of trapped insects I.

[0048] Alternatively or additionally, the counting of insects I can be carried out at the opening 11, according to the technology described in patent EP3761785B1. An optical insect counter is arranged at the opening 11. the opening 11, which counter comprises a series of parallel deflectors installed across said opening, a light barrier composed of a light emitter and a light receiver being installed in each interval between said deflectors. Each pair of emitter-receiver forms a detection sensor, so that the opening 11 is associated with a plurality of detection sensors. Whatever the size or diameter of the opening 11, it is therefore certain that each insect I will be channeled towards a detection sensor and will be counted. It is thus possible to provide an opening 11 of relatively large size or diameter allowing a maximum number of insects to be captured, while having a very precise count.

[0049] In the attached figures, the diffusion device 2 is installed above the enclosure 1, opposite the opening 11. Referring to Figure 4, one or more spacers 27 make it possible to fix the diffusion device 2 to the enclosure 1, while keeping said device at a distance from the opening 11.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the diffusion device 2 is in the form of a box (or housing) 20 fixed on a plate 21 forming a hat. For example, the box 20 has a cylindrical shape with a diameter of between 5 cm and 10 cm and a height of between 2 cm and 10 cm, so that said box is relatively compact. It can be made of steel or plastic. The box 20 is advantageously provided with a cover 22 (visible in particular in FIG. 4) or a hatch so that a user can easily have access to the interior of said box. The assembly constituted by the box 20 and the plate 21 can have another shape, for example a dome, half-sphere, pyramid shape, etc.

[0051] Access to the interior of the box 20 can also be achieved by separating the tray 21 from said box. The latter then has a lower end closed by the tray 21. By separating the tray 21, this lower end is left free to provide access to the interior of the box 20.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the tray 21 is in the form of a flat plate made of steel or plastic. The tray 21 is spaced from the opening 11 by a distance, for example, of between 2 cm and 15 cm. The width dimensions of the tray 21 are advantageously greater than the diameter (or width) of the opening 11, so that the latter is protected, in particular against rain.

[0053] The interior of the box 20 defines a hollow chamber 23 in which the elements are installed for dispensing the lure whose composition is adapted to attract the insects I. The lure preferably consists of one or more volatile olfactory compounds, which can be mixed with CO2 as explained further in the description. The olfactory lure used advantageously reproduces the odor of human skin. For example, octenol (CsHieO), in particular 1-octen-3-ol (CAS # 3391-86-4), and / or lactic acid are used, these compounds giving good results. These compounds also avoid attracting non-harmful insects such as bees.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the lure is contained or impregnated in a removable cartridge 24 forming a lure support. This support 24 is preferably chosen from (i) a candle; (ii) a porous support such as wooden balls, exploiting the capillary effect; (iii) a support in the form of gel; and (iv) a plate of more or less spongy absorbent material. Good results are obtained when the support 24 is porous and when the lure is used in the liquid state.

[0055] In Figures 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B, a fan 25 is installed in the hollow chamber 23 so as to generate an air flow FL (Figures 1A and 2A) charged with decoy. The fan 25 can be powered by batteries (e.g. electric batteries), by photovoltaic cells or by the mains. An advantage linked to the use of batteries or photovoltaic cells is to make the device A autonomous. According to a preferred embodiment, the fan 25 is controlled by the control unit 10.

[0056] Orifices 250, 251 opening out of the chamber 13 are advantageously arranged in one or more walls of the box 20 (for example the side wall and / or the cover 22) and in the tray 21. The orifices 250 of the box 20 are preferably arranged in the upper part of the chamber 13, above the support 24 and the fan 25. The orifices 251 of the tray 21 are preferably arranged opposite the opening 11. In this configuration, the air flow FL is sucked through the orifices 250 into the chamber 23 in which it is loaded as a decoy. The charged air flow FL is exhaled (or blown) into the space separating the diffusion device 2 from the enclosure 1 and more particularly into the space separating the plate 21 from the opening 11, which air flow is oriented towards said opening. The insects I are thus attracted as close as possible to the opening 11.

[0057] The fan 25 is advantageously adapted to exhale the air flow FL at a flow rate of between 0.1 m 3 / H and 400 m 3 / H. The unit 10 controls the fan 25 so that the force of the air flow FL in the space separating the diffusion device 2 from the enclosure 1 does not prevent the insects from reaching the opening 11.

[0058] As the air flow FL generated by the fan 25 passes through, the lure evaporates. However, it diffuses continuously into the chamber 23, even in the absence of the air flow generated by the fan 25. This is essentially due to the fact that the hollow chamber 23 is heated by the incident rays of the sun, the temperature prevailing inside the box 20 causing continuous evaporation of the lure inside said chamber.

[0059] According to an advantageous embodiment making it possible to optimize the attraction of insects I, the unit 10 controls the fan 25 so that the air flow FL is generated according to a sinusoidal rhythm simulating a breathing rhythm of a human being. The frequency (number of cycles or periods per unit of time) of the sinusoidal rhythm can vary during a day in order to simulate an increase in the breathing rhythm linked to a sporting activity, or a decrease to simulate a period of rest. This frequency is preferably between 10 cycles per minute and 70 cycles per minute.

[0060] To further improve the attraction of insects I over a longer range, the air flow FL can be mixed with CO2. CO2 in fact induces in the insects a nervous stimulation similar to that produced by the respiration of a warm-blooded mammal. Also, the enclosure 1 can contain a source 17 of CO2. The latter is for example in the form of a pressurized refillable cylinder, for example of the SODASTREAM® refill type whose capacity is for example between 200 g and 500 g of CO2. A conduit 170 makes it possible to inject the CO2 contained in the refill 17 into the space separating the diffusion device 2 from the enclosure 1 and more particularly in the space separating the plate 21 from the opening 11. The CO2 in fact mixes with the flow of air loaded with FL decoy. A flow meter makes it possible to adjust the CO2 flow rate. Very good results are obtained when this flow rate is between 0.05 L / min and 0.5 L / min. According to one embodiment, the CO2 is diffused continuously.

[0061] Insects are more attracted to CO2 when its temperature is higher than the temperature of the surrounding ambient air. It may therefore be advantageous to preheat the CO2 before its diffusion. This heating may be induced naturally by the incident rays of the sun which heat the hollow chamber 13. To amplify this natural phenomenon, the hollow chamber 13 may be formed by, or contain, a refractory material (steel plates, lava stone, etc.) suitable for storing heat and restoring it to the CO2. Alternatively or additionally, the conduit 170 may be provided with a heating means, for example of the electrical resistance type.

[0062] There is a risk that the air flow FL loaded with decoy is sucked in by the air flow FP, with the consequence that the decoy is not diffused around the enclosure 1, which would make the device A less efficient. Another problem is that the energy consumption of the fan 15 can be relatively high. This results in a reduction in the autonomy of the device A when it operates on battery or photovoltaic cells.

[0063] To remedy this, the control unit 10 is configured to control the operation of the fan 15 depending on the presence or absence of an insect I at the opening 11.

[0064] To do this, the device A comprises an insect detector 3 whose detection zone is located around the opening 11, preferably upstream of said opening (upstream being defined relative to the direction of the flow FP). In the attached figures, the detector 3 is installed in the space separating the plate 21 from the opening 11, in particular on said plate, opposite said opening.

[0065] The detector 3 is advantageously an optical detector, preferably consisting of one or more cameras whose images are processed by a processing unit integrated into said device (the assembly forming the detector). This processing unit may be the aforementioned control unit 10 or another dedicated unit, for example integrated into the camera 3 or into the broadcasting device 2 or into the enclosure 1.

[0066] For good image acquisition, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) camera is advantageously used. The viewing angle of the camera 3 is between 10° and 180°, preferably between 120° and 180°.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the image processing unit executes a computer application for recognizing harmful insect species to be captured, based on an artificial intelligence model. This model is advantageously based on a supervised learning algorithm. In particular, the k-nearest neighbor method can be used (for example by implementing a dedicated algorithm accessible from the Python® library), or an artificial neural network, for example the ADALINE (Adaptive Linear Element) network using the least squares method and / or a statistical method. This detection technique has the advantage of being particularly reliable and precise insofar as it makes it possible in particular to discriminate between insect species in order to detect only the target species (for example, only nematocera dipteran insects and hematophagous dipteran insects and not other insect species such as bees).

[0068] According to another embodiment, the image processing unit executes a computer application for recognizing harmful insect species to be captured, based on pixel analysis. For example, the images of the target insect species cover a determined number of pixels (for example one or two pixels). If the processing unit analyzes that the image of an insect covers this determined number of pixels, then said unit considers that a target insect species is detected. Otherwise (for example if the image of an insect - for example a bee - covers a greater number of pixels), the unit considers that it is not a target insect species.

[0069] The above-mentioned recognition techniques also make it easy to count the number of insects captured.

[0070] To optimize the detection of insects in the images acquired by the camera 3, it may be advantageous to improve the contrast at the opening 11. A simple solution consists of providing a light-colored zone Z around the opening 11, for example a white annular zone with a width of between 2 cm and 5 cm. The opening 11 and / or the possible zone around the zone Z, are of a darker color, for example black. The detection zone of the camera 3 (i.e. the hatched zone in FIG. 1A) corresponds to the zone Z viewed by the camera 3 and surrounds the opening 11. When an insect I enters this detection zone, its image is more contrasted so that its processing is improved. It can be seen that the air flow loaded with lure FL circulates in this detection zone, so that attracted by the lure, the insects I necessarily reach said zone.

[0071] The contrast can be further improved, especially at night or when the surrounding natural light is low, by illuminating the light-colored area Z using infrared light emitters 32 (e.g., infrared LEDs).

[0072] According to an alternative embodiment illustrated in Figures 2A and 2B, the detector 3 consists of a light barrier composed of light emitters 30 (for example infrared LEDs) and light receivers 31 (for example photodiodes). The emitters 30 are for example arranged around the periphery of the opening 11 and the receivers 31 opposite, on the plate 21. Or vice versa. The emitters 30 and the receivers 31 are arranged in pairs, each pair of emitters-receivers forming a detection sensor. The opening 11 is thus "barred" by a series of light barriers B, this belt of barriers B forming the detection zone. The pairs of transmitter-receiver are advantageously placed next to each other so that the light barriers B are adjacent. When there is no insect that crosses a light barrier, the receiver 31 is directly illuminated by the transmitter 31 and is in a conductive state. When an insect I passes between a transmitter 30 and a receiver 31 and crosses a light barrier B, the latter is no longer (or less) illuminated by said transmitter. It is in a non-conductive state (or its conductivity decreases). This variation in conductivity is interpreted by the control unit 10 as a signal of detection of an insect. Here again, it can be seen that the air flow loaded with lure FL circulates in the detection zone, so that attracted by the lure, the insects I necessarily reach said zone. This solution is less expensive than the aforementioned camera detection, but is however less reliable insofar as it does not allow discrimination between insect species. It also makes it easy to count the number of insects captured.

[0073] Whatever the detection technique used, the unit 10 modifies the control of the fan 15 when the detector 3 detects one or more harmful insects I, so that the suction force of the air flow FP transports the said insect(s) at a speed allowing their capture in the trap 14.

[0074] According to one embodiment, as long as the detector 3 does not detect an insect to be captured, the unit 10 inactivates the fan 15. The latter is not set in rotation and the air flow FP is not generated, the electrical consumption of said fan being zero. The insects to be captured fly without constraint towards the detection zone of the detector 3.

[0075] When the detector 3 detects an insect I to be captured, the unit 10 activates the fan 15 (which operates in “suction” mode) so that the suction force of the air flow FP transports the insect at a speed allowing its capture in the trap 14. The unit 10 can, for example, operate the fan 15 at 100% of its nominal power or its maximum power, for a brief moment (a few seconds). The fan 15 remains in this active state as long as insects to be captured are detected. The unit 10 deactivates the fan 15 otherwise.

[0076] To ensure that the capture is as efficient as possible and to prevent the detected insect to be captured from escaping, it is advantageous for the fan 15 to be able to reach its optimal operating power as quickly as possible. Therefore, a fan 15 with a brushless motor is preferably used, making it possible to reach the optimal suction speed very quickly (in a few milliseconds).

[0077] According to another embodiment, as long as the detector 3 does not detect an insect to be captured, the unit 10 activates the fan 15, but at a low power, for example between 5% and 20% of its nominal power or its maximum power. The fan 15 is therefore set in rotation, but at a low rotation speed so that said fan can be considered to be operating in “degraded suction” mode. The suction force of the air flow FP thus generated is sufficiently low so as not to suck in (or to a negligible extent) the air flow loaded with lure FL. In this state, the electrical consumption of the fan 15 is reduced. When the detector 3 detects an insect I to be captured, the unit 10 activates the fan 15 so that the suction force of the air flow FP transports the insect at a speed allowing its capture in the trap 14. The unit 10 can, for example, operate the fan 15 at 100% of its nominal or maximum power. Since the fan 15 is already rotating before detection, it reaches its optimal operating power more quickly than if it were previously stopped.This solution is particularly suitable for a 15 fan with a standard brushed motor, although it can also be used with a 15 fan with a brushless motor. Second embodiment

[0078] Figures 3A and 3B illustrate a second embodiment of the device A which is the subject of the invention. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the diffusion device 2 is without a fan. It is now the fan 15 which generates the air flow FL loaded with decoy. There is therefore only one fan to operate, which reduces the electrical consumption of the device A in comparison with the first mode.

[0079] The fan 15 is here reversible. The unit 10 is configured to control the fan 15 in at least two modes: - a “suction” mode (figure 3B) in which said fan generates the suction air flow FP according to a suction force adapted to transport the detected insect(s) I at a speed allowing their capture in the trap 14, and - a “blowing” mode (figure 3A) in which the direction of rotation of said fan is reversed so that it generates a flow of blown air FS in a direction opposite to the flow of suction air FP.

[0080] As for the first embodiment, the unit 10 controls the fan 15 according to the “suction” mode when the detector 3 detects one or more harmful insects I to be captured. And the unit 10 controls the fan 15 according to the mode “blowing” otherwise, that is to say in the absence of detection of insects to be captured by detector 3.

[0081] In “blowing” mode, the air flow FS is sucked through the orifices 150 into the chamber 13 and then exhaled (or blown) through the opening 11 into the space separating the diffusion device 2 from the enclosure 1 and more particularly into the space separating the plate 21 from said opening. The blown air flow FS is directed towards the plate 21. It enters the chamber 23 through orifices 252 arranged in the plate 21 opposite the opening 11. The air flow FS is then charged with decoy. The air flow FL thus charged leaves the chamber 23 through the aforementioned orifices 251, so that it is blown into the space separating the diffusion device 2 from the enclosure 1 as in the first embodiment.

[0082] In “blowing” mode, the unit 10 can control the fan 15 so that the air flow FS / FL is generated according to a sinusoidal rhythm simulating a breathing rhythm of a human being.

[0083] As soon as an insect I to be captured is detected by detector 3, the mode "suction" is engaged. The detection technique is identical to that described with reference to the first mode. The "suction" mode is also identical to that described previously with reference to the first mode.

[0084] To ensure that the capture is as efficient as possible and to prevent the insect to be captured from escaping, it is advantageous for the fan 15 to be able to reverse its direction of rotation and reach its optimum operating power as quickly as possible. A fan 15 with a brushless motor is therefore preferably used for this second embodiment. However, good results in terms of capture efficiency are achieved when the fan 15 is provided with a motor with standard brushes. Moving the device

[0085] The device A is advantageously provided with means of locomotion 4 allowing it to be made mobile. These means of locomotion 4 may consist of motorized wheels and / or tracks so that the device A can move on land and on any type of terrain. These means of locomotion 4 may also consist of floats associated with a propeller motorization so that the device A can move on water, in particular in marshes. These different means of locomotion 4 can still be combined so that the device A is amphibious, that is to say capable of moving on land and on water.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the movement of the apparatus A (i.e. the activation of the means of locomotion 4) is carried out by means of a remote control operated by an operator.

[0087] According to another embodiment, the device A is autonomous, that is to say it has the capacity to move alone. It is then similar to a drone Facility

[0088] According to an embodiment shown schematically in Figure 5, an installation in accordance with the invention comprises a fleet of devices A (or a single device A) and a computer server S. Each device A is an autonomous device as defined previously.

[0089] Each device A preferably integrates on-board computer equipment 40. This equipment may, for example, be part of the aforementioned control unit 10 or be connected to the latter. It allows the device A to exchange information and / or data such as the geographical position, speed, state of on-board sensors (battery charge rate, number of insects captured, etc.) with a remote management computer server S. The server S can be understood in a non-limiting way as: computer device (hardware or software) comprising computer resources to perform the functions of a server and which offers services, computer, plurality of computers, virtual server on the internet, virtual server on the Cloud, virtual server on a platform, virtual server on a local infrastructure, server networks, cluster, node, server farm, node farm, etc. The exchange of information is done through a data network which can be an internet network, a cellular network, a satellite network, etc. The exchange can be carried out in a secure or non-secure manner.

[0090] The equipment 40 comprises, among other computing resources, a processing unit (which may be the control unit 10), a signal transmitter / receiver, and one or more memories in which a computer application is recorded. The equipment 40 also comprises a communication. These different elements are connected at least to the control unit 10 by a communication bus.

[0091] The instructions of the computer application stored in the memory, when executed by the unit 10, make it possible to carry out the functionalities described further in the description.

[0092] The transmitter / receiver is suitable for exchanging signals with other similar A devices.

[0093] The communication interface, for example GSM, 3G, 4G or Wifi, is suitable for establishing a wireless communication link with a communication interface of the server S, via the data network.

[0094] Each device A is associated with a unique identification number (e.g. a numeric code or an alphanumeric code) recorded in a database accessible to the server S.

[0095] The geographical positions of the devices A can be obtained by satellite (GPS or Galileo system) or by a triangulation system (for example, a system using the cells of a 4G network) or by a combination of the two location systems. The equipment 40 of the devices A advantageously comprises a component making it possible to obtain geolocation information, for example a GPS component, which can be retrieved by the server S. The latter can automatically retrieve this information by querying the devices 40 in real time or at regular time intervals (for example every 5 minutes). The devices 40 can also automatically transmit this information to the server S (without responding to a query request), in real time or at regular time intervals (for example every 5 minutes). The geographical position of each device A is then recorded in a database accessible to the server S.

[0096] The fleet's A devices are initially distributed in a geographical area G. This area can consist of a city, a marshy area, a residential area, a garden, a terrace, an area defining a circle, a square, a rectangle and having as its center a specific geographical position (e.g. a marshy area or a residential area, a water point, etc.) and a radius, a diameter or a diagonal of predefined length (e.g. radius from 10 m to 1 km).

[0097] According to one embodiment, the geographical area G is defined by a set of digital data. These data may, for example, come from public and private cartographic sources and / or satellite data. They may be downloaded from a dedicated database such as OpenStreetMap®. These digital data are then recorded in a memory area of ​​the server S.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the devices A are deployed so as to mesh the zone G. In the example of Figure 5, the zone G is meshed into four sub-zones SG1-SG4 (a higher or lower number of sub-zones may be envisaged), at least one device A being installed in each said sub-zone. The surface area of ​​a sub-zone may for example be between 1 m 2 and several tens or hundreds of m 2 . If only one device A is used, it deploys (i.e. moves) so as to mesh the zone G.

[0099] According to one embodiment, the devices A move autonomously in their respective sub-zone. Each device A can, for example, move in its sub-zone along a predefined route, for a predetermined number of hours or days. This phase can be defined as an observation phase. If only one device A is used, it moves in each sub-zone.

[0100] During this observation phase, the server S retrieves the positions of each device and collects, preferably for each position, the number of insects captured over a predetermined time interval (for example per minute or per hour). According to one embodiment, this information and / or data is transmitted by each device 40 to the server S. Alternatively, the devices A are networked to communicate with each other. One of the devices is considered a master and the others as slaves. The master device collects the information and / or data from the slave devices and communicates them to a server S. This topology proves particularly useful in geographical areas with poor network coverage. since this limits the number of network points required on the installation to a single master device.

[0101] Since the server S knows the position of each device A and can collect the number of insects captured, said server can, at the end of the observation phase, determine the sub-zone(s) in which the concentrations of harmful insects are the highest (and more particularly on what day and / or at what time of day). The server S can also deduce one or more positions, in each sub-zone, where the concentration of harmful insects is the highest. In the example in Figure 5, the server S determines that the sub-zone SG1 has the highest concentration of harmful insects.

[0102] The server S then generates movement requests to at least one of the sub-zones thus determined, the sub-zone SG1 following the aforementioned example. These requests are transmitted to the equipment 40 of the devices A located in the other sub-zones SG2, SG3 and SG4. Each request contains in particular the coordinates of the sub-zone SG1, where appropriate a predefined route to reach said sub-zone or a specific position of said sub-zone from the position where the device receiving said request is located. The reception of this request by a device 40 causes the corresponding device A to automatically move to the sub-zone SG1 or the specific position of said sub-zone.

[0103] The A devices will thus be grouped together in the SG1 sub-zone to combine their capture action. More generally, the S server will geographically distribute the A devices according to the concentrations of harmful insects. As a result, zone G is generally better treated, since captures are more effective, particularly when the said zone is vast and / or includes several larval breeding sites. It should also be noted that this solution avoids having to use several fixed capture devices: a reduced number of A devices can be considered, or even a single device.

[0104] When only one device A is used, the server S can optimize its movements in the area to be treated, so that it comes into contact with the insects to be captured, emphasizing the points where the number of captures is the highest.

[0105] According to this capture method, it is ultimately the devices A that move towards the insects to be captured, rather than the other way around. It is therefore not necessary for the lure they diffuse to spread over a large radius of action. The lure can, for example, be diffused over a radius of action of only 1 m to 5 m. As a result, the fan 25 (according to the first embodiment) or the fan 15 operating in “blowing” mode (according to the second embodiment) can generate an air flow FL with a reduced flow rate (for example between 0.3 m 3 / H and 100 m 3 / H). This allows the use of more compact fans, with a low noise level, and / or consuming less electrical energy. In addition, the decoy may not be mixed with CO2 (or in very small quantities, with a flow rate similar to that of human respiration) so that the use of CO2 cylinders can be dispensed with (or smaller cylinders can be used). As a result, device A can be compact and light (weight less than 2 kg).

[0106] The arrangement of the various elements and / or means and / or steps of the invention, in the embodiments described above, should not be understood as requiring such an arrangement in all implementations. In any event, it will be understood that various modifications may be made to these elements and / or means and / or steps, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0107] Further, one or more features disclosed only in one embodiment may be combined with one or more other features disclosed only in another embodiment. Similarly, one or more features disclosed only in one embodiment may be generalized to other embodiments, even if that or those features are described only in combination with other features.

Claims

Claims

1. Apparatus for trapping harmful insects (I) comprising: - a device (2) for diffusing, into the surrounding ambient air, a lure whose composition is adapted to attract insects (I), - an enclosure (1) in which are installed: - an insect trap (14), - a fan (15) controlled by a control unit (10), which fan is adapted to generate an air flow (FP) sucking the insects (I) from an opening (11) of said enclosure towards said trap, characterized in that the apparatus (A) further comprises a detector of insects to be captured (3, 30, 31) comprising a detection zone located around the opening (11), which detector is connected to the control unit (10), said control unit being configured to modify the control of the fan (15) when said detector detects one or more harmful insects (I) to be captured, so that the suction force of the suction air flow transports the detected insect(s) at a speed allowing their capture in the trap.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detector (3) is an optical detector, consisting of one or more cameras whose images are processed by a processing unit integrated in said apparatus.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the processing unit executes a computer application for recognizing species of harmful insects to be captured, based on an artificial intelligence model or based on pixel analysis.

4. Apparatus according to one of claims 2 or 3, wherein a light-colored area (Z) is provided around the opening (11), said opening and / or an area located around said light-colored area being of a darker color.

5. Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the light-colored area (Z) is illuminated by means of infrared light emitters.

6. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detector (3) consists of a plurality of pairs of light emitters (30) and light receivers (31), each pair forming a light barrier (B), which pairs are arranged around the opening (11) so that said opening is surrounded by a series of light barriers.

7. Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control unit (10) is configured to operate the fan (15) at 100% of its nominal power or its maximum power when the detector (3) detects one or more harmful insects (I) to be captured.

8. Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the control unit (10) is configured to inactivate the fan (15) when the detector (3) does not detect a harmful insect (I) to be captured.

9. Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the control unit (10) is configured to operate the fan (15) between 5% and 20% of its nominal power or its maximum power when the detector (3) does not detect a harmful insect (I) to be captured.

10. Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: - the fan (15) is reversible so that the control unit (10) is configured to control said fan according to at least two modes: -- a “suction” mode in which said fan generates the suction air flow (FP) according to a suction force adapted to transport the detected insect(s) (I) at a speed allowing their capture in the trap (14), and - a “blowing” mode in which said fan generates a blown air flow (FS) in a direction opposite to the suction air flow (FP), - the control unit (10) is configured to control the fan (15) according to the “suction” mode when the detector (3) detects one or more harmful insects (I) to be captured, and to control said fan according to the mode “blowing” when said detector does not detect an insect to capture.

11. Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein in "blowing" mode, the fan (15) generates an air flow (FS, FL) penetrating into the diffusion device (2) to emerge charged as a decoy, which charged air flow circulates in the detection zone of the detector (3).

12. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, in which an electrified grid (16) is installed in the enclosure (1) between the opening (11) and the trap (14), in the passage of the suction air flow (FP), which grid is adapted to kill by electrocution the insects (I) which pass through it, carried by said flow.

13. Apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the grid (16) is connected to the control unit (10), said unit being configured to analyze variations in electrical resistance of said grid when an insect is electrocuted and deduce therefrom the number of insects (I) captured.

14. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, comprising locomotion means (4), which apparatus is autonomous and capable of moving alone.

15. Installation comprising a device (A) or a fleet of devices (A) according to claim 14 and a remote management computer server (S), and in which each said device integrates on-board computer equipment (40) configured to exchange information and / or data with said server.

16. A method for trapping harmful insects (I) by means of an installation according to claim 15, said method comprising the following steps: - distribute the aircraft(s) (A) of the fleet in a geographical area (G), said aircraft(s) being deployed in different sub-areas (SG1-SG4) of said geographical area, - transmit to the server (S), from the equipment (40), the positions of each device (A) and for each position, the number of insects captured by each said device over a predetermined time interval, - determine the sub-zone(s) (SG1-SG4) in which the concentrations of harmful insects are the highest, - geographically distribute the device(s) (A) according to the concentrations of harmful insects thus determined.

17. Method according to claim 16, wherein before determining the sub-zone(s) (SG1-SG4) in which the concentrations of harmful insects are the highest, said method comprises a step of autonomously moving the device(s) (A) in their respective sub-zone, along a predefined route, for a predetermined number of hours or days.

18. Method according to one of claims 16 or 17, wherein after having determined at least one sub-zone (SG1) in which the concentration of harmful insects is the greatest, said method comprises the steps of: - generate, from the server (S), movement requests to said determined sub-zone (SG1), - transmitting said requests to the equipment (40) of the devices (A) located in the other sub-zones (SG2, SG3, SG4), each request containing in particular the coordinates of said determined sub-zone and a predefined route to reach said determined sub-zone or a specific position of said determined sub-zone, the reception of said request by a piece of equipment (40) causing the automatic movement of the corresponding device (A) towards said determined sub-zone or said specific position.

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