Insect Detection Using Structured Light Curtain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining wild insect populations are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and expensive due to the need for manual trapping, recognition, and counting, especially in hard-to-reach locations, which hinders accurate population estimation.
Innovation Solution
An automated insect detection system using a block of material with a transit opening and a sensing opening, equipped with a light emitter and detectors, which creates a structured light curtain to detect insects by blocking light, and a low-power computing device for identification and counting, reducing power consumption through periodic LED pulsing and efficient image recognition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual trapping, recognition, and counting methods are used, then insect population data can be obtained, but the process becomes labor-intensive, time-consuming, and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical counting and recognition processes with an automated optical detection system. A light emitter projects light through a transit opening, and light detectors capture the light pattern to automatically identify and count insects based on their silhouettes, eliminating the need for manual trapping, recognition, and counting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service insect detection and counting through automated image processing. The light detectors and processor work autonomously to capture insect silhouettes, analyze the light blockage patterns, identify insect species, and generate population data without requiring human intervention in the detection and counting process.
2Measurement precision
If manual methods are used in hard-to-reach locations, then insect population data can be collected, but the cost and time requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces labor-intensive manual field work with an automated optical system that can be deployed in remote locations. The system uses a light emitter, light detectors, and a processor to automatically detect and count insects, eliminating the need for researchers to physically access and manually process samples from hard-to-reach areas, thereby reducing deployment costs and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by using optical properties (light emission and detection) rather than mechanical manual inspection. This allows the system to operate autonomously in various environmental conditions and locations, making deployment more feasible and cost-effective compared to manual methods that require human presence and physical handling.
3Measurement precision
If complex sensors or optical components are used for insect detection, then detection accuracy may improve, but power consumption and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential optical components needed for insect detection: a light emitter and light detectors. By removing unnecessary complex sensors and optical elements, the system achieves adequate detection accuracy with minimal power consumption, suitable for battery-operated or remote deployments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses simple, low-cost optical components (light emitter and detectors) rather than expensive complex sensors. These components consume minimal power and can be easily replaced if needed, making the system economically viable and energy-efficient for long-term deployment in remote locations.
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
The system enables efficient and accurate detection and recognition of insects with reduced power consumption, allowing for reliable population estimation in remote locations without the need for complex sensors or optical components, thereby streamlining the process and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitter positioned at a first end of the sensing opening and oriented to project light through the sensing opening and across the transit opening
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of light detectors positioned at a second end of the sensing opening and oriented to receive the projected light and to output detector signals based on an amount of detected light
Implementation Method 3
determining a presence of an insect based on the amount of light detected by at least one light detector
Data Source
AI summary
One example system for insect detection includes a block of material defining a transit opening and a sensing opening, the transit opening defined along a first axis in a first direction, and the sensing opening defined to provide a light path to traverse a cross-section of the transit opening; a light emitter positioned at a first end of the sensing opening and oriented to project light through the sensing opening and across the transit opening; and a plurality of light detectors positioned at a second end of the sensing opening and oriented to receive the projected light and to output detector signals based on an amount of detected light.