Insect Trap Opacity Sensor for Remote Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insect bait station systems face issues with data transmission congestion, frequent bait renewal, multiple insect counting, and the need for regular trap emptying, which hinder effective monitoring and control of insect infestations.
Innovation Solution
A self-sufficient bait station with a cellular telephony module, light source, and optical sensor measures opacity to estimate insect numbers within a translucent receptacle, allowing for autonomous counting and remote management of pheromone renewal and trap emptying through a rotating disc system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If images and data are transmitted regularly to the server for analysis, then insect monitoring accuracy is improved, but data transmission congestion and bandwidth limitations occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the image analysis function from the server and relocates it to the bait station itself. The bait station includes an image capture device and processing unit that automatically analyzes insect images locally, transmitting only the analysis results (insect count and type) to the server. This extraction of the analysis function eliminates the need to transmit large volumes of raw image data while maintaining monitoring accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing unit at the bait station that acts as a mediator between the image capture device and the server. This intermediary automatically processes images, identifies insects, and transmits only essential data (count and type information) to the server, thereby reducing data transmission volume while preserving monitoring capabilities.
2Productivity
If insects are counted by detecting individual passages through a light source, then counting capability is achieved, but multiple counting of the same insect occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses image capture devices to create visual copies of insects within the bait station. Instead of counting passages, the system captures images of insects present in the station and analyzes these images to determine insect count and type. This copying approach eliminates multiple counting issues since each insect is counted based on its visual presence rather than movement passages.
3Measurement precision
If traps are emptied regularly to photograph unsaturated targets, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but operational complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automatic image analysis at the bait station. The processing unit automatically captures images, identifies insects, and transmits data without requiring manual intervention for trap emptying or analysis. This automation maintains measurement accuracy while eliminating the time loss associated with regular manual trap emptying and analysis.
4Reliability
If bait stations are inspected regularly to check bait condition and insect catches, then effective pest control is achieved, but labor requirements and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic feedback mechanisms where the bait station continuously monitors insect presence, counts insects, and transmits data to the server. The server can then provide feedback for pest control decisions. This automated feedback system maintains pest control effectiveness while eliminating the need for frequent manual inspections, thereby improving ease of operation.
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 reduces data transmission needs, prevents multiple counting, and optimizes bait station operations by enabling precise insect counting and remote management, improving the efficiency of monitoring and control measures.
Implementation Method 1
measuring the opacity of a transparent or translucent receptacle, opacity caused by the trapped insects, the receptacle being associated on the one hand with a source of diffused light and on the other hand a sensor or detector, so that the light floods said receptacle
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A device for controlling at least one insect bait station (100), in particular for insects harmful to humans, animals and plants, in which the bait station is provided with: at least one container (3, 5) provided with an insect entrance opening, the container containing bait and being at least partially transparent or translucent, a lighting device (10) lighting the inside of the container but located outside same, a telecommunication module (23, 25) and a printed circuit comprising, inter alia, a memory and a processor connected to said telecommunication means. The device comprises an optical sensor essentially opposite the lighting device, and connected to the printed circuit (12), which measures the general opacity caused by the insect(s) in the container, the corresponding value being transmitted for processing and analysis of the status of the bait station.