Structured Light Insect Counting for High-Rate Release Tubes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accurately counting the number of insects released into the environment for mosquito population control is challenging due to the rapid release of thousands of insects over a short period, making it difficult to detect the exact number at any given time and location.
Innovation Solution
A sensing system that uses structured light projected across the release tube, with discrete light sensors and a computing device to detect and count insects by analyzing changes in light reception, and optionally employs a camera for image-based counting to ensure accurate insect detection and counting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If thousands of insects are released rapidly into the environment, then the productivity of mosquito population control is improved, but the measurement precision of insect count becomes difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by projecting structured light across the release tube before insects arrive, creating a pre-established detection field. The sensors are positioned and calibrated in advance to detect insects as they pass through the light projection, enabling accurate counting during rapid release without requiring real-time system adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces structured light as an intermediary between the insects and the detection system. The light projection creates a measurable disturbance when insects pass through it, converting the physical presence of insects into detectable optical signals that can be accurately counted even during rapid release
2Measurement precision
If multiple detection methods (structured light sensors and camera) are used, then the measurement precision of insect count is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple detection approaches by combining structured light projection with sensor arrays and camera-based detection within a single integrated system. The computing device coordinates all components to perform insect counting, allowing the system to leverage multiple measurement modalities simultaneously while maintaining unified control and data processing
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 effectively counts insects as they pass through the release tube, providing accurate real-time data on the number of insects released, enhancing the efficiency of mosquito population control measures.
Implementation Method 1
A sensing system that uses structured light projected across the release tube, with discrete light sensors and a computing device to detect and count insects by analyzing changes in light reception
Implementation Method 2
optionally employs a camera for image-based counting to ensure accurate insect detection and counting
Data Source
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AI summary
One example insect sensing system includes a light emitter configured to emit light; a structured light generator positioned to receive the emitted light and configured to generate structured light from the emitted light; a plurality of light sensors arranged in a line, each of the light sensors oriented to receive at least a portion of the structured light and output a sensor signal indicating an amount of light received by the respective light sensor; a processing device configured to: obtain the sensor signals from each of the light sensors, and determine a presence of an insect based a received sensor signal from at least one light sensor, the sensor signal indicating a reduced amount of received light by the at least one light sensor. Another example insect sensing system includes a camera comprising an image sensor and a lens having an aperture of f/2.8 or wider; and a processor configured to obtain an image from the camera and detect an insect in the image.