U.S. patent application number 15/345464 was filed with the patent office on 2017-02-23 for active probe, system and method for pest detection.
The applicant listed for this patent is Edith Cowan University. Invention is credited to Adam Osseiran.
Application Number | 20170049092 15/345464 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47423296 |
Filed Date | 2017-02-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170049092 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Osseiran; Adam |
February 23, 2017 |
Active Probe, System and Method for Pest Detection
Abstract
A pest detector (1) for actively detecting pest activity within
the environs of a structure. The pest detector includes a pest
detection unit (2) that detects pest activity through the analysis
of sounds of pest activity within a pest bait. The pest bait is
typically timber or cellulose material (3). Upon detection of pest
activity, a signal is sent to wireless transmitting device which
transmits a radio frequency signal which includes data identifying
the pest detector. Advantageously, the radio frequency is in the
cellular radio frequency spectrum and is transmitted via the
cellular radio network to a remote base station. The signal can be
in the form of a short message service message. In this way, the
pest detector can be remotely monitored and any pest activity dealt
with appropriately. The pest detector can be used within a pest
detection system and the pest detection unit can be retrofitted to
known pest monitoring systems.
Inventors: |
Osseiran; Adam; (Shelley,
AU) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Edith Cowan University |
Joondalup WA |
|
AU |
|
|
Family ID: |
47423296 |
Appl. No.: |
15/345464 |
Filed: |
November 7, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14128613 |
Dec 22, 2013 |
9489824 |
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PCT/AU2012/000767 |
Jun 29, 2012 |
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15345464 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01M 1/026 20130101;
A01M 1/2011 20130101; A01M 1/24 20130101; Y10T 29/49826 20150115;
G08B 25/08 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A01M 1/02 20060101
A01M001/02; A01M 1/24 20060101 A01M001/24; A01M 1/20 20060101
A01M001/20 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 30, 2011 |
AU |
2011902585 |
Claims
1-42. (canceled)
43. A pest detector comprising: a sensor arranged to receive sounds
from a pest attractor; a processor configured to enter a detection
mode and a sleep mode, the processor coupled to the sensor and
configured to: process the sounds received by the sensor so as to
detect the activity of one or more pests at the pest attractor
based on the received sounds; and to generate a first signal in
response to a positive detection of pest activity; and a wireless
transmitter coupled to the processor and configured to generate a
data signal in response to the first signal generated by the
processor, the data signal including data identifying the pest
detector; and a hygrometer and thermometer for measuring humidity
and temperature respectively, the hygrometer and thermometer being
coupled to the processor for bypassing the detection mode by
entering the sleep mode if the measurements from the thermometer
and hygrometer do not indicate that the ambient temperature and
humidity are suitable for termite activity.
44. A pest detector according to claim 43, wherein the sensor
comprises a microphone arranged adjacent the pest attractor.
45. A pest detector according to claim 43, wherein the sensor
comprises a microphone array having a first microphone and a second
microphone, the first microphone being arranged to be adjacent the
pest attractor and the second microphone being spaced to one side
of the first microphone.
46. A pest detector according to claim 43, wherein the wireless
transmitter is operable to generate the data signal in the
industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) frequency bands; and the
sensor and wireless transmitter are mounted on a printed circuit
provided in a housing mounted at one end of the pest attractor.
47. A pest detector according to claim 43, wherein the detector
includes the pest attractor and the pest attractor comprises a
timber probe.
48. A pest detector according to claim 43, wherein the data signal
includes a date and time stamp as well as identification data.
49. A pest detector according to claim 43, wherein the processor is
operable to carry out a time domain analysis of signals from the
sensor so as to compare a waveform of the sound with a target
waveform characteristic of a pest activity to determine the
positive detection of pest activity and to generate the first
signal in response thereto.
50. A pest detector according to claim 43, wherein the processor is
operable to generate the first signal in response to the detection
of a predetermined number of instances of positive detection of
pest activity and the predetermined number is more than one.
51. A pest detector according to claim 43, the pest detector
operable to issue a pest deterrent in response to detected pest
activity.
52. A pest detector according to claim 43, the pest detector
operable to receive commands from a remote base unit for
configuration of the pest detector.
53. A pest detector according to claim 43, wherein the pest
detector is adapted to fit within a pest station, the pest station
including the pest attractor.
54. A pest detector according to claim 43, further comprising a
pest station including the pest attractor.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to acoustic detection of
pests, including pests such as termites and the like. Particularly,
the invention comprises a pest detection system, a probe for use in
the pest detection system, a detection unit for use with the probe
and a method of pest detection.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
[0002] Damage caused by termites in buildings and timber structures
in general are often caused by subterranean termites coming through
galleries they dig in the ground from their colony nests to timber
in dwellings. Once they reach it, they destroy it by chewing on it
and eventually they take the chewed fibres back to their colonies.
Current termite detection techniques are applied inside the
structures and therefore are post-attack techniques. The problems
associated with termites attacking wood in dwellings are well
known. There are other pests that burrow in wood, such as the
European House Borer Beetle. When active, these pests make sounds
that humans may not be readily able to detect, however these sounds
can still be detected with acoustic instruments and used to
indicate the presence of the pest.
[0003] Known acoustic detection devices and systems include the use
of infrared and acoustic detection in a hand-held device such as
described at http://www.termatrac.com. This device however,
requires the presence of a skilled person and is used very seldom
or too late since they are used to check the presence of termites
inside premises.
[0004] Alternatively, recent in-ground techniques using termite's
`food` probes are placed around structures. These also require
regular human intervention to visually inspect the probes. In these
systems, residents are expected to regularly check the probes
visually around the dwelling. It is however often reported that
they do it in the first few weeks/months and then cease for
different reasons. In other cases the probes get covered by leaves,
dirt or become inaccessible or difficult to check. Examples of
these are the Green Eye (http://www.greeneyealert.com), ReKon
termite treatment systems and Exterra
(http://www.exterra.com.au).
[0005] The present invention seeks to provide an alternative
acoustic pest detection system and method.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0006] According to an aspect of the present invention there is
provided a pest detector comprising: a pest attraction means; a
sensor arranged to receive sounds from the pest attraction means; a
processor coupled to the sensor and configured to: process the
sounds received by the sensor so as to detect the activity of one
or more pests at the pest attraction means based on the received
sounds; and to generate a first signal in response to a positive
detection of pest activity; the pest detector further comprising a
wireless transmitter coupled to the processor and configured to
generate a data signal in response to the first signal generated by
the processor; wherein the data signal includes data identifying
the pest detector.
[0007] Preferably, the sensor comprises a microphone arranged
adjacent the pest attraction means.
[0008] Alternatively, the sensor comprises a microphone array
having a first microphone and a second microphone mounted, the
first microphone being arranged to be adjacent the pest attraction
means and the second microphone being spaced to one side of the
first microphone.
[0009] Preferably, the wireless transmitter is operable to generate
the data signal in the industrial, scientific and medical (ISM)
frequency bands.
[0010] Preferably, the sensor and wireless transmitter are mounted
on a printed circuit provided in a housing mounted at one end of
the pest attraction means.
[0011] Preferably, the pest attraction means is a timber probe,
such as a soft timber probe.
[0012] Preferably, the data signal includes a date and time stamp
as well as identification data.
[0013] Preferably, the processor is operable to carry out a time
domain analysis of signals from the sensor so as to compare a
waveform of the sound with a target waveform characteristic of a
pest activity to determine the positive detection of pest activity
and to generate the first signal in response to thereto.
[0014] Preferably, the processor is operable to generate the first
signal in response to the detection of a predetermined number of
instances of positive detection of pest activity.
[0015] Preferably, the predetermined number is more than one.
[0016] Preferably, the pest detection unit is operable to issue a
pest deterrent in response to detected pest activity.
[0017] Preferably, the pest detection unit is operable to receive
commands from a remote base unit for configuration of the pest
detection unit.
[0018] According to another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a pest detection system comprising a pest detector and
a radio transceiver unit, the pest detector comprising: a pest
attraction means; a sensor arranged to receive sounds from the pest
attraction means; a processor coupled to the sensor and configured
to: process the sounds received by the sensor so as to detect the
activity of one or more pests at the pest attraction means based on
the received sounds; and to generate a first signal in response to
a positive detection of pest activity; the pest detector further
comprising a wireless transmitter coupled to the processor and
configured to generate a data signal in response to the first
signal generated by the processor; wherein the data signal includes
data identifying the pest detector, the radio transceiver being in
wireless communication with the pest detector and operable to:
receive the data signal from the wireless transmitter and generate
an alert in response to the data signal for transmission to a
remote location, the alert identifying the pest detector at which
pest activity has been detected.
[0019] Preferably, the wireless transmitter is operable to generate
the data signal in the industrial, scientific and medical (ISM)
frequency bands, and the radio transceiver is a cellular radio
telephone transceiver module.
[0020] Preferably, the alert is a short message service
message.
[0021] Preferably, the message is sent to a predetermined
number.
[0022] Alternatively, the alert is an email.
[0023] According to a third aspect of the present invention there
is provided a detection unit for a pest detector, the detection
unit being arranged for mounting within the pest detector adjacent
a pest attraction means, the detection unit comprising: a sensor
arranged to receive sounds from the pest attraction means; a
processor coupled to the sensor and configured to: process the
sounds received by the sensor so as to detect the activity of one
or more pests at the pest attraction means based on the received
sounds; and to generate a first signal in response to a positive
detection of pest activity; the pest detector further comprising a
wireless transmitter coupled to the processor and configured to
generate a data signal in response to the first signal generated by
the processor; wherein the data signal includes data identifying
the pest detector.
[0024] Preferably, the sensor comprises a microphone arranged
adjacent the pest attraction means,
[0025] Alternatively, the sensor comprises a microphone array
having a first microphone and a second microphone mounted, the
first microphone being arranged to be adjacent the pest attraction
means and the second microphone being spaced to one side of the
first microphone.
[0026] Preferably, the wireless transmitter is operable to generate
the data signal in the industrial, scientific and medical (ISM)
frequency bands.
[0027] Preferably, the sensor and wireless transmitter are mounted
on a printed circuit provided in a housing mounted at one end of
the pest attraction means.
[0028] Preferably, the data signal includes a date and time stamp
as well as identification data.
[0029] Preferably, the processor is operable to carry out a time
domain analysis of signals from the sensor so as to compare a
waveform of the sound with a target waveform characteristic of a
pest activity to determine the positive detection of pest activity
and to generate the first signal in response to thereto.
[0030] Preferably, the processor is operable to generate the first
signal in response to the detection of a predetermined number of
instances of positive detection of pest activity.
[0031] Preferably, the predetermined number is more than one.
[0032] Preferably, the pest detection unit is operable to issue a
pest deterrent in response to detected pest activity.
[0033] Preferably, the pest detection unit is operable to receive
commands from a remote base unit for configuration of the pest
detection unit.
[0034] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a method of detecting pests in the environs of a
structure, the method includes the steps of: placing one or more
pest detectors in the environs of a structure, each pest detector
being part of a pest detection system including the one or more
pest detectors and a base unit, each pest detector being operable
to process the sounds within the pest detector indicative of pest
activity at the pest detector, and to generate a data signal in
response to detected pest activity at the pest detector; wherein
the data signal is received at the base unit; the base unit being
operable to generate a message in response to the received data
signal for transmission to a remote location, the message
identifying the pest detector at which pest activity has been
detected; and acting in response to the received message to
implement a treatment plan.
[0035] Preferably, the treatment plan includes the step of
poisoning the pests. Even more preferably, the poisoning of the
pests comprises the step of replacing a pest attraction means in
the pest detector with a poisoned bait.
[0036] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a method of fitting a pest detection unit within a pest
detector the pest detector having a housing and a pest attraction
means adjacent thereto, the method including the steps of inserting
the pest detection unit into the housing such that the pest
detection unit is located adjacent the pest attraction means.
[0037] Preferably, the pest detection unit includes a sensor and
the sensor is located adjacent at least a portion of the pest
attraction means when the pest detection unit is located within the
housing.
[0038] The present invention has the advantage that it provides an
early detection system and can identify termites' potential attack
before they actually reach the dwellings, therefore allowing for
their treatment at the source before they can go further. The
present invention solves the problems of often undetected and
random termite attacks. Currently when termites are detected it is
too late. Being an early detection system the present invention has
the ability to reduce or in some cases eliminate the repair cost of
damage caused by termite infestation.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0039] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described,
by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0040] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a pest detection
system of the present invention in situ;
[0041] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a pest detection probe
of the present invention;
[0042] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of the detection unit for
the pest detection probe of FIG. 2;
[0043] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates the use of the pest
detection probe in concrete;
[0044] FIG. 5A is a view of the printed circuit board used in the
pest detection probe of FIG. 2;
[0045] FIG. 5B is a side view of the printed circuit board of FIG.
5A;
[0046] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating the components of the
detection unit of the probe of FIG. 2;
[0047] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating the components of an
alternate embodiment of the detection unit of the probe of FIG.
2;
[0048] FIG. 8A is a flow chart showing a method of analysing an
audio signal to detect a pest according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0049] FIG. 8B is a flow chart showing an alternative method of
analysing an audio signal to detect a pest according to an
embodiment of the present invention; and
[0050] FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing a method of analysing an
audio signal to detect a pest according to an embodiment of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0051] A first aspect of the present invention is a pest detector
in the form of a pest detection probe 1 for use in a pest detection
system 100. A pest detector is a device for detecting the activity
of pests such as termites.
[0052] The pest detection probe 1 comprises a detection unit 2
mounted on the top of a pest attraction means in the form of a
timber rod 3. The timber rod 3 is designed to act as an attraction
or bait for termites. The detection unit 2 comprises an electronic
acoustic sensor 4, a processor in the form of a microcontroller 5,
and a wireless transmitter in the form of a Short-Range Radio
Frequency module 6 ("radio module"): all provided in a water-tight
housing 7 of any suitable size and material.
[0053] The radio module 6 is operable to transmit Wi-Fi signals of
the industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) frequency bands
(Frequency ranges: 863-870, 902-928 and 950-960 MHz).
[0054] The detection unit 2, in combination with the timber rod 3,
provides an `active probe`. This is in contrast to the known
`passive probes` described above in the Background to the
Invention.
[0055] In another aspect of the invention, there is a pest
detection system 100 which comprises a number of the pest detection
probes 1 which are then placed at strategic distances around a
structure 200--preferably in the same locations traditionally used
for termite prevention chemical treatment.
[0056] The timber rods 3 comprise a pest attraction means because
termites in the ground are attracted to the timber rods 3 which are
staple food for termites. They are located in the path of, and
before they reach (from beneath), the structures protected by the
invention.
[0057] The characteristic sounds generated by the termite
activities are identified by the detection unit 2 which then
wirelessly sends a data signal from the radio module 6 indicating
termite presence at the pest detection probe 1 to a remote wireless
transceiver in the form of a cellular radio telephone base unit
101. The base unit 101 is then operable to transmit a message to an
operator for appropriate action thereby. This prompts a treatment
plan where the pest detection probe 1 can be replaced (without
disturbing termite activity or their food source) by a closed
canister baiting station for example containing material, such as
cellulose, impregnated with a delayed effect termiticide that
termites will eventually carry back to their colony, wherever it
is, eventually causing its destruction.
[0058] The acoustic sensor 4 is positioned to receive sounds from
the activity of the termites as they attack/eat the rod 3. The
microcontroller 5 is coupled to the acoustic sensor 4 to receive a
signal therefrom, and which is indicative of sounds received by the
acoustic sensor 4. The microcontroller 5 is configured to process
the signals from the acoustic sensor 4 so as to detect activity of
one or more pests at the timber rod 3 based on the received sounds.
When the microcontroller 5 detects one or more pests in the rod 3
then this triggers further action as will be described in further
detail below.
[0059] Referring to FIG. 2, there is shown, schematically, a pest
detection probe 1 which comprises a pest detection unit 2 mounted
upon a timber rod 3 as described above. The timber rod 3 is made of
any suitable timber or other food source that is attractive to
termites and other pests including other timber pests.
[0060] The pest detection unit 2 includes the acoustic sensor 4
which is coupled to a coder-decoder (CODEC) device 9 or a PCM
device 25. The CODEC device 9 or PCM device 25 is coupled to the
microcontroller 5 with associated circuitry (not shown) and mounted
on a circuit board 17. The microcontroller 5 is further coupled to
the detection unit radio module 6 which includes an associated
antenna 8.
[0061] The acoustic sensor 4 comprises a first microphone 12 and a
second microphone 11. The first microphone 12 is mounted on the
printed circuit board 17 such that it is in contact with the timber
rod when the pest detection unit 2 is in place on the timber rod 3.
The first microphone is soldered at an angle of 90 degrees on the
edge of the circuit board 17 with the antenna 8 at the other end.
This is illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B.
[0062] The circuit board 17 sits inside the housing 7 (and into
which the timber rod 3 is fitted) vertically such that the upper
end of the timber probe 3 touches the first microphone 12, as can
be seen in FIG. 2.
[0063] The second microphone 11 is used to measure the ambient
noise so that together with first microphone 12 they become a
microphone array.
[0064] The first and second microphones 12, 11 are condenser
microphones and have a frequency response over the range about 50
Hz to 22 kHz. However, in certain embodiments of the invention only
a first microphone 12 may be required.
[0065] The CODEC device 9 or PCM device 25 takes the analogue
signals from the first and second microphones 11, 12 and converts
it to a digital signal for output to the microcontroller 5.
[0066] The microcontroller 5 is in the form of a 16-bit low power
microcontroller 5.
[0067] Referring to the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the CODEC
device 9 is a 2 channel audio CODEC device. Each microphone 12, 11
is coupled to a channel input of the CODEC device 9. Each channel
has an analogue filter 18, 19, an amplifier circuit 20, 21 and an
Analogue to Digital Converter (ADC) 22, 23. Each filter 18, 19 may
be a 20 Hz-192 kHz band-pass filter. The digital outputs from the
ADCs 22, 23 are input to a Digital
[0068] Signal Processor (DSP) 24. The DSP 24 combines and processes
the audio signals and provides an output to the microcontroller 5.
The audio signals are combined in a manner so as to reduce ambient
noise.
[0069] The microcontroller 5 may comprise internal memory for
storing instructions for execution of software or firmware for
controlling the operation of the DSP 24 and microcontroller 5, as
well as working memory. Further extended memory may also be
provided for these purposes. The extended memory may also be used
to record the audio signal from the acoustic sensor 4. The memory
may be in the form of a plug-in memory module, such as a SD memory
card. The extended memory may be placed inside the detection unit 2
or inside the remote base station 101.
[0070] A power management unit 13 may be provided for managing
power for the power detection unit 2. Power may be derived from a
battery 14, or solar cell or other suitable power sources. Power is
distributed to components of the sensor by power lines (not
shown).
[0071] The microcontroller 5 is configured to receive signals from
the acoustic sensor 4 and to process these signals in order to
detect pest activity. In response to detected pest activity, the
microcontroller 5 is operable to generate a first signal to the
radio module 6. The radio module 6 is then operable, in response to
the first signal from the microcontroller 5, to send a data signal
to a remote base station 101 with a GSM unit provided therein, as
will be described in further detail below.
[0072] GSM cellular radio telephone communications technology, and
ISM communications technology are well known to persons skilled in
the art and need not be described in any further detail herein
except as is relevant to the present invention.
[0073] In an alternative embodiment, the CODEC 9 can be replaced by
a 2-Channel Pulse-code modulation (PCM) device 25. The PCM device
25 may be preferable as it is sufficient for the purpose and is of
lower power and lower cost than a CODEC. This is illustrated in
FIG. 7 where like components from FIG. 6 are referred to using the
same reference numerals.
[0074] The detection unit 2 is mounted on the timber rod 3 so that
the first microphone 12 is adjacent one end of the timber rod 3 as
described above. The size of the acoustic sensor 4 along with the
microphones 11, 12, detection unit radio module 6, wireless antenna
8 and associated circuitry is 40 mm.times.15 mm which makes it easy
to append on top of any type of timber piece or existing in-ground
probes.
[0075] The microcontroller 5 includes a sound detection module 15
which is operable to receive the signal from the CODEC device 9/PCM
device 25 in response to detected signals from the acoustic sensor
4, and a process control module 16. The process control module 16
interfaces with the radio module 6.
[0076] The pest detection system 100 of the present invention
comprises one or more pest detection probes 1 which are placed in
the environs of and around a structure 200 that is to be
monitored.
[0077] The pest detection probes 1 are placed in the ground. The
top of the detection unit 2 can be buried flush to the ground. It
can also be fitted through concrete see FIG. 4. Preferably, the
probes 1 are placed in the ground at 2-3 m distance of each other
and 50 cm out of the structure's walls (FIG. 1) where they form a
virtual barrier continuously monitored for termites.
[0078] The timber of the timber rod 3 has sound transmitting fibres
(not shown). When termites are active the sounds they make, such as
friction during their motion, head banging, chewing or biting the
timber, are transmitted by the fibres and can be detected by the
acoustic sensor 4.
[0079] The microcontroller 5 is operable to carry out a time domain
analysis of sounds so as to compare the detected waveform of the
sound with a target waveform characteristic of a termite activity
such as a chewing bite, motion, head banging, etc. A positive
comparison is indicative of termite activity.
[0080] The microcontroller 5 is also configured to enter a
low-power consumption state between each period of processing.
[0081] During operation of the pest detection probe 1 the resulting
acoustic signal acquired by the microphone array is periodically
analysed using an algorithm executed in the microcontroller 5. The
microcontroller 5 is configured to process the received sounds by
performing a time domain analysis of sounds, as will be described
below.
[0082] As mentioned above, the pest detection system 100 also
includes a base unit 101 which is in communication with each of the
pest detection probes 1 within the pest detection system 100. The
base unit 101 is also located within the environs of the structure
200 that is being monitored. The base unit 101 includes a base unit
ISM module (not shown) in communication with the detection probes 1
and a base unit GSM module (not shown) operating as a conventional
GSM module as is well known in the art.
[0083] Referring to FIG. 8A, the method of operation 200 of the
detection unit 2 is shown. The device initialises at 202. The
microcontroller 5 enters a sleep mode 204 in which it assumes a low
power consumption state. After a period of time, for example 500
ms, the method progresses 206 to stage 210 in which the
microcontroller 5 checks for radio frequency (RF) activation from
the radio module 6. Also a timer is used to check if a wake up of
the microcontroller 5 is required because of or for checking for
pest detection at regular intervals, for example 60 min. If a
wake-up is not required at 210 the process branches to return the
microcontroller 5 to sleep mode at 204. Predetermined wakeups 212
can be also scheduled, if required.
[0084] If a wake-up is required at 210 the microcontroller 5 enters
a detection mode at 218 and then starts the CODEC device 9/PCM
device 25 at 220.
[0085] A real-time analysis stage 222 is then commenced. In this
stage the microcontroller 5 enter sleep mode at 224. At 226, when
an audio frame is ready for treatment, the method transitions to
step 228. The CODEC device 9/PCM device 25 receives audio from the
acoustic sensor 4 at 228. The microcontroller 5 analyses the
received audio at 230. At 232 if the analysis determines that
termites are not detected it checks at 234 whether sufficient
recording time has elapsed. If enough time has not elapsed it
returns to step 224. If enough time has elapsed the CODEC device
9/PCM device 25 is stopped/powered down and the method returns to
step 204.
[0086] FIG. 9 shows a flow chart of the detection process 218
performed in an embodiment by the microcontroller 5 using time
domain analysis. Firstly an audio stream is copied at 404 into a
256 registers of 16 bits each. The beginning of the time domain
analysis is at 412 where a scan for a pulse sequence is performed.
Then a scan for the maximum amplitude of the pulse sequence is
performed at 414. Then the pulse sequence length relative to
amplitude is determined at 416. Then a check is performed at 418 to
determine whether the length is within a predefined limit. An
example of the defined length is 1-3 ms. If not then there is no
detection and the microcontroller 5 enters sleep mode at 420.
[0087] At 232 if the analysis determines that termites are
detected, then, the microcontroller 5 wakes-up.
[0088] If this is the first time a termite bite is detected then
the microcontroller 5 begins a convolution-based identification
process 235. This convolution-based identification process 235
involves counting the number of bites detected and waiting a random
time (of a minimum of 10 seconds) between consecutive bites. When
the microcontroller detects a predetermined number of bites, for
example, ten bites are detected then the microcontroller 5 is
operable, depending upon the hardware configuration, to provide a
suitable warning. By waiting until a certain number of bites are
detected, the pest detection system 1 is able to protect against
the detection of false positives.
[0089] The microcontroller 5 may be programmed to check the warning
hardware configuration and act appropriately. For example, a check
is performed at 232 to determine whether the sensor 4 is configured
for warning a remote site. If so, a detection report is sent at
244, for example by use of the radio module 6.
[0090] At 250 a check is performed to determine whether the
detection has ended. If so the process returns to 204 and if not
the process returns to 234.
[0091] If pest activity is detected, the warning can be implemented
by the microcontroller 5 being operable to send the first signal to
the radio module 6, which, in response to the received first
signal, is operable to send a data signal to the remotely located
GSM base unit 101 as mentioned previously. The data signal includes
identification (ID) data for the respective detection probe with a
date and time stamp.
[0092] Upon reception of a data signal, the base station GSM module
of the base unit 101 creates a short message service (SMS) message
which includes the pest detection probe ID data and the date and
time stamp and transmits the SMS message to a predetermined
telephone number. This number could be, for example, a hotline
number, an operator at a local pest control service or maintenance
department. The SMS message will contain sufficient data that will
enable the recipient of the SMS message to determine the exact
location and position of the affected pest detection probe 1 and
can therefore plan a treatment of the termites by replacing the
detection unit 2 with a bait station that will provide the termite
with a slow poison that termites will eventually carry back to the
colony, as described above. In an alternative embodiment, the alert
or warning can be in the form of an email or any other suitable
alert.
[0093] In one embodiment of the invention, detection of a pest can
trigger a deterrent. This may be in the form of outputting a pest
repelling sound into the target zone. The pest repelling sound may
be a replication of a warning sound made when a target pest
threatened, such as the sound a solder termite makes when
threatened. The sound may be selected according to the species of
pest commonly found in the location of installation of the pest
detector. Other forms of deterrent may be employed, such as release
of a chemical.
[0094] An operator can use a hand-held device adapted to use the
same ISM frequencies in order to communicate with the probes 100
through radio modules 6 to allow for their location in the ground.
Therefore when a probe has detected termites, an operator is
alerted and when on-site the operator can then use the hand-held
device to quickly locate that probe in the ground more
precisely.
[0095] Referring to FIG. 8B depicting an alternative method of
operation 500 of the detection unit 2 is shown. The device
initialises at 502. The microcontroller 5 enters a sleep mode 504
in which it assumes a low power consumption state. After a period
of time, for example 500 ms, the method progresses 506 to stage 510
in which the microcontroller 5 checks for radio frequency (RF)
activation from the radio module 6. Also a timer is used to check
if a wake up of the microcontroller 5 is required because of or for
checking for pest detection at regular intervals, for example 60
min. If a wake-up is not required at 510 the process branches to
return the microcontroller 5 to sleep mode at 504. Predetermined
wakeups 512 can be also scheduled, if required.
[0096] If a wake-up is required at 510 the microcontroller 5 enters
a detection mode at 518 and then starts the CODEC device 9/PCM
device 25 at 520.
[0097] The method then transitions to step 528. The CODEC device
9/PCM device 25 receives audio from the acoustic sensor 4 at 528.
The microcontroller 5 analyses the received audio at 535 using
convolution and time domain detection analysis. At 532 if the
analysis determines that termites are not detected it checks at 534
whether sufficient recording time has elapsed. If enough time has
not elapsed it returns to step 528. If enough time has elapsed the
CODEC device 9/PCM device 25 is stopped/powered down and the method
returns to step 504.
[0098] At 532 if the analysis determines that termites are detected
then the microcontroller 5 determines if the detection meets a
predetermined high level of confidence 536 then the detection is
reported 544.
[0099] At 550 a check is performed to determine whether the
detection has ended. If so the process returns to 504 and if not
the process returns to 534.
[0100] The following enhancements to the pest detection unit 1 and
system can be provided:
[0101] The pest detection system 100 can be interrogated remotely
for sanity checks. This can be achieved using the cellular radio
telephone base unit 101 to interrogate the pest detection systems
100 within its network to find out if they are operational and if
not it will send an alert message.
[0102] The pest detection system 100 can produce log data and
reports for zone mapping or attack frequency statistics.
Specifically, each pest detection probe 1 has a precise inground
position around a building and when termite attack occurs, the
exact position, date and time of the attack is reported to
operators. The log data collected can be used for a zone mapping of
termite attacks per regions and frequency statistics.
[0103] The pest detection probes 1 can be configured to receive
commands from the base unit 101. These commands could be in the
form of a program uploaded remotely and reconfiguring each pest
detection probe 1 to operate, for example, 10 seconds every hour or
every four hours or more. Operation frequency will depend on the
conditions deemed favourable to termite attacks, such as
temperature, dampness of the soil, proximity to water, and time of
the day, season etc. These parameters are known to the pest control
professionals who could anticipate the necessary frequency of
operation. In this regard, the detection unit 2 can include a
hygrometer and thermometer for measuring humidity and temperature
respectively. The hygrometer and thermometer would be coupled to
the microcontroller 5. In this instance, the detection mode is
bypassed if the measurements from the thermometer and hygrometer do
not indicate that the ambient temperature and humidity are suitable
for termite activity. In this case the microcontroller returns to
sleep mode 204. Thus each pest detection probe 1 can be remotely
reprogrammed to operate more or less frequently depending on the
area, temperature, dampness, and any other parameter specific to
the target area and known by the professionals placing the
sensors.
[0104] Modifications may be made to the present invention within
the context of that described and shown in the drawings. Such
modifications are intended to form part of the invention described
in this specification.
[0105] For example, the sensors can also be placed inside the
dwellings and on each structure at risk of being attacked, such as
inside the roof or near damp areas in houses or in the sheds,
garages, sub-floors or any structure containing cellulose material,
wood, etc. The advantage is that those sensors will also
communicate with the same base unit 101.
[0106] The role of the two microphones 11, 12 could be inverted
allowing the detection unit 2 to be usable on a flat surface such
as walls or wall skirtings or any other surface susceptible to hide
termites inside them. In this case the devices can also be used
inside the same building 200 and therefore becoming part of the
same network since they can also communicate with the base station
101 if they detected termites inside the building 200 (roof timber
frames, behind skirtings, etc). In that case microphone 12 will be
the active one and microphone 11 will be measuring the ambient
noise.
[0107] In addition, rather than using the two microphones 11, 12
only one microphone can be used. This will be the microphone
located adjacent the timber rod 3.
[0108] Rather than a single timber rod 3, a plurality of timber
rods can be used with the one or more microphones being in direct
contact with one or all of the plurality of timber rods.
[0109] The reference herein to a published document is not to be
construed as an admission that any such document forms part of the
common general knowledge of a person skilled in the field of the
invention.
[0110] In this specification the terms "comprising" or "comprises"
are used inclusively and not exclusively or exhaustively.
* * * * *
References