Microscope Image Recognition for Targeted Insect Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
The proliferation of insects, particularly thrips, mites, and aphids, in food and crops is challenging due to decreased pesticide effectiveness and the harm caused by large-scale pest control methods.
Innovation Solution
A computer image analysis system that magnifies and recognizes insects using trained image recognition software, enabling automatic detection and response through an action head to remove or mark the insects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If large scale heating or washing is used to remove insects, then insect removal effectiveness is improved, but harm to the food or material is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the pest control approach into individual targeted actions rather than large-scale treatment. Each insect is detected and removed individually through the action head, segmenting the control process into precise localized actions that avoid widespread harm to the food or material.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by delivering control actions only at the specific location where an insect is detected, rather than applying broad-scale heating or washing. The action head moves to the exact coordinates of the detected insect and performs a localized removal action, minimizing impact on surrounding areas.
2Reliability
If pesticides are used to control insects, then insect population is reduced, but effectiveness decreases over time and harmful effects increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the chemical pest control mechanism (pesticides) with a mechanical/detector-based system. Image recognition software identifies insects and triggers physical removal actions through the action head, eliminating the need for chemical substances and their associated harmful effects and decreasing effectiveness over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service pest control where the image recognition system automatically detects, identifies, and triggers removal actions without human intervention or chemical application. The system monitors and responds autonomously to insect presence, eliminating dependency on pesticides that lose effectiveness over time.
3Measurement precision
If manual inspection is used to detect insects, then detection capability is maintained, but productivity and detection speed are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention substitutes manual visual inspection with an automated image recognition system using cameras and computer vision algorithms. This replacement dramatically increases detection speed and productivity while maintaining or improving detection precision through advanced image processing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous monitoring and detection through automated image capture and analysis, eliminating the intermittent nature of manual inspection. The image recognition system operates continuously, providing uninterrupted detection capability that significantly boosts productivity while maintaining high measurement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for detecting offending objects such as insects on substrates such as on leaves, plants, in fluid or over a large area. The device has a microscope lens which magnifies a portion of the substrate and sends an image of the substrate portion to an image recognition system. If the image recognition system detects the presence of an offending object—further steps are taken to remove, neutralize or mark the area where the offending object is located for subsequent action. The device may be mounted on a movable platform such as drone for active surveillance and action over a large area.