Remote Termite Detection Using Environmental Difference Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing termite detection methods rely on direct observation of termites inside monitors, which can lead to false positives and are not effective in remotely communicating positive detections for further action.
Innovation Solution
The use of electronic sensors to detect differences in the environment caused by termite activity, such as building activity or gas emissions, combined with a network of sensors and a central base station for communication and data management, to indirectly identify termite presence and minimize false positives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If direct observation of termites inside monitors is used, then termite presence can be identified, but false positives occur and remote communication of detections is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces electronic sensors as intermediaries that indirectly detect termite activity through environmental changes (mud structure formation, gas emissions, humidity changes) rather than directly observing termites. This intermediary detection method reduces false positives by measuring objective environmental parameters that change predictably when termites are active.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection (mechanical observation) with electronic sensing systems that automatically detect environmental changes. This substitution enables remote monitoring and eliminates human error in detection, improving both accuracy and reliability.
2Loss of time
If manual inspection of monitors is performed, then termite activity can be detected, but timely remote communication and centralized monitoring are not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic feedback loops where sensors continuously monitor environmental parameters and immediately communicate detections to a centralized base station. This real-time feedback system eliminates delays associated with manual inspection and enables prompt response to termite activity.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system performs self-inspection through automated sensors that continuously check for termite activity without requiring human intervention. The system self-communicates findings to the base station, enabling autonomous operation and reducing operational complexity.
3Ease of operation
If a network of distributed sensors is deployed, then remote detection capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple distributed sensors into a unified network managed by a centralized base station. This merging approach allows complex sensor functionality to be distributed across simple individual units while maintaining centralized coordination, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The base station serves multiple functions: receiving data from all sensors, processing detections, storing information, and communicating results. This multi-functional design consolidates complexity into a single universal unit rather than distributing it across multiple specialized components.
Data Source
AI summary
A system (10) for remote detection of pests, in this case as applied to a domestic dwelling (11) where a base station (12) communicates with eight detector or monitor units (13). The dotted (lines (14) indicate wired or wireless communication between the units (13) and the base station (12). As used herein the expressions “monitor” and “detector” are used interchangeably or where the detector is used as part of a box or cartridge where the detector is part (and may be reusable and separable) the whole unit including the detector part may be referred to as a monitor.