Mosquito breeding suppression device and mosquito breeding suppression method

Abstract

The present invention provides a mosquito breeding suppression device and a mosquito breeding suppression method that can suppress mosquito reproduction. [Solution] The mosquito breeding suppression device 1 comprises a drone device body 2, a first camera 10 provided on the drone device body and capable of capturing visible light images, a second camera 11 provided on the drone device body and capable of capturing infrared thermal images, an irradiation device 16 provided on the drone device body and irradiating electromagnetic waves that vibrate water molecules to heat them, and a control unit 30. The control unit 30 comprises a identification unit 41 that identifies target candidate containers in images captured by the first camera, an estimation unit 42 that photographs the container identified by the identification unit with the second camera and estimates that water is accumulated in the container if the thermal image of the container is lower than the surrounding ground temperature, and a heating unit 43 that heats the water in the container estimated by the estimation unit with electromagnetic waves irradiated from the irradiation device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a mosquito breeding suppression apparatus and a mosquito breeding suppression method.

Background Art

[0002] Preventing the epidemic of mosquito-borne infectious diseases, such as dengue fever, is a very important issue. To reduce mosquito-borne infectious diseases, a method called Larval Source Management (hereinafter referred to as "LSM") has been proposed. LSM is a method for reducing the population of mosquito larvae by performing operations such as insecticide spraying on water areas that serve as breeding grounds for mosquito larvae. LSM is an effective method as a countermeasure against infectious diseases even in towns and suburban areas where people live.

[0003] As mosquitoes that transmit dengue fever, for example, Aedes albopictus, Aedes aegypti, and the like are known. It is known that Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti have different ecologies from Anopheles mosquitoes that transmit malaria and the like, and preferentially breed in water accumulated in containers such as empty cans, vases, PET bottles, and buckets.

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0004]

Patent Literature 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In response to this, as disclosed in Patent Literature 1, although the species is different from Aedes albopictus, Aedes aegypti and the like, techniques such as a granular composition for killing Anopheles larvae in water have been proposed, and extermination of mosquito larvae has been proposed. However, it is practically difficult, both in terms of cost and effort, to go around filling empty cans, vases, plastic bottles, buckets, etc., left in gardens, parks, and individual homes with insecticide. Furthermore, spraying insecticides presents problems such as increased insecticide use and residual insecticide components, raising concerns about health risks to humans, thus posing challenges to the use of insecticides.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve these problems and aims to provide a mosquito breeding suppression device and a mosquito breeding suppression method that can kill or reduce mosquito larvae in the water in a container and suppress mosquito breeding. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objective, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a mosquito breeding suppression device for suppressing mosquito breeding comprises a drone device body, a first camera provided on the drone device body and capable of capturing visible light images, a second camera provided on the drone device body and capable of capturing infrared thermal images, an irradiation device provided on the drone device body and irradiating electromagnetic waves that vibrate water molecules to heat them, and a control unit, wherein the control unit comprises a identification unit that identifies a target container in an image captured by the first camera, an estimation unit that photographs the container identified by the identification unit with the second camera and estimates that water is accumulated in the container if the thermal image of the container is lower than the temperature of the surrounding ground, and a heating unit that heats the water in the container estimated by the estimation unit with electromagnetic waves irradiated from the irradiation device. According to the embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, the identification unit identifies a target container in the image, the estimation unit photographs the container identified by the identification unit with the second camera, and if the thermal image of the container is lower than the surrounding ground temperature, it is estimated that water has accumulated in the container, and the heating unit further heats the water in the container, which the estimation unit has estimated to have accumulated, with electromagnetic waves irradiated from the irradiation device. This kills or reduces mosquito larvae in the water inside the container and suppresses mosquito reproduction.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, preferably a method for suppressing mosquito breeding using a mosquito breeding suppression device, the mosquito breeding suppression device comprises a drone device body, a first camera provided on the drone device body and capable of capturing visible light images, a second camera provided on the drone device body and capable of capturing infrared thermal images, an irradiation device provided on the drone device body and irradiating electromagnetic waves that vibrate water molecules to heat them, and a control unit, the method comprising: a identification step of identifying a target candidate container in an image captured by the first camera; an estimation step of recognizing the container identified in the identification step with the first camera and photographing the container with the second camera, and estimating that water is accumulated in the container if the thermal image of the container is lower than the temperature of the surrounding ground; and a heating step of heating the water in the container, which is estimated to contain water in the estimation step, with electromagnetic waves irradiated from the irradiation device. According to the embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, a container that is a candidate for the target is identified in the image in a specific step, the container identified in the specific step is photographed by the second camera in an estimation step, and if the thermal image of the container is lower than the temperature of the surrounding ground, it is estimated that water has accumulated in the container, and further, in a heating step, the water in the container that is estimated to have accumulated in the estimation step is heated by electromagnetic waves irradiated from the irradiation device. This kills or reduces mosquito larvae in the water inside the container and suppresses mosquito reproduction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the mosquito breeding suppression device and method of the present invention, mosquito breeding can be suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the outline of a mosquito breeding suppression device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2]This is a schematic diagram showing how the drone-side control unit and control unit of the drone device body of a mosquito breeding suppression device according to one embodiment of the present invention are connected via the internet. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a mosquito breeding suppression device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control unit in a mosquito breeding suppression device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This figure shows a flowchart of a mosquito breeding suppression method related to a mosquito breeding suppression device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This figure shows the movement of the drone device body from the starting point to the target area in a mosquito breeding suppression device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This figure shows how a target area is photographed by a first camera in a mosquito breeding suppression device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This figure shows how a target area is photographed by a first camera in a mosquito breeding suppression device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This figure shows how a container is recognized in an image of a target area captured by a first camera in a mosquito breeding suppression device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This figure shows a thermal image of a container filled with water, captured by a second camera in a mosquito breeding suppression device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This is a top view showing, from above, a mosquito breeding suppression device according to one embodiment of the present invention, in which four drone device bodies are irradiating the container from diagonally above using an irradiation device. [Figure 12] This is a schematic diagram showing how the drone device heats the container from an oblique angle above in a mosquito breeding suppression device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] This figure shows a modified example of the drone device body of a mosquito breeding suppression device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Hereinafter, a mosquito breeding suppression apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments of the present disclosure are described by way of example, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many variations, modifications and substitutions can be made within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, and various variations and modifications can be made to the form and details thereof without departing from the scope of the claims. In addition, constituent elements disclosed in the specification can be freely combined.

[0012] As shown in Figure 1, the mosquito breeding suppression apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus for suppressing mosquito breeding. The mosquito breeding suppression apparatus 1 can kill mosquito larvae G1 present in a puddle in a container C. For example, the mosquito breeding suppression apparatus 1 can heat water to 60°C or higher, more preferably 70°C or higher, to kill or reduce mosquito larvae G1 by heat. In addition, the mosquito breeding suppression apparatus 1 can also kill or reduce mosquito eggs G2 adhering to the container C by means of water heated to 60°C or higher, more preferably 70°C or higher. Further, when high-temperature steam is generated from boiling heated water, the steam can also kill or reduce mosquito larvae G1 and mosquito eggs G2.

[0013] The mosquito breeding suppression apparatus 1 includes a drone main body 2, a first camera 10, a second camera 11, an altitude measuring device 12, a GPS device 14, a communication unit 15, an irradiation device 16, a drone-side control unit 18, and a control unit 30.

[0014] As shown in Figure 1, the drone device body 2 is an unmanned aerial vehicle, such as a multi-rotor drone, but it may be another type of unmanned aerial vehicle. The drone device body 2 mainly forms the main airframe of the drone device. The drone device body 2 is equipped with a rotor 6b and blades (rotating wings) 6c for rotating blades on each of the six arms that extend outward from the drone device body 2. By controlling the rotation speed of each blade 6c, the drone device body 2 is configured to move in the forward / backward, left / right, and up / down directions. The drone device body 2 is configured to generate enough lift to carry a first camera 10, a second camera 11, and an illumination device 16, etc., and to fly. In this embodiment, the drone device body 2 is equipped with six arms and one blade installed on each arm (a total of six blades), but this may be changed to a different number of arms and blades installed on each arm. The drone device body 2 can fly along a predetermined position, altitude, and course, and take off and land fully automatically according to a predetermined program, as controlled by a control unit 30, which will be described later. Therefore, the drone device body 2 can, for example, search for a container C to be heated from the starting point, heat the water in the identified container C, and then return to a return point, for example, the same point as the starting point. The drone device body 2 is equipped with a manual control unit 70 (see Figure 1), and all or part of the control may be manually operated by the manual control unit. The drone device body 2 may be changed to another type of flying object that can fly at any position, such as an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) such as a helicopter.

[0015] The first camera 10 is provided on the drone apparatus main body 2 and forms a visible light image camera capable of capturing visible light images. The first camera 10 can capture and visually recognize surrounding conditions from the drone apparatus main body 2. The first camera 10 has a function capable of capturing moving images and still photographs. The first camera 10 can capture a visible light image and search for a container C that is a candidate target in the image. In addition, the first camera 10 can check the state of the container C and the water contained therein before heating, during heating, and after heating. Furthermore, the first camera 10 allows a user to check the surrounding conditions of the first camera 10 from a remote location. The first camera 10 is arranged so as to be capable of capturing images of the area vertically downward, so that the conditions in the vertically downward direction can also be checked. The candidate target container C is a container having an opening facing upward. Due to the opening provided at the upper portion, rainwater easily accumulates inside the container, mosquitoes lay eggs in the accumulated water, mosquito larvae breed in the water, and become adults in a relatively short period of time.

[0016] The second camera 11 is provided on the drone apparatus main body 2 and forms a thermography camera capable of capturing infrared thermal images. The second camera 11 detects thermal infrared rays radiated from an object, acquires temperature information, and generates a thermal image based on the temperature information. The second camera 11 can capture and visually recognize surrounding conditions from the drone apparatus main body 2. The second camera 11 has a function capable of capturing moving images and still photographs. The second camera 11 can capture a thermal image and indicate the temperature of each object in the image and the temperature difference within the image. The second camera 11 is arranged so as to be capable of capturing images of the area vertically downward, so that the conditions in the vertically downward direction can also be checked. Note that the first camera 10 and the second camera 11 may be integrally formed by a dual camera or the like.

[0017] The altitude measuring device 12 is installed on the drone body 2 and can measure the altitude H1 (distance) of the drone body 2 relative to the ground G on which the container is placed. The altitude measuring device 12 may use, for example, an ultrasonic altimeter that can measure the height to the ground G. The altitude measuring device 12 may be composed of any or any combination thereof of a pressure measuring sensor that can measure flight altitude by measuring atmospheric pressure, an ultrasonic sonar that can measure the distance from the drone body 2 to the ground G, a laser measuring sensor that can measure the distance from the drone body 2 to the ground G, or a LIDAR sensor that can measure the distance from the drone body 2 to the ground G. As a result, the altitude measuring device 12 can measure the altitude H1 (distance) from the drone body 2 to the ground G. For example, the altitude measuring device 12 can measure the altitude of the drone body 2 so that it reaches a predetermined altitude H1, for example, an altitude (distance) within the range of 10 cm to 2 m from the ground G to the drone body 2, more preferably an altitude within the range of 20 cm to 1 m, or more preferably an altitude within the range of 20 cm to 0.5 m. Therefore, the drone-side control unit 18 can make the drone device body 2 fly at a predetermined altitude.

[0018] The GPS device 14 is attached to the drone body 2. The GPS device 14 is capable of determining the current position of the drone body 2 using satellites. The control unit 30 acquires coordinate information of the drone body 2 and the coordinate information of the container C that is a candidate for heating, and the GPS device 14 can confirm these coordinates. The control unit 30 can perform the heating operation on the container C while confirming the coordinates using the GPS device 14. The GPS device 14 can acquire position information of the heating point (for example, information such as latitude and longitude). Furthermore, the GPS device 14 can recognize the position of the drone body 2 and provide position information necessary for predetermined flight control of the drone body 2.

[0019] The communication unit 15 can wirelessly transmit data from the drone device body 2 to the control unit 30. For example, the communication unit 15 can transmit information such as the position (coordinates, altitude) of the drone device body 2 and the position of container C to the control unit 30. The communication unit 15 also communicates with the drone-side control unit 18 so that they can share control information with the control unit 30.

[0020] The drone device body 2 may be equipped with a manual control unit 70, a monitor 72 for the control unit 70, etc., as needed. Images from the first camera 10 and the second camera 11 can be viewed on the monitor 72. For example, an operator may control the operation and stopping of the irradiation device 16 while checking the heating status of the container C on the monitor 72, for example, the thermal image from the second camera 11.

[0021] As shown in Figure 4, the drone-side control unit 18 incorporates a CPU 18a and a storage device 18b such as memory, and controls connected devices to execute predetermined controls based on a predetermined control program recorded in the memory, etc. The drone-side control unit 18 is electrically connected to the first camera 10, the second camera 11, the altitude measuring device 12, the GPS device 14, the communication unit 15, the illumination device 16, the control unit 30, etc. These electrical connections may be made by wireless communication or the like.

[0022] The drone-side control unit 18 can perform flight control of the drone device body 2. The drone-side control unit 18 is configured to perform predetermined functions in cooperation with the control unit 30. The drone-side control unit 18 controls the flight of the drone device body 2 together with the control unit 30. More specifically, the drone-side control unit 18 can control the position (coordinates, altitude) where the drone-side control unit 18 heats the container C, attitude control, yawing rotation suppression control, movement between heating points, etc. Thus, the drone-side control unit 18 can control the flight altitude, flight route, rotation speed of each blade, attitude (including left and right roll and yawing in the rotation direction, etc.) of the drone device body 2, and, if necessary, the operation control of the irradiation device 16, etc. The drone-side control unit 18 can control the drone device body 2 to reach a predetermined altitude above the target point (search point) and irradiate the container C with electromagnetic waves. The drone-side control unit 18 may be provided as an integral part with the control unit 30. For example, all or part of the functions of the drone-side control unit 18 may be provided on the control unit 30 side. The drone-side control unit 18 can set various modes and other settings via output devices 31 such as monitors and input devices 32 that can be operated.

[0023] The irradiation device 16 irradiates water molecules with electromagnetic waves, such as microwaves Z, to heat them by causing them to vibrate. The irradiation device 16 irradiates microwaves such as 2.45 GHz. The drone device body 2 is heated by the microwaves Z, which are electromagnetic waves irradiated from the irradiation device 16. The irradiation device 16 comprises a magnetron 16a that emits microwaves Z at 2.45 GHz and a horn reflector antenna 16b that irradiates microwaves Z. The magnetron 16a is configured to produce an output value in the range of approximately 1 kW to approximately 3 kW. The magnetron 16a is configured to produce an output of, for example, approximately 2 kW. The irradiation device 16 may also be equipped with a Gunn diode oscillator instead of a magnetron.

[0024] The horn reflector antenna 16b has the function of improving the directivity of microwaves. The horn reflector antenna 16b has a small diffusion angle of microwave Z of the emitted electromagnetic wave, for example, about 3 degrees, so the spread of microwave Z of the electromagnetic wave is suppressed and microwave Z is less attenuated with distance. Therefore, by irradiating with the horn reflector antenna 16b, heating can be efficiently performed by irradiation even from a position that is a little distance away from the container C. The horn reflector antenna 16b may be replaced with another antenna that has a microwave directivity function, such as a parabolic antenna.

[0025] As shown in Figure 1, the control unit 30 of the mosquito breeding suppression device 1 is configured to control the drone device body 2 and the equipment mounted thereon. The control unit 30 is located, for example, in a computer at a location separate from the drone device body 2.

[0026] As shown in Figure 1, the control unit 30 is electrically connected to the drone device body 2, etc., via the internet 3. The control unit 30 may be installed in an electronic device that functions as a computer, such as a smartphone or tablet. The control unit 30 has a built-in CPU 30a and a storage device 30b such as memory, and controls the connected device based on a predetermined control program recorded in the memory, etc. Therefore, the control unit 30 functions as a computer. The electrical connection between the control unit 30 and other devices may be connected in whole or in part by wireless communication such as infrared communication or other methods. The control unit 30 has a predetermined program for executing predetermined control functions. The control unit 30 may also be composed of multiple devices. The storage device 30b of the control unit 30 stores a predetermined program, but it does not necessarily have to store all of the program; some or all of it may be stored in multiple devices, or on a server via the internet. For example, the drone-side control unit 18 mounted on the drone device body 2 may be configured to execute some or all of the control functions. Furthermore, the control unit 30 is equipped with output devices 31 such as a monitor and input devices 32 that can be operated, and various modes can be set.

[0027] The control unit 30 includes a identification unit 41 that identifies a candidate container C in the image captured by the first camera 10. The control unit 30 functions as the identification unit 41 according to a predetermined program.

[0028] The control unit 30 includes an estimation unit 42 that captures the container C identified by the identification unit 41 with the second camera 11 and estimates that water is stored in the container C if the thermal image of the container C is lower than the temperature of the surrounding ground. The control unit 30 functions as the estimation unit 42 according to a predetermined program. As shown in Figure 10, for example, if water is stored in the container C, heat of vaporization is generated in the container C, and heat is removed from the container C. As a result, the temperature of the container C and the internal temperature T2 of the container C become slightly lower than the temperature T0 of the surrounding ground G and the temperature T1 of the surrounding air. Therefore, when the container C is viewed as a thermal image by the second camera 11, the internal temperature T2 of the container C is slightly lower than the temperature T0 of the surrounding ground G. Accordingly, the estimation unit 42 can estimate that water is stored in the container C when the thermal image of the container shows that the temperature T2 of the container C is lower than the temperature of the surrounding ground G, etc.

[0029] The control unit 30 includes a heating unit 43 that heats the water in the container C, which the estimation unit 42 has estimated to contain water, using electromagnetic waves emitted from the irradiation device 16. The control unit 30 functions as the heating unit 43 according to a predetermined program. By executing the heating unit 43 of the control unit 30, the water in the container C can be heated by electromagnetic waves emitted from the irradiation device 16. The electromagnetic waves generated from the irradiation device 16 are directed towards the water W in the container C, causing the water molecules to vibrate with the electromagnetic waves (microwaves) Z and generating thermal energy. The heating unit 43 has the function of positioning the drone device body 2 at a predetermined position away from the container C and directing the electromagnetic waves Z generated from the irradiation device 16 towards the water in the container C. For example, the heating unit 43 positions the drone device body 2 30 cm directly above the container C and directs the electromagnetic waves from the irradiation device 16 into the container C directly below. The heating unit 43 also continues the irradiation for a predetermined time. For example, the heating unit 43 continues irradiation from the irradiation device 16 for a predetermined time, for example, several tens of seconds to several minutes, depending on the size of the container C. This allows the water in the container C to be heated to a high temperature, for example, 70 degrees Celsius or higher, which can kill or reduce mosquito larvae G1 and mosquito eggs G2. If the temperature of the water W in the container C can be measured using the thermal camera of the second camera 11, it is also possible to heat the water W until its temperature reaches a predetermined value or higher, for example, 70 degrees Celsius or higher.

[0030] The identification unit 41 includes a first determination unit 44 that uses an AI function unit to determine which container C is a candidate target in the image captured by the first camera 10. The control unit 30 functions as the first determination unit 44 according to a predetermined program. The first determination unit 44 causes the AI ​​function unit to define a candidate target container, such as a container that is likely to hold water. The first determination unit 44 uses the AI ​​function unit to determine whether or not a candidate target container C exists in the image. If the first determination unit 44 determines that a candidate target container exists in the image, it can cause the estimation unit to perform operations on that container. In this way, the first determination unit 44 can cause the AI ​​function unit to search for a container in the image. Furthermore, the candidate target container C can be defined relatively freely. The first determination unit 44 allows the AI ​​function unit to recognize containers C present in the image, such as vases, water containers, decanters, cans, bottles, pitchers, plastic bottles, and other containers, according to their categories, for example. Container C has an opening at the top, which is open to the atmosphere. Because the AI ​​function unit recognizes the containers, it can automatically search for potential target containers C without requiring manual visual inspection. Furthermore, the AI ​​function unit can efficiently search for relatively small containers C, such as empty cans or 500mL plastic bottles, that may be found in gardens, vacant lots, or around houses. It can also easily detect relatively small containers that users tend to overlook, making it easier to find puddles that serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes, and thus more efficiently killing or reducing mosquito larvae and suppressing mosquito reproduction.

[0031] The identification unit 41 includes a second determination unit 45 that determines a candidate container C in an image captured by the first camera 10 by comparing it with information in a database. The control unit 30 functions as the second determination unit 45 according to a predetermined program. The second determination unit 45 can define candidate containers in the database, for example, containers with a shape that is likely to hold water. The second determination unit 45 can determine whether or not a candidate container C exists in the image by comparing the container in the captured image with the container in the database information. If the second determination unit 45 determines that a candidate container exists in the image, it can cause the estimation unit to perform operations on that container. In this way, containers can be searched for in an image by comparing them with information in a database. Furthermore, candidate containers C can be defined relatively freely. In addition, containers C can be determined and discovered based on a database that registers commonly used containers or records the characteristics of products sold in each country. The second determination unit 45 can compare the shape information of containers recorded in the database with the shape information of objects in the captured image. Therefore, if the target container is an empty beverage can or a beverage PET bottle, or if its shape and characteristics are known in advance, it can be efficiently searched for by comparing it with containers recorded in the database. Furthermore, by recording information about logos, labels, identification marks, product markings, and other markers attached to empty cans and PET bottles in the database, it is also possible to search for target containers based on these markers. Thus, it becomes possible to find containers that may contain water with relatively high accuracy.

[0032] The identification unit 41 includes a third determination unit 46 that uses an AI function unit to determine whether a container C has a vessel shape in an image captured by the first camera 10. The control unit 30 functions as the third determination unit 46 according to a predetermined program. The third determination unit 46 can cause the AI ​​function unit to search for container C with a vessel shape, for example, container C having a vessel shape. By causing the AI ​​function unit to search for containers with a vessel shape, for example, the third determination unit 46 can search for containers with a vessel shape, regardless of the type of individual product such as a vase, water container, decanter, can, bottle, pitcher, or PET bottle. The AI ​​function unit can then determine whether a target candidate container exists in the image. In this way, the AI ​​function unit can search for containers in the image. Furthermore, the target candidate container C can be defined relatively freely. The third determination unit 46 can search for target candidates from the perspective of containers with an opening and a vessel shape that can store water, rather than directly searching for individual containers such as vases, water containers, decanters, cans, bottles, pitchers, or PET bottles. Therefore, it is not limited to specific types of containers that have been registered in advance, but can handle a wide variety of containers and search for containers with shapes that may hold water. Furthermore, even new types of containers or containers with unknown shapes can be easily recognized as potential targets based on the common characteristic of their shape. Consequently, it becomes easier to find a wide range of containers that may contain water.

[0033] The control unit 30 includes a first heating unit 47 that positions the drone device body 2 in the air directly above the container C and irradiates the water in the container C with the irradiation device 16. The control unit 30 functions as the first heating unit 47 according to a predetermined program. The first heating unit 47 positions the drone device body 2 at a predetermined position in the air directly above the container C. The first heating unit 47 causes the drone device body 2 to hover approximately directly above the container C. For example, in the image captured by the first camera 10, for example, if the first camera 10 captures an image directly below and the container C is captured at a predetermined position, it may be determined that the container C is directly below the drone device body 2. The altitude measuring device 12 measures the height of the drone device body 2 from the ground G. Therefore, the altitude measuring device 12 can measure the height of the drone device body 2 from the container C. The first heating unit 47 irradiates the water in the container C with electromagnetic waves using the irradiation device 16. The first heating unit 47 maintains a predetermined height H1 between the irradiation device 16 and the container C. The first heating unit 47 allows electromagnetic waves irradiated from the irradiation device to be directed from above towards the water in the container from above. Therefore, for containers with an open top, the electromagnetic waves can be easily directed through the opening to reach the water in the container C. Furthermore, by positioning the drone device body 2 in the air directly above the container C, the electromagnetic waves can be directed directly to the water in the container below, thus heating the water relatively efficiently. Consequently, the water W in the container C can be easily brought to a predetermined temperature, for example, 60°C or higher or 70°C or higher. As a result, mosquito larvae G1 and mosquito eggs G2 in the water in the container can be easily killed or reduced, thereby suppressing mosquito reproduction. In addition, electromagnetic waves can be directly directed from the irradiation device to the water in the container while suppressing unnecessary irradiation of the side walls of the container and surrounding structures, thereby improving heating efficiency. The container C is sized such that the amount of water stored inside can be heated by the irradiation device 16. Container C is a relatively small container with an internal capacity of at most a few liters. In its normal use, container C can be made up to, for example, a container that can hold 2 liters of water, or a container that can hold up to 1.5 liters, 1 liter, or 0.5 liters of water.

[0034] As shown in Figure 12, the control unit 30 includes a second heating unit 48 that positions the drone device body 2 in an angular direction with an angle α within the range of 30 to 60 degrees from a virtual axis Y extending directly above the container C, and irradiates the water inside the container C with the irradiation device 16. The control unit 30 functions as the second heating unit 48 according to a predetermined program. The second heating unit 48 positions the container at a predetermined angle from the virtual axis Y extending directly above the container and heats it by irradiating it with electromagnetic waves from an oblique angle. Therefore, even if the water inside the container C is heated and steam is generated, it is made difficult for the steam to directly reach the drone device body 2, and it is possible to suppress water droplets from accumulating on the lens of the first camera 10 and causing the image to fog up. Also, for example, since the inside of the container is heated from diagonally above, multiple drone device bodies 2 can be heated simultaneously by the irradiation devices 16.

[0035] Next, as shown in Figure 5, a series of operations of a mosquito breeding suppression method using the mosquito breeding suppression device 1 to suppress mosquito breeding will be described. As shown in Figure 5, in preparation step S1 of the mosquito breeding suppression device 1, the drone device body 2, control unit 30, etc. of the mosquito breeding suppression device 1 are prepared. The drone device body 2 is set up at the starting point B (see Figure 6). The irradiation device 16 is also prepared to be usable. The control unit 30 prepares or acquires flight data for the drone device body 2 (for example, data such as the flight route to the target area A where container C will be searched, and the flight altitude relative to the ground G in the target area A (altitude data)). When step S1 is completed, the control unit 30 proceeds to S2.

[0036] In step S2, the control unit 30 executes a shooting step S2 in which the first camera 10 photographs the target area A. The control unit 30 autonomously flies the drone device body 2 from the starting point B to the target area A. The first camera 10 photographs the target area A in search of a container C that is a candidate for the target. As shown in Figure 7, for example, the drone device body 2 photographs the target area A downwards with the first camera 10 from a vertical position D0 directly above the target area A, and also photographs the target area A from four directions as shown by arrows D1 to D4 with the first camera 10. At this time, the photography by the first camera 10 is not limited to still images, but may also be video footage. In addition, the drone device body 2 maintains a predetermined altitude above the ground G and performs photography. As shown in Figure 8, for example, the drone device body 2 takes a picture of the target area A from a vertical position D0 directly above the target area A using the first camera 10, and also takes pictures of the target area A from all sides using the first camera 10 as shown by arrows D5 to D8 while orbiting around the target area A. The drone device body can orbit on the horizontal plane while maintaining the same altitude and taking pictures. At this time, the pictures taken by the first camera 10 are not limited to still images, but may also be video footage. The shooting position can be any position and is not limited to the position shown as an example. Furthermore, for more efficient detection and recognition of container C, the drone may fly along any flight route and take pictures with the first camera 10. Figure 9 shows an example of an image of the target area A taken by the first camera 10 in S2. When step S2 is completed, the control unit 30 proceeds to S3.

[0037] In step S3, the control unit 30 causes the identification unit 41 to execute an identification step S3 in which it identifies a candidate container C in the image captured by the first camera 10. In S3, the identification unit 41 recognizes and identifies container C from the image of the target area A. As shown in Figure 9, in the captured image, container C is recognized and identified by the determination unit, etc., as shown below. In Figure 9, in the image, for example, a plastic bottle is determined to be container C (CP), a basin is determined to be container C (CT), and a vase is determined to be container C (CB), and they are identified as container C.

[0038] The identification unit 41 includes a first determination unit 44 that uses an AI function unit to determine a candidate container C in an image captured by the first camera 10. As shown in Figure 9, the first determination unit 44 can, for example, find a container C in an image using a method such as pattern matching with the AI ​​program of the AI ​​function unit. For example, the AI ​​program can be trained to recognize shape patterns such as vases, water containers, decanters, cans, bottles, pitchers, and plastic bottles as container C, and the AI ​​program can find objects in the image that seem to match such shape patterns. In this way, the AI ​​program recognizes and identifies the container C from the captured image. The first determination unit 44 includes a program that includes such an AI program or a program that includes prompts that enable the identification of container C using an external AI program. In this way, the first determination unit 44 identifies a candidate container C, for example, container C (CP, CT, CB) in Figure 9, from the captured image.

[0039] The identification unit 41 includes a second determination unit 45 that determines candidate containers in the image captured by the first camera 10 by comparing them with a database. According to the second determination unit 45, for example, container C can be found in the image by a method such as comparing it with similarly shaped containers stored in the database. For example, shape patterns such as vases, water containers, decanters, cans, bottles, pitchers, and PET bottles can be registered in the database as container C, and those corresponding to the registered shape patterns are extracted from the image. Therefore, the second determination unit 45 can determine that a container is the same as or similar to a shape registered in the database. Note that an AI program may create a predetermined database of comparison targets and determination targets. Alternatively, the AI ​​program may perform a comparison between container C and similarly shaped containers stored in the database. In this way, candidate container C is recognized and identified from the captured image. If necessary, the second determination unit 45 includes such an AI program or a program that includes prompts to enable the use of an external AI program. In this way, candidate containers C, such as container C (CP, CT, CB) in Figure 9, are identified from the captured images.

[0040] The identification unit 41 includes a third determination unit 46 that uses an AI function unit to determine whether an image captured by the first camera 10 is a container with a vessel shape. According to the third determination unit 46, for example, the AI ​​function unit can find a container with a vessel shape in the image. For example, containers such as vases, water containers, decanters, cans, bottles, pitchers, and plastic bottles can be extracted as container C. Therefore, the third determination unit 46 can determine container C based on the concept of a container with a vessel shape. Note that the AI ​​program may be pre-trained to identify containers with vessel shapes. In this way, candidate container C is recognized and identified from the captured image. The third determination unit 46 includes a program that includes such an AI program or a program that includes prompts that allow container C to be identified using an external AI program. In this way, candidate container C is identified from the captured image in accordance with the concept of a container with a vessel shape. When step S3 is completed, the control unit 30 proceeds to S4.

[0041] In step S4, as shown in Figure 10, the control unit 30 uses the estimation unit 42 to photograph the container C identified by the identification unit 41 with the second camera 11, and if the thermal image of the container C shows that the temperature T2 of the container C is lower than the temperature T0 of the surrounding ground G and / or the temperature T1 of the outside air, it performs estimation step S4, which estimates that water is stored in the container C. As shown in Figure 1, when water W is stored in the container C, mosquitoes lay eggs G2 in the water W, the eggs G2 hatch, and mosquito larvae G1 reproduce in the water W. Cases in which water W is stored in the container C include when rain enters the container C, or when the water level rises due to a flood and water enters the container C. When water W is stored in the container C in this way, heat of vaporization is generated from the stored water W. As a result, the temperature T2 of the container C and the temperature T2 inside the container C become slightly lower than the temperature T0 of the surrounding ground G. For example, in Figure 10, the thermal image taken by the second camera 11 shows that the temperature T1 of the air surrounding container C is relatively high, for example, 35°C, while the internal temperature T2 of container C or the temperature T2 of container C is within the range of 25°C to 33°C. Therefore, when container C is viewed by the second camera 11 using a thermal image, the internal temperature T2 of container C is slightly lower than the ambient air temperature T1 and / or the ambient ground temperature T0 of the surrounding ground G. In this case, if there is no water in container C, the internal temperature T2 of container C is approximately the same as the ambient air temperature T1. Therefore, the estimation unit 42 can estimate whether or not there is water in container C. Thus, the estimation unit 42 can determine whether or not there is a puddle of water in container C where mosquitoes could breed. Furthermore, the estimation unit 42 can estimate that there is a puddle of water in container C where mosquitoes could breed. The estimation unit 42 only needs to be able to find a puddle of water where mosquitoes could breed; it does not need that mosquitoes are actually breeding there. The estimation unit 42 simply estimates whether or not a puddle exists. When step S4 is completed, the control unit 30 proceeds to S5.

[0042] In step S5, the control unit 30 causes the heating unit 43 to perform a heating step S5 in which the water W in the container C, which the estimation unit 42 has estimated to contain water W, is heated by electromagnetic waves irradiated from the irradiation device 16. In S5, the heating unit 43 includes a first heating unit 47 that positions the drone device body 2 in the air directly above the container C and irradiates the water in the container C with the irradiation device 16. As shown in Figure 1, in heating step S5, the first heating unit 47 of the heating unit 43 (see Figure 4) has the function of positioning the drone device body 2 at a predetermined position from the container C, for example, 30 cm directly above the container C, and irradiating the water W in the container C with electromagnetic waves, microwaves Z, generated from the irradiation device 16. The electromagnetic waves irradiated from the irradiation device 16 vibrate the water molecules for a predetermined time, causing them to heat. For vases, water pitchers, etc., since the top of the container C is open, the water W can be heated more efficiently by irradiating it with electromagnetic waves from directly above. The water W in container C is heated from a temperature similar to the ambient temperature to a predetermined value or higher, for example, 70 degrees Celsius or higher. For example, the heating unit 43 may heat for a predetermined time, for example, 2 to 3 minutes. After heating by the heating unit 43, the second camera 11 may be used to check whether the water temperature inside container C is above a predetermined value, for example, 60 degrees Celsius or higher, or for example, 70 degrees Celsius or higher. If the water temperature inside container C has not reached the predetermined value, the heating unit 43 may perform additional heating for an additional predetermined time, for example, the same amount of time. It is also possible to heat the water until the water temperature reaches a predetermined value or higher, for example, 70 degrees Celsius or higher, by measuring the water temperature inside container C with the second camera 11. Furthermore, the control unit 30 may be equipped with a capacity estimation function that estimates the capacity of container C after identifying container C with the identification unit 41. Based on the capacity thus estimated, the heating unit 43 may set the electromagnetic wave irradiation time. From the perspective of expediting extermination, the presence or absence of mosquitoes in the water in container C is not determined; rather, the presence of water is presumed, allowing the water in container C to be heated to exterminate the mosquitoes.

[0043] Since the irradiation device 16 transmits microwaves Z using a horn reflector antenna 16b, the microwaves Z are less likely to be diffused, and attenuation due to distance is suppressed. Therefore, the drone device body 2 can irradiate container C from a distance L of approximately 0.3m to 5m. The distance L may be, for example, a distance of approximately 1m to 3m, a distance of approximately 1m to 2m, or a distance of approximately 0.3m to 1.5m. By maintaining a predetermined distance between the drone device body 2 and container C, the risk of the microwaves Z transmitted by the irradiation device 16 hitting container C can be reduced.

[0044] As a modified example, as shown in Figure 11, the heating unit 43 (see Figure 4) may include a second heating unit 48 that positions the drone device body 2 in an angular direction of an angle α within the range of 30 to 60 degrees from a virtual axis Y extending directly above the container C, and irradiates the water W in the container C with the irradiation device 16. The irradiation direction of the horn reflector antenna 16b can be positioned from the vertical direction to a predetermined angle, for example, within the range of 30 to 60 degrees. Therefore, it is positioned at a predetermined angle from the virtual axis Y directly above the container C, and heated by irradiating it with electromagnetic waves from an oblique angle. Therefore, even if the water in the container is heated and steam is generated, it is made difficult for the steam to directly reach the drone device body, and fogging of the camera with steam can be suppressed. Also, for example, since the heating is from an oblique angle, multiple drone device bodies 2 can be heated simultaneously by the irradiation device 16. It is positioned at a predetermined angle directly above the container C, and heated by irradiating it with electromagnetic waves from an oblique angle. The water W in container C is heated from a temperature similar to the ambient temperature to a predetermined value or higher, for example, 70 degrees Celsius or higher. For example, the heating unit 43 may heat the water using the irradiation device 16 for a predetermined time, for example, 2 to 3 minutes. After heating by the heating unit 43, the second camera 11 may be used to check whether the water temperature inside container C is above a predetermined value, for example, 60 degrees Celsius or higher, or for example, 70 degrees Celsius or higher. If the water temperature inside container C has not reached the predetermined value, the heating unit 43 may perform additional heating for an additional predetermined time, for example, the same amount of time. It is also possible to heat the water until the water temperature reaches a predetermined value or higher, for example, 70 degrees Celsius or higher, by measuring the water temperature inside container C with the second camera 11. Furthermore, the control unit 30 may be equipped with a capacity estimation function that estimates the capacity of container C after identifying container C with the identification unit 41. Based on the capacity thus estimated, the heating unit 43 may set the electromagnetic wave irradiation time. If the control unit 30 determines that the container C has been heated in the heating step S5, it returns the drone device body 2 to the starting point. Once step S5 is completed, the control unit 30 proceeds to the end. The control unit 30 may then execute steps S2 to S5 again for a different target area.

[0045] An example of one embodiment of the present invention may be provided in the following embodiments.

[0046] (1) A mosquito breeding suppression device for suppressing the reproduction of mosquitoes, comprising: a drone device body; a first camera provided on the drone device body and capable of capturing visible light images; a second camera provided on the drone device body and capable of capturing infrared thermal images; an irradiation device provided on the drone device body and irradiating electromagnetic waves that vibrate water molecules to heat them; and a control unit, wherein the control unit comprises: an identification unit that identifies a target candidate container in an image captured by the first camera; an estimation unit that photographs the container identified by the identification unit with the second camera and estimates that water is accumulated in the container if the thermal image of the container is lower than the temperature of the surrounding ground; and a heating unit that heats the water in the container estimated by the estimation unit with electromagnetic waves irradiated from the irradiation device.

[0047] (2) The mosquito breeding suppression device according to (1), wherein the identification unit includes a first determination unit that determines, by an AI function unit, the container that is a candidate for the target in the image captured by the first camera.

[0048] (3) The mosquito breeding suppression device according to (1), wherein the identification unit comprises a second determination unit that determines the container that is a candidate for the target in the image captured by the first camera by comparing it with a database.

[0049] (4) The mosquito breeding suppression device according to (1), wherein the identification unit comprises a third determination unit that determines the container shape in the image captured by the first camera using an AI function unit.

[0050] (5) The mosquito breeding suppression device according to (1), wherein the heating unit is a first heating unit that positions the drone device body in the air directly above the container and irradiates the water in the container with the irradiation device.

[0051] (6) The mosquito breeding suppression device according to (1), wherein the heating unit is a second heating unit that positions the drone device body at an angle within the range of 30 to 60 degrees directly above the container and irradiates the water in the container with the irradiation device.

[0052] (7) The mosquito breeding suppression device according to (1), wherein a plurality of the mosquito breeding suppression devices are provided, and the plurality of the mosquito breeding suppression devices heat the water in the container at the same time with the irradiation device.

[0053] (8) A method for suppressing mosquito breeding using a mosquito breeding suppression device, wherein the mosquito breeding suppression device comprises a drone device body, a first camera provided on the drone device body and capable of capturing visible light images, a second camera provided on the drone device body and capable of capturing infrared thermal images, an irradiation device provided on the drone device body and irradiating electromagnetic waves that vibrate water molecules to heat them, and a control unit, and comprises a identification step of identifying a target candidate container in an image captured by the first camera, an estimation step of recognizing the container identified in the identification step with the first camera and photographing the container with the second camera, and estimating that water is accumulated in the container if the thermal image of the container is lower than the temperature of the surrounding ground, and a heating step of heating the water in the container, which is estimated to contain water in the estimation step, with electromagnetic waves irradiated from the irradiation device.

[0054] The embodiments for carrying out the present invention are not limited to those described above, and further variations can be applied. Various alternative embodiments and examples will be apparent to those skilled in the art based on the disclosed technology.

[0055] As a variation, heating may be performed using multiple drone device bodies 2, and the irradiation devices 16 provided on the multiple drone device bodies 2 may operate simultaneously to heat the container C. For example, if four drone device bodies 2 are provided, the control unit 30 will fly the four drone device bodies 2 so that they are positioned at 90-degree intervals around the container C when viewed from above, and heat them simultaneously with the four irradiation devices 16. When four drone device bodies 2 are provided, as shown in Figure 11, the control unit 30 will position the multiple second drone devices 40 at the same altitude and at point-symmetrical positions (for example, positions K1, K2, K3, and K4) around the container C when viewed from above. Positions K1 to K4 are shifted by 90 degrees on the same concentric circle. In this case, the number of drone device bodies 2 provided is not limited to four, but any number may be provided. When multiple drone device bodies 2, for example four drone device bodies 2, irradiate the water W in container C with microwaves almost simultaneously using the irradiation device 16, the vibration of water molecules in the water W is promoted, allowing the water W to be heated with higher power. For example, if the output of each irradiation device 16 is 2kW, and four drone device bodies 2 are provided, the water W may reach 100°C in a time range of approximately 30 to 60 seconds. When the water W reaches 100°C, high-temperature steam is generated by boiling, and this steam can be used to kill or reduce mosquito larvae G1 and mosquito eggs G2. Of course, as mentioned above, the larvae G1 and eggs G2 can also be killed by the rise in water temperature. Thus, compared to heating with one drone device body 2, heating with multiple drone device bodies 2 allows for more rapid killing or reduction of mosquito larvae G1 and mosquito eggs G2. In this way, electromagnetic waves can be simultaneously irradiated from multiple irradiation devices towards the water in container C. Therefore, compared to heating with only one irradiation device 16, heating can be performed while suppressing the output of each irradiation device 16 to a relatively low level. Thus, the drone device body 2 and the irradiation devices 16 can be easily configured using low-power irradiation devices 16. In addition, since the heating capacity of multiple irradiation devices 16 can be added together, the total heating capacity for the water in container C can be increased. Consequently, the water in container C can be heated efficiently in a relatively short time.

[0056] As a modified example, as shown in Figure 13, the drone device body 2 is equipped with a gimbal device 52. The gimbal device 52 is attached to the horn reflector antenna 16b. The gimbal device 52 has the function of suppressing shaking and wobbling with respect to the illumination direction of the horn reflector antenna 16b. The gimbal device 52 has the function of changing and adjusting the illumination direction of the horn reflector antenna 16b. The gimbal device 52 forms a three-axis motorized gimbal that can control movement on three axes: pan (horizontal direction), tilt (vertical direction), and roll (rotational direction). The control unit 30 can control the gimbal device 52 to change and maintain the illumination direction of the horn reflector antenna 16b in the intended direction. Furthermore, the control unit 30 can control the gimbal device 52 to correct shaking in the illumination direction of the horn reflector antenna 16b, for example, shaking due to wind or disturbances related to the drone's flight, and maintain the illumination direction of the horn reflector antenna 16b in the intended direction. The gimbal device 52 may receive operation commands via the control unit 70. The gimbal device 52 is not limited to a 3-axis gimbal structure, but may also be a 2-axis gimbal structure or a 1-axis gimbal structure. Furthermore, the gimbal device 52 is not limited to an electric gimbal, but may also be a mechanical gimbal consisting of a balance and counterweight. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0057] 1: Mosquito breeding control device 2: Drone device body 10: Camera 1 11: Second camera 16: Irradiation device 30: Control Unit 41: Specific part 42:Estimation part 43: Heating section 44: 1st judgment part 45:Second judgment part 46: Third judgment part 47: 1st heating section 48:Second heating section

Claims

1. A mosquito breeding suppression device that suppresses the reproduction of mosquitoes, The drone device itself, A first camera is provided on the drone device body and is capable of capturing visible light images, A second camera is provided on the drone device body and is capable of capturing thermal images using infrared light, An irradiation device provided on the drone device body and irradiating electromagnetic waves that vibrate water molecules to heat them, It includes a control unit, The control unit, An identification unit that identifies a target container in an image captured by the first camera, An estimation unit that photographs the container identified by the identification unit with the second camera, and estimates that water is accumulated in the container if the thermal image of the container is lower than the temperature of the surrounding ground, A mosquito breeding suppression device comprising: a heating unit that heats the water in the container, which is estimated by the estimation unit to contain water, with electromagnetic waves irradiated from the irradiation device.

2. The mosquito breeding suppression device according to claim 1, wherein the identifying unit includes a first determination unit that determines, by an AI function unit, the container that is a candidate for the target in the image captured by the first camera.

3. The mosquito breeding suppression device according to claim 1, wherein the identification unit comprises a second determination unit that determines the container that is a candidate for the target in the image captured by the first camera by comparing it with a database.

4. The mosquito breeding suppression device according to claim 1, wherein the identifying unit comprises a third determination unit that determines the container shape in the image captured by the first camera using an AI function unit.

5. The mosquito breeding suppression device according to claim 1, wherein the heating unit comprises a first heating unit that positions the drone device body in the air directly above the container and irradiates the water inside the container with the irradiation device.

6. The mosquito breeding suppression device according to claim 1, wherein the heating unit includes a second heating unit that positions the drone device body at an angle within the range of 30 to 60 degrees directly above the container and irradiates the water in the container with the irradiation device.

7. The mosquito breeding suppression device according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the mosquito breeding suppression devices are provided, and the plurality of the mosquito breeding suppression devices heat the water in the container at the same time using the irradiation device.

8. A method for suppressing mosquito reproduction using a mosquito reproduction suppression device, The mosquito breeding suppression device comprises a drone device body and A first camera is provided on the drone device body and is capable of capturing visible light images, A second camera is provided on the drone device body and is capable of capturing thermal images using infrared light, An irradiation device provided on the drone device body and irradiating electromagnetic waves that vibrate water molecules to heat them, It includes a control unit, A selection step to identify a candidate container in the image captured by the first camera, An estimation step in which the container identified in the above-mentioned specific step is recognized by the first camera and the container is photographed by the second camera, and if the thermal image of the container is lower than the temperature of the surrounding ground, it is estimated that water is accumulated inside the container. A method for suppressing mosquito breeding, comprising a heating step of heating the water in the container, which is estimated to contain water based on the estimation step, with electromagnetic waves irradiated from the irradiation device.

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