Method and device for the acoustic repulsion of pests

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for acoustically repelling pests. To this end, information means obtain information representative of at least one burst duration (Ts), randomly select at least one frequency from a set of frequencies associated with said pests and stored in a memory communicating with said processor, said frequency being associated with said burst duration (Ts), and generate a signal representative of a repellent sound associated with said frequency and said burst duration. Figure 5

Description

Title of the invention: Method and device for sonic pest repulsion Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of pest control.

[0002] The present invention relates more particularly to a method and a device for pest repelling, which allows pests to be kept away from an area without killing them or disrupting the environment through the use of chemicals.

[0003] The present invention will thus find numerous advantageous applications in the field of securing installations and premises with high security or hygiene maintenance issues, for example food storage installations or even sanitary installations. State of the art

[0004] The Applicant observes that numerous solutions have been developed to repel harmful animal species, in particular rats. These solutions are intended to prevent pests from accessing or proliferating in a sensitive area, for example in order to protect a food stock or to prevent the spread of pathogens.

[0005] It is thus known to use chemical repellents, in the form of sprays, granules or gels. Some repellents use natural substances such as pepper, menthol or peppermint oil, while others use specific chemicals to deter pests from approaching. However, the effectiveness of chemical repellents can vary, and pests can develop a tolerance to repellent substances over time. Chemical repellents also target a specific range of pests, and the same repellent may, for example, be limited to specific species. Finally, the chemicals used can cause environmental damage.

[0006] It is also known to use traps, in particular rat traps, to capture and / or kill rats. Traps can be of various types, including leghold traps, sticky traps and cage traps. Leghold traps are designed to kill rats quickly, while sticky traps and cage traps allow them to be captured alive. Cage traps offer the advantage of allowing the rats to be released in another location, but they require careful handling to avoid injury to the operator. Traps also naturally require maintenance to maintain their effectiveness, for example to reset a leghold trap or empty a cage trap, and thus have limited autonomy without regular intervention. Obviously, the traps are also specific to a given pest species.

[0007] Installing physical barriers is another approach to repelling pests. This can include the use of wire mesh, netting, or caulking materials to prevent rats from entering a given space. Physical barriers are particularly effective when used to seal potential entry points such as holes in walls, pipes, or ducts. A fairly fine-mesh barrier can also repel a wide range of pests. However, their use is limited to sealing conduits not used by humans, and is therefore mainly restricted to pipes or ventilation ducts.

[0008] Another solution is the use of ultrasonic devices. Ultrasonic devices emit high-frequency sounds to disturb pests and deter them from approaching a given area. The use of ultrasound that is inaudible to the human ear also allows their installation without disturbing human activity. These devices also do not generate any immediate pollution and simply repel harmful species, without causing damage. These devices are often used in indoor spaces such as warehouses, attics and homes. However, the effectiveness of ultrasound in repelling pests can decrease over time, as pests can become accustomed to the sounds and ignore them. For example, it has been shown in many experiments that rats are disturbed by the use of ultrasound, causing them to avoid the source of the noise, but that they tend to become accustomed and then ignore ultrasonic devices.

[0009] The Applicant therefore submits that there is currently no satisfactory alternative solution for pest repelling, which is both simple to install and suitable for many spaces, requires no maintenance and is effective over time. Summary of the invention

[0010] The present invention aims to improve the current situation described above.

[0011] The present invention aims more particularly to remedy the above drawbacks- above by offering a sound pest repelling solution whose effectiveness lasts over time.

[0012] To this end, the subject of the present invention relates in a first aspect to a method of sonic repulsion of pests, the method being implemented by at least one processor, the method comprising the following steps: - first obtaining information representative of at least one burst duration; - randomly selecting at least one frequency from a set of frequencies associated with the pests and stored in a memory in communication with the processor, the frequency being associated with the burst duration; and - generation of a signal representative of a repulsive sound associated with the frequency and duration of the burst.

[0013] It is understood here that the signal is intended to characterize a repellent sound, that is to say a sound whose frequency is adapted to the repulsion of the pest. The signal corresponds for example to a control signal of a speaker, a loudspeaker, a transducer, or other.

[0014] It is also understood that the set of frequencies corresponds to a plurality of frequencies, or a range of frequencies, corresponding to sounds audible to pests, and preferably sounds that disrupt or repel pests.

[0015] Thus, the signal characterizes a sound allowing the repulsion of pests, this sound comprising the emission, during the burst duration, of a sound at the randomly selected frequency. The execution of the method thus results in the generation of a signal comprising a succession of bursts, each burst having a randomly selected frequency and continuing during the burst duration.

[0016] In other words, the method generates a signal whose frequency varies randomly over time, between several frequencies allowing the repulsion of pests.

[0017] The Applicant thus submits that the variation in frequencies results in the emission of a sound that is sufficiently varied to avoid habituation phenomena in the pests. The constant change in frequencies prevents the pest from becoming accustomed to the sound and makes it possible to maintain the effectiveness of the sound repulsion over time.

[0018] Thanks to the present invention, pests can be repelled using a single solution combining the known advantages of ultrasonic devices in terms of ease of installation, ergonomics, lack of maintenance, compliance with environmental constraints and non-lethal solution, while overcoming the major defect of pest habituation over time.

[0019] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises a restitution of a sound from the signal.

[0020] As stated previously, the signal makes it possible to characterize the sound to be emitted to repel pests. The method therefore includes in this embodiment a restitution of the characterized sound, via a sound device, preferably using a transducer.

[0021] In an additional embodiment, the set of frequencies corresponds to a set of ultrasonic frequencies.

[0022] It is understood here that the selection of ultrasonic frequencies makes it possible to ensure that the method results in the generation of sounds inaudible to humans, and can therefore be implemented in a wide range of situations without impacting human activities.

[0023] Preferably, the set of frequencies corresponds to a set of frequencies between 20kHz and 65kHz.

[0024] It is understood here that 20kHz corresponds to the upper limit of the audible frequency range for the human ear, although this threshold varies with age and between individuals. 65kHz corresponds to the upper limit of the audible frequency range for a rat. It is also possible to design other variants in which the set of frequencies is higher than 20kHz, and lower than another upper limit of the audible frequency range associated with another species of pest.

[0025] Preferably, the set of frequencies corresponds to a set of frequencies between 27kHz and 61.5kHz.

[0026] Such a set of frequencies makes it possible to maintain very wide variations in the usable frequencies, while providing additional safety, by avoiding frequencies that are too low and likely to be at the limit of human hearing, and frequencies that are too high and likely not to be audible to all rats.

[0027] It is also conceivable to restrict the set of frequencies to an interval that is most inconvenient for the pest. Some experiments show that a range between 40kHz and 48kHz is particularly disturbing to rats, but the use of a smaller set of frequencies can also facilitate habituation over time.

[0028] In a particular embodiment, the first obtaining corresponds to a random selection of the burst duration from a set of burst durations recorded in the memory.

[0029] Preferably, the burst duration is between 220ps and 860ps.

[0030] It is understood here that the duration of each burst is also randomized, so that the signal results in the generation of random sounds of random durations. The use of very short burst durations, here less than 1 ms, guarantees constant and repeated variations.

[0031] The Applicant submits here that the combination of random frequencies and random burst duration further reduces pest habituation over time.

[0032] In an additional embodiment, the method further comprises a second obtaining of information representative of at least one pause duration between bursts, the signal being further generated as a function of the pause duration between bursts.

[0033] Preferably, the pause duration between bursts is substantially equal to 600 ps.

[0034] It is understood here that each burst is followed by a pause, the process then generating a signal corresponding to the emission of repulsive sounds whose frequency varies randomly, the sound being cut off intermittently. The pause between salvos therefore corresponds to an interval of time without emission of sounds, as opposed to bursts.

[0035] Preferably, each burst is followed by a pause, and each burst is associated with a randomly selected frequency. Obviously, other variants can also be designed in which the same burst of a given random frequency is interspersed with a pause.

[0036] In yet another embodiment, the second obtaining corresponds to a random selection of the duration of pause between bursts from a set of durations of pause between bursts recorded in the memory.

[0037] Preferably, the pause duration between bursts is between 400ps and 1000ps.

[0038] We understand here that the pause between each burst is then also variable, in combination with the other randomization(s) performed by the process. Each burst therefore resumes, after the pause, according to a random delay. The habituation of the pests is then all the more reduced, the signal generated being all the more unpredictable.

[0039] In an additional embodiment, the method further comprises the following steps: - third obtaining information representative of at least one duration of a series of bursts; and - fourth obtaining information representative of at least one pause duration between series of bursts, the signal being further generated as a function of the burst series duration and the pause duration between burst series.

[0040] It is understood here that this design makes it possible to create successive periods of emission of a series of bursts, in which several bursts of different frequencies follow one another, and of pauses between series of bursts, corresponding to a time interval without emission of sounds.

[0041] This design can be combined with the previous embodiment, so that the bursts of the same series are interspersed with pauses between bursts, for a duration corresponding to the duration of the series of bursts, until the series of bursts is interrupted by a pause between series of bursts, for a duration corresponding to the duration of the pause between series of bursts.

[0042] In a specific embodiment, the third obtaining corresponds to a random selection of the burst series duration from a set of burst series durations stored in the memory.

[0043] Preferably, the duration of burst series is between 6ms and 10ms.

[0044] Thus, each series of salvos also extends according to a random duration, reducing the habituation of the pests.

[0045] In another embodiment that can be combined with the previous mode, the fourth obtaining corresponds to a random selection of the duration of pause between series of bursts from a set of durations of pause between series of bursts recorded in the memory.

[0046] Preferably, the pause duration between series of bursts is between 25ms and 300ms.

[0047] Thus, the pause between each series of salvos also has a random duration, reducing the habituation of the pests. In other words, each series of salvos resumes, after the pause, with an unpredictable delay.

[0048] In yet another embodiment, the method further comprises a fifth obtaining of at least one piece of information representative of a type of pest, the frequency being randomly selected from a set of frequencies associated with the type of pest.

[0049] It is understood here that each set of frequencies is determined so as to be audible, and to enable a given type of pest to be repelled. For example, three distinct types of pests are provided: - crawling insects; - small rodents, such as mice or field mice; and - large rodents, such as rats, martens or stone martens.

[0050] Thus, each type of pest is associated with a set of frequencies. For example, three sets of frequencies are provided associated with the three types of pests: - for crawling insects: frequencies 27kHz, 31.2kHz, 54.2kHz and 61.5kHz; - for small rodents: frequencies 27kHz, 31.2kHz, 54.2kHz and 61.5kHz; and - for large rodents: frequencies 27 kHz, 31.2kHz, 38kHz, 54.2kHz and 61.5kHz.

[0051] It is understood here that it is possible to have overlaps between the sets of frequencies. In particular, the presence of the same frequencies between several types of pests makes it possible to simplify the implementation of the method and / or the restitution of the sound by reducing the total number of distinct frequencies to be processed.

[0052] Obviously, it is understood here that it is possible to define a wide variety of types of pests, depending on the total number of pest species to be repelled, the number of categories allowing them to be differentiated, and their particular sensitivities to sound repulsion techniques.

[0053] In one embodiment, the method further comprises a sixth obtaining of information representative of at least one duration of operating mode, and the fifth obtaining corresponds to a random selection of the type of pest from a set of types of pests recorded in the memory, the type of pest being associated with the duration of operating mode.

[0054] In other words, this design allows for automatic switching between different operating modes of the method, each operating mode being characterized by a type of pest and an associated set of frequencies. The signal generated by the method therefore evolves over time between the operating modes, so as to generate a repellent sound adapted to different types of pests. The same signal is thus adapted to a wide range of pests, without being restricted to the weaknesses of a given type of pest.

[0055] It is understood here that the potential overlap of frequencies between several sets of frequencies can facilitate habituation, but also makes it possible to maintain effectiveness with respect to a first type of pest when operating in a mode adapted to a second type of pest, while adding variations by adding other frequencies.

[0056] According to one variant, the fifth obtaining corresponds to a reception of a type of pest recorded in the memory and corresponding to a given setting. According to another variant, the fifth obtaining corresponds to a reception of information representative of a manual selection of a type of pest, for example via a button allowing the change between the different types of pests. Such a manual selection is for example combined with the provision of a light indicating the selected operating mode, making it possible to determine the signal generated even if it is inaudible to the human ear.

[0057] In an additional embodiment, the sixth obtaining corresponds to a random selection of an operating mode duration from a set of operating mode durations stored in the memory.

[0058] Preferably, the operating mode duration is between 1 s and 7 s.

[0059] It is understood here that the duration of each operating mode is also random, making the return of a sound disturbing a specific type of pest all the more unpredictable and reducing habituation.

[0060] It is also understood that a relatively short operating mode duration makes it possible to avoid prolonging the generation of a sound that is ineffective with respect to a given type of pest, and therefore to avoid periods of low noise during which an insensitive pest could enter.

[0061] In one embodiment, the method further comprises a first phase, called the test phase, which comprises a generation of a signal representative of a sound associated with a frequency audible to the human ear.

[0062] Advantageously, the steps of obtaining, selecting and generating are included in a second phase, called the operating phase, subsequent to the first phase.

[0063] Preferably, the first phase lasts approximately 5 seconds.

[0064] It is understood here that the first phase makes it possible to ensure the proper functioning of the method and / or the device implementing the method, the signal generated during the second phase not being designed to allow such verification.

[0065] It is further understood that all of the optional steps of the embodiments described above are grouped together in the second phase. It is also understood that the method may comprise a restitution of the audible signal generated during the first phase.

[0066] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a computer program comprising instructions for implementing the method according to the first aspect of the present invention, in particular when these instructions are executed by a processor.

[0067] According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to a computer-readable recording medium on which is recorded a computer program comprising instructions for carrying out the steps of the method according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0068] On the one hand, the recording medium may be any entity or device capable of storing the program. For example, the medium may comprise a storage means, such as a ROM memory, a CD-ROM or a microelectronic circuit type ROM memory, or a magnetic recording means or a hard disk.

[0069] Furthermore, this recording medium may also be a transmissible medium such as an electrical or optical signal, such a signal being able to be conveyed via an electrical or optical cable, by conventional or hertzian radio or by self-directed laser beam or by other means. The computer program according to the present invention may in particular be downloaded from an Internet-type network.

[0070] Alternatively, the recording medium may be an integrated circuit in which the computer program is incorporated, the integrated circuit being adapted to perform or to be used in performing the method in question.

[0071] According to a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to a device for sonic repelling pests, the device comprising: - a memory recording a set of frequencies associated with the pests; - a selection unit configured to obtain information representative of a burst duration, and to randomly select at least one frequency from the set of frequencies, the frequency being associated with the burst duration; and - a generation circuit configured to generate a signal representative of a repulsive sound associated with the selected frequency and burst duration.

[0072] Preferably, the device comprises computer means configured for implementing the steps of the method according to the first aspect of the present invention. The device comprises for example a transducer configured to reproduce a sound from the signal generated by the generation circuit. The generation circuit is for example configured to generate a signal representative of a sound associated with a frequency audible to the human ear. The selection unit is for example configured to obtain and / or randomly select one or more of the following information, described above: - information representing burst duration; - information representing the duration of the pause between bursts; - information representing the duration of a series of bursts; - information representing the duration of the pause between series of bursts; - information representative of the type of pest; and - information representing the duration of the operating mode.

[0073] The device optionally comprises one or more indicator lights controlled by the computer means and making it possible to indicate the operation of the device, its power supply state, its transition to the first and / or second phase, the operating mode of the device, etc.

[0074] The device comprises for example a microprocessor or corresponds to the microprocessor itself, grouping together all of the computer means listed above.

[0075] The random selection of the selection circuit is done for example via an Analog-Digital Converter, called CAN (or in English ADC, from “Analog to Digital Converter”), allowing the generation of random signals by measuring input noise. The random selection then corresponds to a selection carried out furthermore according to the random noise at the input. Obviously, it is understood here that any other technique allowing the generation of random data can be implemented for any random selection step.

[0076] The generation circuit comprises, for example, PWM outputs (Pulse Width Modulation), preferably two PWM outputs generating complementary square wave signals. The PWM outputs then make it possible to obtain an output signal that can be used for the transducer. The transducer comprises, for example, at least one insulated gate field effect transistor, called MOSFET (Metal-Oxide Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor), the MOSFET receiving the signal and modulating the current applied to the transducer from the signal.

[0077] The computer means also include one or more timers, or "timers", making it possible to regulate all of the operations, in particular the frequency variations according to the burst durations, pauses, etc.

[0078] Those skilled in the art understand that the memory, the selection unit, the generation circuit and the computing means, individually or in combination, can be integrated in a single integrated circuit, in several integrated circuits and / or in discrete components, be produced in the form of electronic circuits or software (or computer) modules or even a combination of electronic circuits and software modules.

[0079] All of these elements are, for example, grouped together in a tropicalized electronic card for its resistance to humidity, the device comprising a housing forming an enclosure for the electronic card, the housing being, for example, made of stainless steel.

[0080] In one embodiment, the device has a first port configured to be connected to a power supply and a second port capable of electrically supplying power to another device.

[0081] In other words, the device is configured both to receive an external power supply, and to power a second device from this power supply.

[0082] The Applicant submits that this method of implementation allows the chain connection of devices from a single power supply, the same power supply then being able to receive in chain up to 10 devices, connected in series.

[0083] According to another variant, the device has communication connectors and communication means configured to transmit the information determined during the execution of the method.

[0084] This mode of implementation thus allows the synchronization of several boxes with each other, for example from a “mother” or main box. This synchronization makes it possible in particular to adapt the operation of several boxes in a single interaction, for example with a single manual selection of a type of pest resulting in a transmission of the information representative of the type of pest to all the connected boxes.

[0085] The Applicant submits, however, that this variant increases the size of the housing, and that an automatic change between the different operating modes, as described above, allows more advantageous operation in a simplified and compact design.

[0086] Thus, by the various functional and structural technical characteristics above, the Applicant proposes a method and a device for sonic pest repulsion making it possible to combine the advantages of the known solutions of the prior art into a single solution that is simple to use, easy to install, environmentally friendly, non-lethal, does not interfere with human activity, requires no maintenance and does not generate habituation of pests over time. Such a solution can also advantageously be adapted to a wide range of pests without hinder functioning. Brief description of the figures

[0087] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge from the description of the particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the present invention below, with reference to the appended figures 1 to 5 and in which:

[0088] [Fig.l]

[0089] [Fig.l] schematically illustrates a device for sound repelling pests, according to a first exemplary embodiment;

[0090] [Fig.2]

[0091] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates a device for sound repelling pests, according to a second exemplary embodiment;

[0092] [Fig.3]

[0093] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates a processor of a device according to [Fig.l];

[0094] [Fig.4]

[0095] [Fig.4] illustrates a flowchart of the different stages of a method of sonic pest repulsion, implemented by a device according to [Fig.l] or 2;

[0096] [Fig.5]

[0097] [Fig.5] illustrates a timing diagram of a signal generated by a method according to [Fig.4],

[0098] Description of the examples of embodiment

[0099] A method and a device for sonic pest repulsion will now be described in the following with joint reference to Figures 1 to 5. The same elements are identified with the same reference signs throughout the description which follows.

[0100] As indicated in the preamble of the description, current pest repelling solutions all have a variety of advantages and disadvantages, between chemical devices, traps, barriers or ultrasonic devices. In particular, ultrasonic devices face problems of pest habituation over time, reducing their effectiveness over time.

[0101] One of the objectives of the present invention is to provide a more effective sound repellent, retaining its effectiveness over time, and thus providing a unique and simple solution for pest control.

[0102] This is made possible in the example described below, which considers a method of sound repelling of pests implemented by a physical box equipped with sound reproduction means.

[0103] It will be understood here that this example is not limiting and that the method can be implemented implemented by a variety of computer and / or software means, in particular for subsequent reproduction of the sound via a remote device.

[0104] According to the example of figures 1 and 2, a device 1 for sonic repelling of pests is in the form of a housing 11. The housing is provided with a transducer 12 and one or more indicator lights 13.

[0105] The example of [Fig.l] illustrates a more compact design of the device 1, in which the housing 11 has dimensions of 114mm x 52mm x 24mm and is provided with a single indicator light 13. The example of [Fig.2] presents a second design of the device 1, in which the housing has dimensions of 135mm x 65mm x 40mm, has a plurality of indicator lights 13 and a button 14 allowing interaction with the device 1, as described below.

[0106] The housing 11 is also provided with power connectors. According to the example of FIGS. 1 and 2, a first port 151 is thus provided configured to be connected to a power supply, for example a 12V power supply.

[0107] According to an advantageous variant illustrated by [Fig.l], the housing 11 also has a second port 152 capable of electrically supplying another device, in particular another housing 11. A plurality of devices 1 can then be connected in a chain (or in series), by connecting the second port 152 of a first device 1 with the first port 151 of a second device 1. The same power supply unit can then receive up to 10 devices 1 connected in a chain and connected via power cables, making it possible to arrange the chain of devices 1 on the perimeter of a space to be protected, or according to any other arrangement depending on the length of the cables used and the use case.

[0108] In accordance with the underlying concept of the invention, the device 1 also comprises computer means configured to implement a method of sonic pest repulsion, for example the method 2 of [Fig.4].

[0109] As illustrated in [Fig. 3], such computing means are for example advantageously grouped in an electronic device 10, for example a processor or a microprocessor (hereinafter referred to as “processor”). The processor 10 is for example configured to transmit and receive data with respect to all of the components of the device 1. The elements of the processor 10, individually or in combination, can be integrated in a single integrated circuit, in several integrated circuits, and / or in discrete components. The processor 10 can be produced in the form of electronic circuits and software modules.

[0110] Preferably, the elements of the processor 10 are grouped in an electronic card, the electronic card being for example tropicalized to ensure its resistance to humidity. The housing 11 is advantageously also made of a material resistant to humidity, for example stainless steel. The use of a housing 11 in oxidizable forming an enclosure for a tropicalized electronic card then ensures the proper functioning of the device 1 in humid environments and allows its installation in a large number of places without being damaged.

[0111] The device 1 comprises for example a linear voltage regulator between the first port 151 and the processor 10. The voltage regulator is for example configured to take as input a voltage of 12V from the power supply unit to lower it to 3.3V, or to any other voltage necessary to power the microprocessor. The device 1 also comprises for example a diode between the first port 151 and the processor 10 in order to avoid damage in the event of polarity reversal.

[0112] The processor 10 is thus configured to execute instructions for carrying out the steps of the method and / or for executing the instructions of the software(s) embedded in the processor 10. The processor 10 may include integrated memory, an input / output interface, and various circuits known to those skilled in the art. The processor 10 further comprises a memory 101 corresponding for example to a volatile and / or non-volatile memory and / or comprises a memory storage device which may comprise volatile and / or non-volatile memory, such as EEPROM, ROM, PROM, RAM, DRAM, SRAM, flash, magnetic or optical disk.

[0113] The computer code of the embedded software(s) comprising the instructions to be loaded and executed by the processor is for example stored in the memory 101 of the processor 10.

[0114] As stated above, the processor 10 is configured for implementing a method for sonic repulsion of pests forming part of a method for reproducing a repellent sound, in which the quantities determined during the method according to the invention, in particular the signal described below, are used as input data for reproducing a repellent sound. According to other alternative embodiments, the processor 10 is only configured for generating the signal described below, this signal being, for example, subsequently processed by external sound reproduction means.

[0115] In a first optional PI phase of the sound repulsion method, also called the test phase, the processor 10 generates a signal representative of a sound associated with a frequency audible to the human ear. The processor 10 comprises, for example, as illustrated in [Fig. 3], a generation circuit 103 configured to generate a signal representative of a sound. The generation circuit 103 comprises, for example, two PWM outputs configured to generate complementary square-wave signals. The generation circuit 103 is advantageously in communication with MOSFETs 121 associated with the transducer 12. The MOSFETs 121 are then driven by the signal emitted by the PWMs and control the transducer 12 in 12V.

[0116] It is understood here that the signal representative of a sound associated with a frequency audible to the human ear can correspond to any form of signal, for example a signal pre-recorded in the memory 101. The selection of an audible frequency thus makes it possible to indicate the commissioning, as well as the correct operation, of the device 1, before the execution of the rest of the method. In particular, this design allows the production of an audible sound before the production of the repellent sound, which is preferably inaudible to the human ear.

[0117] Optionally, the generation circuit 103 is also configured to generate a control signal for the indicator lights 13, for example a signal specific to the first phase PI making it possible to indicate to a user that the device 1 is starting up. In particular, a lack of concordance between the emission of an audible signal and the behavior of the indicator lights 13 makes it possible to clearly indicate the presence of a malfunction of the device 1, for example a failure of the indicator lights 13 or of the transducer 12. Obviously, the generation circuit 103 can also generate other control signals for the indicator lights 13 outside the first phase PI.

[0118] Following the first phase PI, the processor 10 then enters a second phase P2, called the operating phase. The processor 10 is for example configured to remain in the first phase PI for a predetermined duration, for example for 5 seconds. The processor 10 advantageously includes at least one timer 105 (or “timer”) making it possible to time the operations, in particular the transition to the second phase P2 as well as the sequence of the steps described below.

[0119] In a first step 21 of the second phase P2, called first obtaining 21, the processor 10 obtains information representative of at least one burst duration Ts.

[0120] According to a first example, the burst duration Ts is recorded in the memory 101 of the processor 10. The burst duration Ts is therefore directly obtained by communication with the memory 101.

[0121] According to a second preferred example, the burst duration Ts is obtained by a random selection of the burst duration Ts from a set of burst durations stored in the memory 101. The set of burst durations corresponds for example to a continuous interval of burst durations, or to a set of discrete values ​​included in this interval. The burst duration Ts is thus preferably between 220ps and 860ps. The processor 10 thus comprises a selection unit 102 configured to communicate with the memory 101 and to perform a random selection of the burst duration Ts.

[0122] The processor 10 comprises for example an ADC 104 generating random signals, for example by measuring ambient noise at the input. The random selection described above, as well as any other random selection described below and implemented by the selection unit 102, thus corresponds to a determination based on of a random input data, the random input data preferably being received by communication with the ADC. Obviously, it is understood here that any step allowing the implementation of a random selection or the generation of random data can also be used by those skilled in the art. By application to this example, the burst duration Ts is thus determined by the selection unit 102 from the set of burst durations and the random input data.

[0123] In a second step 27, the processor 10, for example the selection unit 102, performs a random selection of at least one frequency from a set of frequencies associated with the pests. The set of frequencies is advantageously recorded in the memory 101 and corresponds to frequencies suitable for keeping the pests away, or at least audible to the pests.

[0124] The frequency is then associated with the burst duration Ts, so as to form, as illustrated in [Fig.5] and described below, a burst 33 characterized by a specific frequency and burst duration Ts. The bursts 33 produced therefore all have a random frequency, and optionally also a random burst duration Ts.

[0125] The set of frequencies advantageously corresponds to a set of ultrasonic frequencies, that is to say to frequencies outside the range of human hearing. Thus, the bursts 33 produced during the execution of the method according to the invention are inaudible to users and do not disturb human activity. The set of frequencies is for example between 20kHz and 65kHz, between 27kHz and 61.5kHz, or in any interval delimited on the one hand for its lower limit, by a frequency higher than human hearing, on the other hand for its upper limit, by a frequency higher than the hearing of pests.

[0126] Optionally, in a step called fifth obtaining 25, the processor 10 obtains information representative of a type of pest, the second step 27 being further carried out as a function of the type of pest. In other words, the selection unit 102 carries out a random selection of at least one frequency from a set of frequencies associated with the determined type of pest.

[0127] For example, three types of pests can be defined and a set of frequencies assigned to them respectively, in particular according to the following classification: - for crawling insects, frequencies 27kHz, 31.2kHz, 54.2kHz and 61.5kHz; - for small rodents, frequencies 27kHz, 31.2kHz, 54.2kHz and 61.5kHz; and - for large rodents, frequencies 27kHz, 31.2kHz, 38kHz, 54.2kHz and 61.5kHz.

[0128] This design thus makes it possible to better specify the action of the method with respect to the pests to be repelled, and therefore to ensure an effective repellent sound. The same method, and the same device 1, can therefore be adapted to the fight against a wide variety of pests.

[0129] According to a first variant, the information representative of the type of pest is recorded in the memory 101 and corresponds to a parameter setting of the device 1.

[0130] According to a second variant, the information representative of the type of pest corresponds to a selection of an operating mode of the device 1. The example of [Fig.2] thus provides a button 14 making it possible to select the operating mode, that is to say the type of pest. This same example also provides a plurality of indicator lights 13, each indicator light 13 being associated with a given operating mode, allowing the user to know the state of the device 1 without hearing it.

[0131] Optionally, the device 1 also comprises communication means, for example integrated in the processor 10, and the housing is provided with communication connectors 161, 162, for example an input connector 161 and an output connector 162. In this design, the processor 10 is also configured to transmit and / or receive information representative of the type of pest, in particular with respect to other similar devices 1. This design thus makes it possible, by changing the operating mode of the device 1 via the button 14, to synchronize any other connected device 1, and therefore to minimize the number of interactions necessary to configure the device.

[0132] The Applicant submits, however, that the provision of communication means significantly increases the size of the box.

[0133] According to a third variant, the processor 10 then performs a sixth obtaining 26 of information representative of at least one duration of operating mode Tmode. The fifth obtaining 25 then corresponds to a random selection, via the selection circuit 102, of the type of pest from a set of types of pests, or in other words, a random selection of the operating mode of the device 1. The randomly selected type of pest is then associated with the duration of operating mode Tmode. In other words, the information representative of the type of pest, and therefore the associated set of frequencies, corresponds to the type of pest selected for the duration of operating mode Tmode. The type of pest is then randomly selected again at the end of the duration of operating mode Tmode.The operating mode duration Tmode is for example between 1 s and 7 s, so as to ensure frequent mode changes, and to avoid any prolonged period during which a pest of a given type does not hear any repellent sound.

[0134] This third variant thus allows an automatic change between the different operating modes of the device 1, without requiring communication means, a button 14, or the provision of multiple indicator lights 13. The design of the device 1 can thus be greatly simplified, resulting in a ratio of 2.5 between the volume of the device 1 according to [Fig.2], and the volume of the device 1 according to [Fig.l], which for example, retains a single indicator light 13 to check the operation of the device 1. The autonomous and frequent change between the different modes therefore makes it possible to repel all types of pests considered, rather than just one type determined or configured in advance.

[0135] Advantageously, the sixth obtaining 26 also corresponds to a random selection of the duration of operating mode Tmode from a set of durations of operating modes recorded in the memory 101. The change between the operating modes, and therefore the resumption of a repellent sound towards a given pest, becomes all the more unpredictable. The set of durations of operating modes corresponds for example to an interval between 1 s and 7 s.

[0136] Thus, each burst 33 extends according to a burst duration Ts, preferably random, and has a frequency randomly selected from a set of frequencies, preferably a set of frequencies associated with a type of pest also randomly selected.

[0137] In a third step 28, the processor 10, for example the generation circuit 103 described above, generates a signal representative of a repulsive sound associated with the frequency and burst duration Ts obtained during the previous steps. The repulsive sound is then, in the example considered here, restored from the signal via the MOSFETs 121 and the transducer 12, the generation circuit 103 optionally also generating a signal for controlling the indicator lights 13 associated with the repulsive sound, for example associated with slow or rapid flashing of the indicator lights 13.

[0138] [Fig.5] thus illustrates a timing diagram 3 of a signal generated during the third step 28. The timing diagram 3 thus illustrates the evolution of the amplitude 31 of the signal over time 32, this evolution being broken down, in accordance with the description above, into a succession of bursts 33 of burst duration Ts, each burst 33 having a specific frequency. In the example of [Fig.5], each burst 33 has the same burst duration Ts. As stated above, this burst duration Ts can also vary randomly between each burst 33. All the bursts 33 are associated with the same set of frequencies over the duration of the operating mode T mode, after which the bursts 33 are associated with another set of frequencies selected randomly.

[0139] Optionally, the processor 10 performs a second obtaining 22 of information representative of at least one pause duration between bursts Tp. The signal is then also generated as a function of the pause duration between bursts Tp. In other words, each burst 33 is separated from the other bursts by a pause between bursts Tp, as illustrated by [Fig.5]. In this example, the pause duration between bursts Tp corresponds to a fixed parameter recorded in the memory 101, for example a duration of 600ps. According to another example, the second obtaining 22 also corresponds to a random selection of the pause duration Tp from a set of pause durations stored in the memory 101. The set of pause durations corresponds for example to an interval between 400ps and 1000ps.

[0140] According to a variant, the processor 10, for example the selection circuit 102, also performs a third obtaining 23 of information representative of at least one duration of a series of bursts Ton, and a fourth obtaining 24 of information representative of at least one duration of pause between series of bursts Toff. The signal is then also generated as a function of these two quantities. As illustrated by [Fig.5], a plurality of bursts 33 follow one another over a duration of a series of bursts Ton, interspersed with a pause comprising no burst and defined by the duration of pause between series of bursts Toff. The duration of the series of bursts Ton is for example between 6ms and 10ms, while the duration of pause between series of bursts is between 25ms and 300ms.

[0141] According to a first example, the third obtaining 23 corresponds to a random selection of the duration of the series of bursts Ton from a set of durations of series of bursts recorded in said memory 101. Each series of bursts is therefore prolonged according to a duration determined randomly for each series of bursts, preventing the habituation of the pests.

[0142] According to a second example compatible with the first example, the fourth obtaining 24 corresponds to a random selection of the duration of pause between series of bursts Toff from a set of durations of pause between series of bursts recorded in the memory 101. Each series of bursts is therefore followed by a pause of random duration, the series of following bursts starting at the end of this random pause, preventing the habituation of the pests.

[0143] It is understood here that as a variant, the duration of the series of bursts Ton and / or the duration of the pause between series of bursts Toff can correspond to fixed values, received by direct communication with the memory 101. It is thus possible to design a method in which the duration of the series of bursts Ton and / or the duration of the pause between series of bursts Toff are random, or even a method in which the duration of the series of bursts Ton and the duration of the pause between series of bursts Toff are fixed.

[0144] Thus, it will be understood that the present invention provides a method and a device for the sonic repulsion of pests making it possible to avoid the main defect associated with ultrasonic solutions, by generating a signal with irregular and random behavior limiting the habituation of pests while guaranteeing the production of an unpleasant sound with respect to these same pests. Such a method can also be adapted to the sonic repulsion of a wide variety of pest species, by controlled or autonomous modification of the frequency ranges used. Such a method can also be integrated into a broader method for the restitution of a repellent sound, for example example via a transducer.

[0145] It should be noted that this detailed description relates to a particular embodiment of the present invention, but that in no case does this description have any limiting character with respect to the subject of the invention; on the contrary, its objective is to remove any possible imprecision or any misinterpretation of the claims which follow.

[0146] It should also be noted that the reference signs placed in parentheses in the following claims are in no way limiting; these signs have the sole purpose of improving the intelligibility and understanding of the following claims as well as the scope of the protection sought.

Claims

Claims

1. A method of sonic repulsion of pests, said method being implemented by at least one processor, said method comprising the following steps: - first obtaining (21) information representative of at least one burst duration (Ts); - random selection (27) of at least one frequency from a set of frequencies associated with said pests and recorded in a memory in communication with said processor, said frequency being associated with said burst duration (Ts); and - generation (28) of a signal representative of a repellent sound associated with said frequency and said burst duration (Ts).

2. A method according to claim 1, which further comprises rendering (29) a sound from said signal.

3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said set of frequencies corresponds to a set of ultrasonic frequencies.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein said set of frequencies corresponds to a set of frequencies between 20kHz and 65kHz.

5. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, in which said first obtaining (21) corresponds to a random selection of said burst duration (Ts) from a set of burst durations recorded in said memory.

6. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, which further comprises a second obtaining (22) of information representative of at least one duration of pause between bursts (Tp), said signal being generated (28) furthermore as a function of said duration of pause between bursts (Tp).

7. Method according to claim 6, wherein said second obtaining (22) corresponds to a random selection of said pause duration (Tp) from a set of pause durations stored in said memory.

8. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, which further comprises the following steps: - third obtaining (23) of information representative of at least one duration of series of bursts (Ton); and - fourth obtaining (24) of information representative of at least one duration of pause between series of bursts (Toff), said signal being generated (28) furthermore as a function of said duration of series of bursts (Ton) and the said duration of pause between series of bursts (T

9. off / * A method according to claim 8, wherein said third obtaining (23) corresponds to a random selection of said burst series duration (Ton) from a set of burst series durations stored in said memory.

10. A method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein said fourth obtaining (24) corresponds to a random selection of said duration of pause between series of bursts (Toff) from a set of durations of pause between series of bursts stored in said memory.

11. Method according to one of claims 1 to 10, which further comprises a fifth obtaining (25) of at least one piece of information representative of a type of pest, said frequency being randomly selected from a set of frequencies associated with said type of pest.

12. Method according to claim 11, which further comprises a sixth obtaining (26) of information representative of at least one duration of operating mode (Tmode), and in which said fifth obtaining (25) corresponds to a random selection of said type of pest from a set of types of pests recorded in said memory, said type of pest being associated with said duration of operating mode (Tmode).

13. The method of claim 12, wherein said sixth obtaining (26) corresponds to a random selection of an operating mode duration (Tmode) from a set of operating mode durations stored in said memory.

14. Method according to one of claims 1 to 13, which further comprises a first phase (PI), called the test phase, which comprises a generation of a signal representative of a sound associated with a frequency audible to the human ear, and in which said steps of obtaining (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26), selection (27) and generation (28) are included in a second phase (P2), called the operating phase, subsequent to said first phase.

15. Computer program comprising instructions for implementing the method according to any one of the preceding claims, when these instructions are executed by a processor.

16. A computer-readable recording medium on which is recorded a computer program comprising instructions for carrying out the steps of the method according to one of claims 1 to 14.

17. Device (1) for sound repelling of pests, said device (1) comprising: - a memory (101) recording a set of frequencies associated with said pests; - a selection unit (102) configured to obtain information representative of a burst duration, and to randomly select at least one frequency from said set of frequencies, said frequency being associated with said burst duration; and - a generation circuit (103) configured to generate a signal representative of a repellent sound associated with said selected frequency and said burst duration.

18. Device according to claim 17 comprising computer means configured for the implementation of any one of claims 2 to 14.

19. Device according to claim 17 or 18, which has a first port (151) configured to be connected to a power supply and a second port (152) capable of electrically supplying another device.

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