Method for detecting dead insects and device for carrying out the method

Abstract

A method for detecting dead insects, including their fragments, characterized in that the insects are placed within range of an ultraviolet light source 1 and within the field of view of an image recording device 2 connected to a computer 3, images of the insects exposed to ultraviolet light are recorded by the image recording device 2, and then the images so obtained are analysed to identify significantly bright objects. The present application also relates to an apparatus for detecting dead insects by this method.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The object of the present invention is a method for detecting dead insects, including their fragments, in particular for use in the breeding, rearing or treatment of insects, and a device for implementing this method. [Background technology]

[0002] Insect breeding and rearing on an industrial scale is one of the most dynamically developing methods to obtain alternative animal proteins. However, its development requires lowering the high costs of manual breeding, especially making it possible to identify dead specimens. Automation and robotization of the insect breeding, rearing and processing processes is the key to obtain profits, which can compete with traditional methods of obtaining protein for food and feed, but which are harmful to the Earth's ecosystem. The use of machine learning algorithms and the application of artificial intelligence to control and optimize the production processes in insect breeding, rearing and processing requires the provision of sufficient quantity and quality of data from a visual system to replace the sensory evaluation of a manager during manual operations. For this purpose, it is possible to use images of insects generated under the influence of ultraviolet light.

[0003] The phenomenon of bioluminescence has been known to mankind for hundreds of years. Already in antiquity, Aristotle and Pliny Secundus wondered about the source of the light observed in some dead fish and rotting wood (Biron K.:Fireflies, dead fish and a glowing bunny:a primer on bioluminescence. BioTeach J., 2003;1:19-26).

[0004] The phenomenon of bioluminescence is known in living insects and is caused by luciferases present in beetles of the species Photinus pyralispyralis (Luker KE, Luker GD: Applications of bioluminescence imaging to antiviral research and therapy: multiple luciferase enzymes and quantitation. Antiviral Res., 2008;78:179187). Its presence has also been demonstrated in several species of the families Lampiridae, Elateridae and Phengodidae (Stevani CV, Oliveira AG, Mendes LF, Ventura FF, Waldenmaier HE, Carvalho RP, Pereira TA: Current status of research on fungal bioluminescence: biochemistry and prospects for ecotoxicological application. Photochem. Photobiol., 2013;89:1318-1326).

[0005] The phenomenon of fluorescence in certain organisms is also known, which is the emission of light upon a triggering stimulus. One example is the fluorescence of scorpions under the influence of ultraviolet light, which emits a light that is close to green-blue. This fluorescence is caused by β-carbolines and 7-hydroxy-4-methylcoumarins present in the outer layer of chitin.

[0006] In industrial production, insects are usually separated according to developmental stage and size and reared in individual colonies at high density. If unfavorable environmental conditions occur or if a pathogen appears, mortality spreads starting from individual specimens, then spreads to an increasingly large number, and finally the entire colony, i.e. all the specimens in one breeding vessel, dies. If the proportion of dead specimens is high enough, the entire breeding colony will die even if the lethal factor is removed. Thus, it is crucial to detect the first dead specimens early enough to allow a fast enough response to identify and correct the unfavorable factor causing the mortality. In many cases, the death of the entire product can be avoided by generally stopping the process.

[0007] Although quite complex, dead insect larval forms can be identified by their visual system, which detects movement. However, for species or developmental stages with very little movement (e.g. pupae), this method of detecting dead specimens is either not possible or takes too long to be used efficiently in a continuous production process. In such cases, the only method left is to visually assess the changes in appearance of the dead specimen, e.g. changes in color and / or shape due to decomposition / drying processes. However, depending on the species and environmental conditions, the first signs of these processes can take up to 7 days after death to appear, during which time the entire colony is usually infected and it is already too late to carry out remedial measures. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0008] [Non-Patent Document 1] Biron K.: Fireflies, dead fish and a glowing bunny: a primer on bioluminescence. BioTeach J., 2003;1:19-26 [Non-Patent Document 2] Luker KE, Luker GD: Applications of bioluminescence imaging to antiviral research and therapy: multiple luciferase enzymes and quantitation. Antiviral Res., 2008;78:179187 [Non-Patent Document 3] Stevani CV, Oliveira AG, Mendes LF, Ventura FF, Waldenmaier HE, Carvalho RP, Pereira TA:Current status of research on fungal bioluminescence:biochemistry and prospects for ecotoxicological application. Photochem. Photobiol., 2013;89:1318-1326 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] The object of the present invention is therefore to develop a method for detecting dead insects, which allows the detection of dead specimens as early as possible, before any visible changes appear in white light, since it has surprisingly been found that the use of ultraviolet light of various wavelengths allows the accurate detection of dead insects several days before any other visible signs of this phenomenon appear, whereas up until now neither the phenomenon of fluorescence of dead insects nor the phenomenon of light reflection by dead specimens was known. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The object of the invention is a method for detecting dead insects, including their fragments, characterized in that the insects are placed within the range of a source of ultraviolet light and within the field of view of an image recording device connected to a computer, an image of the insect exposed to ultraviolet light is recorded by the image recording device, and then the image thus obtained is analyzed to identify significantly bright objects constituting the dead specimen.

[0011] Preferably, the wavelength of the ultraviolet light is in the range of 365 nm to 395 nm.

[0012] Preferably, the insect is of the order Coleoptera.

[0013] Preferably, the insect is of the species Tenebrio molitor, Alphitobius diaperinus, or Zophobas morio.

[0014] Preferably the insects are at various stages of development.

[0015] Preferably, the image recording device is a digital camcorder or a digital camera.

[0016] Preferably, the analysis of the images is performed by a computer equipped with computer software equipped with machine learning algorithms.

[0017] An object of the invention is also an apparatus for detecting dead insects, comprising an ultraviolet light source, an image recording device connected to a computer equipped with a screen and a conveying line for conveying the containers with the insects, the operation of the ultraviolet light source, the camcorder and the conveying line being electronically synchronized and controlled by the computer.

[0018] Preferably, the image recording device is a digital camcorder or a digital camera.

[0019] Preferably, the computer comprises computer software comprising a machine learning algorithm.

[0020] Preferably, the UV light source and the image recording device are integrated into a single device.

[0021] The method according to the invention can be carried out both with simple manual devices in manual operations and with sophisticated lighting equipment in robotized technical lines. The use of ultraviolet light for the detection of dead specimens always allows for a faster identification than with sensory methods or other visual systems.

[0022] An object of the invention is illustrated in the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] Photographs of insects in white light in which dead subjects cannot be distinguished. [Diagram 2] Photograph taken in ultraviolet light showing extremely bright objects that make up the dead subject. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for detecting dead insects. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for detecting dead insects, showing an image recording device integrated with an ultraviolet light source. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] "Example 1" A breeding container 6 containing pupae of the A. diaperinus species undergoing metamorphosis into the adult form was placed on a breeding rack and the container 6 was placed within the range of an ultraviolet light source 1 in the field of view of an image recording device 2 in the form of a photographic camera. For the next six days, the insects placed in the container 6 were subjected to ultraviolet light and photographs were taken at the same time. Photographs of this container 6 were also taken in white light. On the first day, reflection of ultraviolet light by one object was observed, which turned out to be one dead pupa. Then, the number of objects reflecting ultraviolet light increased, confirming that these objects were further dead specimens. It was observed that the ability of the dead specimens to reflect light initially increased and then decreased from the fifth day. On the sixth day, images were obtained that showed no objects reflecting ultraviolet light. At the same time, the results of advanced decomposition processes were already observed in white light on the same day.

[0025] Surprisingly, it was found that the production of bright images of dead subjects under the influence of UV light occurs at various intensities of different wavelengths, although results have already been obtained with commonly used UV light of 365 nm and 395 nm. The observed phenomenon occurs a few hours after death (in the case of insects it is difficult to determine the exact moment of the end of vital functions) and continues until the appearance changes due to decomposition processes occur. It was taken into account that under conditions of high humidity, the decomposition processes cause a change in color of the dead subject in white light, together with a slight change in shape. In low humidity environments, the color change of the drying dead subject is small, but the shape undergoes considerable modifications. It was observed that the phenomenon caused under the influence of UV light is found from the moment of death until the appearance of signs of decomposition or decomposition of the dead subject, regardless of the level of humidity and temperature of the environment.

[0026] "Example 2" The breeding containers 6 containing insects of the species Tenebrio molitor at various developmental stages were subjected to a screening process. After mechanical separation of the insects from undigested food and feces, white light and then ultraviolet light of wavelength 395 nm were applied to selected areas in the central part of the containers 6 containing the larval specimens. On the display of the image recording device 2, images were obtained in which objects significantly reflecting ultraviolet light could be identified, which were then analyzed. This analysis showed that three objects significantly reflecting ultraviolet light were dead specimens that did not yet show signs of decomposition processes discernible in white light. One specimen had been mechanically damaged during the separation process.

[0027] "Example 3" A propagation substrate in the form of wheat bran was placed in a Petri dish with randomly selected specimens of the species Tenebrio molitor at the metamorphic stage. The dish was subjected to white light and then to ultraviolet light of wavelengths 365 nm and 395 nm. Images were acquired by an image recording device 2 in the form of a digital camera. On the display of the computer 4 it was clearly seen that some of the specimens significantly reflected ultraviolet light of wavelengths 365 and 395 nm, while some did not. After detailed analysis of all the specimens it was concluded that the objects reflecting ultraviolet light were dead pupae, while the non-reflecting objects were single specimens of larval forms, exoskeletons and live pupae in advanced stages of decomposition.

[0028] "Example 4" A breeding container 6 containing an insect of the order Coleoptera was placed on the transport line 5, after which the breeding container 6 to be tested was fixed within the range of the ultraviolet light source 1 in the field of view of the camcorder 2 connected to the computer 3. The ultraviolet light source 1 was then activated, directing radiation of wavelength 365 nm onto the breeding container 6. The image from the camcorder 2 was then viewed on the display 4 of the computer 3 and subjected to processing using computer software that determined the brightness of each area. As a significantly bright area was observed in the image from the camcorder 2, this container 6 was removed from the transport line 5 and the specimens constituting the bright areas were manually removed from the container 6. It was then concluded that these specimens were dead.

[0029] "Example 5" A propagation container 6 containing the species Zophobas morio was placed on the transfer line 5, after which the propagation container 6 to be tested was fixed within the range of the ultraviolet light source 1 in the field of view of the camcorder 2 connected to the computer 3. The ultraviolet light source 1 was then activated, directing radiation of wavelength 395 nm onto the propagation container 6. The image from the camcorder 2 was then viewed on the display 4 of the computer 3 and subjected to processing using computer software that determined the brightness of each area. As a result of a significantly bright area being observed in the image from the camcorder 2, this container 6 was removed from the transfer line 5 and the specimens constituting the bright areas were manually removed from the container 6. It was then concluded that these specimens were dead.

[0030] As shown in the accompanying Figure 3, the apparatus for detecting dead insects comprises an ultraviolet light source 1 and a camcorder 2 equipped with a screen 4 and connected to a computer 3, preferably equipped with computer software for determining the brightness of each area based on a machine learning algorithm. The ultraviolet light source 1 and the camcorder 2 may be integrated into a single device as shown in Figure 4. The apparatus for detecting dead specimens may be connected to a conveying line 5 along which containers 6 with insects are conveyed. The operation of the ultraviolet light source 1, the camcorder 2 and the conveying line 5 are preferably electronically synchronized and controlled by the computer 3.

[0031] The use of ultraviolet light in vision systems to inform machine learning algorithms and artificial intelligence takes vision systems to levels not previously attainable, matching and even exceeding the efficiency and complexity of human factor analysis. Using computer software based on machine learning algorithms, including those generated based on training neural networks, it is possible to accurately determine the time of death of insects based on the intensity of reflected ultraviolet light.

[0032] It can be seen that the method according to the invention is particularly useful for the breeding, rearing and processing of insects. Early detection of dead specimens and their immediate removal from further processing is important for the quality and safety of the entire production batch. The method according to the invention is essentially the only method for early detection of such specimens. It is also a very efficient and cheap method, which can be applied to production lines with any product conveying speed.

[0033] The method according to the invention can also be used to detect dead specimens and / or their fragments in the feces. Depending on the feces separation technique applied, insects may be damaged during this process and their fragments or whole dead specimens may end up in the final product. Their rapid identification directly in the feces processing line is important for production efficiency and safety.

[0034] Furthermore, the method according to the invention works perfectly well for detecting early signs of cannibalism in both larval and adult specimens, as well as during one of the most critical periods of the insect life cycle, the metamorphosis period, when the nutrition-intensive larvae damage the fresh pupae. A suitable early detection of the cannibalism phenomenon makes it possible to supplement the diet with the appropriate ingredients that will help in its elimination.

Claims

1. A method for detecting dead insects, including their fragments, characterized in that the insects are placed within the range of an ultraviolet light source (1) and within the field of view of an image recording device (2) connected to a computer (3), an image of the insect exposed to ultraviolet light is recorded by the image recording device (2), and then the image so obtained is analyzed to identify significantly bright objects.

2. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the wavelength of the ultraviolet light is in the range of 365 nm to 395 nm.

3. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the insect is of the order Coleoptera.

4. 4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that the insect is of the species Tenebrio molitor, Alphitobius diaperinus or Zophobas morio.

5. The method of claim 1, characterized in that the insects are at different stages of development.

6. 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the image recording device (2) is a digital camcorder or a digital camera.

7. 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the analysis of the images is performed by the computer (3) equipped with computer software equipped with machine learning algorithms.

8. 2. An apparatus for the detection of dead insects according to claim 1, comprising said UV light source (1), said image recording device (2) connected to said computer (3) equipped with a screen (4) and a conveying line (5) for conveying containers (6) with said insects, the operation of said UV light source (1), said camcorder (2) and said conveying line (5) being electronically synchronized and controlled by said computer (3).

9. 9. Apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the image recording device (2) is a digital camcorder or a digital camera.

10. 9. Apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the computer (3) comprises computer software comprising a machine learning algorithm.

11. 9. Apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the UV light source (1) and the image recording device (2) are integrated in a single device.

Images