Optical Insect Sensor Biodiversity Index Computation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for determining insect biodiversity are labor-intensive, error-prone, and lack precision, making it challenging to accurately monitor and compare insect biodiversity across different geographic areas.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus using optical insect sensor devices to detect insect activity within a geographic area, processing detector data to compute an index of insect biodiversity without the need for intermediate taxonomic classification, allowing for scalable, accurate, and efficient data collection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional manual collection and identification methods are used, then insect biodiversity can be studied, but the process becomes labor-intensive and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebiodiversity measurement accuracyVSAvoiddata collection efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical collection methods (nets, traps) with optical sensing systems that automatically detect and characterize insects through light interaction, eliminating the need for physical handling and microscopic identification while improving both accuracy and efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates digital copies of insect characteristics through optical detection, recording spectral signatures and physical parameters without requiring physical collection or destruction of specimens, thereby enabling non-invasive repeated measurements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If expert taxonomic classification is performed, then accurate species identification is achieved, but the process becomes sensitive to expert knowledge variation and reduces scalability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespecies identification accuracyVSAvoidmethod scalability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces human expert taxonomic classification with automated optical characterization systems that objectively measure physical and spectral properties of insects, eliminating subjectivity and enabling consistent identification across different locations and time without requiring specialized expertise

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system transforms biological identification from categorical taxonomy to continuous physical parameter measurement, recording multiple quantitative characteristics (size, wing beat frequency, spectral properties) that can be objectively compared across different insect populations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If comprehensive insect data is collected, then biodiversity index determination is improved, but the process becomes time-consuming and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebiodiversity index accuracyVSAvoiddata collection time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The optical sensing system enables continuous, real-time monitoring of insect populations without interruption, allowing comprehensive data collection over extended periods automatically without requiring repeated manual sampling events

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system rapidly creates digital records of insect characteristics at the moment of detection, capturing complete spectral and physical data instantaneously without requiring time-consuming manual processing or preparation steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

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 solution provides a standardized, unbiased, and cost-effective means to monitor insect biodiversity, enabling real-time, high-resolution data collection that reduces researcher bias and improves comparability across different areas.

Implementation Method 1

detecting light from the detection volume

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight detection: Light

Data Source

PatentUS12239105B2Method and apparatus for determining an index of insect biodiversity, an insect sensor and a system of insect sensors

Publication Date: 2025.03.04 FAUNAPHOTONICS AGRI & ENVIRONMENTAL AS

AI summary

An apparatus for determining an index of insect biodiversity comprises a plurality of optical insect sensor devices configured to be individually positioned within a geographic area and a data processing system. Each sensor device is configured to monitor insect activity within a detection volume by detecting light from the detection volume, and to output detector data indicative of one or more optically detected attributes associated with respective detected insect detection events. Each insect detection event is indicative of one or more insects being present in the detection volume. The data processing system is configured to receive detector data from respective ones of the plurality of optical insect sensor devices. The detector data is indicative of one or more optically detected attributes associated with respective detected insect detection events. The system computes, from the received detector data, an index of insect biodiversity indicative of insect biodiversity within the geographic area.