UV Fluorescence Detection of Dead Insects in Breeding Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting dead insects in industrial insect breeding and farming are inefficient, particularly for species or stages where motion is minimal, leading to delayed detection and potential loss of entire production batches.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing ultraviolet radiation of varying wavelengths to detect dead insects by recording images of insects under UV light and analyzing them to identify noticeably brighter objects, which indicate dead specimens, using image recording devices and computer software with machine learning algorithms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual systems detect motion to identify dead insects, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex motion-detection systems with a simpler UV illumination and image recording system. Instead of using sophisticated mechanical or electronic motion sensors, the invention uses ultraviolet light to highlight dead insects through their unique UV reflection properties, allowing identification through static image analysis rather than complex motion tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent exploits the unique UV reflection properties of dead insects, which appear noticeably brighter under UV radiation compared to live insects. This creates a visual contrast similar to color changes, allowing dead insects to be distinguished from live ones through UV imaging without requiring complex detection systems.
2Ease of operation
If visual assessment waits for appearance changes in dead insects, then detection simplicity is maintained, but detection time delays identification to 7 days or more
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using UV illumination to reveal dead insects before visible appearance changes occur. Instead of waiting for decomposition signs to manifest (which takes 7+ days), the UV detection method identifies dead insects immediately upon death, preventing the need to wait for visual changes while maintaining operational simplicity.
3Device complexity
If manual organoleptic assessment is used to identify dead insects, then device complexity is minimized, but productivity and detection speed are severely reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual organoleptic assessment with an automated UV imaging system. Instead of requiring human operators to visually inspect and identify dead insects, the system uses ultraviolet illumination combined with image recording and analysis to automatically detect and identify dead insects, dramatically improving detection speed while maintaining relative simplicity.
4Reliability
If early detection of dead insects is implemented to prevent mortality spread, then production loss is reduced, but existing detection methods are too slow to be effective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary detection of dead insects before they cause further mortality in the population. By using UV illumination to identify dead insects immediately upon death, the system provides early warning that allows timely intervention to prevent the spread of mortality, directly improving reliability while reducing response time.
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
Enables early detection of dead insects several days before visible symptoms appear, allowing for timely intervention and preventing the spread of mortality within insect groups, thereby enhancing production efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The fluorescence is caused by beta-carboline and 7-hydroxy-4-methylcoumarin present in the outer layer of chitin.
Implementation Method 2
the use of ultraviolet radiation of varying wavelength enables precise detection of dead insects several days before the appearance of any symptoms
Data Source
AI summary
A method for detecting dead insects, including fragments thereof, characterised in that the insects are placed in the range of a UV radiation source (1) and in the field of vision of an image recording device (2) connected to a computer (3), and the image of insects subjected to UV radiation is recorded by means of the image recording device (2), and subsequently the image acquired in such a way is analysed in order to identify noticeably brighter objects. The application also relates to an arrangement for detecting dead insects according to this method.