IT201800003619A1 - METHOD FOR THE MONITORING OF A POPULATION OF STRATIOMYID DIPTERS CONTAINED IN A BREEDING CHAMBER AND RELATED BREEDING APPARATUS - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION

of the Italian Patent for Industrial Invention entitled:

“METHOD FOR MONITORING A POPULATION OF FISHTERIES

STRATIOMIIDS CONTAINED IN A BREEDING CHAMBER E

RELATIVE BREEDING APPARATUS "

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to the breeding of insects belonging to the order of Diptera, in detail, belonging to the family of Stratiomiidae. More particularly, solutions according to embodiments of the present invention relate to a method for monitoring the population of Diptera Stratiomyids contained in a breeding chamber and a breeding apparatus in which the method can be implemented.

PRE-EXISTING TECHNIQUE

As is known, the generality of the dipterans saprophages, in particular of the family of the Diptera Stratiomidi, are ecologically useful organisms as they intervene in the carbon cycle in the first phases of the decomposition of organic substances.

Among the Stratiomyid Diptera, the species called Hermetia Illucens, known by the common name of 'black soldier fly', has found a specific use in the disposal of organic waste or in the conversion of organic by-products. The larvae of this species can be exploited for the disposal of organic waste, even with a high environmental impact, such as slurry from intensive livestock farms, agri-food industry wastewater and the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (FORSU).

In recent years, public and private research has devised waste and solid waste disposal and recycling systems based on biodigesters and composting plants that exploit Stratiomiide farms to reduce the volume of waste at relatively low costs.

The benefits deriving from a treatment technology based on the breeding of H. Illucens can be summarized in the reduction of the volume of waste, on average estimated at a value of 30-55% in two weeks; reduction of the polluting load of waste (in terms of nitrogen, phosphorus, organic matter) and bad smells. The larvae are able to efficiently convert organic material (waste or by-products) by assimilating the substances of the substrate and converting them into biomass and, in particular, into: proteins (40% of weight), fats (30% of weight) and chitin. The organic material not assimilated by insects (but in any case transformed) can be used as fertilizer and / or for treatment for the production of biogas. The proteins, fats and chitin of the larvae can be used for external production cycles, such as the production of bioplastics, biofuels, cosmetics and, only in the case in which organic by-products are used, feed.

Consequently, apparatus for the breeding of Diptera Stratiomiidae have been developed in order to ensure the availability of larvae and pupae of Diptera Stratiomiidae in sufficient numbers for the aforementioned uses. These apparatuses generally include a breeding chamber in which adult Diptera Stratiomyids reproduce and lay eggs. In order to optimize the collection of eggs or larvae of Stratiomyid Diptera it is necessary to ensure optimal conditions for the sustenance of the population of Diptera Stratiomiidi inside the breeding chamber.

However, the incubation time of the eggs and the life span of the rather short adult specimens, in particular of the Hermetia Illucens family, make the Diptera Stratiomiidi population in a breeding chamber susceptible to large fluctuations in short times with a consequent negative impact on the crop of eggs or larvae. Effective monitoring of the population specimens in a breeding chamber is complex, considering that the viable Diptera Stratiomyidae specimens are substantially in continuous movement and the breeding chamber is substantially isolated from the external environment.

An object of the present invention is to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks of the known art, within the context of a simple, rational, efficient and low cost solution.

A particular object of the present invention is to provide a method suitable for identifying variations in the Diptera Stratiomyid population in a breeding chamber. An additional purpose of the present invention is to maintain a population of Diptera Stratiomyids within a breeding chamber at optimal values.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a method suitable for maintaining optimal environmental conditions inside the breeding chamber.

These purposes are achieved by the characteristics of the invention reported in the independent claim. The dependent claims outline preferred and / or particularly advantageous aspects of the invention.

EXHIBITION OF THE INVENTION

The invention, in particular, makes available a method for monitoring a population of Diptera Stratiomiidi contained in a breeding chamber. The method includes: monitoring a physical parameter relating to specimens of the Diptera Stratiomyid population present within at least a portion of the volume of the breeding chamber; determining a number of specimens of the Diptera Stratiomiida population in the breeding chamber on the basis of said physical parameter, and generating a warning signal S on the basis of the estimated number of specimens of the Diptera Stratiomiida population.

Thanks to this solution, it is possible to automatically monitor the population of Diptera Stratiomiidi in the breeding chamber. Furthermore, it is possible to verify a possible deviation of the number of specimens of the population of Diptera Stratiomiidi from an optimal number of specimens and to correct this possible deviation.

In one embodiment, monitoring a physical parameter relating to the specimens of the Diptera Stratiomiid population may comprise detecting at least one of:

- an image of the volume portion of the chamber;

- a thermal survey of the volume portion of the chamber;

- an acoustic recording in the volume portion of the chamber;

- an ultrasound recording in the volume portion of the chamber, and - a change in light intensity in the volume portion of the chamber.

In this way, it is possible to identify the specimens of Diptera Stratiomiidi present in the breeding chamber by means of one or more sensors that can be easily positioned in the breeding chamber.

In one embodiment, the monitored Stratiomyid Diptera physical parameter may comprise at least one of:

- a color of the specimens;

- a position of the specimens;

- a temperature of the specimens;

- an intensity of the sound produced by the specimens, e

- a number of movements of specimens of the Diptera Stratiomiidi population within the volume portion of the chamber.

Thanks to this solution, it is possible to determine the number of specimens of the Diptera Stratiomiidi population and, possibly, additional information on these specimens in a simple and effective way.

In one embodiment, determining a number of specimens of the Diptera Stratiomyid population may comprise determining at least one of:

- a number of adult specimens,

- a number of specimens in flight per unit of time;

- a number of live specimens;

- a number of dead specimens, e

- a number of eggs deposited.

In this way it is possible to obtain a monitoring of distinct categories of specimens of the Diptera Stratiomiidi population. This also allows to implement a particularly precise control of the same population of Diptera Stratiomiidi.

In one embodiment, the method may further provide for comparing the number of specimens of the population of Diptera Stratiomiida determined with a predetermined number or reference interval, and generating the warning signal S if the number of specimens of the population of Diptera Stratiomiida determined differs from the predetermined reference number or is outside the reference range.

Thanks to this solution it is possible to generate the warning signal S when the number of specimens of the population deviates from a desired and / or optimal value.

In one embodiment, the method also provides for a variation of at least one environmental factor inside the breeding chamber on the basis of the warning signal S generated.

In this way it is possible to maintain optimal environmental conditions for the sustenance of the Diptera Stratiomiidi population in the breeding chamber.

In one embodiment, the environmental factor within the breeding chamber includes at least one of:

- a number of prepupae of Diptera Stratiomiidi present in the breeding chamber;

- a number of adult Stratiomyid Diptera present in the breeding chamber;

- a relative humidity inside the breeding chamber;

- a temperature inside the breeding chamber;

- a light intensity of an illumination of the interior of the breeding chamber, e

- a light spectrum of lighting inside the breeding chamber.

Thanks to the regulation of one or more of these environmental factors, it is possible to guarantee optimal environmental conditions for the sustenance of the Diptera Stratiomiidi population in the breeding chamber in a simple, efficient and effectively automatable way.

In one embodiment, the warning signal S is a signal perceivable by a user, for example of the visual, sound and / or tactile type.

In this way, the user, for example an operator involved in the breeding of Diptera Stratiomiidae, can be alerted of a condition of the Diptera Stratiomiida population inside the breeding chamber and, therefore, initiate corrective measures to report the population of Diptera Stratiomiidi in optimal conditions, without the need to visually check the population of Diptera Stratiomiidi.

In one embodiment, the warning sign S comprises an indication of a number of prepupae of Diptera Stratiomiidae to be introduced into the breeding chamber if the number of specimens of the population of Diptera Stratiomiida determined is less than or equal to a predetermined first number of reference.

This solution allows to quickly bring the number of specimens of the Diptera Stratiomiidi population back to the optimal value following a decimation, ie a reduction in the number, of the specimens of Diptera Stratiomiida in the breeding chamber.

In one embodiment, the warning signal S comprises an indication of a number of Diptera Stratiomiidae to be removed from the breeding chamber when the number of specimens of the population of Diptera Stratiomiida determined is greater than a predetermined second reference number.

This solution allows to quickly bring the number of specimens of the Diptera Stratiomiidi population back to the optimal value in case of overpopulation of the breeding chamber.

In one embodiment, the monitored volume portion of the breeding chamber is less than a total volume of the breeding chamber. Preferably, determining the number of specimens of the Diptera Stratiomyid population in the breeding chamber may comprise estimating the number of specimens of the Diptera Stratiomiid population present within the total volume of the breeding chamber based on a relationship between a number of specimens of the breeding chamber. population of Diptera Stratiomiidi present inside the volume portion of the breeding chamber and a ratio between a parameter indicative of the volume portion of the breeding chamber and a parameter indicative of the total volume of the same.

In this way it is possible to reliably determine the number of specimens of the Diptera Stratiomiidi population by monitoring only a portion of the breeding chamber and / or by using a reduced number of sensors, at most a single sensor.

A further aspect of the invention makes available an apparatus for the breeding of Diptera Stratiomyids comprising a breeding chamber, a sensor configured to acquire a physical parameter relating to specimens of the Diptera Stratiomiidi population present within at least a portion of the chamber volume. farm, and a control unit connected to the sensor and configured to perform the method described above.

Independently of the aforementioned method, it is also possible to provide apparatus for the breeding of Diptera Stratiomiidi, which can also be protected independently from what is described above, in which this breeding apparatus comprises: a breeding chamber equipped with containment walls, suitable for to delimit an internal volume of the breeding chamber in which a predetermined number of specimens of Diptera Stratiomiidi can be contained and defining a first support surface for the specimens of Diptera Stratiomiidi contained in the breeding chamber, and an auxiliary support element placed at the interior of the internal volume of the breeding chamber and fixed to the containment walls, in which the support element comprises a second free support surface suitable for the stationing of the specimens of Diptera Stratiomiidi which is at least equal to 30% of the first support surface, for example between 30% and 100%, preferably even about 30% or 40% or 50% of the first supporting surface.

Thanks to this solution, it is possible to substantially increase the support surface available for the specimens of Diptera Stratiomiidi in the breeding room, thus allowing the possibility of raising a greater number of specimens in the same environment and / or increasing their comfort.

Preferably, an overall volume of the augmentation element occupies no more than 30% of the internal volume of the chamber.

In this way, sufficient free living space is guaranteed for the specimens of Diptera Stratiomiidi in the breeding chamber.

Preferably, the support element comprises a plurality of elongated bodies equipped with at least one end constrained to the containment walls of the breeding chamber.

Thanks to this solution, the support element has a simple and particularly effective structure.

Preferably, each elongated body is of the flexible or rigid type and comprises at least one of:

- a wire;

- a tape;

- a stem,

- an auction;

- a bar;

- a plate or the like.

These are implementations of the elongated bodies that are simply achievable and, at the same time, effective.

Preferably, the elongated bodies are intertwined and not in mutual contact and / or parallel to each other.

Thanks to this solution it is possible to obtain structures with different geometries adaptable to the conformation of the breeding chamber and / or to the type of Stratiomyid Diptera reared.

Preferably, the minimum distance between the elongated bodies is not less than 3.5 mm, preferably not less than 4 mm.

In this way it is possible to avoid that the Diptera Stratiomiidi lay eggs where not desired, in particular in regions of the chamber where the collection operation may be impractical, inefficient and / or simply where it is not carried out.

Preferably, the second support surface of the support element is colored in at least one color other than black and gray. Even more preferably, the second support surface of the support element has a color variation depending on the height of the same inside the breeding chamber.

Thanks to this solution, it is possible to replicate color schemes typical of the natural ecosystem of belonging of the Diptera Stratiomiidi.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features and advantages of the invention will become evident from reading the following description provided by way of non-limiting example, with the aid of the figures illustrated in the attached tables.

Figure 1 is a schematic view of an apparatus for the breeding of Diptera Stratiomiidi in which it is possible to implement the method according to embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a schematic view of the apparatus of Figure 1 in which the presence of an optical sensor is highlighted.

Figure 3 is a block diagram of a control system implemented in the apparatus of Figure 1 and suitable to operate according to the method in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 4 is a principle flow diagram illustrating steps of the method according to embodiments of the present invention.

Figures 5A-5C are schematic views of apparatus for the breeding of Diptera Stratiomiidi including auxiliary support elements.

BEST WAY TO IMPLEMENT THE INVENTION

With particular reference to these figures, the number 10 globally indicates an apparatus for the breeding of Diptera (or generally insects), in particular Diptera Stratiomiidi, for example of the species H. Illucens.

The apparatus 10 comprises a containment body 11, for example box-like. In the embodiment considered, the body has a prismatic shape, for example a longitudinally developed parallelepiped, with base walls 12 (square) separated by side walls 14 (rectangular). The body 11 is hollow, in particular, an internal surface of the base walls 12 and of the side walls 14 defines an internal environment, or breeding chamber 20.

The side walls 14 can be closed or perforated infill walls with holes of such amplitude as to prevent the passage of the specimens of Diptera Stratiomiidi to be contained.

The body 11 comprises a lighting opening 16, preferably formed in a base wall 14, which is arranged above (ie, at the top of the body 11) in use. The aperture 16 is closed by a transparent electromagnetic radiation panel 30 within a predetermined wavelength range, for example, the range extends from infrared radiation to ultraviolet radiation, such as a wavelength range between 800 nm and 300 nm, more preferably between 515 nm and 365 nm. Preferably, the panel 30 is insulated and associated with the body 11 in order to minimize a thermal dispersion at the contact interface of the edges of the panel 30 and the body that delimit the opening 16.

The body 11 is preferably formed of a material or with a thermally insulating structure.

The apparatus 10 further comprises environmental regulation elements 40 suitable for controlling an environmental condition in the chamber 20. Preferably, although not limitingly, the environmental regulation elements allow to control at least one of a temperature and a relative humidity inside the chamber 20 For this purpose, the environmental regulation elements 40 may comprise a heater 41 - for example an electric resistance, a heat pump or a Peltier cell - a humidifier 42 and / or an aeration system 43 associated with the chamber 20. In addition, the ambient regulating elements 40 of the apparatus 10 comprise a light source, or illuminator 44, for example an LED, incandescent, or fluorescent lamp or a combination thereof. In particular, the illuminator 44 is suitable for emitting electromagnetic radiations in a predetermined wavelength range, for example comprising from infrared radiations to ultraviolet radiations, such as a wavelength range comprised between 800nm and 300nm, more preferably comprised between 515nm and 365nm. In other words, the panel 30 is selected transparent to the radiations emitted by the illuminator 44. Advantageously, the illuminator 44 is arranged in correspondence with the panel 30 so as to direct the radiation emitted by the light source 40 inside the chamber 20. alternatively, the illuminator 44 can itself define the panel 30, or be integral with it.

Inside the chamber 20 there is a device for oviposition (not shown) suitable for receiving eggs deposited by Diptera Stratiomiidi. This device is preferably removable from the chamber 20 to simplify an operation of collecting the eggs of Diptera Stratiomiidi.

In more automated embodiments, the environmental regulation elements 40 may comprise a food dispensing system 45, a liquid dispensing system 46 - for example water - and an introduction / removal system 47 for automatically introducing / removing specimens of Diptera Stratiomiidi in / from chamber 20.

The apparatus 10 comprises a controller 50 suitable for regulating the environmental conditions in the chamber 20 in a substantially automatic manner. The controller includes at least one of a suitably configured microcontroller, microprocessor, FPGA and ASIC. Furthermore, the controller 50 can comprise a volatile and / or non-volatile memory element, and one or more of a power circuitry, a data exchange circuitry and an ancillary circuitry. In particular, the controller 50 is operatively coupled to the environmental regulation elements 40 to control them. For example, the controller 50 can be connected in a wired way or, alternatively, by radio frequency to the environmental regulation elements 40.

The apparatus 10 also comprises a detection unit 60 comprising one or more sensors arranged in the chamber 20 - or, alternatively, near it - and operatively coupled to the controller 50 to provide indications regarding the environmental parameters inside the chamber. 20. In particular, the detection group 60 comprises at least one sensor suitable for monitoring a physical parameter relating to the specimens of the population of Diptera Stratiomiidi present within a portion of volume 21, at the limit of the entire volume, of the breeding chamber 20. . For example, the detection group 60 comprises at least one of:

- an optical sensor 61 - for example, a camera and / or a video camera - suitable for detecting an image of at least a portion of the volume 21 of the chamber 20;

- a thermal detector 62 - for example, an infrared camera - suitable for carrying out a thermal survey at least in the volume portion 21 of the chamber 20;

- an acoustic sensor 63 - for example, a microphone - suitable for making an acoustic recording in the volume portion 21 of the chamber 20; - a pressure sensor, preferably an ultrasound sensor 64, suitable for making an ultrasound recording in the volume portion 21 of the chamber 20, and

- a photodetector, or photocell 65, suitable for detecting a variation of light intensity in the volume portion 21 of the chamber 20.

In addition, the detection assembly 60 preferably also comprises at least one of:

- a temperature sensor 66, suitable for providing an indication of the temperature in the chamber 20;

- a humidity sensor 67, suitable for providing an indication of the humidity in chamber 20

- a light intensity sensor 68 suitable for providing an indication of the light intensity radiated in chamber 20.

Preferably, although not limitingly, the apparatus 10 comprises - or can be connected to - a user interface 70. The user interface 70 is operatively coupled to the controller 50 to exchange data with it. In particular, the user interface 70 comprises an output element (not shown) - for example, a screen - to provide intelligible data to an operator, and an input element (not shown) - for example, a keyboard or a push button panel. - to allow the operator to give instructions to the controller 50.

The controller 50, the environmental regulation elements 40 and the detection group 60 form a control system 80 that can be configured to manage the breeding of Diptera Stratiomyids by means of the apparatus 10 in an at least partially automated manner. Advantageously, the control system 80 allows to optimize a farm yield in terms of resources used with respect to the number of eggs, or larvae, collected in a unit of time considered.

Independently of the presence of the control system 80, the apparatus 10 can include an auxiliary support element 90 placed inside the internal volume of the breeding chamber 20. The support element 90 is fixed to the walls 12 and / or 14 of the containment body 11 that define the chamber 20. Advantageously, the support element 90 includes an additional free support surface suitable for the parking of the specimens of Diptera Stratiomiidi. Preferably, the bearing surface provided by the bearing element 90 is comprised between 30% and 100% (preferably equal to 30% or 40% or 50%) of a bearing surface defined by the set of surfaces of the walls 12 and / or 14 of the containment body 11 facing the chamber 20.

In addition, an overall volume occupied by the support element 90 is equal to, or less than, 30% of the internal volume of chamber 20. In this way, sufficient vital space is guaranteed for the sustenance of the specimens of Diptera Stratiomiidae reared in chamber 20.

In the preferred embodiment, the support element 90 comprises one or a plurality of elongated bodies 91. Each of the elongated bodies 91 comprises at least a first end constrained to a corresponding wall 12 or 14 of the containment body 11, a second end can be either free (in this case the elongated body 91 is placed overhanging inside the body 11) or be also constrained to a corresponding (adjacent or opposite) wall 12 or 14 of the containment body 11 or to any element inside placed inside the body 11 itself.

Each elongated body 91 is flexible or rigid, for example it comprises at least one of:

- a wire;

- a tape;

- a stem,

- an auction;

- a bar;

- a plate or the like

or combinations thereof.

The elongated bodies 91 can be arranged in the volume of the chamber 20 according to a plurality of different positions and angles. In particular, two or more elongated bodies 91 can be intertwined with each other and not in mutual contact. Alternatively, or in addition, two or more elongated bodies 91 can be parallel to each other.

Regardless of the arrangement of the elongated bodies 91 in the chamber 20, a minimum distance between the elongated bodies 91 is greater than or equal to 3.5 mm, preferably greater than or equal to 4 mm. This distance allows to prevent a deposition of eggs by Diptera Stratiomiidi in the spaces delimited by two or more elongated bodies 91, so as to avoid the arrangement of eggs in regions of the chamber 20 used for this purpose.

Preferably, one or more portions of the additional support surface are colored, and / or coated with a colored cover, in a predetermined manner. In particular, the additional support surface of the support element 90 - that is, the surfaces of the elongated bodies 91 - is colored in at least one color other than black and gray. For example, the support element 90 is colored with colors that recall the ecosystem of Diptera Stratiomiidi such as brown (or other dark color) and green (or similar color). Advantageously, the support surface of the support element 90 has a color variation according to its height inside the chamber 20. In other words, the coloring of the additional support surface follows a predetermined pattern which varies, in particular , as the height of chamber 20 varies. For example, the coloring scheme varies from dark shades (of brown) located at lower levels of chamber 20 - compared to an intermediate level of chamber 20 - to fade in lighter shades (of green or blue) at higher altitudes of chamber 20. This color variation recalls an arboreal environment, substantially corresponding to the natural ecosystem of Diptera Stratiomiidi.

In the embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus 10 is suitable for implementing a procedure or method for monitoring the population of Stratiomyid Diptera reared in the chamber 20. In particular, the controller 50 is configured to implement this method on the basis of stored instructions , of the detections provided by the detection group 60 and, possibly, of the inputs provided by the operator through the user interface 70.

The controller 50 is configured to monitor (block 110 of the flow chart 100 of Figure 4) one or more physical parameters relating to the specimens of the Diptera Stratiomiid population present within at least a portion of volume 21 of the chamber 20 by means of a or more than the sensors 61 - 65 of the detection group 60. This monitoring step 110 can be performed continuously or at predetermined times - for example, periodically. In particular, during the monitoring phase 110, the controller 50 receives information relating to one or more monitored physical parameters provided by respective sensors 61 - 65 of the detection group 60.

The controller 50 is configured to process the indications relating to the one or more physical parameters provided by the one or more sensors 61 - 65 of the detection group 60 to determine (block 120) the number of specimens of the Diptera Stratiomiidi population, also indicated as 'number of specimens' below for the sake of brevity.

For example, the optical sensor 61 makes it possible to detect an image of the volume portion 21 of the chamber 20, which is processed by the controller 50 to identify the specimens of Diptera Stratiomyids depicted therein and, therefore, their number, for example for by means of an image recognition algorithm. For example, the processor 50 can be configured to identify the specimens of Diptera Stratiomiidi on the basis of a difference in color or a contrast or movement between specimens of Diptera Stratiomiida and the interior of the chamber. Preferably, the processor 50 can be configured to detect shades / variations of color in each of the specimens of Diptera Stratiomiidi depicted.

The thermal detector 62 allows to obtain a thermography of the volume portion 21 of the chamber 20, which is processed by the controller 50 to identify the specimens of Diptera Stratiomiidi in the thermography and therefore their number, for example on the basis of a temperature profile of the Stratiomyid Diptera specimens with respect to chamber 20. Furthermore, the controller 50 can be configured to determine a body temperature and, preferably temperature variations, of each of the Diptera Stratiomyid specimens in the thermography.

The acoustic sensor 63 makes it possible to obtain a recording of the sounds in the volume portion 21 of the chamber 20, which is processed by the controller 50 to determine an intensity of the sounds produced and therefore the number of specimens of Stratiomyid Diptera necessary to produce a sound of such intensity.

The ultrasound sensor 64 allows to obtain an ultrasound recording in the volume portion 21 of the chamber 20, which is processed by the controller 50 to identify a number of moving specimens.

Finally, the photocell 65 allows to obtain a registration of movements of specimens of Diptera Stratiomiidi in the volume portion 21 of the chamber 20, which is processed by the controller 50 to determine the number of specimens in motion.

In the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to select a category (or more) of specimens of Diptera Stratiomyids in the chamber 20 to be determined. For example, the controller 50 can be configured to determine, or at least estimate, a number of specimens belonging to one or more of the following categories:

a) adult specimens,

b) specimens in flight per unit of time;

c) live specimens;

d) dead specimens, e

e) deposited eggs.

In particular, the specimens of Diptera Stratiomyids belonging to categories a) - e) can be determined by the controller 50 on the basis of the processing of the images or thermographies provided by the optical sensor 61 or by the thermal detector 62. In the case of image processing, the controller 50 is configured to combine image recognition with color identification to determine the specimens of Diptera Stratiomiidi belonging to categories a) and / or e); while the specimens belonging to categories b), c) and / or d) can be determined by comparing several images, or frames, consecutive over time. Similarly, in the case of processing thermographs, the controller 50 can be configured to determine the specimens of Diptera Stratiomiidi belonging to categories a), c), d) and / or e) on the basis of the body temperatures detected; while the specimens belonging to categories b) and / or c) can be determined by comparing several consecutive thermographs over time. In the case of processing of acoustic recordings, of ultrasounds or of displacements, the controller 50 is configured to determine the specimens of Diptera Stratiomiidi belonging to category b) and / or c).

Of course, the controller 50 can be configured to determine the number of specimens by combining the indications relating to one or more monitored physical parameters provided by two or more sensors 61 - 65.

In addition, the controller 50 can be configured to identify a number of couplings between specimens of Diptera Stratiomiidi on the basis of the indications provided at least by the optical sensor 61 and / or by the thermal detector 62. This allows to estimate an egg production by the population. of Diptera Stratiomyids of chamber 20.

In the event that the portion of the volume 21 of the chamber 20, monitored by one or more of the sensors 61 - 65, is less than the total volume of the chamber 20, the controller 50 is configured to estimate a total number of specimens in the entire volume of chamber 20.

Considering that the volume portion 21 of the chamber 20 monitored by one or more of the sensors 61 - 64 is less than the total volume of the breeding chamber 20, the total number of specimens can be estimated as follows. The controller 50 is configured to estimate the total number Nt of specimens present within the total volume of the breeding chamber 20 on the basis of a relationship between a number Nm of specimens present within the volume portion 21 of the chamber 20 and a ratio between a parameter indicative of the volume portion of the breeding chamber 20 and a parameter indicative of the total volume thereof. For example, the controller 50 is configured to calculate the total number Nt of specimens according to the relation:

where At is the total value of the surfaces enclosed in the volume of the chamber 20 - i.e. the surfaces of the side walls 12 and 14 of the containment body 11 facing the chamber 20 -, Am a value of the surfaces included in the volume monitored by one or more sensors 61 - 65, and k is a corrective factor determined empirically by the Applicant on the basis of the dimensions and shape of the containment body 11 - and, therefore, of the chamber 20.

Once the number of specimens has been determined, the controller 50 is configured to generate (block 130) a warning signal S based on the number of specimens of the population of Diptera Stratiomiidi determined - that is, calculated or estimated, as described above.

Preferably, the controller 50 is configured to generate a warning signal S comprising different information and / or commands based on the number of specimens determined.

In detail, the controller 50 can be configured to check (subblock 133) whether the determined number of specimens is included in, or outside of, a predetermined range of values, or reference range.

Controller 50 is configured to generate a specific warning signal S based on the result of this check. For example, the controller 50 can be configured (sub-block 136) to generate a first warning signal S if the number of specimens of the population of Diptera Stratiomiidi determined is outside the reference range, or to generate (sub-block 139 ) a second warning signal S, possibly null, if the number of specimens determined is included in the reference interval.

Preferably, the controller 50 is configured to generate the first warning signal S comprising an indication on the population of specimens of Diptera Stratiomyids in the chamber 20. In particular, the controller 50 is configured to generate the first warning signal S including a ' indication regarding a way to optimize the population of Diptera Stratiomiidi in the chamber 20, for example made available to the operator through the user interface 70.

For example, in the case in which the number of specimens determined is equal to or less than a lower limit of the reference interval, the first warning signal S may include the indication of a number of prepupae of Diptera Stratiomiidi to be introduced into the chamber 20 of breeding. Otherwise, in the event that the number of specimens is equal to or greater than an upper limit of the reference range, the first warning signal S may include the indication of a number of Stratiomyid Diptera to be removed from the breeding chamber 20.

In particular, the population of Diptera Stratiomiidi is controlled in such a way as to have a number of specimens in the chamber 20 such as to guarantee an optimal yield of the collection of eggs or larvae.

In one embodiment, the controller 50 is configured to operate (block 140) a variation of at least one environmental factor inside the breeding chamber 20 on the basis of the warning signal S generated, in an automated way. Advantageously, the warning signal S comprises one or more commands which are received by one or more environmental regulation elements 40 selected to change their operation so as to regulate the environmental conditions in the chamber 20.

For example, the controller 50 can be configured to determine (sub-block 143) on the basis of the number of specimens determined, in particular on the basis of the number of specimens belonging to one or more of the categories a) - e), and possibly on the basis of detections provided by one or more of the sensors 66-68, one or more of the following environmental factors to be adjusted:

the. a number of prepupae of Diptera Stratiomiidi present in chamber 20; ii. a number of specimens of adult Stratiomyid Diptera present in chamber 20;

iii. a relative humidity inside the chamber 20;

iv. a temperature inside the chamber 20;

v. a luminous intensity of the light inside the chamber 20, and / or

you. a light spectrum of light inside chamber 20.

In particular, these environmental factors are regulated in such a way as to guarantee optimal vital conditions for the specimens of Diptera Stratiomiidae in chamber 20 and an optimal yield of the collection of eggs (or larvae) of Diptera Stratiomiidae.

Consequently, the controller 50 can be configured to include (sub-block 146) in the warning signal S one or more commands suitable for:

- operating the introduction / removal system 47 to modify (i.e. increase or reduce) one or both numbers of adult prepupae or Diptera Stratiomyids;

- operate the humidifier 42 to change the humidity in chamber 20;

- regulating a power or an operating cycle of the heater 41;

- adjust a power supplied to the illuminator 44, and / or

- adjust a spectrum of the light emitted by the illuminator 44.

Consequently, the warning signal S comprising the aforementioned commands is provided (sub-block 148) to the corresponding room regulating elements 40.

Additionally or alternatively, the warning signal S comprises a component perceivable by an operator. In particular, the warning signal S comprises one or more commands provided to the user interface 70 suitable for operating the output element. For example, the warning signal S can operate the user interface 70 to provide simple warning signals S intelligible to the operator, such as a light, sound, visual and / or tactile signal. In addition, the warning signal S can operate the user interface 70 to provide the operator with a warning signal S comprising a greater amount of information. For example, the user interface 70 can provide (for example, via an on-screen display) the number of specimens determined - or the number of specimens determined for each category a) - e) considered -, a number of prepupae to be inserted or of adult specimens to be removed and / or environmental parameters i. - vi. that require adjustment.

In one embodiment, the controller 50 is configured to receive one or more instructions (at most a single start command) regarding the actuation of the environmental regulation elements 40 which can be supplied by the operator through the input element of the 'user interface 70 after sending the warning signal S.

The method just described allows, therefore, an optimized and, possibly, at least partially automated control of the breeding apparatus 10. This leads to an improved yield from the breeding of Diptera Stratiomiidi, at the same time, containing a consumption of energy, material and human resources.

The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the inventive concept.

In alternative embodiments (not illustrated), a single controller can be configured to manage a plurality of parallel farming apparatuses. Furthermore, the controller can be implemented with a distributed system (for example in the 'cloud') and, possibly, be implemented by means of one or more virtual machines. Similarly, a single user interface can be configured to interact with a plurality of controllers in parallel, each relating to one or more respective breeding equipment.

Furthermore, all the details can be replaced by other technically equivalent elements. In particular, two or more phases of the proposed methods can be exchanged in the order of execution, combined with each other and / or performed in parallel.

In practice, the materials used, as well as the contingent shapes and dimensions, may be any according to requirements without thereby departing from the scope of the protection of the following claims.

Claims (10)

CLAIMS 1. A method (100) for monitoring a population of Stratiomyid Diptera contained in a breeding chamber (20), method (100) comprising: a) monitor (110) a physical parameter relating to specimens of the Diptera Stratiomiidi population present within at least a portion (21) of the volume of the breeding chamber (20); b) determining (120) a number of specimens of the Diptera Stratiomiida population in the breeding chamber (20) on the basis of said physical parameter; c) generating (130) a warning signal S based on the estimated number of specimens of the Diptera Stratiomiidi population. The method (100) according to claim 1, wherein monitoring (110) a physical parameter relating to the specimens of the Diptera Stratiomiidi population comprises detecting at least one of: - an image of the volume portion of the chamber; - a thermal survey of the volume portion of the chamber; - an acoustic recording in the volume portion of the chamber; - an ultrasound recording in the volume portion of the chamber, and - a change in light intensity in the volume portion of the chamber. The method (100) according to claim 1, wherein the physical parameter of the monitored Diptera Stratiomyids comprises at least one of: - a color of the specimens; - a position of the specimens; - a temperature of the specimens; - an intensity of the sound produced by the specimens, e - a number of movements of specimens of the Diptera Stratiomiidi population within the volume portion of the chamber. The method (100) according to claim 1, wherein determining (120) a number of specimens of the Diptera Stratiomiida population comprises determining at least one of: - a number of adult specimens, - a number of specimens in flight per unit of time; - a number of live specimens; - a number of dead specimens, e - a number of eggs deposited. The method (100) according to claim 1, which further comprises operating (140) a variation of at least one environmental factor inside the breeding chamber on the basis of the warning signal S generated. 6. The method (100) according to claim 5, in which the environmental factor within the breeding chamber includes at least one of: - a number of prepupae of Diptera Stratiomiidi present in the breeding chamber; - a number of adult Stratiomyid Diptera present in the breeding chamber; - a relative humidity inside the breeding chamber; - a temperature inside the breeding chamber; - a light intensity of lighting inside the breeding room; And - a light spectrum of lighting inside the breeding chamber. The method (100) according to claim 1, wherein the warning signal S comprises an indication of a number of prepupae of Diptera Stratiomiida to be introduced into the breeding chamber if the number of specimens of the population of Diptera Stratiomiida determined is lower or equal to a predetermined first reference number. The method (100) according to claim 1, wherein the warning signal S comprises an indication of a number of Stratiomyid Diptera to be removed from the breeding chamber when the number of specimens of the determined Diptera Stratiomyid population is greater than one predetermined according to reference number. The method (100) according to claim 1, wherein the monitored volume portion (21) of the breeding chamber (20) is less than a total volume of the breeding chamber (20), and in which to determine (120) the number of specimens of the Diptera Stratiomyid population in the breeding chamber (20) includes estimating the number of specimens of the Diptera Stratiomyid population present within the total volume of the breeding chamber (20) based on a relationship between a number of specimens of the Diptera Stratiomyid population present within the volume portion (21) of the breeding chamber (20) and a ratio between a parameter indicative of the volume portion (21) of the breeding chamber (20) and a parameter indicative of the total volume of the same. 10. An apparatus (10) for the breeding of Diptera Stratiomyids comprising a breeding chamber (20), a sensor (61 - 64) configured to acquire a physical parameter relating to specimens of the Diptera Stratiomiida population present within at least a volume portion (21) of the breeding chamber (20) and a control unit (50) connected to the sensor (61 - 64) and configured to perform the method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 9 .