Selective Invertebrate Control System with AI Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current insect control devices lack versatility and flexibility in capturing, identifying, and controlling different invertebrate species, and they are often difficult to maintain, especially when located in remote areas, as they are designed for specific tasks and morphologically similar species.

Innovation Solution

A system that includes a processing unit, compressed air unit, attractant tank, and multiple release areas for selective control of invertebrates, using digital image processing and artificial intelligence to identify species and automate tasks such as capture, release, and disposal, with features like self-cleaning and recalibration to reduce maintenance needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If insect control devices are designed for specific tasks and morphologically similar species, then they can effectively control target species, but they lack versatility and flexibility to adapt to different invertebrate species

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveversatility to control different invertebrate speciesVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The trap device is designed with multiple functional areas (first area for capture, second area for identification, third area for release or disposal) that can handle different invertebrate species through a single integrated system. The device can selectively control different species including morphologically similar ones by processing images and making decisions about release or disposal based on species identification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The trap device is divided into distinct functional areas: a first area for capturing invertebrates, a second area for identifying them through image processing, and a third area for either releasing or disposing of them. This segmentation allows each area to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If insect control devices are located in remote areas, then they can monitor and control invertebrate populations in natural habitats, but maintenance becomes difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of population control in remote areasVSAvoidmaintenance difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The trap device incorporates automated features including image capture and processing, species identification through AI algorithms, and automatic decision-making for release or disposal. The system can autonomously determine whether to release or dispose of captured invertebrates based on species identification, reducing the need for manual intervention and maintenance in remote locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual inspection and decision-making processes are replaced with automated image processing and AI-based species identification systems. The mechanical action of manually sorting and releasing insects is substituted with automated mechanisms controlled by digital image analysis and processing.

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

3Measurement precision

If manual inspection and sorting of captured insects is performed, then species identification can be achieved, but it is time-consuming and reduces productivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespecies identification accuracyVSAvoidcontrol efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Manual visual inspection and sorting of captured insects is replaced with automated digital image processing and AI-based species identification. The system captures images of captured invertebrates, processes them through algorithms, and automatically identifies species, thereby eliminating the time-consuming manual sorting process while maintaining or improving identification accuracy.

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

Solution Approach 2:

An image processing system acts as an intermediary between capturing insects and making release/disposal decisions. The system captures images of the invertebrates, processes them through AI algorithms for species identification, and uses this information to automatically determine whether to release or dispose of each specimen, bridging the gap between capture and actionable outcomes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Loss of information

If the trap device captures all captured individuals for study, then biodiversity research is enhanced, but pest control effectiveness is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebiodiversity information retentionVSAvoidpest population impact
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Different actions (release or disposal) are applied to different invertebrate specimens based on their species identification. Beneficial or non-pest species are released back into the environment, while harmful pest species are disposed of. This localized differentiation allows the system to preserve biodiversity information for study while simultaneously controlling pest populations effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the outcome parameter (release vs. disposal) based on the identified species type. By analyzing species characteristics and comparing them against pest databases, the system dynamically adjusts whether each captured individual should be released or disposed of, enabling selective control that preserves beneficial species while eliminating pests.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 provides versatile and remote control of invertebrate populations, improving capture and identification accuracy, reducing maintenance requirements, and enabling adaptable responses to various species, enhancing biodiversity studies and pest management.

Implementation Method 1

a compressed air unit (102)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompressed air: Gas Compressor

Implementation Method 2

a tank for attractant (104)... The attractant is usually a chemical substance with properties over a certain species of invertebrate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical attraction: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP4190153B1System for a selective control of a population of invertebrates
Publication Date: 2024.07.03 DIMAIM SYST SL
  • EP4190153B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4190153B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4190153B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

A selective control system of an invertebrate population comprising a compressed air unit (102), an attractant tank (104), a poison dispensing unit (106), and a disposal tank (108). There is a capture and identification unit (110) with a compartment (112) for housing a specimen of the population of invertebrates and a camera (116) for taking at least one image of the individual in the compartment (112). In an disposal-release unit (130), areas are defined for different functions. A processing means 140 analyzes the taken image to establish a detection and change of area to release or dispose the individual.