Light extinction based non-destructive flying insect detector
First Claim
1. A flying insect counter apparatus, comprising:
- a) a plurality of opposing reflective surfaces, the reflective surfaces having a first end and a second end;
b) a light generation device arranged and configured to generate a beam of light, wherein the beam of light is reflected back and forth between the reflective surfaces from the first ends to the second ends to form a sensing zone between the reflective surfaces, whereby when flying insects intersect the sensing zone the flying insects cause changes in the light intensity of the beam of light; and
c) a light intensity detection device, the beam of light operatively incident on the light intensity detection device after leaving the sensing zone, wherein the light intensity detector device detects flying insects as corresponding changes in the intensity of the beam of light.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A non-destructive flying insect detector is disclosed. The detector creates a sheet or curtain of light comprising a sensing zone and detects, by means of light extinction, individual flying insects that intersect the sensing zone. The sensing zone is created by a beam of light that enters the sensing zone area and is then bounced between opposing reflective surfaces. Preferably a laser is utilized to generate the beam of light. The beam of light leaves the sensing zone area and is incident on a light detection device (such as a photo cell) connected to an amplifier circuit. The light detection device monitors the light intensity and is arranged and configured to detect changes in the light intensity. The changes are electronically converted to a pest detection signal and/or to a flying insect count. Each flying pest detection signal may also be associated with other monitored data. For example, the time and date when the count occurred, the temperature, and the ambient light, among other parameters may be stored with the flying insect count(s). The stored data may be transmitted in real time, transmitted periodically, and/or collected with a PDA device or the like. The detector may be completely passive or it may provide an attractant for the flying insects—such as UV lamps. Further, the detector can act as a counter alone (e.g., as a flying insect monitor without a physical trap) or it can operate together with a trap. In the latter case, the flying insect may become entangled on a glue or sticky board lying beneath the light curtain and/or become eliminated by an electrical discharge device.
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Citations
37 Claims
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1. A flying insect counter apparatus, comprising:
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a) a plurality of opposing reflective surfaces, the reflective surfaces having a first end and a second end;
b) a light generation device arranged and configured to generate a beam of light, wherein the beam of light is reflected back and forth between the reflective surfaces from the first ends to the second ends to form a sensing zone between the reflective surfaces, whereby when flying insects intersect the sensing zone the flying insects cause changes in the light intensity of the beam of light; and
c) a light intensity detection device, the beam of light operatively incident on the light intensity detection device after leaving the sensing zone, wherein the light intensity detector device detects flying insects as corresponding changes in the intensity of the beam of light. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A flying insect counter apparatus, comprising:
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a) a light generation device arranged and configured to generate a sheet of light, the sheet of light forming a sensing zone, whereby when flying insects intersect the sensing zone the flying insects cause changes in the light intensity of the sheet of light; and
c) a light intensity detection device, the sheet of light operatively incident on the light intensity detection device after leaving the sensing zone, wherein the light intensity detector device detects flying insects as corresponding changes in the intensity of the sheet of light. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28)
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29. A non-destructive flying insect counter, comprising:
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a) a laser diode to provide a focused beam;
b) at least two opposing longitudinal reflecting members, the reflecting members being oriented relative to one another to reflect the beam incrementally along the longitudinal length of the reflecting members; and
c) a photo cell, the photo cell arranged and configured such that the photo cell is in the path of the beam, wherein the photo cell detects the intensity of the focused beam, and whereby when a flying insect intersects the beam, then the intensity of the beam decreases and the photo cell generates a flying insect presence signal. - View Dependent Claims (30, 31)
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32. A method of detecting the presence of one or more flying insects by detecting changes in light intensity when a flying insect intersects a sensing zone, comprising:
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a) generating a source of collimated light;
b) reflecting the light back and forth along the length of and between two reflective surfaces to establish a sensing zone;
c) measuring the intensity of the light after leaving the sensing zone; and
d) generating a flying insect detection signal when the intensity of the light decreases. - View Dependent Claims (33, 34)
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35. A pest reporting system, comprising:
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a) a pest report database;
b) a plurality of light extinction based flying insect counters, the counters being arranged and configured to determine if a flying insect is in the area monitored by the counter and to generate a pest signal, c) manual input sensors associated with the flying insect counters, the sensors being arranged and configured to accept additional manual input; and
c) a communication device, operatively connected to the flying insect counters and the manual input sensors, for receiving the pest signal and for communicating to the pest report database that a pest signal occurred and the specific activity sensing pest device at which the pest signal occurred, and wherein the pest report database is updated. - View Dependent Claims (36, 37)
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Specification