Light Trap Camera Monitoring for Automated Insect Counting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flying insect light traps face challenges in accurate and timely monitoring of insect activity due to manual counting methods, which are time-consuming and often delayed, limiting the effectiveness of pest control measures.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a camera-based monitoring system that automatically takes photographs of glue boards and uses computer vision algorithms to count and classify insects, sending data for remote processing and alerting technicians when traps need servicing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual counting methods are used to monitor insect activity, then the system is simple to operate, but the monitoring frequency and accuracy are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical counting with an automated optical system. A camera captures images of the glue board, and computer vision algorithms automatically count and classify insects. This substitution eliminates human labor while significantly improving counting accuracy and enabling frequent monitoring without increasing operational complexity for the end user.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a visual copy (photograph) of the glue board and its insect population. Instead of directly counting physical insects, the camera captures an image that is then processed by image recognition software. This copying approach allows for accurate, repeatable measurements without physically disturbing the trap or requiring technician expertise in insect identification.
2Speed
If manual inspection is performed infrequently, then the system requires less servicing, but the response time to high activity events is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The automated monitoring system enables continuous observation of insect activity by capturing images at frequent intervals (e.g., every few hours). This continuous action allows the system to detect and respond to high activity events immediately, eliminating the time lag inherent in manual weekly inspections while requiring minimal human intervention for maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-monitoring by automatically capturing images, processing them through image recognition algorithms, and generating alerts when insect activity exceeds thresholds. This self-service capability allows the trap to monitor itself continuously without requiring frequent human servicing, resolving the contradiction between response speed and servicing frequency.
3Productivity
If manual counting is performed, then the equipment cost is low, but the labor time and accuracy are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual labor with automated image capture and processing. A camera and computer vision algorithm perform the counting function that previously required human technicians, dramatically improving productivity by enabling frequent monitoring without proportional increases in labor time. The one-time equipment cost is offset by significant savings in recurring labor expenses.
Data Source
AI summary
A flying insect light trap monitoring device and related methods and systems. The flying insect light trap monitoring device includes a housing, camera, controller, and communications module. The housing includes a mounting structure configured to couple with a flying insect light trap. The camera generally includes a wide angle lens. The camera and wide angle lens are secured to the housing and take a digital photograph image of a glue board in the flying insect light trap. The controller, including a processor and a memory, is secured within the housing and is communicatively coupled to the camera. The controller receives the digital photograph image. The communications module is operatively coupled with the controller and sends data packets, including the digital photograph image, to a remote server. Further, an image processing engine that processes the image and generates an insect count can be included.