Automated Insect Detection and Removal via Image Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
The proliferation of insects such as thrips, mites, and aphids in food and crops is exacerbated by the decreased effectiveness of pesticides, making it difficult to detect and remove these pests without harming the food or using large-scale methods that are inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A computer image analysis system that magnifies images of substrates, recognizes insects using trained processors, and triggers an action head to remove or neutralize identified pests, with the option to scan wide areas and perform mitigation actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If large scale heating methods are used to eliminate insects, then insect removal effectiveness is improved, but food or material damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the large area into multiple small zones, each inspected and treated individually. The imaging device scans specific regions, and when insects are detected, only that localized area is subjected to the action head treatment, rather than heating the entire food item or material surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies treatment only to the specific location where insects are detected, rather than applying large-scale heating or pesticides to the entire surface. The action head is positioned precisely at the insect location to deliver targeted removal or neutralization, preserving the quality of the surrounding food or material.
2Reliability
If pesticides are used to control insects, then insect population is reduced, but environmental harm and resistance development increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and removes individual insects from the food or material surface using the action head, rather than relying on pesticides to kill them. This physical removal approach eliminates the need for chemical substances that can harm the environment and contribute to resistance development.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging device and action head work together as an autonomous system that detects and removes insects without requiring external chemical interventions. The system serves itself by using visual detection to guide precise mechanical or thermal removal, eliminating dependency on pesticides.
3Ease of operation
If washing methods are used to remove insects, then cleaning action is applied, but insect removal effectiveness decreases for difficult-to-dislodge insects
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces general mechanical washing with a specialized imaging-guided action head that can apply focused mechanical or thermal force. The imaging device identifies insect locations and the action head delivers targeted removal force, overcoming the limitations of non-specific washing for stubborn insects.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging device uses visual detection (analogous to color/contrast detection) to identify insects against the food or material background. By detecting visual differences, the system locates insects that are invisible to the naked eye and directs the action head to their precise locations for effective removal.
4Measurement precision
If manual inspection for insects is performed, then detection capability is maintained, but inspection time and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device creates digital copies (images) of the food or material surface, allowing the system to analyze and inspect areas that would be time-consuming to examine manually. The captured images are processed to identify insects, enabling rapid inspection of large surfaces without human labor constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging device acts as an intermediary between the inspector and the food or material surface. Instead of direct manual inspection, the system uses visual capture and image processing to detect insects, significantly reducing inspection time while maintaining or improving detection capability through automated analysis.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for detecting and marking ticks and tick bites on a body or limb. The device has an image capturing device that is in communication with image recognition software. Images of skin are analyzed to detect objects consistent with ticks or tick bites. Once such object is detected, the device automatically disperses a marking material in the proximity of the detected tick or tick bite.