Insect Detection Using Beam Attenuation and Perovskite Photodetectors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for exterminating flying insects using radiation are complex and expensive, making them unsuitable for widespread use, especially in areas with limited technical infrastructure, and require high-resolution cameras and complex optical deflection units for accurate targeting, which increases costs and susceptibility to faults.

Innovation Solution

A device with a measurement beam that scans a detector surface using a deflection unit, employing a perovskite photodetector element to detect flying insects by measuring the attenuation duration of the measurement beam, allowing for the generation of an exterminating beam pulse only when a flying insect is present, thus avoiding unnecessary extermination of larger objects or humans.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a high-resolution camera and complex optical deflection units are used to detect and target flying insects, then detection accuracy and targeting precision are improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential detection function from complex camera systems by using a simple photodetector that measures beam attenuation. Instead of capturing images with a high-resolution camera, the system only detects the presence of an insect by measuring how much the measurement beam is blocked, thereby achieving detection accuracy with minimal device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/optical complex system of camera-based detection with a simpler photodetector-based attenuation measurement system. The complex optical deflection units are replaced by a straightforward comparison of beam intensity before and after the detection point, eliminating the need for complex image processing and optical steering mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If a high-resolution camera system is used to detect flying insects, then detection capability is improved, but cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs inexpensive photodetector elements that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. Instead of investing in expensive high-resolution cameras, the system uses multiple low-cost photodetectors that collectively achieve the required detection capability, significantly reducing the overall system cost while maintaining effective insect detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Area of stationary object

If wide area emission of exterminating radiation is used, then coverage area is improved, but hazard to human eyes increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidhazard to human eyes

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies exterminating radiation in a highly localized manner by directing the beam only at the specific location where an insect has been detected through beam attenuation. This localized application allows the system to cover a wide area over time through scanning, while at any given moment the radiation is concentrated on a small target, thereby minimizing the hazard to human eyes compared to wide area emission

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution simplifies the device design, reduces costs, and enhances detection accuracy and speed, enabling effective extermination of flying insects while minimizing the risk of harming humans and reducing the complexity of the system, allowing for safer and more efficient operation.

Implementation Method 1

The measurement beam detector (5) has a photodetector element (6, 7)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11317618B2Device and method for subjecting a flying insect to lethal radiation

Publication Date: 2022.05.03 FRAUNHOFER GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG EV

AI summary

A device for subjecting a flying insect to lethal radiation. The device has a measurement beam source for producing a measurement beam, a deflection unit for deflecting the measurement beam, a lethal radiation source for producing a lethal beam and a measurement beam detector. The measurement detector has a photodetector element, the deflection unit and the measurement beam detector are arranged and cooperate such that the measurement beam sweeps the detector surface of the measurement beam detector. The device includes an evaluation unit connected to the measurement detector and the lethal light source to determine an attenuation time period of an attenuation of the measurement beam between the deflection unit and the detector surface and to control the lethal light source depending on said attenuation time to emit a lethal beam impulse. A method for subjecting a flying insect to lethal radiation is also provided.