Networked Pest Detection System with Edge Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pest detection systems require frequent manual inspections of traps, consume excessive power and data transmission resources, and struggle with efficient processing of high-data sensors like imaging sensors.

Innovation Solution

A networked system with remote units and a central server that processes and analyzes pest detection data, using imaging sensors to determine detection probability locally and verify it remotely, optimizing data transmission and reducing power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual inspections of traps are performed frequently, then detection accuracy is improved, but labor time and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidlabor time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The trap system performs self-inspection through integrated imaging sensors and processors that automatically detect pests, eliminating the need for manual inspection while maintaining high detection accuracy. The system serves itself by capturing images, processing them locally, and transmitting only relevant data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical inspection is replaced with an automated electronic system comprising imaging sensors, onboard processors, and wireless communication modules. This substitution eliminates physical labor while enabling continuous monitoring without increasing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If sophisticated sensors like imaging sensors are used, then measurement precision is improved, but power consumption and data processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides processing tasks between the remote unit's onboard processor and a central server. The remote unit performs initial image processing and pest detection locally, then transmits only relevant results or processed data to the server, reducing the power consumption burden on the battery-operated remote unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary image processing and pest detection at the remote unit before transmission. By pre-processing images locally and identifying potential pests beforehand, the system reduces the amount of data that needs to be transmitted and processed centrally, thereby lowering overall power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If all sensor data is transmitted to central server, then data processing capability is improved, but data transmission volume and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata processing capabilityVSAvoiddata transmission energy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts and transmits only essential data to the central server, such as pest detection results, confidence scores, and selected images. Non-essential raw image data and intermediate processing results are processed and filtered locally, eliminating unnecessary data transmission and reducing energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs partial processing at the remote unit and partial processing at the central server. Rather than transmitting all raw data for complete processing, the system handles routine processing locally and sends only cases requiring advanced analysis or confirmation to the server, optimizing the balance between processing capability and transmission energy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP3737229B1System and methods
Publication Date: 2025.09.17 SPOTTA LTD
  • EP3737229B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3737229B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3737229B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

A system for detecting the presence of pests, the system comprising: at least one remote camera system, each of the at least one remote camera system comprising an image capture device coupled to a processor and a wireless transmitter, each of the at least one remote camera system having a pest detection surface and being configured to: capture one or more image of the pest detection surface; process the captured one or more image to recognise the potential presence of a target pest on the pest detection surface; and transmit data from the captured one or more image in response to recognising the potential presence of one or more target pests; and a server configured to: receive the transmitted data; process the transmitted data to verify the potential presence of the target pest on the pest detection surface; and provide an output indicating the verification.