Modular Pest Management Detector with Wireless AI Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pest-management devices lack remote notification capabilities, leading to time-consuming and costly manual inspections, and integrated systems with exposed wires are prone to damage and failure.
Innovation Solution
A modular pest-management system with a detector device featuring a base station and secondary station, including sensors and a camera, that provides remote notification and image capture, with AI-based image detection and no exposed wires, allowing for customizable and repairable configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If an add-on detection and communication system is installed on existing pest-management devices, then remote notification capability is provided, but the system becomes difficult and time-consuming to install, and exposed wires are vulnerable to environmental damage and pest chewing
Solution Approach 1:
The detection and communication system is divided into separate functional modules: a detection component that attaches to the pest-management device and a wireless communication component that handles remote notifications. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies installation, as the detection component can be attached without exposing wires to the environment.
Solution Approach 2:
A wireless communication component acts as an intermediary between the detection component and remote users. This intermediary handles all communication functions wirelessly, eliminating the need for exposed wires while still providing remote notification capability. The wireless component mediates between the physical detection and the digital communication domains.
2Extent of automation
If an add-on detection and communication system is installed on existing pest-management devices, then remote notification capability is provided, but exposed wires can deteriorate due to environmental conditions and be chewed on by pests
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wire-based communication system with a wireless communication system. This substitution eliminates exposed wires entirely, replacing the vulnerable mechanical connection with electromagnetic wave transmission. The wireless component handles all communication without requiring physical wire connections that could be chewed or deteriorate.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection component is designed with a protective housing that encloses all electronic components and wire connections. This protective shell isolates the vulnerable internal components from environmental conditions and pest access, while still allowing the system to provide remote notification functionality.
3Extent of automation
If an all-in-one integrated pest-management device is used, then remote notification capability is built-in, but the cost increases and the device becomes difficult or impossible to repair if components fail
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into separate attachable components: a detection component that can be attached to existing devices and a separate wireless communication component. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and tested independently, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost compared to integrating everything into a single all-in-one device.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection component is designed as a separate, replaceable unit that can be attached to or removed from existing pest-management devices. If a component fails, only the failed component needs to be replaced rather than discarding the entire device. This modular approach allows recovery and reuse of functional components, reducing waste and cost.
4Extent of automation
If an all-in-one integrated pest-management device is used, then remote notification capability is built-in, but the device is not customizable or easily adaptable to detect specific pests
Solution Approach 1:
The detection component is designed with adjustable and reconfigurable features that allow it to be dynamically adapted to different pest management needs. The component can be configured with different sensor types and detection parameters to target specific pests, making the system dynamic rather than static. This enables customization without requiring a completely different device for each application.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes devices, systems, and methods associated with pest (e.g., rodent) management. An example of monitoring device for a pest-management station includes a base station having a plurality of sensors configured to couple to a pest station and a secondary station removably coupled to the base station and having a camera configured to capture image data. The monitoring device further includes a transceiver configured to wirelessly transmit data, a memory, and a processor coupled to the memory, the processor configured to activate the camera based on sensor data from one or more sensors of the plurality of sensors. Bait stations, servers, and corresponding methods are also described.