WO2010125141A1 - Method and apparatus for manipulating a flying insect - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a method for manipulating, especially maiming, a flying insect, comprising the following steps: acoustically monitoring (20) a space as to the presence of a flying insect, wherein sound frequencies characteristic of the flying insect are identified; detecting (30, 30') a position of the flying insect using a propagation time effect of a transmitted locating signal relative to a response signal reflected by the flying insect; in case a position has been detected, the flying insect is then manipulated by emitting (40, 40', 50, 50') at least one directed first and second ray initiating heat absorption on the flying insect, said first and second ray coinciding at least in the position of the flying insect.

Description

 Method and device for manipulating a flying insect

The invention relates to a method and a device for manipulating a flying insect according to the preamble of claims 1 and 11.

The methods used to date for the control of biting insects, in particular of mosquitoes, are based on electrical, acoustic or chemical control or protection methods:

chemical processes for scavenging insects by odoriferous or attracting substances,

- Acoustic methods: by propagating unpleasant frequencies for biting insects, they should take flight,

- optical / electrical protection: insects are e.g. through a UV

Light source lured; The aim of the method is that the insects touch and die a high voltage wire mesh in the vicinity of the lamp.

The previously known methods of insect control are divided into: - insect repellents,

- Insecticides,

mechanically or acoustically acting means,

- chemical agents.

The mentioned methods have been optimized in recent years. However, these methods are subject to the "active participation" of Stechinsekten for expulsion or their destruction Insect repellents market insects only conditionally and must be completely applied or sprayed to the complete protection on the skin and are in effect mostly different boundary conditions.The effect is reduced In many cases insect repellents and heat vaporizers for repellents have the task of manipulating or killing insects by distributing neurotoxins or other biologically active aerosols.

So far, the procedures mentioned - some more often less - tend to be satisfactory, but by no means always reliable. This is i.a. This is because the antibodies used are volatile and therefore lose their effect over time. Also, the insects are often influenced by the disturbances only insignificantly in their actions.

As far as active methods for the manipulation of a flying insect are known, these prove to be mostly costly and impractical. It is known to recognize flying insects with a camera as part of an image recognition. However, such systems proved to be imprecise.

No. 5,473,942 describes a method and a device by means of which the locations and the number of insects in a monitored spatial area can be determined. For this purpose, a runtime between two acoustic signals is used.

JP 2004 1541 01 AA describes a method for the manipulation of insects in which a room area is acoustically monitored and the position of an insect is detected. The object of the invention is the implementation of a novel approach to combat mosquitoes and other biting insects, which is justified in the direct defense to combat.

The object is achieved with regard to the method having the features of claim 1 and with regard to the device having the features of claim 11. According to the invention, the features of the characterizing parts are provided.

The object of the invention is the implementation of a novel approach to combat mosquitoes and other biting insects, which is justified in the direct defense to combat.

The object is achieved with regard to the method having the features of claim 1 and with regard to the device having the features of claim 11.

The invention assumes that it is possible to acoustically detect flying insects. It has been shown that this type of detection is particularly reliable. The invention is further based on the recognition that it is possible to use the acoustic detection in a two-step process such that only in the case of a positive detection, an optical system for locating and manipulating the flying insect is activated. For this purpose, according to the invention, particularly suitable position detection means are proposed in combination with an advantageous manipulation unit or corresponding method steps, which are to be taken from the independent claims.

In particular, the invention describes an electronic device for destroying insects, in particular mosquitoes, which are detected in flight by a sensor system based on a "radar" -like basic principle and are subsequently manipulated or killed in a flightless manner by targeted light or heat radiation.

The combinatorial approach is based on the acoustic and / or short-wave detection of insects by a detection module, which can monitor the assigned room. An acoustic sensor module monitors the observation room associated with the setup. If a flying insect in the near field area of the device, the acoustic sensor triggers the activation of additional monitoring elements, which allow identification and localization and thus an accurate assessment of the object. In the positive recognition of the object, according to - A -

a calculated intense light or heat pulse in the form of a laser beam, which damages the insect immobile or flightless and thus stops a possible threat, for example, for a nearby people.

The advantages of the device lie in the novel approach to combating biting insects in enclosed spaces or semi-open spaces. The function of the device described below, in contrast to the use of apparatuses which are e.g. Based on the application and / or evaporation of chemically acting repellents, the use of high voltage or the application of repellents on their own body, a device available that can deploy 100% of its function after switching on and also works maintenance-free without long-term loss in the effect. The process is also harmless to human health. The laser used in the device is harmless to humans and pets with its chosen performance class and built-in safety mechanisms.

The device monitors in its function a surface designed for the surveillance area, for example in front of a door or in front of a window, in order to prevent new insects from entering this area, for example through an open door or through an open window. Without a physical lock, such as a mosquito net, the insects could fly through the known measures unhindered, and thus be prevented only by secondary insect control at the harassment of humans.

The device described below sets itself the goal of detecting insects (mosquitoes and other stinging insects) by a combination of passive and active positioning in the monitored space to perform an object detection and safer identification by a purposeful manipulation of insects, here by a short-term intense light or heat exposure, in the further (flight) movement to inhibit or stop.

Advantageous developments of the invention can be found in the subclaims and specify in detail advantageous possibilities to implement the above-described concept within the framework of the task as well as with regard to further advantages.

In particular, the device is divided into three subassemblies or modules which, coordinated with one another, comprise the sought-after functionality: 1.) module for detection and detection of insects or micro (flying) objects;

2.) Electronic module with processor unit or ASIC (discrete high-integrated circuit). This module performs u. a. following tasks:

- Acoustic room monitoring through frequency analysis,

- calculations for object recognition with the aid of specific comparison values (characteristics) of the objects to be observed (size, eigen acoustics, distance, etc.),

- calculations for determining the position of a detected object in space,

- Review of boundary conditions that prevent unwanted tripping,

- Alignment of mirror elements and triggering of a laser unit;

3.) module for aligning, focusing and triggering of two or more laser beams, which directed at the target object in the form of high-energy Lichtbzw. Heat impulses meet each other. At the object itself, the directed and optionally focused rays reach their highest energy intensity at the point of intersection through the superimposition in order to achieve the desired effect on the object.

Advantageous developments of the modules will be described below.

The aim of the detection module is in particular the detection and short-term tracking of flying objects in a specified target area. Recognition can be carried out with several methods. The following is an example of a method is described, which is designed to save energy through a two-stage design of the detection chain.

For different requirements in terms of space and operational use, the modules for detection and defense can be implemented in different performance classes. Larger rooms require a stronger version of the laser unit. Depending on the performance class of the detection module or the laser unit, it is possible to monitor small areas up to large ones. The monitored space is divided into two parts in the described embodiment. mensionally detected, with a system-related narrow extent of the monitored space in the third level. A continuous three-dimensional design is technically possible, but requires an adaptation of the detection modules used or a modified laser module with a separate structure.

The recognition unit is divided in particular into two sensory groups:

a) In the switched-on operating state, the device is preferably active in the monitoring mode, that is to say that the space to be monitored is monitored by the sensor module by means of a microphone to specific frequency ranges. The microphones used have a directional auditory quality (cardioid characteristic). An electronics connected downstream of the microphone analyzes the ambient noise to characteristic frequencies or a narrow specific frequency band, which is or will leave of insects in flight by their own flapping wings. Upon detection of a frequency that is typical for the insect being sought, advanced object detection is activated.

b) The activated ultrasonic wave or microwave detection unit (mini-radar) detects in the observation room all objects that are in the near field of the device or move. By the measurable Doppler effect possible by the movement of the insects, the size and position of the object in the observation area can be detected and determined accurately.

As an alternative to the ultrasonic wave or microwave detection unit, a laser switched at low power can be used, which works like a scanner unit and actively sweeps over the space. Two tuned optical sensors detect the light waves reflected by an object. By means of the reflected light waves detected by the sensors, the calculation of the position of the detected object in space can be carried out by a computer unit. This variant is e.g. can be used in rooms with a high background noise level.

The detection electronics records the parameters relevant to the detection and location of the flying insect (object, acoustic parameter, object type) and, taking into account all relevant parameters including all safety-relevant parameters (size and distance of the object, flight path, etc.), activates the module downstream of the detection electronics for alignment, focusing and triggering, fighting of flying objects. Data such as position and movement parameters are transmitted to this module.

The module for alignment, focusing and triggering controls a laser module. A laser module is aligned so that a laser beam triggered by the laser module is focused at the object location. The laser module is based on the use of two (or more) laser beams, which target the object depending on the design of the module and strength of the laser diode used with synchronized switched and directed beams and accurately align the laser pulse.

Depending on the power class of the laser diodes used, the laser module can be constructed by two discrete laser diodes or alternatively by a stronger laser diode. The laser beam is divided equally by a beam splitter (1: 1) into two equally powerful beams. Optionally used lasers are in the higher energy range (e.g., "blue" lasers) and in the power class of a few milliwatts of power.

The alignment of a laser beam on the object is aligned by the use of a microelectromechanical guided mirror (MEMS: microelectromechanical system) on the object. Here, the application space (space size for observation) dictates the design of the type and assembly of the components. The beam can be focused on the object by means of dynamic lenses to optimize the beam intensity.

For a higher hit probability, the micro-mirror can also be switched to oscillate 90 degrees to the beam direction (optimized oscillation shapes can be: elliptical, + - oscillation), so that spreading a larger area increases the probability of a hit, if the target object has a fast airspeed. has held.

In summary, the invention relates to a method for controlling insects by the use of a high-energy laser beam.

For this purpose, a device or device has been described which is designed to detect insects by means of a detection module for detecting insects in the observation room. In support of this, the laser beams are targeted to the detected insect for triggering with a dynamic aiming and focusing unit. and thus at least damaged this insect by means of two or more crossed laser beams.

The method is based on the combined observation and localization of insects in the linked cooperation of different sensors, namely the acoustic detection in co-operation with the spatially active detection by a radar system. Scanner-like methodology. In particular, a control method is provided for calibrating, detecting, locating and tracking objects (e.g., insects) in the observed space. Preferably, a methodology for providing, focusing and triggering a heat, acoustic or otherwise marked launching device is additionally provided. In particular, the device provides for the construction of a target unit by means of laser diodes, optical focusing, micro-electromagnetic mirrors (MEMS), also performed in a scanning function.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described below with reference to the drawings. This is not necessarily to scale the embodiments, but the drawings, where appropriate for explanation, executed in a schematized and / or slightly distorted form. With regard to additions to the teachings directly recognizable from the drawings reference is made to the relevant prior art. It should be understood that various modifications and changes in the form and detail of an embodiment may be made without departing from the general spirit of the invention. The features disclosed in the description, in the drawings and in the claims features of the invention can be essential - both individually and in any combination for the development of the invention. In addition, all combinations of at least two of the features disclosed in the description, the drawings and / or the claims fall within the scope of the invention. The general idea of the invention is not limited to the exact form or detail of the preferred embodiment shown and described below or limited to an article that would be limited in comparison with the subject matter claimed in the claims. For the given design ranges, values within the stated limits should also be disclosed as limit values and be arbitrarily usable and claimable.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments and from the drawings; these show in: FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram for monitoring a spatial area in a preferred method and a preferred apparatus,

Figure 2: a schematic representation of a preferred embodiment of the device.

Based on the following sketches, the functionality as well as an exemplary module design of the device are shown.

1) The structure of the device 10 can be represented by the example of FIG. By means of a microphone 20 (individually or as an assembly) the ambient sound is analyzed. When object-typical frequencies occur, the additional spatial location sensor system 30 and 30 'is activated, which performs an exact object location in combination with the computer unit. The modules work according to the "radar" principle, ie they are designed as combined transmitter and receiver units, which can perform an exact location determination based on the calculation of transit time differences between transmission and reception of an electromagnetic wave, with a positive detection of all insects more typical and relevant object features (frequency, object size), the laser module is activated to repel the insects.This module consists of an assembly of laser diodes with beam focusing [40 and 40 'and the micro-electromagnetically guided mirrors 50 and 50' At the intersection point of the beams, a high energy density is achieved, which is supposed to manipulate the object.

An example arrangement of the module groups used is shown in FIG. 2. Depending on the technical implementation, the modules may vary in design, size and placement. A power supply 60 supplies the central control and computer unit 70 (board with controller) with energy, via a control panel 80, the device can be activated. The microphone 20 acts in cooperation with the "radar" sensors 30 and 30 'to actively perform the object determination.The special control 90 (laser driver) activates the laser diodes 100 and 100', the micro-electromagnetic mirrors 50 and 50 '. align the focused laser beams in the direction of the object.

As an alternative to determining the position by means of a sensor system which evaluates signal transit times following the radar principle, alternatively laser in low-energy continuous operation (same module or in addition) in a scanner operation can cross out the area to be monitored and evaluate the reflections of the target objects. With positive detection, the mirrors are aligned and the lasers are triggered in a short, but energetically strong pulsed operation.

For a more powerful variant of the device, it is logical that the module units 30 'and 100' (with the addition of necessary for the operation of components) are separated in a second housing. Both devices are installed or installed separately. Through a radio-like connection (e.g., Bluetooth) both devices can communicate with each other and exchange data, e.g. to be able to recalibrate when changing the setup and to submit data regarding object detection and control. The advantage of a setup with a greater distance of the detection sensors is the greater angular resolution of the sensors for location determination along with the ability to monitor a larger space area.

Through an optical attractant (e.g., blue light source), indoor efficiency can be optimized because the light of particular wavelengths attracts insects, and this increases the likelihood that an insect may get into the vicinity of the device and thus be hit by the device.

Claims

claims 1. A method of manipulation, in particular damage, of a flying insect, comprising the steps: - Acoustic monitoring of a space area for the presence of a flying insect, characterized in that characteristic of the flying insect Noise frequencies are detected; - thereafter, in the case of a positive recognition of characteristic noise frequencies, detecting a position of the flying insect using a transit time effect of a transmitted locating signal in relation to a response signal reflected by the flying insect, thereafter, in the case of positive position detection, manipulating the flying insect by emitting at least one directed, first and second avian insect heat-releasing beam, the first and second beams overlapping at least at the position of the flying insect. 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that is used for position detection with an acoustic detection of the flying insect as a runtime effect of the Doppler effect for the noise frequencies of the flying insect. 3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that for the position detection with an optical detection of the flying insect, a use of an optical reflection ons-effect takes place at the flying insect. 4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that in the case of a positive position detection, a test and detection of further object features, in particular size of the flying insect and / or removal of the flying insect and / or flight path of the flying insect, takes place. 5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that for manipulating the flying insect, the heat-absorbing radiation in the UV range and / or in the VIS range and / or in the IR range and / or in the NIR range are emitted , 6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that for manipulating the flying insect laser beams emitted as heat absorption radiation. 7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the heat absorption-initiating rays are focused on the located flying insect. 8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that for the position detection of the flying insect sound waves and / or ultrasonic waves and / or microwaves and / or radar waves and / or laser beams are used. 9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the acoustic monitoring of a space area for the presence of a flying insect by means of at least one microphone (20), which in particular has a directional Hörrakustik, in particular a cardioid characteristic. 10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that prior to the acoustic monitoring of the space area, a calibration of a device (10) for manipulating a flying insect takes place, in particular a device according to claim 11. 11. Device (10) for manipulation, in particular damage, of a flying insect, comprising: - acoustic monitoring means for acoustically monitoring a space area for the presence of a flying insect, characterized in that the monitoring means are adapted to acoustically detect characteristic noise frequencies for the flying insect; Position detection means (30, 30 ') for detecting a position of the flying insect with a transmitting unit for emitting a locating signal and with a receiving unit for receiving a response signal reflected by the flying insect and an evaluating unit for evaluating a transit time effect of the emitted locating signal in relation to the response signal and Determining the position of the flying insect; a manipulation unit for manipulating the flying insect having at least a first and a second jet unit for emitting at least one directional first and one directed second aviation insect triggering beam, and a straightening device configured to align the first and second beams so that they at least overlap at the position of the flying insect. 12. Device (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that the acoustic monitoring means comprise at least one microphone (20), which has in particular a directional auditory acoustics, in particular a cardioid characteristic. 13. Device (10) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the position detecting means are adapted to locate the detected flying insect by means of sound waves and / or ultrasonic waves and / or microwaves and / or radar waves and / or laser beams. 14. Device (10) according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the device includes a control and computer unit (70) and a memory unit for coordinating the monitoring means, the position detection means and the manipulation unit. 15. Device (10) according to one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that the manipulation unit is a straightening device, a target unit and / or a Focusing unit for aligning and / or focusing of the heat absorption triggering rays on the flying insect, in particular a cooperating with the straightening device target unit and / or focusing unit. 16. Device (10) according to any one of claims 11 to 15, characterized in that the position detection means and / or manipulation unit each comprise at least one laser source in the form of a laser diode (100, 100 '). 17. Device (10) according to claim 16, characterized in that the straightening device contains a micro-electromagnetic mirror (50, 50 '). 18. Use of a method according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and / or a device according to one of claims 11 to 17 for manipulating a flying insect in an interior of a user object, such as a house, a car or the like. 19. Use according to claim 18, characterized in that the monitored space area in the form of a user opening, such as a door, a window or the like, of the user object is formed.