Pest repellent delivery device

Abstract

To solve the problem that a conventional apparatus for spraying a repellent does not release the repellent according to the behavior of a harmful animal and easily causes tolerance due to habituation.SOLUTION: A harmful animal repellent releasing apparatus includes a first sensor configured to detect a living body, a release nozzle configured to release a repellent, a repellent tank configured to store the repellent, a pump configured to supply the repellent from the repellent tank to the release nozzle, and a controller configured to change at least one of release intensity and release time of the repellent to be released from the release nozzle based on a signal from the first sensor.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for preventing wild animals from invading human living areas such as fields and houses, and relates to a device that releases a repellent that repels wild animals and drives them away. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, there has been a trend of wild animals that normally live in the mountains and fields invading human habitats, eating crops and fruit grown in fields, and harming people. These wild animals are called pests, and countermeasures are being considered at the individual, municipal, and prefectural levels affected.

[0003] However, when it comes to wild animals, there are complex legal issues surrounding the Wildlife Protection and Management Act and the Alien Species Act. Furthermore, the number of people who hold hunting licenses is small, and due to these legal issues, wild animals cannot be easily exterminated as pests. Therefore, methods have been proposed to prevent these pests from entering or approaching human living areas.

[0004] In the past, scarecrows, fences, and wire mesh were used, but in recent years they have been less effective against relatively medium to large sized pests such as wild boars, deer, bears, raccoons, palm civets, raccoon dogs, and foxes, which have become problematic as pests.

[0005] Patent Document 1 discloses a pest repellent device that has a sensor that detects the approach of pests, a function to spray a pest repellent agent, and a function to intimidate pests with an electronic buzzer and LED lighting. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-46803 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The use of repellents has the advantage that they are not considered to be exterminating wild animals and can be installed freely without requiring a license. However, when a fixed amount of repellent is constantly released as in Patent Document 1, even if a small amount is effective at first, the animals may become accustomed to the repellent and develop resistance depending on the size of the animals, the number of animals moving at the same time, and the characteristics of the installation location, and the preset amount of repellent becomes ineffective. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The pest repellent release device of the present invention was devised in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and provides a pest repellent release device that can change the repellent release pattern based on the behavior of approaching pests.

[0009] More specifically, the pest repellent release device according to the present invention comprises: a first sensor for detecting a living body; a discharge nozzle for discharging a repellent; a repellent tank that stores the repellent; a pump for supplying the repellent from the repellent tank to the discharge nozzle; The device is characterized by having a controller that changes at least one of the emission intensity and emission time of the repellent emitted from the emission nozzle based on a signal from the first sensor. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] The pest repellent release device of the present invention can change the amount of repellent released (release intensity and release time) depending on the frequency of appearance of pests, and can teach pests the experience of being sprayed with a larger amount of repellent each time they come.

[0011] On the other hand, for organisms that approach aggressively, are large, or appear in multiple numbers, resistance due to habituation can be overcome by providing the device with the ability to release a large amount of repellent regardless of the frequency of their appearance.

[0012] Furthermore, if wind is an issue, the amount of repellent released can be changed depending on the direction and strength of the wind, making it possible to release the repellent regardless of the weather.

[0013] Furthermore, by providing a speaker to give an audio warning that the repellent will be released before the repellent is released, it is possible to avoid the risk of accidentally spraying the repellent on someone who is unaware that the pest repellent release device is installed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a pest repellent release device according to the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a basic layout example (basic layout) of a pest repellent release device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an area in which a first sensor detects a living body. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the area where the repellent is released from the release nozzle. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram showing a main flow 1 of the controller. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing a parameter setting process. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram showing the process of frequency evaluation for adjusting the release amount depending on the frequency. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the process of additional evaluation for factors other than frequency. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating a process for updating frequency emission adjustments. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating changes in each parameter over time. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing a distance evaluation process for adjusting the amount of radiation emitted depending on the distance from the living body. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing a size evaluation process for adjusting the release amount depending on the size of the living organism. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the process of multiple evaluations in which the amount of release is adjusted depending on the number of living organisms. [Figure 14]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a basic arrangement in which additional element devices are added. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram showing the main flow 2 of the controller when an accessory element device is attached (application configuration). [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a lookup table. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram showing a release process when the influence of wind is taken into consideration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The following description of the pest repellent release device according to the present invention will be given with reference to the drawings. Note that the following description is an example of one embodiment of the present invention and an example, and the present invention is not limited to the following description. The following description can be modified within the scope of the present invention.

[0016] 1 shows the configuration of a pest repellent discharging device 1 according to the present invention. The pest repellent discharging device 1 has a controller 10, a battery 12, a pump 14, a repellent tank 16, a discharging nozzle 18, and a first sensor 20. It may also be equipped with a speaker 24, a second sensor 26, a wind vane 22, an antenna 30, and a remote control 32.

[0017] The controller 10, battery 12, pump 14, repellent tank 16, and antenna 30 are referred to as a main body A, and the discharge nozzle 18, first sensor 20, speaker 24, second sensor 26, wind vane and anemometer 22, and liquid distribution pipe 50 are referred to as element devices B. A plurality of element devices B can be provided for the controller 10.

[0018] <Controller 10> A computer configured with an MPU (Micro Processor Unit) and memory can be suitably used as the controller 10. The controller 10 is provided with input / output means. The input / output means may be an input / output unit 40 including a numeric keypad and a display unit provided in the controller 10, a terminal (not shown) to which an external computer can be connected for direct input / output, or a means for mutual communication with a remote control 32 via an antenna 30.

[0019] The controller 10 also receives signals from the first sensor 20, the second sensor 26, and the wind vane and anemometer 22, and controls the release of the repellent Lav. The control by the controller 10 will be described in detail later.

[0020] <Pump 14, repellent tank 16, discharge nozzle 18> The repellent tank 16 is a container for storing repellent Lav. Suitable repellent Lav includes capsaicin (chili pepper), tincture (ginger), piperine (pepper), allyl isothiocyanate (wasabi), allyl sulfide (onion), and starfish-derived repellent Lav. Liquid repellent Lav is preferred because it can be easily transported via piping and can be released in a variety of ways.

[0021] The repellent tank 16 preferably has a valve (not shown) that prevents leakage of the stored liquid (repellent Lav) and can eliminate the difference in air pressure with the outside when the liquid is sucked up by the pump 14. The repellent tank 16 may also be of a type in which the liquid distribution pipe 50 is disposed on the bottom of the repellent tank 16 and compressed air is stored between the top of the container and the repellent Lav liquid surface, so that transfer pressure can be applied at all times.

[0022] The pump 14 can be a liquid transfer pump that sucks out the repellent Lav from the repellent tank 16 and transfers it to the discharge nozzle 18. Alternatively, the repellent tank 16 may store compressed air in the upper part of the repellent tank 16. In this case, an air transfer pump is preferably used. The pump 14 transfers and stops the repellent Lav in response to a control signal CP from the controller 10.

[0023] In the pest repellent discharging device 1 according to the present invention, the discharge nozzle 18 and the pump 14 are connected by a distribution pipe 50 through which the repellent Lav flows. This is to separate the installation location of the pump 14 from the installation location of the discharge nozzle 18. By separating the positions of the pump 14 and the discharge nozzle 18, it is possible to prevent approaching pests from realizing the release location of the repellent Lav. This relationship between the discharge nozzle 18 and the pump 14 is referred to as being separable. In other words, "separable" here means that the operating sound of the pump 14 and the installation location of the discharge nozzle 18 are sufficiently separated that they are perceived as being in different directions. However, the pest repellent discharging device 1 does not exclude the pump 14 and the discharge nozzle 18 being arranged within a single frame (referred to as the pump 14 and the discharge nozzle 18 being integrally configured).

[0024] The discharge nozzle 18 discharges the repellent Lav transported through the liquid distribution pipe 50. The discharge method is not particularly limited, and spray, shower, water jet, etc. can be suitably used. Note that spray refers to a state in which the repellent Lav is discharged in the form of fine particles that are mist-like. Shower refers to a state in which a thin stream of liquid flows out from multiple holes, which is the state when a so-called lotus nozzle (shower head) is used. Water jet refers to a state in which a single stream of liquid is continuously discharged. If it is desired to spray the repellent over as wide an area as possible, spray or shower can be suitably used.

[0025] <First sensor 20> The first sensor 20 is a living organism detection sensor. There are no particular limitations on the detection method, as long as it can detect the presence of a living organism when it approaches within a certain distance. Devices that detect the presence or absence of a heat source within a certain range, or devices that detect movement, can be suitably used. Furthermore, an infrared array with infrared detection elements arranged two-dimensionally can also determine the size of an object, and devices that use lasers or ultrasound can grasp the distance to the object. Furthermore, the type, size, distance, and number of objects may be determined using software including AI (artificial intelligence) from image information obtained using a camera. These detection devices can be used individually or in combination as the first sensor 20.

[0026] The first sensor 20 and the second sensor 26 transmit the detection results to the controller 10 by the detection signals SS1 and SS2. Therefore, the detection signals SS1 and SS2 may include information on the size, distance, type, etc. of the living body in addition to the information on the presence or absence of the living body.

[0027] The first sensor 20 and the second sensor 26 are installed in different locations. The first sensor 20 is preferably installed near the release nozzle 18. That is, when the first sensor 20 detects a living organism, the repellent Lav is released from the release nozzle 18, so that the repellent Lav can have an effect on the living organism.

[0028] <Second sensor 26, speaker 24> The speaker 24 is installed in a direction from the release nozzle 18 where pests are likely to approach. The second sensor 26 is installed near the speaker 24. The performance of the second sensor 26 may be the same as that of the first sensor 20. However, the second sensor 26 only needs to be able to detect the approach of a living organism, and therefore only needs to have the performance to determine whether or not a living organism is approaching. In other words, the second sensor 26 and the first sensor 20 do not need to be sensors with the same performance. The speaker 24 is intended to warn people who are unaware of the existence of the pest repellent release device 1 of the present invention that the device 1 of the present invention is currently installed and in operation.

[0029] Repellent Lav for pests can have a strong odor and can be highly irritating. If the irritation is strong, people who come into contact with the repellent Lav may suffer damage to their eyes, nose, throat, and other respiratory systems. Therefore, it is necessary to prevent people who are unaware of its existence and performance from approaching the pest repellent release device 1 of the present invention. Therefore, if a living organism approaches the pest repellent release device 1, a verbal warning is given before the repellent Lav is released.

[0030] The second sensor 26 notifies the controller 10 of the approach of a living organism by means of a detection signal SS2. The controller 10 then reproduces an audio signal SV by means of the speaker 24. For example, the audio reproduced may say, "From this point on, repellent will be released, so please do not enter." This is not intended to frighten the pests, but rather to alert people who may carelessly approach the pest repellent releasing device 1.

[0031] <Wind direction anemometer 22> The wind vane and wind direction meter 22 notifies the controller 10 of the wind direction and strength around where the pest repellent release device 1 is placed by means of a wind force and wind direction signal SW. The wind force and wind direction signal SW includes information on wind force and wind direction. The controller 10 can change the release intensity and release time of the repellent Lav based on the wind force and wind direction signal SW from the wind vane and wind direction meter 22.

[0032] <Antenna 30, Remote Control 32> The antenna 30 is used when the pest repellent discharging device 1 communicates with the outside. The remote control 32 remotely issues commands to the pest repellent discharging device 1. These commands are received by the antenna 30 and transmitted to the controller 10. The controller 10 can also transmit its internal status to the remote control 32 via the antenna 30.

[0033] Communication between the controller 10 and the antenna 30 is performed by a communication signal SC. Communication between the antenna 30 and the remote control 32 is performed by a wireless signal SaC. Note that the signal SaC may also be a wired signal. Exchanging information or control instructions with the controller 10 by a method other than the input / output unit 40 of the controller 10 is called "communication with the outside." In particular, instructions given to the controller 10 by communication with the outside may be called "instructions from the outside."

[0034] Communication between the controller 10 and the remote control 32 may be bidirectional. However, one-way communication from the remote control 32 is also possible. In particular, when an animal wants to approach the pest repellent release device 1, the release of the repellent Lav is stopped by the remote control 32 to avoid the release of the repellent Lav.

[0035] The remote control 32 may include a remote control device that uses a frequency dedicated to the pest repellent discharging device 1, as well as a device that can be remotely controlled using the Internet and connected from a mobile device such as a smartphone or a PC (personal computer). Of course, a Wi-Fi router that can connect to the Internet is also provided on the pest repellent discharging device 1 side. A modem may also be built in. A device that connects to the Internet in this way and communicates with the controller 10 via the Internet is called an Internet-connected device. In other words, the remote control 32 includes a remote control device that uses a frequency dedicated to the pest repellent discharging device 1 and an Internet-connected device.

[0036] <Battery 12> The battery 12 supplies power to the controller 10 and the pump 14. The pest repellent release device 1 is expected to operate without power for about a week, depending on the release frequency of the repellent Lav. Therefore, it is preferable that the battery 12 have a capacity corresponding to that.

[0037] <Basic layout> FIG. 1 shows the components of the pest repellent release device 1, and FIG. 2 shows an example of the installation of the pest repellent release device 1. FIG. 2 shows a case in which the left side of a field 100 is protected from pests 200. In this case, the field 100 is the object to be protected. The object to be protected may not only be the field 100, but also a rice paddy, a flower bed, a house, etc. A main body A including a controller 10 is installed near the center of the left side of the field 100. The installation location of this main body A is also assumed to include a repellent tank 16, a pump 14, and a battery 12. The main body A is concealed by a bush 110 or the like.

[0038] Furthermore, the first sensor 20 and the discharge nozzle 18 (element device B) are arranged in two systems. The second sensor 26, the wind vane and anemometer 22, and the speaker 24 are not arranged. In Fig. 2, the element device B below the main body A is marked with the symbol "-1", and the element device B above the main body A is marked with the symbol [-2]. Note that the connection lines between the first sensor 20-1, the first sensor 20-2, and the controller 10 are omitted.

[0039] The release nozzle 18-1, the first sensor 20-1 and the release nozzle 18-2, the first sensor 20-2 are each placed at the corners of the field 100, and release the repellent Lav when an organism approaches from the left side of the field 100. Since two release nozzles 18 are placed, two systems of distribution pipes 50 from the repellent tank 16 are also placed. A pump 14 for transporting the repellent Lav may also be provided for each release nozzle 18. Hereinafter, the operation of the pest repellent release device 1 will be explained with reference to the processing flow.

[0040] Fig. 5 shows a processing flow (main flow 1) of the controller 10. With reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 5, when the pest repellent releasing device 1 starts (step S100), an end determination is made (step S102).

[0041] The condition for determining whether to terminate the process may be a stop command from the user, or a fault in the system itself. The stop command may be a direct command input to the controller 10 or a stop command issued remotely using the remote control 32. If a stop command is issued, the process may return to the termination determination (step S102) from any point in the processing routine.

[0042] As a result, if the process is to be terminated (Y branch at step S102), the system stops (step S104), and if the process is to be continued (N branch at step S102), the process proceeds to the next step S200.

[0043] Next, a parameter setting process is performed (step S200). In FIG. 5, this is shown as "p value setting." The pest repellent release device 1 according to the present invention changes the amount of repellent Lav released (release intensity x release time) depending on the situation. Parameters for this purpose are set. Step S200 will be described in detail later.

[0044] Next, it is determined whether there is an input from the first sensor 20 (step S300). FIG. 3 shows the detection area Sa of the first sensor 20. In step S300 of FIG. 5, the first sensor 20 checks whether a living organism has entered the detection areas Sa1 and Sa2. It is assumed that the first sensor 20-1 can detect a living organism in the detection area Sa1, and the first sensor 20-2 can detect a living organism in the detection area Sa2. It is assumed that the detection areas Sa1 and Sa2 can be adjusted by the orientation of the first sensors 20-1 and 20-2.

[0045] 5, if there is a reaction from the first sensor 20 (Y branch of step S300), a frequency evaluation is performed (step S400). The frequency evaluation is a process of checking how often the first sensor 20 detects a living organism, and adjusting the amount of repellent Lav to be released depending on the frequency.

[0046] The release amount Cp of the repellent Lav is determined by Cpq × Cpt, where Cpq (ml / s) is the release intensity and Cpt (s) is the release time. In this specification, an example is shown in which the release intensity Cpq and the release time Cpt are changed simultaneously, but it is also possible to change only one of them depending on the conditions.

[0047] After the frequency evaluation (step S400) is completed, an additional evaluation (step S420) is performed. The pest repellent release device 1 can adjust the release amount Cp of the repellent Lav depending not only on the frequency of approach of living organisms but also on the degree of approach, size, and number of living organisms, depending on the information contained in the first sensor 20, regardless of the frequency. The additional evaluation (step S420) will be described in detail later.

[0048] After the release amount Cp of the repellent Lav is adjusted, the repellent Lav is actually released (step S500). Figure 4 shows the release area P of the release nozzle 18. Figure 4 shows that the repellent Lav is released from the release nozzle 18-1 to the release area P1, and from the release nozzle 18-2 to the release area P2. Note that since the release amount Cp is adjusted in the frequency evaluation (step S400), this release area P may change.

[0049] 5, once the release amount Cp of repellent Lav determined in the frequency evaluation process (step S400) has been released, frequency update is performed (step S600). The frequency update (step S600) is a process for updating the cumulative frequency based on the release of the current repellent Lav. This process will also be described in detail later.

[0050] Next, it is determined whether or not to change the parameters (step S680). If the parameters are to be changed (Y branch in step S680), the process returns to the end determination in step S102 and then the parameter setting process (step S200) is performed. Parameter changes are mainly changes to the initial values ​​of each parameter, and are performed according to instructions from the user.

[0051] If the parameters are not to be changed (N branch of step S680), the process returns to the first sensor 20 detection step (step S300) and repeats the process. As a result, if the first sensor 20 detects a living organism in the detection area Sa, a fixed amount of repellent Lav is released from the release nozzle 18. Furthermore, if a living organism still remains in the detection area Sa after the release, the repellent Lav continues to be released until it is gone (until a living organism is no longer detected in the detection area Sa). Note that, although the two systems of release nozzles 18 will be described as operating independently, the two release nozzles 18 may also operate in cooperation with each other.

[0052] <Detailed steps> [Setting p-value (Step S200)] Next, each process in the main flow of Figure 5 will be explained in detail. The movement of parameters due to the processing of each flow will be explained again later in Figure 10. Figure 6 shows the details of the flow of p-value setting (step S200) (parameter setting). When the processing moves to the p-value setting step (step S200), it is determined whether the initial settings are acceptable (step S202). The pest repellent release device 1 has initial values ​​set for each parameter when shipped from the factory. It is determined whether or not to change the settings.

[0053] If there is a need to change the initial value, the user inputs it directly into the controller 10 or remotely via the remote control 32. In other words, if there is no instruction to change the parameter, the initial setting may remain unchanged. Therefore, if there is no instruction to change the parameter (Y branch in step S202), the process returns to the main routine (step S206).

[0054] If the initial settings are to be changed (N branch in step S202), the necessary parameters are changed (step S204). Since the parameters include thresholds, the parameter value setting process can also be considered a process of changing the thresholds. Then, the process returns to the main routine (step S206). The main parameters are shown in Table 1.

[0055] [Table 1]

[0056] [Frequency Evaluation (Step S400)] Next, the processing of frequency evaluation (step S400) will be described with reference to FIG. 7. When the processing moves to frequency evaluation (step S400), it is determined whether the number of occurrences k is greater than the occurrence frequency threshold kth (step S402). The number of occurrences k is the count of how many times a living organism is detected by the first sensor 20 within a certain period of time (referred to as the evaluation time Tth). The initial value of the number of occurrences k is set to 1. The pest repellent release device 1 changes the release amount Cp of the repellent Lav depending on the frequency of appearance of the pest. Therefore, the number of times detection is made by the first sensor 20 is counted, and when this number exceeds the occurrence frequency threshold kth times, the release amount Cp is changed.

[0057] If the number of occurrences k is less than the occurrence frequency threshold kth (N branch in step S402), the process returns to the main routine (step S414).

[0058] If the number of appearances k is equal to or greater than the appearance frequency threshold kth (Y branch in step S402), it is determined whether the time Tk at which the kth appearance occurred was within the evaluation time Tth from the initial time T0 (step S404). That is, in steps S402 and S404, a living organism that appeared more than the appearance frequency threshold kth during the evaluation time Tth is found. Note that the value of time Tk increases as time passes.

[0059] If such a living organism is detected (Y branch in step S404), the amount Cp of repellent Lav released is increased. Specifically, in the next step, the emission intensity Cpq and emission time Cpt are increased by Apq and Apt times, respectively (step S406). However, to prevent the emission amount Cp from increasing infinitely, the emission intensity Cpq and emission time Cpt are limited to an emission intensity upper limit Cqmax and an emission time upper limit Ctmax, respectively (steps S408 and S410). Apq and Apt are referred to as the intensity increase ratio Apq and the time increase ratio Apt. These are parameters that can be modified in the p-value setting step (step S200) in FIG. 5.

[0060] In step S408 and step S410, "if (condition)" means that if the condition in the parentheses is true, the subsequent processing is performed, and if the condition in the parentheses is false, the subsequent processing in the parentheses is skipped. More specifically, in step S408, if the emission intensity Cpq is greater than the emission intensity upper limit Cqmax, the emission intensity Cpq is set to the emission intensity upper limit Cqmax. The same applies to step S410. This description also applies to the following steps.

[0061] After imposing upper limits on the emission intensity Cpq and emission time Cpt, the number of occurrences k is incremented (step S412), and the process returns to the main routine (step S414).

[0062] Next, the additional evaluation (step S420) will be described with reference to FIG. 8. When processing moves to the additional evaluation step (step S420), it is determined whether the detection signal SS1 from the first sensor 20 includes a distance signal (step S422), a magnitude signal (step S424), or multiple signals (step S426). The distance signal refers to information regarding the distance from the first sensor 20 to the living organism. If a living organism continues to approach despite having already been sprayed with repellent Lav, a large amount of repellent Lav is released, even if it is the first time the organism is approaching. In other words, the release amount Cp is increased. These processes are performed in the distance evaluation step of step S430.

[0063] The size signal is information about the size of the living organism. In the case of adult bears, wild boars, and deer, which are similar in size to humans, a small amount of repellent Lav will not be effective. Even if it is the first time the animal approaches, a large amount of repellent Lav is released. In other words, the release amount Cp is increased. These processes are performed in the size evaluation process in step S450.

[0064] The multiple signal is information regarding whether or not there are multiple living creatures approaching. If multiple pests approach, even if they are medium to small in size, a large amount of repellent Lav is released. In other words, the amount released Cp is increased. These processes are performed in the multiple evaluation process of step S470. Once these processes are completed, the process returns to the main (step S428). The distance evaluation (step S430), size evaluation (step S450), and multiple evaluation (step S470) will be described in detail later.

[0065] [Frequency update (step S600)] Next, the frequency update step (step S600) will be described with reference to Fig. 9. When the process moves to the frequency update step (step S600), it is determined whether the current time Tp is after the end time (T0 + Tth) of the evaluation time Tth (step S602). If the current time Tp is not after the end time (T0 + Tth) (N branch in step S602), the process returns to the main routine (step S612).

[0066] If the current time Tp is after the end time (T0+Tth) (Y branch in step S602), it is determined whether the initial time T0 is the same as the time when a living body was last detected (living body detection time Tk) (step S604). If they are the same (Y branch in step S604), this means that no living body has been detected during the evaluation time Tth, so the initial time T0 and the living body detection time Tk are set to the current time Tp (step S608), and the emission intensity Cpq and emission time Cpt are reset to their initial values, that is, the initial emission intensity Cpqi and initial emission time Cpti (step S610).

[0067] On the other hand, if the initial time T0 is not the same as the last living body detection time Tk (N branch in step S604), the last living body detection time Tk is set as the initial time T0, and the number of occurrences k is reset (step S606).Then, the process returns to the main routine (step S612).

[0068] [Operation description] The movement of the above frequency-related parameters will be explained using Figure 10. Figure 10(a) shows the current time Tp. The progress of the current time is indicated by adding "_n: n is an integer". Figures 10(b) to 10(d) show the processing state, and are simply divided into three rows for ease of viewing.

[0069] 10(a), assume that the current time is Tp_0 and the initial time is T0. Since the evaluation time is Tth, time T0+Tth is the end time of the evaluation period. Assume that the number of occurrences k, which is the number of times a living body is detected at time Tp_1, becomes equal to or greater than the occurrence frequency threshold kth (Y branch in step S402 in FIG. 7).

[0070] Time Tp_1 is the same time as the living organism detection time Tk (the time when a living organism appeared for the kth time). Furthermore, the living organism detection time Tk occurs within the evaluation time Tth (Y branch in step S404 in FIG. 7). Therefore, the release amount Cp is increased at this time (step S406 in FIG. 7). In other words, a living organism detected at the living organism detection time Tk will be exposed to the repellent Lav with the increased release amount Cp (step S500 in FIG. 5). After this, even if the process proceeds to frequency update (step S600), the current time Tp does not exceed the terminal time (T0 + Tth) (step S602 in FIG. 9), so the frequency update process (step S600 in FIG. 9) is not performed and the process returns to the main routine.

[0071] Furthermore, a living organism (the k+1th detection) detected at the current time Tp_2 (living organism detection time Tk+1) within the evaluation time Tth is sprayed with even more repellent Lav. This is because, for the kth or more detections within the evaluation time Tth, step S406 in FIG. 7 cumulatively increases the release amount Cp. However, the upper limit is set by steps S408 and S410 (steps S408 and S410 in FIG. 7).

[0072] Assume that no living body detection occurs thereafter, and the current time Tp passes and reaches time Tp_3. Since the sensor detection (step S300) in FIG. 5 is an N-branch, the frequency evaluation (step S400) in FIG. 7 is skipped, and the process moves to frequency update (step S600).

[0073] Then, the initial time T0 is compared with the last detected living body detection time Tk (time Tk+1 in FIG. 10(b)) to proceed to the Y branch of step S602 in FIG. 9 (step S604 in FIG. 9). In FIG. 10, time Tk+1 and time T0 are not the same time (see FIG. 10(b)), so step S604 in FIG. 9 proceeds to the N branch and step S606 is executed. In FIG. 10, time Tk+1 is set as the new initial time T0, as in FIG. 10(c). The new initial time T0 is time Tp_2, which is a time in the past when viewed from the current time Tp_3.

[0074] By setting a new initial time T0 in this way, the release amount Cp can always be updated between the last detection of a living organism and the evaluation time Tth. Also, during the new evaluation time Tth in Figure 10(c), the occurrence count k is reset in step S606 in Figure 9, so the release amount Cp for the previous evaluation period (the period in Figure 10(b)) is maintained until it exceeds the occurrence frequency threshold kth. If the occurrence count k becomes equal to or exceeds the occurrence frequency threshold kth between T0 and T0+Tth in Figure 10(c), even more repellent Lav will be released.

[0075] On the other hand, if no living body is detected during the evaluation time Tth in Fig. 10(c), the frequency evaluation (step S400 in Fig. 5) is skipped, and no processing is performed in the frequency update (step S600) in Fig. 9. When the current time becomes Tp_4, the evaluation time Tth in Fig. 10(c) becomes the terminal time (T0+Tth), and the Y branch of step S602 (Fig. 9) in the frequency update (step S600 in Fig. 5) is entered.

[0076] 10(d), if a living body is not detected during the evaluation time Tth, the number of occurrences k remains zero, and the initial time T0 and the living body detection time Tk remain the same. Therefore, the determination in step S604 in FIG. 9 is a Y branch, the initial time T0 and the living body detection time Tk are reset to the current time Tp_4 (step S608 in FIG. 9), and the emission intensity Cpq and emission time Cpt are reset to their initial values, the initial emission intensity Cpqi and the initial emission time Cpti (step S610 in FIG. 9).

[0077] As described above, by repeating frequency evaluation (step S400 in Figure 5) and frequency update (step S600 in Figure 5), a system can be constructed in which a large amount of repellent Lav is released when the frequency of appearance of a detected organism increases, and the amount released Cp is reset if the organism does not appear for a certain period of time.

[0078] In this way, the pest repellent release device 1 according to the present invention can increase the release amount Cp of the repellent Lav according to the frequency of the appearance of living organisms that are considered to be pests. Meanwhile, the release amount Cp of the repellent Lav can also be increased according to the additional factors shown in Figure 8, such as distance evaluation (step S430), size evaluation (step S450), and multiple evaluation (step S470).

[0079] An additional evaluation (step S420) that summarizes these is performed after the frequency evaluation (step S400) in Figure 7. Therefore, the release amount Cp of the repellent Lav, which has been adjusted based on the frequency of appearance of the living organism, is further adjusted. In other words, the operation described using Figure 10 is not affected, and the total release amount Cp may be affected by an increase each time the frequency evaluation (step S400) is performed. These steps are described below.

[0080] Fig. 11 shows the flow of distance evaluation (step S430). If the detection signal SS1 from the first sensor 20 contains information about the distance to the living body in the additional evaluation (step S420) of Fig. 8 (Y branch of step S422), the process proceeds to distance evaluation (step S430). Referring to Fig. 11, when the process proceeds to distance evaluation (step S430), it is determined whether the distance d to the living body is equal to or less than the distance threshold dth (step S432).

[0081] If the distance d from the living organism is greater than the distance threshold dth (N branch of step S432), nothing is done and the process returns to the additional evaluation (step S420) of Figure 8 (step S440). On the other hand, if the distance d from the living organism is equal to or less than the distance threshold dth (Y branch of step S432), the release amount Cp of the repellent Lav is increased (step S434). Specifically, the release intensity Cpq and release time Cpt are increased by Dpq and Dpt times, respectively.

[0082] However, to prevent the emission amount Cp from becoming infinitely large, the emission intensity Cpq and emission time Cpt are limited to an emission intensity upper limit Cqmax and an emission time upper limit Ctmax, respectively (steps S436 and S438). Note that Dpq and Dpt are referred to as the distance-intensity increase ratio Dpq and the distance-time increase ratio Dpt. Thereafter, the process returns to the additional evaluation (step S420) in FIG. 8 (step S440).

[0083] FIG. 12 shows the flow of size evaluation (step S450). If the detection signal SS1 from the first sensor 20 contains information about the size of the living organism in the additional evaluation (step S420) of FIG. 8 (Y branch in step S424), the process proceeds to size evaluation (step S450). Referring to FIG. 12, when the process proceeds to size evaluation (step S450), it is determined whether the size m of the living organism is equal to or greater than a size threshold mth (step S452). In this case, the first sensor 20 has a function that can grasp the size of the living organism.

[0084] If the size m of the living organism is less than the size threshold mth (N branch of step S452), nothing is done and the process returns to the additional evaluation (step S420) of Figure 8 (step S460). On the other hand, if the size m of the living organism is equal to or greater than the size threshold mth (Y branch of step S452), the release amount Cp of the repellent Lav is increased (step S454). Specifically, the release intensity Cpq and release time Cpt are increased by Mpq and Mpt times, respectively.

[0085] However, to prevent the emission amount Cp from becoming infinitely large, the emission intensity Cpq and emission time Cpt are limited to an emission intensity upper limit Cqmax and an emission time upper limit Ctmax, respectively (steps S456 and S458). Note that Mpq and Mpt are referred to as the magnitude-intensity increase ratio Mpq and the magnitude-time increase ratio Mpt. Thereafter, the process returns to the additional evaluation (step S420) in Figure 8 (step S460).

[0086] Figure 13 shows the flow of the multiple evaluation (step S470). As shown in Figure 2, if multiple first sensors 20 are installed at separate locations in the pest repellent release device 1, the controller 10 receives detection signals SS1 from the multiple first sensors 20. If signals from these first sensors 20 simultaneously detect living organisms, it can be assumed that multiple living organisms have arrived. In such a case, the release amount Cp of the repellent Lav is increased regardless of the frequency of appearance, as well as the distance and size.

[0087] In step S426 of the additional evaluation (step S420) in Fig. 8, if the pest repellent discharge device 1 has a plurality of first sensors 20, the process proceeds to a Y-branch multiple evaluation (step S470). Referring to Fig. 13, when the process proceeds to the multiple evaluation (step S470), it is determined whether or not there are living organism detection signals from the plurality of first sensors 20 (step S472). Here, multiple means at least two or more first sensors 20, and it is sufficient that it is confirmed that at least two or more first sensors 20 have detected a living organism.

[0088] If there are no signals of living organism detection from a plurality of different first sensors 20 (N branch of step S472), nothing is done and the process returns to the additional evaluation (step S420) of Fig. 8 (step S480). On the other hand, if there are signals of living organism detection from a plurality of first sensors 20 (Y branch of step S472), the release amount Cp of the repellent Lav is increased (step S474). Specifically, the release intensity Cpq and release time Cpt are increased by Ppq and Ppt times, respectively.

[0089] However, to prevent the emission amount Cp from becoming infinitely large, the emission intensity Cpq and emission time Cpt are limited to the emission intensity upper limit Cqmax and emission time upper limit Ctmax, respectively (steps S476 and S478). Note that Ppq and Ppt are referred to as the multiple intensity increase ratio Ppq and multiple time increase ratio Ppt. The process then returns to the additional evaluation (step S420) in Figure 8 (step S480).

[0090] The multiple first sensors 20 may be the same type or different types. Also, by using a two-dimensional infrared array sensor, a camera, or the like as the first sensor 20, the present invention can be applied to cases where the first sensor 20 alone can detect multiple objects.

[0091] The process related to the above additional evaluation (step S420) is executed immediately before the release process (FIG. 5: step S500). Therefore, the release amount Cp of the repellent Lav can be increased independently of the release amount Cp of the repellent Lav due to the frequency.

[0092] <Example of configuration with accessory element device B> Figure 14 shows a configuration in which element devices B, such as a second sensor 26, a speaker 24, and a wind vane and anemometer 22, are added to the basic configuration. This configuration will be referred to as the "advanced configuration" hereafter. The fact that there are two systems of discharge nozzles 18 is the same as in the basic configuration (Figure 2).

[0093] 14 illustrates a case in which the second sensor 26 issues a warning to release the repellent Lav when the living organism approaching the release nozzle 18 is a human. The release amount Cp can also be changed when the wind vane and anemometer 22 detects wind.

[0094] Figure 15 shows the processing flow of the controller 10 in the case of the applied arrangement. Compared to the processing flow in the case of the basic arrangement in Figure 5, steps S250 and S252 (warning-related processing) enclosed by dotted lines have been added, and processing (wind processing) has been added to step S500 (the new step S500 will be explained in detail later). The other processing is the same as main flow 1 in Figure 5.

[0095] <Audio warning> The audio warning process is performed by the second sensor 26 and speaker 24, which detect living organisms in areas (detection areas Sb1 and Sb2) far from the field 100 being protected relative to the detection areas Sa1 and Sa2 of the first sensor 20 in Fig. 14. This is because when a living organism is detected by the first sensor 20, the repellent Lav is released. Therefore, the processing flow is also performed before the processing by the first sensor 20 (step S300).

[0096] 15, when the second sensor 26 detects a living organism (Y branch in step S250), an alarm sound is generated by the speaker 24. The alarm sound is preferably a sound such as "Repellent will be released beyond this point, so please do not enter." This is because there is no need to make the pests understand this, and the purpose is to alert people approaching the area where the repellent Lav is released.

[0097] <Wind treatment> Wind processing is performed using wind direction and wind force signals from the anemometer 22. The controller 10 can receive wind direction information via the wind force and wind direction signal SW, so if there is a tailwind relative to the direction in which the repellent Lav is being released, the release amount Cp is reduced, and if there is a headwind, the release amount Cp is increased. In the case of a crosswind, if the area to which release is desired is downwind, the release amount Cp is reduced, and if the area to which release is desired is upwind, the release amount Cp is increased. Various cases can be considered depending on the setting angle of the type of release nozzle 18.

[0098] To determine how to set the discharge rate Cp based on information on wind direction and wind force, the controller 10 preferably has a lookup table 45 as shown in Figure 16(a). The lookup table 45 is a table of wind direction and wind force, and defines the wind-intensity increase ratio Awq and wind-time increase ratio Awt according to the wind direction and wind force. The wind direction is the angle calculated counterclockwise when the direction of the discharge nozzle 18 is set to zero degrees as shown in Figure 16(b).

[0099] The lookup table 45 defines the wind-intensity increase ratio Awq and the wind-time increase ratio Awt for wind angles from 0 degrees to 360 degrees between the discharge nozzle 18 and the wind, from wind speed 0 (m / s) to the maximum wind speed Wmax at which the pest repellent discharge device 1 can operate. However, when the wind speed is weak, there is no need to consider the wind. Therefore, below the wind speed threshold wth, the increase ratios for changing the discharge amount Cp can be set to 1 for both the wind-intensity increase ratio Awq and the wind-time increase ratio Awt. In other words, once the wind speed threshold wth is determined, both the wind-intensity increase ratio Awq and the wind-time increase ratio Awt are set to 1 for wind speeds below the wind speed threshold wth.

[0100] The controller 10 receives wind direction information and wind force information from the wind vane and anemometer 22 every moment, and can obtain the wind strength increase rate Awq and the wind time increase rate Awt from the look-up table 45 .

[0101] Fig. 17 shows an example of the process of releasing repellent Lav (step S500) in the main routine of Fig. 15. When the process moves to the release process (step S500), the current wind power wp is compared with the wind power threshold wth (step S502). If the current wind power wp is less than the wind power threshold wth (N branch in step S502), the release amount Cp is released without changing (step S510).

[0102] Then, the discharge intensity Cpq and discharge time Cpt are divided by the wind-intensity increase ratio Awq and wind-time increase ratio Awt, respectively (step S512). However, since the wind-intensity increase ratio Awq and wind-time increase ratio Awt are set to 1 at this time, the values ​​of the discharge intensity Cpq and discharge time Cpt do not change. Then, the process returns to the main routine (step S514).

[0103] If the current wind power wp is equal to or greater than the wind power threshold wth (Y branch in step S502), the wind-intensity increase ratio Awq and the wind-time increase ratio Awt are read from the lookup table 45 based on the current wind power information and wind direction information, and are multiplied by the release power Cpq (ml / s) and the release time Cpt (s), respectively (step S504).

[0104] Thereafter, the upper limit of emission intensity Cqmax and the upper limit of emission time Ctmax are imposed (steps S506 and S508). This process is the same as step S408 and step S410 in Fig. 7. Thereafter, the repellent Lav is released in a release amount Cp (Cpq x Cpt) (step S510).

[0105] After the repellent Lav is released, the release intensity Cpq (ml / s) and release duration Cpt (s) are divided by the wind-intensity increase rate Awq and the wind-time increase rate Awt, respectively (step S510). This process returns the release intensity Cpq (ml / s) and release duration Cpt (s) to their values ​​before they were changed due to the influence of wind. This process is performed because wind changes constantly, while the evaluation time Tth can be relatively long (several hours), so it is preferable to determine the influence of wind each time a release is made.

[0106] The configurations and processing steps shown in "audio warning" and "wind processing" can be added independently to the "basic arrangement." Also, although the discharge nozzle 18 has been described with two systems, one controller 10 may control three or more systems, as long as there is one or more systems.

[0107] Although the example in which the discharge nozzle 18 and the first sensor 20 are provided as a pair has been shown, they do not have to be a pair. That is, a plurality of first sensors 20 may be arranged on one discharge nozzle 18, or a plurality of discharge nozzles 18 may be provided on one first sensor 20. [Industrial Applicability]

[0108] The present invention can be suitably used in places where it is necessary to prevent harmful animals from approaching rice paddies, farmlands, or houses. [Explanation of symbols]

[0109] 1. Pest repellent release device 10 Controller 12 Battery 14 Pump 16 Repellent Tank 18 Discharge nozzle 20 First Sensor 22 Wind direction anemometer 24 speakers 26 Second sensor 30 Antenna 32 Remote Control 40 Input / output section 45 Lookup Tables 50 Liquid pipe 100 fields 110 Bush 200 Vermin A Main Unit B element equipment Lav repellent CP control signal SS1 detection signal SS2 detection signal SV Audio Signal SW Wind direction signal SC communication signal SaC radio signal Sa detection area Sb detection area Cp release amount Cpq emission intensity Cpqi initial emission intensity Cqmax Emission intensity upper limit Apq Strength increase ratio Dpq distance-intensity increase ratio Mpq Size / Strength Increase Ratio Ppq Multiple Intensity Increase Ratio Awq Wind strength increase ratio Cpt release time Cpti initial release time Ctmax release time upper limit Apt Time Increase Ratio Dpt Distance-time increase ratio Mpt Size-time increase rate Ppt Multiple Time Increase Ratio Awt Wind-time increase rate P emission area k occurrences kth occurrence frequency threshold Tth evaluation time T0 initial time Tp Current time T0+Tth End time Tk Life detection time dth distance threshold mth size threshold Wmax Maximum wind force wth wind power threshold wp current wind power

Claims

1. a first sensor for detecting a living body; a discharge nozzle for discharging a repellent; a repellent tank that stores the repellent; a pump for supplying the repellent from the repellent tank to the discharge nozzle; a controller for varying at least one of the intensity and duration of the repellent discharged from the discharge nozzle based on a signal from the first sensor;

2. A pest repellent release device as described in claim 1, wherein the controller increases at least one of the release intensity and release time of the repellent released from the release nozzle when the number of occurrences per unit time detected by the first sensor is greater than a predetermined threshold.

3. the first sensor measures the size of the living body or the distance to the living body; A pest repellent release device as described in claim 1, wherein the controller increases at least one of the release intensity and release time of the repellent released from the release nozzle when it is determined that the living organism is larger than a predetermined value or the distance to the living organism is closer than a predetermined value.

4. a plurality of the first sensors are provided; A pest repellent release device as described in claim 1, wherein the controller increases at least one of the release intensity and release time of the repellent released from the release nozzle when at least two of the first sensors detect the living organism simultaneously.

5. It also has a wind vane and anemometer. A pest repellent release device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the controller changes at least one of the release intensity and release time of the repellent released from the release nozzle depending on the output of the wind vane and anemometer.

6. 6. The pest repellent release device of claim 5, wherein the controller increases at least one of the release intensity and release time of the repellent released from the release nozzle when the wind force of the wind vane and anemometer is greater than a predetermined threshold.

7. a second sensor set at a location farther from the object to be protected than the first sensor; further comprising a speaker disposed near the second sensor; 5. The pest repellent discharging device according to claim 1, wherein when the second sensor detects a living organism, a warning sound is emitted from the speaker to alert people.

8. 5. The pest repellent discharging device according to claim 1, wherein the controller changes the threshold value in response to an external instruction.

9. The pest repellent discharging device according to claim 8 , wherein the external instruction is an instruction from an internet-connected device.

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