Beehive capable of automatic observation and monitoring system comprising same

Abstract

A beehive capable of automatic observation of the present invention comprises: a beehive main body which has formed therein one or more receiving spaces for accommodating beehive base frames perpendicularly to the ground; and an observation unit which is installed on the upper portion of the beehive main body so as to rotate horizontally to the ground, and which stops at each of one or more observation points, which are set at the upper portion of the beehive main body, so as to observe the inside of the beehive main body. Image data and temperature and humidity data of the inside of the beehive may be acquired in real time.

Description

Beehive capable of automatic observation and monitoring system including the same

[0001] The present invention relates to a beehive capable of automatic observation and a monitoring system including the same, and more specifically, to a beehive and system capable of real-time monitoring by stopping an observation device at set observation points to observe the interior of the beehive.

[0002] This patent application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0022238, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on February 20, 2025, and the disclosures of said patent application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Beehives provide a space for bees that can produce honey and pollinate fruit trees. Bees live housed in beehives, building combs.

[0004] Generally, a beehive has a housing space for the bees and a lid that can be opened and closed. An entrance is formed on the exterior of the beehive to allow the bees to enter and exit, and inside, honeycomb foundation frames are installed like partitions.

[0005] Since bees are highly sensitive to climatic conditions and the state of the hive, beekeepers must closely observe the interior and surroundings. Therefore, for effective beekeeping, it is crucial to analyze and predict environmental conditions, such as flowering times and bee activities, as well as egg-laying and honey harvesting. To achieve this, it is necessary to monitor the inside of the hive in real time.

[0006] Meanwhile, since bees have a tendency to avoid light, the inside of the hive must be kept dark for stable rearing. It is also necessary to maintain a dark environment when observing the inside of the hive to reduce the stress felt by the bees.

[0007] To solve the aforementioned problems, the present invention aims to provide a beehive and a monitoring system capable of observing the interior of the beehive in real time from an accurate location while minimizing light entering the interior of the beehive.

[0008] A beehive body capable of automatic observation according to an embodiment of the present invention may include one or more receiving spaces formed to accommodate a honeycomb foundation frame in a direction vertical to the ground inside the beehive body; and an observation unit installed on the upper part of the beehive body, which rotates in a direction horizontal to the ground and stops at one or more observation points set on the upper part of the beehive body to observe the interior of the beehive body.

[0009] In the above beehive body, a magnet for a Hall sensor may be installed corresponding to the position where the observation part stops at each observation point.

[0010] The above beehive body is formed in the shape of a polygonal prism, and one or more doors capable of opening and closing the receiving space may be installed on the side of the above beehive body.

[0011] The observation unit may include: a cover unit formed in the shape of a disc covering the upper part of the beehive body and having a transparent observation window on at least a portion thereof; a driving unit positioned in the center of the cover unit and connected to a driving motor to rotate the cover unit; and a photographing unit coupled to one side of the observation window to photograph the interior of the beehive body.

[0012] The above driving unit may include an inner gear in the shape of a circular ring installed around a first rotation axis located at the center of the cover; and one or more outer gears that mesh with the inner circumference of the inner gear and rotate around a second rotation axis spaced apart from the first rotation axis.

[0013] One of the above outer gears can be connected to the drive motor to receive driving force.

[0014] The above driving unit may further include a slip ring unit that wirely connects the imaging unit and the control module at a position corresponding to the first rotation axis.

[0015] The above-mentioned imaging unit may be equipped with a Hall sensor corresponding to a magnet for a Hall sensor placed at the observation point.

[0016] It may further include a temperature and humidity measuring unit for measuring the internal temperature and humidity of the beehive body.

[0017] It may further include a support leg portion installed at the lower part of the beehive body to support the beehive body.

[0018] The above support leg portion may be equipped with a blocking plate installed horizontally to the ground on the upper side and a pest-blocking moat in the shape of a bowl that holds liquid on the lower side.

[0019] A monitoring system including a beehive capable of automatic observation according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a beehive capable of automatic observation; and a monitoring unit that receives and outputs image data and temperature and humidity data from the beehive capable of automatic observation.

[0020] According to the present invention as described above, the following effects are achieved.

[0021] The present invention can acquire video data and temperature and humidity data inside the beehive in real time.

[0022] The present invention enables more effective observation by positioning the observation unit precisely at a set observation point to observe multiple honeycomb foundation frames.

[0023] The present invention can block pests from approaching the beehive, thereby enabling stable bee rearing.

[0024] In addition, other features and advantages of the present invention may be newly identified through the embodiments of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a beehive capable of automatic observation according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the open state of the door of a beehive capable of automatic observation according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a driving unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a shooting unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 5 is a plan view for explaining an observation point according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of a monitoring system including a beehive capable of automatic observation according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining a monitoring unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] It should be noted that in assigning reference numbers to the components of each drawing in this specification, identical components are given the same number as much as possible, even if they are shown in different drawings.

[0033] Meanwhile, the meaning of the terms described in this specification should be understood as follows.

[0034] A singular expression should be understood to include a plural expression unless the context clearly defines otherwise, and terms such as "first," "second," etc., are intended to distinguish one component from another, and the scope of rights shall not be limited by these terms.

[0035] Terms such as "include" or "have" should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0036] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention designed to solve the above problems will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0037] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a beehive capable of automatic observation according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the opening and closing door of a beehive capable of automatic observation according to an embodiment of the present invention in an open state.

[0038] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an automatic observation beehive according to an embodiment of the present invention may be configured to include a beehive body (1100), an observation unit (1200), a temperature and humidity measuring unit, and a support leg unit (1300).

[0039] As shown in FIG. 2, the beehive body (1100) may have one or more receiving spaces formed inside to accommodate a honeycomb base frame (1400) in a direction vertical to the ground.

[0040] The beehive body (1100) may be composed of a body housing (1110), a honeycomb base frame detachable part (1150), and an opening / closing door (1130).

[0041] In the receiving space inside the main body of the beehive, one or more honeycomb base frame detachment parts (1150) that allow the honeycomb base frame (1400) to be detached in a sliding manner may be installed.

[0042] One or more doors (1130) capable of opening and closing a storage space may be installed on the side of the beehive body (1100). A slit-shaped entrance may be formed in the door (1130) through which bees can enter and exit. A hook for attaching a locking device may be installed in the door (1130).

[0043] A door stopper (1140) may be installed in the main body housing (1110) in correspondence with the position of the opening / closing door (1130).

[0044] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the honeycomb base frame (1400) can be easily detached through the side opening / closing door (1130) of the beehive body (1100).

[0045] The beehive body (1100) can be formed in the shape of a polygonal prism. For example, the beehive body (1100) can be formed in the shape of a pentagonal, hexagonal, or octagonal prism, and the shape of the polygon is not limited and can be appropriately selected.

[0046] As another example, the beehive body (1100) can be formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0047] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the observation unit (1200) according to an embodiment of the present invention is installed on the upper part of the beehive body (1100) and can rotate horizontally with respect to the ground.

[0048] The observation unit (1200) can stop at one or more observation points set on the upper part of the beehive body (1100) to observe the interior of the beehive body (1100). For example, the observation unit (1200) stops at the first observation point to observe the interior of the beehive body (1100). When the observation is finished, the observation unit (1200) rotates and stops again at the second observation point. When the observation is finished, the observation unit (1200) rotates and stops again at the third observation point.

[0049] The observation point can be set to a location where the honeycomb base frame (1400) inside the beehive body (1100) can be photographed. For example, the observation point may be each corner of the polygonal beehive body (1100).

[0050] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the observation unit (1200) can observe the inside of the beehive body by rotating at preset cycles. For example, the beehive body (1100) may be an octagonal prism and one rotation cycle may be set to 8 minutes. In this case, the observation unit (1200) may move from one observation point to the next observation point every 1 minute.

[0051] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the observation unit (1200) may rotate whenever it receives a control signal. For example, the observation unit (1200) may rotate whenever it receives a control signal to rotate. It may also rotate upon receiving a control signal to rotate to a designated observation point. It may rotate upon receiving a control signal to rotate from a first observation point to a fifth observation point, and may rotate to the fifth observation point without stopping at the second to fourth observation points.

[0052] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the observation unit (1200) is not fixed in one place but can move, allowing for more accurate observation of multiple honeycomb base frames (1400). Therefore, the activity of bees, the condition of the honeycomb, and the production of honey can be checked without opening the door (1130) and separating the honeycomb base frames (1400) one by one.

[0053] Specifically, the observation unit (1200) may be configured to include a cover unit (1220), a driving unit (1210), and a shooting unit (1230).

[0054] The cover portion (1220) may be formed in the shape of a disc that covers the upper part of the beehive body (1100). The cover portion (1220) may be formed to correspond to the shape of the beehive body (1100). For example, if the beehive body (1100) is an octagonal prism, the cover portion (1220) may be formed in the shape of a disc having a size that is inscribed within the octagon.

[0055] The cover portion (1220) may cover the upper part of the beehive body (1100), but may be provided with a transparent observation window (1221) in at least a portion. For example, the observation window (1221) may be formed in a fan shape, but the shape and size are not limited and can be appropriately selected.

[0056] The observation window (1221) may be made of a material capable of blocking ultraviolet rays. For example, the observation window (1221) may be made of glass with an ultraviolet blocking film attached, or of plastic capable of blocking ultraviolet rays.

[0057] According to an embodiment of the present invention, light entering the interior of the beehive body can be minimized to keep the containment space dark. Therefore, the stress applied to the bees during observation can be reduced.

[0058] The driving unit (1210) can be positioned in the center of the cover unit (1220) and can be connected to the cover unit (1220). The driving unit (1210) can be connected to a driving motor to rotate the cover unit (1220).

[0059] FIG. 3 is a detailed drawing of a driving unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 3, the driving unit (1210) may include an inner gear (1211), an outer gear (1212), and a slip ring unit (1213).

[0061] The inner gear (1211) is formed in a circular ring shape and may have teeth formed on its inner surface. The diameter of the inner gear (1211) is not limited and can be appropriately selected.

[0062] The inner gear (1211) can be installed around a first rotation axis (1214) located at the center of the cover portion (1220). The first rotation axis (1214) according to an embodiment of the present invention is not limited in length or thickness and can be appropriately selected.

[0063] The outer gear (1212) has teeth formed on its outer surface and can mesh with the inner surface of the inner gear (1211). When the outer gear (1212) rotates, the meshed inner gear (1211) rotates, and the cover part (1220) coupled with the inner gear (1211) can rotate.

[0064] The diameter of the outer gear (1212) is not limited and can be appropriately selected. There may be one or more outer gears (1212). For example, there may be three outer gears (1212).

[0065] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the outer gear (1212) can rotate around a second rotation axis (1215) spaced apart from the first rotation axis (1214). The distance between the first rotation axis (1214) and the second rotation axis (1215) is not limited and can be appropriately selected by taking into account the size of the outer gear (1212) and the size of the inner gear (1211).

[0066] According to an embodiment of the present invention, if there are three outer gears (1212), there may be three second rotation axes (1215). For example, the first outer gear (1212a) may be rotated around the second rotation axis A (1215a), the second outer gear (1212b) may be rotated around the second rotation axis B (1215b), and the third outer gear (1212c) may be rotated around the second rotation axis C (1215c).

[0067] According to an embodiment of the present invention, any one of the outer gears (1212) can be connected to a driving motor to receive driving force. For example, if there are three outer gears (1212), the first outer gear (1212a) and the second outer gear (1212b) are not connected to the driving motor, and only the third outer gear (1212c) is connected to the driving motor to receive driving force.

[0068] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the slip ring portion (1213) can connect the imaging portion (1230) and the control module via a wire. The slip ring is a connection device designed to prevent wire twisting when supplying power or a signal via a wire to a rotating device.

[0069] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the slip ring portion (1213) can be installed at a position corresponding to the first rotation axis (1214). According to an embodiment of the present invention, the driving motor is connected to an outer gear (1212) that rotates around the second rotation axis (1215), and a slip ring is installed on the first rotation axis (1214), so that the wires do not get twisted even when the observation portion (1200) rotates, and the shooting portion (1230) and the control module can be connected by wire.

[0070] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a shooting unit (1230) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a plan view for explaining an observation point according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the shooting unit (1230) is coupled to one side of the observation window (1221) to photograph the interior of the beehive body (1100). The shooting unit (1230) may include a camera, and the type and form of the camera are not limited and can be appropriately selected.

[0072] For example, the imaging unit (1230) may be installed at the corner of the observation window (1221) and may be installed obliquely at a predetermined angle with respect to the observation window (1221). The angle formed by the imaging unit (1230) with respect to the observation window (1221) is not limited and can be appropriately selected.

[0073] The imaging unit (1230) may be equipped with a Hall sensor (1231). The Hall sensor (1231) equipped in the imaging unit (1230) may correspond to a magnet (1120) for the Hall sensor placed at an observation point. When the Hall sensor (1231) detects the magnetic field of the magnet (1120) for the Hall sensor, the driving unit (1210) stops, thereby allowing the imaging unit (1230) to be positioned at the observation point.

[0074] As illustrated in FIG. 5, a magnet (1120) for a Hall sensor may be installed in the beehive body (1100) at a position where the observation unit (1200) stops at each observation point.

[0075] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the beehive body (1100) may have an octagonal prism shape and may accommodate eight honeycomb base frames (1400). Eight observation points may be set to observe the eight honeycomb base frames (1400). Eight Hall sensor magnets (1120a, 1120b, 1120c, 1120d, 1120e, 1120f, 1120g, 1120h) may be installed so that a shooting unit (1230) can be positioned at the eight observation points.

[0076] For example, when the shooting unit (1230) is installed at the corner of the observation window (1221), a magnet (1120) for the Hall sensor can also be installed at the corner of the main body housing (1110) of the beehive body (1100) so as to correspond to the position of the Hall sensor (1231) of the shooting unit (1230).

[0077] The observation unit (1200) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a control module for controlling the driving unit (1210) and the shooting unit (1230).

[0078] A temperature and humidity measuring unit according to an embodiment of the present invention can measure the internal temperature and humidity of a beehive body (1100). The temperature and humidity measuring unit may include one or more temperature sensors and one or more humidity sensors. The temperature sensor and the humidity sensor may be installed at appropriate locations inside the beehive body.

[0079] The observation unit (1200) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a transmission module capable of transmitting image data and temperature and humidity data obtained by the shooting unit (1230) and the temperature and humidity measuring unit.

[0080] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, a support leg portion (1300) according to an embodiment of the present invention is installed at the lower part of a beehive body (1100) to support the beehive body (1100). The support leg portion (1300) can raise the beehive body (1100) away from the ground.

[0081] The support leg portion (1300) may be equipped with a blocking plate and a pest-blocking moat.

[0082] A blocking plate according to an embodiment of the present invention may be installed on the upper side in a direction horizontal to the ground. For example, the blocking plate may be in the shape of a disc. The blocking plate can prevent pests from easily moving along the support leg portion (1300).

[0083] The pest-blocking moat of the present invention may be installed on the lower side of the support leg portion (1300). The pest-blocking moat may be in the shape of a bowl that contains liquid. For example, the pest-blocking moat may be filled with water or a liquid insecticide. Pests may fall into the liquid contained in the pest-blocking moat and be unable to move along the support leg portion (1300), thereby being eradicated.

[0084] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of a monitoring system including a beehive capable of automatic observation according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a monitoring unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0085] As illustrated in FIG. 6, a monitoring system including an automatically observable beehive according to an embodiment of the present invention may be configured to include an automatically observable beehive, a monitoring unit, a control unit, and an analysis unit.

[0086] The monitoring system can be wirelessly connected to beehives capable of automatic observation, and the connection method may be the Internet of Things (IoT), Bluetooth, etc., but is not limited to these methods.

[0087] As illustrated in Fig. 7, the monitoring unit can receive image data and temperature and humidity data from a beehive capable of automatic observation and output them to the screen.

[0088] For example, the screen output by the monitoring unit can be implemented via a webpage. In addition to video data and temperature and humidity data inside the beehive body, the monitoring unit can also output weather information including external temperature and humidity, and changes in temperature and humidity.

[0089] Although not shown, the control unit can transmit and receive signals to control the observation unit (1200) included in the beehive capable of automatic observation. The control unit can receive control commands through an input interface and transmit and receive control signals to control the observation unit (1200). For example, the control unit can receive a control command to select an arbitrary observation point and move the observation unit (1200) to that observation point.

[0090] Although not explicitly stated, the analysis unit can generate signals for managing the beehive by analyzing video data and temperature and humidity data inside the beehive body. To this end, the analysis unit may include an artificial intelligence model.

[0091] For example, the analysis unit can generate a warning signal if the change in temperature and humidity inside the beehive body exceeds a preset threshold.

[0092] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the condition of the beehive can be monitored in real time without visiting the location where the beehive is located, and the beehive can be managed more efficiently.

[0093] The use of all examples or exemplary terms (e.g., etc.) in the present invention is merely for the purpose of describing the invention in detail, and the scope of the invention is not limited by such examples or exemplary terms unless limited by the claims. Furthermore, a person skilled in the art will understand that various modifications, combinations, and changes may be made according to design conditions and factors within the scope of the claims or equivalents to which they are added.

[0094] It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the present invention described above is not limited to the aforementioned embodiments and attached drawings, and that various substitutions, modifications, and changes are possible within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention.

[0095] The beehive capable of automatic observation according to the present invention comprises: a beehive body having one or more receiving spaces formed therein for accommodating a honeycomb base frame in a direction vertical to the ground; and an observation unit installed on the upper part of the beehive body, rotating in a direction horizontal to the ground, and stopping at one or more observation points set on the upper part of the beehive body to observe the interior of the beehive body, thereby enabling more effective observation by acquiring image data and temperature and humidity data inside the beehive in real time.

Claims

A beehive body having one or more receiving spaces formed therein for accommodating a honeycomb base frame in a direction vertical to the ground; and A beehive capable of automatic observation, comprising an observation unit installed on the upper part of the beehive body, rotating horizontally with respect to the ground, and stopping at one or more observation points set on the upper part of the beehive body to observe the interior of the beehive body. In paragraph 1, The above beehive body is a beehive capable of automatic observation, in which a magnet for a Hall sensor is installed at a position where the above-mentioned observation part stops at each observation point. In paragraph 1, A beehive capable of automatic observation, wherein the beehive body is formed in the shape of a polygonal prism, and one or more opening and closing doors capable of opening and closing the receiving space are installed on the side of the beehive body. In paragraph 1, The above observation unit A cover portion formed in the shape of a disc covering the upper part of the above-mentioned beehive body and having a transparent observation window in at least a portion thereof; A driving unit positioned at the center of the above-mentioned cover portion and connected to a driving motor to rotate the above-mentioned cover portion; and A beehive capable of automatic observation, comprising a shooting unit coupled to one side of the observation window and capturing the interior of the beehive body. In paragraph 4, The above driving unit A circular ring-shaped inner gear installed around a first rotation axis located at the center of the above-mentioned cover portion; and A beehive capable of automatic observation, comprising one or more outer gears that mesh with the inner circumference of the inner gear and rotate around a second rotation axis spaced apart from the first rotation axis. In paragraph 5, A beehive capable of automatic observation, wherein one of the above outer gears is connected to the above drive motor to receive driving power. In paragraph 4, A beehive capable of automatic observation, wherein the above-described drive unit further includes a slip ring unit that wirely connects the above-described shooting unit and control module at a position corresponding to the first rotation axis. In paragraph 4, A beehive capable of automatic observation, wherein the above-mentioned imaging unit is equipped with a Hall sensor corresponding to a magnet for a Hall sensor placed at the observation point. In paragraph 1, A beehive capable of automatic observation, further comprising a temperature and humidity measuring unit for measuring the internal temperature and humidity of the beehive body. In paragraph 1, A beehive capable of automatic observation, further comprising a support leg portion installed at the lower part of the beehive body to support the beehive body. In Paragraph 10, An automatically observable beehive, wherein the above-mentioned support legs are equipped with a blocking plate installed horizontally to the ground on the upper side and a pest-blocking moat in the shape of a bowl for containing liquid on the lower side. A beehive capable of automatic observation according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 11; and A monitoring system including an automatically observable beehive, comprising a monitoring unit that receives and outputs image data and temperature and humidity data from the automatically observable beehive.

Images