Automated Larvae Counter Using Optical Detection and Gravity Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for counting mosquito larvae in water bodies are often inaccurate and labor-intensive, relying on manual sampling techniques.
Innovation Solution
A larvae counter system comprising a first container for receiving water and eggs, a second container for receiving larvae, and a larvae counting module with a channel and detector to count individual larvae, utilizing light sources for stimulation and gravity-induced flow to direct larvae through a passage for detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual sampling methods are used to count larvae, then the process is simple to implement, but the accuracy and efficiency are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical sampling with an automated optical detection system. The detector (optical sensor) automatically detects and counts larvae as they pass through the passage, eliminating the need for manual visual inspection and significantly improving counting accuracy while reducing human labor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary channel system with controlled water flow to transport larvae from the water body through a narrow passage. This intermediary mechanism ensures that larvae are presented one at a time to the detector, enabling accurate automated counting without direct manual intervention.
2Measurement precision
If larvae are counted in a dense water body, then the sampling is representative, but the counting accuracy decreases due to larvae clustering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts larvae from the dense water body environment by transporting them through a controlled channel system with regulated water flow. This separation process isolates individual larvae from the clustered environment, allowing the detector to count them accurately one at a time while still representing the overall population.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a localized controlled environment within the channel and passage where water flow rate and passage dimensions are specifically designed to separate and space out larvae. This local modification of conditions transforms the dense clustered state into a dispersed single-file state suitable for accurate detection.
3Productivity
If automated detection is implemented, then counting accuracy improves, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the counting system into distinct functional modules: a water intake section, a channel transport section with controlled flow, a narrow passage section for single-file larva movement, and a detection section. This segmentation allows each module to perform its specific function efficiently and simplifies the overall system design and maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the natural movement of larvae in water flow to automatically present them to the detector. The water current does the work of transporting and positioning larvae, eliminating the need for complex mechanical manipulation mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high automation.
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 provides an efficient and accurate method for counting larvae, reducing manual labor and improving accuracy by using light sources to guide larvae through a channel and detector, enabling precise tracking and counting.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light source positioned at the bottom of the first container for stimulating larvae to separate from the eggs
Implementation Method 2
the second container in fluid communication with the first container for receiving larvae and water from the first container
Implementation Method 3
a detector positioned proximate the passage for detecting each larva passing through the passage
Data Source
AI summary
A larvae counter comprising a first container for receiving water, eggs of insects and/or larvae, a second container in fluid communication with the first container for receiving water and larvae from the first container, and a larvae counting module in fluid communication with the second container for receiving water and larvae from the second container and counting the larvae.