Pest Detection System Using Through-Beam Photoelectric Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pest trapping or monitoring solutions require regular human intervention for servicing and inspection, which is costly, error-prone, and limits placement options due to visibility and accessibility concerns, and existing electronic systems still rely on consumables with short service lives and often need external power sources.
Innovation Solution
A pest detection system with an imaging system that includes a housing, pest entrances, a pest attractant, a pest detection surface, and a triggering sensor arrangement using through-beam photoelectric sensors to automatically capture images of pests without human intervention, along with a service module for replaceable attractants and power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If regular human intervention is used for inspection and servicing of pest traps, then the system is simple and accessible, but the cost increases and errors occur that reduce effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-inspection through automated image capture and analysis, eliminating the need for human operators to physically inspect traps. The automated servicing includes remote monitoring of trap status, attractant levels, and pest capture detection, allowing the system to maintain itself without regular human intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual inspection and servicing operations are replaced with electronic systems including cameras, image processing algorithms, and remote communication modules. The mechanical act of opening and inspecting traps is substituted with optical detection and digital analysis systems.
2Reliability
If the trap is placed in an accessible location for human servicing, then the system is easy to maintain, but pests avoid these locations reducing monitoring effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system can be serviced remotely without requiring physical access to the trap location. Attractant refilling, status checks, and system maintenance can be performed remotely or through automated mechanisms, eliminating the need for operators to access difficult-to-reach locations where pests are actively present.
Solution Approach 2:
The system separates the monitoring function (which requires proximity to pests) from the servicing function (which requires human accessibility). The monitoring component remains in optimal pest locations while servicing operations can be performed remotely or on a reduced schedule due to automated maintenance capabilities.
3Reliability
If the trap is placed in a visible location for accessibility, then the system is easy to service, but the visible presence of pest control measures negatively impacts business reputation
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the monitoring function from visible public areas and places it in concealed locations. The trap can be positioned in hidden spots such as behind furniture, within wall cavities, or in hard-to-reach areas where pests are active but customers cannot see the monitoring equipment, thereby eliminating the negative visual impact while maintaining monitoring effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
Wireless communication and remote monitoring act as intermediaries between the concealed trap and the user. The system can transmit data and alerts remotely, allowing the trap to be positioned in hidden locations while still providing real-time monitoring capabilities without requiring visible placement in public areas.
4Device complexity
If electronic systems use consumables with short service lives, then the system remains simple, but the servicing frequency increases and operating costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous monitoring and automated alert mechanisms that detect when attractants are depleted or when servicing is needed. This allows for timely intervention without frequent manual checks, extending the effective service life of consumables by optimizing their utilization and notifying users precisely when replacement is necessary rather than on fixed schedules.
Solution Approach 2:
Sensors and detection systems provide continuous feedback on attractant levels, trap status, and operational conditions. This feedback mechanism allows the system to optimize consumable usage, alert users when servicing is actually needed rather than on predetermined schedules, and extend the effective service life of attractants and other consumables through intelligent management.
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 system significantly reduces human intervention, allows discreet placement, and extends operating periods with minimal maintenance, making it effective and cost-efficient for pest detection.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one through-beam photoelectric sensor comprises a light transmitter and a photoelectric receiver arranged with respect to the pest detection surface such that a light path between the light transmitter and photoelectric receiver crosses at least a part of the pest detection surface
Implementation Method 2
an image capture device, said image capture device being configured to capture one or more images of the pest detection surface
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for detecting the presence of pests. In one aspect the system comprises an imaging system including: a housing including one or more pest entrances; a pest attractant arranged within the housing; a pest detection surface; an image capture device, said image capture device being configured to capture one or more images of the pest detection surface; and a triggering sensor arrangement for detecting a target pest that is on or about to enter the pest detection surface, said triggering sensor arrangement being configured to provide a trigger-signal if the presence of an object is detected, the image capture device being configured to take an image of the pest detection surface in response to the trigger-signal.