CN101023743A - Detection and control of pests - Google Patents

Abstract

Among the embodiments of the present invention are pest control devices (1010, 1110, 1210) each operable to detect the presence of pests. The pest control device (1010, 1110, 1210) has a bait (1032) that is consumed or displaced by one or more species of pest, a pest sensing circuit (1052, 1152, 1252), and a monitoring circuit (1069, 1169, 1269). The pest sensing circuit (1052, 1152, 1252) can be altered by pest activity. The monitoring circuit (1069, 1169, 1269) detects this alteration and reports it automatically or in response to an external stimulus or interrogation to indicate pest presence.

Description

The detection of insect pest and control

The application is that application number is 02819730.5, and the applying date is on July 31st, 2002, and denomination of invention is divided an application for " detection of insect pest and control ".

The cross reference of related application

The application is the part continuation application of U.S. Patent application No.10/103460 (submission on March 21st, 2002), U.S. Patent application No.10/103460 is the part continuation application of U.S. Patent application No.09/925392 (submission on August 9 calendar year 2001), U.S. Patent application No.09/925392 is the part continuation application of international patent application No.PCT/US00/26373 (submitted on September 25th, 2000 and announce with English on April 4th, 2002) and U.S. Patent application No.09/669316 (submissions on September 25th, 2000), and these two applications of back all are the part continuation applications of international patent application No.PCT/US99/16519 (submission on July 21st, 1999 and in February 1 calendar year 2001 with the English announcement).The application is also relevant with U.S. Patent application No.09/812302 (submission on March 20 calendar year 2001).

Technical field

The present invention relates to data acquisition and detection technology, more specifically but be not the technology that relates to uniquely from one or more pest control device image data.

Background technology

Remove insect pest from the residing zone of the mankind, livestock and crops and always be a difficult problem.The insect pest that often relates to comprises various types of insects and rodent.Subteranean termite is a kind of thorny especially insect pest, and they may cause the badly damaged of wooden structure.Various elimination termites and some other the harmful insects and the scheme of non-hexapeopoda pest have been proposed.In one approach, pest control depends on cover type ground use chemical insecticide in the zone that will protect.But because environmental legislation, this method becomes not ideal.

In recent years, obtained progress aspect the insecticide chemicals throwing in pointedly.The U.S. Patent No. 5815090 of awarding sub-Su is exactly an example.Another example at termite control is that (business address is 9330 Zionsville Road to Dow AgroSciences, Indianapolis, SENTRICON Indiana) ^TMSystem.In this system, in the soil around the dwelling house that will protect, place some utensils, the termite edible material all is housed in each utensil.Pest control service organization carries out routine inspection having judged whether termite to these utensils, and comes the record check data with reference to the relevant peculiar bar code label of each utensil.If in given utensil, find termite, then lay the bait that comprises chronic insecticide, this insecticide will be taken back termitary, thereby eradicate whole ant group.

But, need more reliable and/or more save into the technology of the activity of local sensing termite and other insect pest.Method or as addition method is sought a kind of ability of gathering the data more comprehensively of relevant insect pest behavior as an alternative.Therefore, always need be in the further raising of pest control and associated sensed technical field.

Summary of the invention

One embodiment of the present of invention comprise the unique detection technology that is applicable to pest control.The unique technique of the data of gathering relevant pest activity is provided in another embodiment.Another embodiment comprises the unique pest control device, in order to detect and to eliminate one or more selected insect pests." pest control device " used herein refers in a broad sense and anyly is used for perception, detection, monitors, lures, feeding, executes poison or eliminate the devices of one or more insects.

An alternative embodiment of the invention comprises unique pest control system.This system comprises some pest control devices and from the equipment of pest control device image data.In one embodiment, described equipment utilization wireless technology and pest control device communicate, and also can be configured to these devices are positioned.Pest control device can be dissimilar, and one of them part is configured to occur the insect except indicating whether, the information relevant with pest activity in various degree also is provided.

Another embodiment of the present invention comprises the pest control device with circuit, and this circuit comprises and can be consumed or mobile one or more sensing elements by one or more insects.The different insects that this circuit monitoring is one or more to show non-zero consume or the electricity and/or the magnetic characteristic of the sensing element of displacement degree.

In another embodiment, sensor comprises: one or more parts, and they can be separated from each other or break away from; And circuit, can monitor corresponding to along with one or more parts break away from or separately and the attribute of the electric capacity that changes from sensor.Because this separating or disengaging may appear in consumption of insect or consume, erosion or the wearing and tearing that displacement, mechanical device and/or chemical reaction cause.Therefore, sensor can be used for for example monitoring various pest activity, mechanically actuated and chemical change, or the like.

In another embodiment of the present invention, one or more pest control devices are installed, each device comprise corresponding bait at one or more insects, corresponding insect pest sensor and with the respective communication circuit of corresponding insect pest sensors coupled.Provide excitation to activate the corresponding communication circuit to one of pest control device.Excitation is responded, receive status information about corresponding insect pest sensor.

In another embodiment, pest control device comprises and can consume or mobile bait, insect pest sensing circuit and the observation circuit of monitoring insect pest sensing member state for one or more insects.Observation circuit comprises one or more indicators and magnetic field is responded to utilize one or more indicators that device about the information of insect pest sensing circuit is provided.

Another embodiment of the present invention comprises: pest control device is installed, and this device comprises the observation circuit of bait, insect pest sensing member and monitoring insect pest sensing member state; Apply the work of magnetic field to pest control device with the excitation observation circuit; And to adding magnetic field respond, provide information from observation circuit about the insect pest sensing member.In one form, pest control device comprises one or more visual detectors that are used to provide information.As an alternative or append mode, can utilize the object of rod that the operator controls and so on to apply magnetic field from the outside, observation circuit comprises the magnetic switch that magnetic field is responded.

An object of the present invention is to provide the unique detection technology that is applicable to pest control.

Another object of the present invention provides collection about the data of pest activity and/or peculiar methods, system, device or the equipment of detection and one or more insects of elimination.

Other embodiments of the invention, form, aspect, feature and purpose will become perfectly clear by accompanying drawing and description herein.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is the sketch that comprises first kind of pest control system of some first kind of pest control devices according to of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is the schematic diagram of the system of Fig. 1 selected unit in operation.

Fig. 3 is the decomposition partial sectional view of the insect pest monitoring assembly of first kind of pest control device.

Fig. 4 is that the insect pest monitoring assembly of Fig. 3 is along the decomposition partial sectional view perpendicular to the view plane of the view plane of Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is the partial top view of a part of the communication circuit components of the insect pest monitoring assembly shown in Fig. 3 and 4.

Fig. 6 is the exploded of first kind of pest control device with insect pest monitoring assembly of Fig. 3.

Fig. 7 has the exploded that the insecticide of the insect pest monitoring assembly that replaces Fig. 3 is thrown in first kind of pest control device of assembly.

Fig. 8 is the schematic diagram of selected circuit of the system of Fig. 1.

Fig. 9 is the schematic diagram of circuit of the insect pest monitoring assembly of Fig. 3.

Figure 10 is the flow chart that can utilize an example of the process of the present invention that the system of Fig. 1 carries out.

Figure 11 is the sketch that comprises second kind of pest control system of second kind of pest control device according to of the present invention.

Figure 12 is the decomposition subssembly drawing of second kind of pest control device.

Figure 13 is the end-view of the sensor that assembles of second kind of pest control device.

Figure 14 is the sketch that comprises the third pest control system of the third pest control device according to of the present invention.

Figure 15 is the part sectioned view that is used for the sensor of the third pest control device.

Figure 16 is the cutaway view of the sensor that is used for the third pest control device that obtains along hatching 16-16 shown in Figure 15.

Figure 17 is the sketch that comprises the 4th kind of pest control system of the 4th kind of pest control device according to of the present invention.

Figure 18 is the part sectioned view that is used for the sensor of the 4th kind of pest control device.

Figure 19 is the cutaway view of the sensor that is used for the 4th kind of pest control device that obtains along hatching 19-19 shown in Figure 180.

Figure 20 is the sketch that comprises second, third and the 4th kind and comprise the 5th kind of pest control system of the 5th kind of pest control device according to of the present invention.

Figure 21 is the sketch that comprises the 6th kind of pest control system of the 6th kind of pest control device according to of the present invention.

Figure 22 is the sketch that comprises the 7th kind of pest control system of the 7th kind of pest control device according to of the present invention.

Figure 23 is the local constructed profile according to the 8th kind of pest control device of the present invention.

Figure 24 is the schematic diagram of circuit of the 8th kind of pest control device of Figure 23.

Figure 25 is the local constructed profile according to the 9th kind of pest control system of the present invention.

Figure 26 is the schematic diagram of the circuit of the 9th kind of pest control device comprising in the system of Figure 25.

Figure 27 is the local constructed profile according to the of the present invention ten kind of pest control system.

Figure 28 is the schematic diagram of the circuit of the tenth kind of pest control device comprising in the system of Figure 27.

Figure 29 is the partial schematic diagram according to the 11 kind of pest control system of the present invention.

Figure 30 is the partial schematic diagram of the 11 kind of pest control device comprising in the system of Figure 29.

Figure 31 is the schematic diagram of circuit of the 11 kind of pest control system of Figure 29.

Figure 32 is the flow chart that can utilize an example of the process of the present invention that one or more dissimilar pest control devices carry out.

Embodiment

In order to promote understanding,, and will use concrete syntax to describe embodiment referring now to embodiment shown in the accompanying drawing to the principle of the invention.But be to be understood that and do not mean that thus and limit the scope of the invention.Any other of any change in described embodiment and the further modification and the principle of the invention described herein used the technical staff who all is regarded as in the association area of the present invention and can be expected usually.

Fig. 1 illustrates the pest control system 20 of one embodiment of the present of invention.System 20 is set protects building 22 to avoid destruction such as the class pest of subteranean termite.System 20 comprises some building 22 pest control devices 110 on every side that are positioned at.In Fig. 1,, only there is several means 110 to indicate with label especially in order to keep succinct.System 20 also comprises challenger 30, is used to gather the information of relative assembly 110.Utilize challenger 30 to be collected into the data collection module (DCU) 40 by communication interface 41 from installing 110 data of gathering.

In addition with reference to Fig. 2, some aspect of the operation of system 20 is described.Represented that in Fig. 2 pest control ISP P is operating challenger 30, utilized wireless communication technology to inquire to small part and be positioned at pest control device 110 below the ground G.In this example, shown in challenger 30 be hand-held, be convenient to inswept ground G to set up radio communication with the device of being installed 110.The others of system 20 and operation thereof will cooperate Fig. 8-10 to be described, but will be at first with reference to the relevant more details of Fig. 3-7 description and representational pest control device 110.

The various characteristics of Fig. 3-7 explanation pest control device 110.In order to begin to detect insect, pest control device 110 in internal configurations insect pest monitoring assembly 112.More specifically with reference to Fig. 3 and 4, along center assembling axis A explanation insect pest monitoring assembly 112.Axle A overlaps with the view plane of Fig. 3 and Fig. 4; Wherein the view plane of Fig. 4 is perpendicular to the view plane of Fig. 3.

Insect pest monitoring assembly 112 comprises the sensor element 114 below communication circuit components 116 along axle A.Sensor element 114 comprises two (2) bait members 132 (seeing Fig. 3 and 6).Each bait member 132 is made by the bait material that is used for one or more selected insects.For example, bait member 132 can be made by the material of the food of eating as these insect happinesses respectively.In an example at subteranean termite, each bait member 132 is the soft wooden units that do not contain insecticide ingredient.In some other example at termite, one or more bait members 132 can comprise insecticide, have non-wood substance component, perhaps these combination of features.In pest control device 110 other examples, use each bait member 132 of corresponding heterogeneity usually at a class pest that is different from termite.

Sensor element 114 also comprises sensor 150.In Fig. 3 and 6, be expressed as sensor 150 is set between bait member 132; Wherein Fig. 6 is than Fig. 3 installation diagram of pest control device 110 more fully.Sensor 150 generally is elongated and has as Fig. 4 and relative both ends 152a and the 152b shown in 6.The middle part of sensor 150 a pair of adjacent striping with partitioned portion 152a and 152b in Fig. 4 is represented, and in Fig. 4, for preventing to obscure the view of sensor 150, is not expressed bait member 132.

Sensor 150 comprises substrate 151.Substrate 151 supportive conductors 153, conductor 153 are set to provide the sensing element 153a of conductive loop or path 154 forms, shown in the fragmentary of Fig. 4.Along the represented sensor middle part of the striping of Fig. 4, four sections of path 154 along generally being straight and parallel route (not shown) continuity, and correspondingly four route segments of engagement end portion 152a and four route segments of end 152b, end 152a ends at different stripings respectively with end 152b.Path 154 terminals are a pair of electric contact point 156, and described electric contact point 156 is near the substrate edges 155 of afterbody 152a.

Substrate 151 and/or conductor 153 comprise the material that insect consumed or moved that one or more are easily monitored for insect pest monitoring assembly 112.These materials can be food substance, non-food stuff material or both combinations that is used for one or more insects of paying close attention to.In fact, have been found that the material that is made of the non-food stuff material is easy to move between the stage of exhaustion such as the adjacent edible material of bait member 132.Along with the consumption of substrate 151 or conductor 153 or move, path 154 finally is changed.Can utilize the appearance of this change indication insect by one or more respective electrical characteristics in monitoring path 154, this point will be for a more detailed description below.Perhaps, substrate 151 and/or conductor 153 can be with reference to bait member 132 orientations, and the mechanical force that makes bait member 132 be produced when being consumed or being displaced to a certain degree enough changes the electrical conductivity in path 154 in detectable mode.For this replacement scheme, substrate 151 and/or conductor 153 needn't directly be consumed or be moved by the insect of being paid close attention to.

Insect pest monitoring assembly 112 also comprises the circuit block 116 that is coupled to sensor element 114.Circuit block 116 is set to detect and passes on the pest activity of being indicated by one or more electrical property change in the path 154 of sensor element 114.Circuit block 116 comprises circuit package 118, is used to hold telecommunication circuit 160 and a pair of connecting elements 140, and described connecting elements 140 is detachably connected to telecommunication circuit 160 sensor 150 of sensor element 114.The various operating aspects of this configuration will be described with reference to figure 8-10 below.Encapsulation 118 comprises case 120, O-ring seals 124 and pedestal 130, and they have relative axle A respectively and are generally circular neighboring.Fig. 4 has represented the more complete encapsulation that assembles 118 than Fig. 3.Case 120 has defined the cavity 122 that is limited by inner edge 123.Form passage 131 (representing with the form of analysing and observe) on the pedestal 130, its big I is held O-ring seals 124, and pedestal 130 also comprises outward flange 133, meshes (Fig. 4) with inner edge 123 when outward flange 133 is set on pedestal 130 assembling case 120.

Telecommunication circuit 160 is between case 120 and pedestal 130.Telecommunication circuit 160 comprises the printed substrate 164 of coil antenna 162 and charged circuit component 166.With reference to figure 5, its represents the assembling top view of pedestal 130, connecting elements 140 and radio communication circuit 160 simultaneously.In Fig. 5, axle A is perpendicular to view plane, and represented by the cross hairs of mark.Pedestal 130 comprises post 132, is used to engage the installing hole that passes printed substrate 164.Pedestal 130 also comprises fixture 134, is used to engage coil antenna 162 and makes it keep concerning with the fixed position of pedestal 130 and printed substrate 164 when assembling.Pedestal 130 also comprises four supports 136, and wherein opening 137 is wherein passed in each formation, and this has best explanation in Fig. 4.Pedestal 130 is by ledge 138 setting at middle part between adjacent stent is to 136.Form groove 139 (in Fig. 3, representing) on the ledge 138 with partial sectional view.

Usually with reference to figure 3-5, each connecting elements 140 comprises a pair of contiguous block 146.Each piece 146 has neck 147 and the head 145 that stretches out from the relative afterbody of each connecting elements 140.For each connecting elements 140, ledge 148 is set between corresponding pair of nubs is to 146.Form groove 149 on the ledge 148.Connecting elements 140 is made of the elastomeric material of conduction.In one embodiment, each connecting elements 140 is by carbon containing silicon rubber, as making from the available compound 862 of TECKNIT (business address is 129 Dermody Street, Cranford, NJ 07016).However, can use different compositions in other embodiments.

For each connecting elements 140 is installed on the pedestal 130, in the corresponding pair of openings 137 of support 136, insert corresponding a pair of contiguous block 146, ledge 148 is stretched in the groove 139.The size of the head 145 of each contiguous block 146 is slightly greater than each opening 137 of its process.Therefore, when inserting, head 145 elastic deformations are up to passing through each opening 137 fully.In case head 145 passes opening 137, it just is returned to its original-shape, and neck 147 coupling opening edge closely.The head 145 by suitably adjusting contiguous block 146 and the size and the shape of neck 147, can sealed open 137 to prevent entering of when assembling pedestal 130 and the connecting elements 140 moisture and chip.As shown in Figure 5, printed substrate 164 contacts a contiguous block 146 of each connecting elements 140 after assembling.

After connecting elements 140 and pedestal 130 are assembled,, O-ring seals 124 is placed on comes assembled package 118 in the passage 131 simultaneously by pedestal 130 is inserted cavitys 122.During inserting, case 120 and/or pedestal 130 elastic deformations, make flange 133 reach inner edge 123 in the cavity 122 above, case 120 is engaged with each other by being connected of " snap fit " type with pedestal 130 like this.The angled profile of the outer surface of pedestal 130 helps the assembling of this form.In case case 120 is connected by this way with pedestal 130, O-ring seals 124 just provides elastic packing, enters cavity 122 to prevent moisture and chip.The inner surface of the case 120 that is engaged by pedestal 130 has also can help the favourable profile that seals.

After having assembled communication circuit components 116, by in the groove 149 that afterbody 152a is inserted each connecting elements 140 that supports by pedestal 130 sensor 150 being assembled on the parts 116.Elastic deformation takes place when making in afterbody 152a insertion groove 149 in the size of connecting elements 140 slightly, thereby applies bias force by connecting elements 140 to afterbody 152a, and reliably sensor 150 is fixed on position contacting with it.In case afterbody 152a inserts connecting elements 140, each electric contact point 156 electrically contacts with different connecting elements 140.And each piece 146 of contact print wiring board 164 is connected electrically to printed substrate 164 with path 154.

With reference to figure 6, it has described the exploded view of pest control device 110 and insect pest monitoring assembly 112.In Fig. 6, shown in sensor element 114 and circuit block 116 be assembled together and be installed in the bearing carrier 190, insect pest monitoring assembly 112 is remained a unit.Frame form's bearing carrier 190 comprises base 192, and base 192 links to each other with relative curb girder 194.Can only see a curb girder 194 fully in Fig. 6, another extends out from base 192 along the side that insect pest monitoring assembly 112 is hidden in a similar manner.Inter-access piece 196 by base 192 opposites connects together curb girder 194.Inter-access piece 196 is set to define the space 198 that profile can be held the encapsulation that assembles 118 of circuit block 116.

Pest control device 110 comprises shell 170, has removable cap 180 on it, for example, arranges this device to be placed in the soil as shown in Figure 2.The chamber 172 that shell 170 definition and opening 178 intersect.The size of insect pest monitoring assembly 112 and bearing carrier 190 can be inserted chamber 172 by opening 178.Shell 170 has relative both ends 171a and 171b.Afterbody 171b comprises conical head 175 so that pest control device 110 is placed in the soil, as shown in Figure 2.The end of afterbody 175 has an aperture (not shown).What communicate with chamber 172 is the some grooves 174 that form on the shell 170.Groove 174 is particularly suitable for termite turnover chamber 172.Shell 170 has some flanges locatees in soil to help pest control device 110, and wherein several flanges are indicated with label 176a, 176b, 176c, 176d and 176e in Fig. 6.

After putting into chamber 172, insect pest monitoring assembly 112 can be enclosed in the shell 170 with lid 180.Lid 180 comprises downward tip 184, is used for the passage 179 of splice enclosure 170.After lid 180 was placed on the shell 170 fully, it can rotate so that tip 184 is bonded on the snap close position, prevents to scatter.This latching device can comprise the configuration of ratchet and brake.Groove 182 can be used for lid 180 and tool engagement such as straight screwdriver, to help rotation lid 180.Bearing carrier 190, pedestal 130, case 120, shell 170 and lid 180 are preferably all made by anti-deterioration and the anti-material that changes, described deterioration and change respectively by the environmental exposure of expection and may be caused by the insect that pest control device 110 detects.In one form, these parts maybe can (business address be One Plastics Avenue Pittsfield, and the CYCOLAC AR polymeric plastic material that MA01201) obtains is made from General Electric Plastics by the polypropylene of polymer resin class.

In general, after shell 170 to small part is placed in the soil of wanting in the monitored area, insect pest monitoring assembly 112 is put into chamber 172.Assembly 112 is configured to detect and the report pest activity, and this will illustrate in greater detail with reference to figure 8-10.In a kind of operator scheme, pest control device 110 is redeployed as and is utilizing insect pest monitoring assembly 112 to throw in insecticide after detecting pest activity.Fig. 7 is the exploded of a this example that reconfigures.In Fig. 7, pest control device 110 is thrown in assembly 119 with insecticide and is replaced insect pest monitoring assembly 112 after detecting pest activity.When beginning to replace, with pin the required side of lid and rotate lid 180 in the opposite direction, and take away lid 180 from shell 170.Usually, be placed under the state in the soil and take away lid 180 shell 170 being retained to small part.Then from shell 170, extract insect pest monitoring assembly 112 out by pulling out bearing carrier 190.Had been found that before removing insect pest monitoring assembly 112, can cause the accumulation of a large amount of dusts and chip in the chamber 172 use pest control device 110 such as the insect of termite.This accumulation may hinder and take out insect pest monitoring assembly 112 from chamber 172.Therefore, the suitable pulling force that are configured to anti-18.16kg at least of member 190, and the pulling force of 36.32kg at least preferably.

Behind the 172 taking-up insect pest monitoring assemblies 112 of chamber, insecticide is thrown in assembly 119 is put into shell 170 by opening 178 chamber 172.Insecticide is thrown in assembly 119 and is comprised the insecticide bait tube 1170 that forms chamber 1172.Chamber 1172 holds insecticide carrying parent member 1173.Pipe 1170 has threaded end 1174, is used for engaging with the lid 1176 with corresponding internal thread (not shown).Form aperture 1178 on the lid 1176.Before from shell 170, taking out insect pest monitoring assembly 112, among or afterwards, pull down circuit block 116 from sensor 150.Aperture 1178 is set to corresponding size and shape, so that after insect pest monitoring assembly 112 is pulled down circuit block 116, holds circuit block 116 reliably.After insecticide input assembly 119 had disposed circuit block 116, it was placed in the chamber 172, and lid 180 can be joined in the shell 170 in the above described manner again.

Fig. 8 has briefly described the challenger 30 of system shown in Figure 1 20 and has been used for the circuit of the insect pest monitoring assembly 112 of representative pest control device 110.The observation circuit 169 of Fig. 8 has represented to pass through the telecommunication circuit 160 that connecting elements 140 is connected with the conductor 153 of sensor 150 on the whole.In Fig. 8, the path 154 usefulness single pole single throw switches of observation circuit 169 are represented, provide ability closed or the disconnection electrical path corresponding to sensor 150 according to pest activity.In addition, telecommunication circuit 160 comprises sensor states detector 163, and it provides the status signal of bifurcation when being energized; Wherein a kind of STA representation open circuit or high resistance pathways 154, electric closure of another kind of STA representation or continuous path 154.Telecommunication circuit 160 also comprises identification code 167, in order to the corresponding identification signal of generation device 110.Identification code 167 can be the form of predetermined multidigit binary code or other form that those skilled in the art can expect.

Telecommunication circuit 160 is configured to passive RF (radio frequency) transponder, and it is encouraged by external excitation or the pumping signal received from challenger 30 by coil antenna 162.Equally, the detector 163 of circuit 160 and code 167 are also powered by this pumping signal.In response to being energized signal excitation, telecommunication circuit 160 utilizes coil antenna 162 to modulate the RF form to challenger 30 transmission information.This wireless transmission is corresponding to bait state of determining with detector 163 and the unique device identifier that is provided by identification code 167.

With reference to Fig. 9, it has illustrated the more details of telecommunication circuit 160 and observation circuit 169 in addition.In Fig. 9, the outward element 166 that frame of broken lines is represented printed substrate 164 and had.Component 166 comprises capacitor C, IC, resistance R and PNP transistor Q1.In described embodiment, IC is that the model that is provided by Microchip TechnologiesInc (2355 West Chandler Blvd., Chandler, Az 85224-6199) is the passive radio frequency identification device (RFID) of MCRF202.IC comprises code 167 and detector 163.

IC also comprises two (2) antenna terminal V _AAnd V _B, they are connected to the parallel network of coil antenna 162 and capacitor C.In described embodiment, capacitor C has the electric capacity of about 390 pico farads (pF), and coil antenna 162 has the inductance of about 4.16 milihenries (mH).IC is configured to by contact V _CCAnd V _SSProvide stable DC potential, wherein V _CCBe higher current potential.This current potential is from utilizing coil antenna 162 by joint V _AAnd V _BThe excitation RF input of receiving obtains.The V of IC _CCJoint is electrically coupled on the electric contact point 156 of the emitter stage of transistor Q1 and sensor 150.The base stage of transistor Q1 is electrically coupled on another electric contact point 156.Resistance R is connected electrically in the V of IC _SSBetween the base stage of joint and transistor Q1.The colelctor electrode of transistor Q1 is coupled to the SENSOR input of IC.When being undisturbed, the conductive path 154 of series connection and connecting elements 140 show the low resistance value of comparing with 330 kilohms described value of resistance R.Therefore, the divider that is formed by R, connecting elements 140 and conductive path 154 offers the undertension of base stage of transistor Q1 to allow transistor Q1 conducting, on the contrary, and the shunt current R that flows through.Therefore, the SENSOR input of IC passes through the pull down resistor (not shown) of IC inside with respect to V _SSRemain on logic low.When the resistance value of conductive path 154 was increased to the situation of expression open circuit, the emitter stage of transistor Q1 and the potential difference between the base stage were changed into and are made transistor Q1 conducting.Correspondingly, offer the voltage potential of SENSOR input of IC with respect to V _SSBe logic high.Transistor Q1 and resistor R circuit dispose and directly conductive path 154 are connected across V _CCAnd compare between the SENSOR input, the effect of the logic level that provides on the SENSOR input of upset IC is provided.

In another embodiment, may adopt the difference configuration of one or more elements, so that telecommunication circuit 160 jointly or independently to be provided.In an alternative arrangements, telecommunication circuit 160 can only send bait status signal or identification signal, and does not send the two simultaneously.In another embodiment, the different variable informations of relative assembly 110 be may send, bait state or device identifying information wherein can be comprised, also can not comprise.In another replacement scheme, telecommunication circuit 160 in fact can be optionally or permanently " activation ", and have the internal electric source of oneself.For this replacement scheme, needn't obtain power supply from the external drive signal.In fact, device 110 also can be initiated communication.And in another alternate embodiment, device 110 can comprise active and passive circuit simultaneously.

Fig. 8 has also illustrated the telecommunication circuit 31 of challenger 30.Challenger 30 comprises RF exciting circuit 32 that produces the RF pumping signal and RF receiver (RXR) circuit 34 that receives the RF input.Circuit 32 and 34 is operably connected to controller 36 respectively.Although circuit 32 and 34 has coil separately in the shown challenger 30, these two circuit can use same coil in other embodiments.Controller 36 is operably connected to I/O (U/O) port 37 and the memory 38 of challenger 30.Challenger 30 has the power supply (not shown) for circuit 31 power supplies of oneself, and general type is the accumulator (not shown) that electrochemical cell or this battery are formed.Controller 36 can be made of one or more elements.In one example, controller 36 is based on the type of programmable microprocessor, and it carries out the instruction that is contained in the memory 38.In other example, controller 36 can be made of analog computing circuit, hard-wired logic state machine or other type of device, as substituting or extention of programmable digital circuit.Memory 38 can comprise one or more volatibility or nonvolatile solid state semiconductor element.As an alternative or append mode, memory 38 can comprise one or more electromagnetism or light storage devices such as floppy disk or hard disk drive or CD-ROM.In one example, the controller 36 that is provided, I/O port 37 and memory 38 all are integrated on the same IC chip.

I/O port 37 is configured to send data from challenger 30 to data collection module 40 as shown in Figure 1.Referring again to Fig. 1, the others of data gathering unit 40 are illustrated.The interface 41 of unit 40 is configured to communicate by letter with challenger 30 by I/O port 37.Unit 40 also comprises processor 42 and memory 44, in order to store and to handle the information of the relative assembly 110 that obtains from challenger 30.Processor 42 and memory 44 can be respectively with carry out various configurations at controller 36 and the similar mode of memory 38 described modes.In addition, the interface 41 that is provided, processor 42 and memory 44 can be integrated on the same IC chip.

Therefore, for described embodiment, when challenger 30 sent to pumping signal in device 110 in the scope, telecommunication circuit 160 sent to challenger 30 with bait state and identifier information.The RF acceptor circuit 34 of challenger 30 receives from the information of device 110 and by controller 36 provides appropriate signals to regulate and format, so that handle and be stored in the memory 38., can will send to data collection module 40 from installing 110 data that receive by but interface 41 is coupled in I/O port 37 places of working.

The form of the unit 40 that is provided can be to be fit to be connected with challenger 30 and be programmed to receive and to store the laptop PC from the data of challenger 30, hand-held or palmtop computer or other special-purpose or general various calculation elements.In another embodiment, unit 40 can be positioned at from challenger 30 position far away.For this embodiment, one or more challengers 30 are by communicating by letter with unit 40 such as the communication medium of telephone system or such as the computer network of internet of having set up.In yet another embodiment, do not have challenger 30, and unit 40 is configured to directly and telecommunication circuit 160 communicates.Challenger 30 and/or unit 40 are configured to communicate by hard-wired interface and one or more pest control device.In another embodiment, challenger 30, data collection module 40 and install and can use the thinkable distinct interface of those skilled in the art and the communication technology in 110.

In a preferred embodiment at subteranean termite, substrate 151 is preferably made by the non-food stuff material, and during desired moist degree, size is malleable not in being exposed to underground environment for this material.The substrate that has been found that this dimensionally stable causes that not too easily conductive path 154 changes unintentionally.A preferred embodiment of the substrate 151 that size is more stable comprises the paper that has such as poly polymerization material coating.However, in further embodiments, substrate 151 may be by other material or compound, comprise that those are exposed to the material that size may change in the humidity and constitute, and wherein comprises to substitutability or additivity one or more materials as target pest happiness food food.

Have been found that in some applications, some such as contain silver conductor based on the often ionization easily in the common aqueous solution in the general environment that uses of pest control device of the electric conductor of metal.This situation may cause the electrical short or the bridge joint of pest control device conductive path owing to the electrolytic solution that produces, and may cause inappropriate device performance.Also be surprised to find, have from the electrical short that reduces in fact or the possibility of bridge joint based on the conductor of carbon.Therefore, for these embodiment, path 154 is preferably made by nonmetallic carbon containing ink compound.A source of this ink be Acheson Colloids Company (business address is 600Washington Ave., Port Huron, Michigan).The carbon containing conductive ink that comprises conductor 153 can utilize thinkable other deposition techniques of this class of serigraphy, impression or ink-jet distribution technology or those skilled in the art institute on substrate 151.

Compare with common selected metallic conductor, can have higher resistivity based on the conductor of carbon.Best, the specific insulation of carbon containing ink compound is more than or equal to about 0.001 Ω-cm (ohm-cm).In the embodiment of a comparative optimization, the specific insulation of conductor 153 that comprises carbonaceous material is more than or equal to 0.1 Ω-cm.In a preferred embodiment, the specific insulation of conductor 153 that comprises carbonaceous material is more than or equal to about 10 Ω-cm.In some other embodiment, conductor 153 can have different compositions or the specific insulation that those skilled in the art can expect.

In other embodiment, can with other basically can ionization in the desired aqueous solution in the pest control device environment conductive element and/or compound as the conductor of pest control device.In other embodiment of the present invention, used the conductor based on metal that can not resist bridge joint or short-circuit risks.

Generally referring to figs. 1 through Fig. 9, some operating aspect of system 20 is further specified.Generally, challenger 30 is set to make when device 110 is positioned at the predetermined distance range of challenger 30 exciting circuit 32 to produce the RF signal of the circuit 169 that is suitable for exciting bank 110.In one embodiment, controller 36 is configured to periodically impel automatically the generation of this pumping signal.In another embodiment, this pumping signal can be promoted by the operator's controller (not shown) that is coupled to challenger 30 by the operator, and this operator promotes can be used as the alternative or the additional way of propelling of automatic promotion.Challenger 30 can comprise the visual of general type or audible indicator (not shown), in order to provide the inquiry state to the operator as required.

Refer again to the flow chart of Figure 10, the termite control process 220 of an alternative embodiment of the invention is described.In the stage 222 of process 220, a plurality of pest control devices 110 are installed at a certain distance at interval with respect to the zone that will protect.As non-restrictive example, Fig. 1 provides a kind of possibility distribution map that is arranged in protected building 22 some devices 110 on every side.One or more these devices can be as shown in Figure 2 locate below ground level to small part.

For process 220, at first erecting device 110, and each device all has been equipped with the insect pest monitoring assembly 112 of a pair of bait member 132 that comprises a monitoring kind, and wherein bait member 132 is the food of subteranean termite happiness food and does not comprise insecticide.Be established to the passage of food source in case have been found that termite population, they tend to return this food source.Like this, the device of installing at first 110 adopts the monitoring configuration, will protect near the termite that may exist area or the structure to set up this passage so that make as building 22 and so on.

Behind the installation in position, at the distribution map of stage 224 generation devices 110.This figure comprises the mark corresponding to the identifier of encoding for institute's erecting device 110.In one example, these identifiers are unique to each device 110.Next step of the insect pest monitoring circulation 230 of process 220 is the stage 226.In the stage 226,, regularly locate institute's erecting device 110 and from each device 110 data of packing into by each radio communication circuit 160 being inquired with challenger 30.These data are corresponding to bait state and identifying information.Like this, need not to extract or open each device 110 and carry out visual examination, just can easily detect the pest activity in the setter 110.Moreover these wireless communication technologys allow to set up and make up electronic databank, database can be downloaded to transacter 40 and carry out longer-term storage.

It will also be appreciated that as time passes underground insect pest monitoring device 110 may become and be difficult to the location, because they have mobile tendency, is pulled to underground darker position sometimes.In addition, being embedded in underground monitoring device 110 may be hidden because of growth of surrounding plants.In one embodiment, challenger 30 and multiple arrangement 110 are configured to 30 of challengers and communicate by letter with immediate device 110.This technology can and be installed 110 each other relative positions and realize by the communication range between suitable selection challenger 30 and each device 110.Therefore, challenger 30 can be used for sweeping the path along the ground spy, so that sequentially communicate with each independent device 110.For these embodiment, challenger 30 provides a kind of program and means with the radio communication subsystem that each device 110 is set up, with respect to there being how circumscribed vision to check method or metal detection method, can after installing, locate given device 110 more reliably.In fact, in the stage 226, this finder can be used in combination with the unique identifier of each device and/or the distribution map that produces in the stage 224, thereby serves the scene quickly.In another embodiment, positioning action can strengthen in the following way: adjust function for the communication range that challenger 30 (not shown) provide the operator to control, with assistance setter is accurately located.However, in other embodiments, device 110 can be verified by not comprising the wireless communication technology that sends identification signal or coordinate diagram.In addition, in an alternate embodiment, may not need to utilize challenger 30 to come positioner 110.

Next step runs into condition 228 process 220.Whether condition 228 is checked has any status signal corresponding to the path 154 that disconnects to show the activity of termite.If verifying as of condition 228 is negative, then monitoring circulation 230 turns back to the stage 226, once more by challenger 30 monitoring devices 110.Circulation 230 can repeat repeatedly by this way.Generally, the repetitive rate of circulation 230 is about several days or a few week, and may change.If verifying as certainly of condition 228, then process 220 proceeds to the stage 240.In the stage 240, the bait that the pest control ISP will be equipped with insecticide is placed near the insect pest of detection.In one example, the method for placing insecticide comprises: the ISP unloads lid 180, extracts insect pest movement monitoring assembly 130 from shell 170 out.Then, example is described in conjunction with Figure 7 as the front hereto, reconfigures pest control device 110, throws in assembly 119 with insecticide and replaces insect pest monitoring assembly 112.

In other embodiments, replacement device can comprise the telecommunication circuit of different configurations or not have telecommunication circuit fully.In a replacement scheme,, insecticide is added in the existing insect pest sensing apparatus by changing one or more bait members 132 or emat sensor 150 more alternatively.In another embodiment, can take out when adding insecticide bait or other material, also can not take out insect pest monitoring assembly 112.In yet another embodiment, insecticide is placed near the different device of installing the erecting device 110 of damaged by vermin activity.Place operating period at the insecticide in stage 240, near the device 110 that preferably has termite as much as possible to return or stay to detect insect pest activity place, the passage of having set up so to formicary can be used as the shortcut to other ant group members input insecticide.

After the stage 240, next step of monitoring circulation 250 is the stage 242.In the stage 242, continue to make regular check on device 110.In one embodiment, carry out visual inspection by the pest control ISP, and normally continue other device 110 to be checked with monitoring mode by challenger 30 corresponding to the device 110 of insecticide bait.In other embodiments, can be furnished with the electronic monitoring assistance or the replacement visual inspection of the insect pest movement monitoring assembly of poisonous bait parent, also these methods can be used in combination by use.In a replacement scheme, path 154 is used to monitor insecticide bait through change, and when the general like this bait that only with respect to the path configurations of monitoring mode more substantive quantity takes place consumed, it just can disconnect so that the open circuit reading to be provided.In another replacement scheme, when termite consumes insecticide, can anomaly check insecticide bait, but it is motionless to be placed on the original place, to reduce the danger of agitation termite.

After stage 242, run into condition 244, whether checking process 220 should continue.If the check result of condition 244 is sure, then continue process 220, next step runs into condition 246.In condition 246, judge whether to need to install more insecticide bait.May need more bait to come to replenish the bait that has consumed, perhaps may need insecticide bait to be installed for the device 110 that is under the monitoring mode always corresponding to newfound insect pest activity for the device that detects the insect pest activity.If the check of condition 246 is sure, then circulating 252 turns back to the stage 240, so that the insecticide bait that adds to be installed.If the judgement according to condition 246 is to need not to increase bait, then circulates and 250 return with duplication stages 242.Circulation 250,252 repeats in this way, up to the assay of condition 244 for negating.Circulation 250,252 repetitive rate and correspondingly the stages 242 carry out continuously be spaced apart about several days or a few week, and may change.If the check of condition 244 negates, positioner 110 and in the stage 260 then with its dismounting, process 220 stops then.

The data that challenger 30 is collected during implementation 220 can download in the unit 40 every now and then.But in other embodiments, unit 40 is optionally, does not perhaps have unit 40.In another alternative Process, may not need in the stage 242, monitor more pest activity.On the contrary, may remove monitoring means.In another replacement scheme,, can redistribute, increase or be reduced to monitoring and one or more devices 110 of configuration as the part that described process is carried out.In yet another embodiment, utilize data collection module and one or more pest control device to interrelate to replace challenger 30.Additionally or alternatively, can interrelate by hard-wired communicating to connect with challenger 30 and/or unit 40.

Figure 11 illustrates the pest control system 300 of another embodiment of the present invention, and wherein identical label is represented previous described identical function parts.Pest control system 300 comprises pest control device 310 and data collection module 390.Pest control device 310 comprises the circuit 320 that is detachably connected to sensor 350 by connecting elements 140.

With reference to the part assembly drawing of Figure 12, sensor 350 comprises substrate 351 in addition, has resistor network 353 on it.Network 353 comprises the sensing element 353a of a plurality of resistance branch or path 354 forms, and they are spaced from each other certain distance along substrate 351.Resistor path 354 schematically shows with different resistance R 1-R13 respectively in Figure 11.355 electric contact point 356 extends to substrate afterbody 357 to network 353 from the edge.When being coupled, network 353 and circuit 320 constitute observation circuit 369.

Further with reference to the end-view of Figure 13, its represents the complete assembling and the way of realization of sensor 350.As shown in figure 13, sensor 350 be configured to round assembled shaft A1 curl, folding, the crooked or form of twining, so that some adjacent layers 360 to be provided, only indicate wherein several among the figure with label.Should be appreciated that the axle A1 among Figure 13 is perpendicular to the view plane of Figure 13, and correspondingly represent by the cross hairs of similar mark.With reference to Figure 11 and 12, circuit 320 is comprised in the circuit package 318 again.Encapsulation 318 can be configured to be similar to the form of the encapsulation 118 of the insect pest monitoring component 114 that is used for pest control device 110.In fact, encapsulation 318 is set to admit a pair of connecting elements 140, is electrically coupled to circuit 320 with the electric contact point 356 with sensor 350, and its coupled modes are identical with the mode that the electric contact point 156 of sensor 150 is coupled to circuit 160.Circuit 320 comprises reference resistance R _R, resistance R _RBe coupling in when forming observation circuit 369 together and network 353 polyphones at circuit 320 and sensor 350.Reference voltage V _RAlso be coupled to network 353 and reference resistance R _RTwo ends.Use V _iThe reference resistance R of expression _RThe voltage at two ends can optionally utilize standard technique to carry out digitlization by mould-number (A/D) converter 324.Numeral output from A/D converter 324 is provided for processor 326.Processor 326 is coupled to telecommunication circuit 328 in operation.

Processor 326 can comprise one or more elements.In one example, processor 326 is to carry out the programmable digital micro processor, apparatus that is stored in the instruction in the relational storage (not shown).In other example, processor 326 can be by analog computing circuit, hard-wired logic state machine or other type of device, define as the substitute or the additives of programmable digital circuit.Preferably include memory in the telecommunication circuit 320, to store the digital value of determining by A/D converter 324 (not shown).This memory can be incorporated in A/D converter 324 or the processor 326, from the wherein combination of independent or these forms.

Telecommunication circuit 328 is wireless type, such as previous coupling system 20 described active and passive and wireless telecommunication circuit embodiment.Telecommunication circuit 328 is set to communicate with processor 326.As an alternative or additives, telecommunication circuit 328 can comprise that one or more I/O (I/O) port is to be used for hard-wired communication.

Can be with one or more reference voltage V _R, A/D converter 324, processor 326 or telecommunication circuit 328 be combined in an IC chip or the unit.In addition, circuit 320 and corresponding observation circuit 369 can be by the passive type of external power source, have the combination that Source Type or these types are arranged of own power supply.

Data collection module 390 comprises and is configured to and installs active radio emitter/receiver (TXR/RXR) 392, the processor 394 that is coupled to TXR/RXR392, interface 396 and the memory 398 that 310 telecommunication circuit 328 communicates.The processor 42 with data collection module 40 is identical with memory 44 respectively with memory 398 for processor 394, or the thinkable different schemes of those skilled in the art.Interface 396 is provided to the option of the hard-wired interface of device 310 and/or other calculation element (not shown).Data collection module 390 is configured to receive and handle the information from one or more pest control devices, and this is described in more detail below.

With reference to Figure 11-13, should be appreciated that generally network 353 can be by equivalent resistance R _SExpression; R wherein _SBe the function (R of R1-R13 _S=f (R1-R13)).When known R1-R13, can determine R by the preferred circuit analytical technology of using polyphone and parallel resistance _SIn addition, should be appreciated that R _RAnd R _SCan be taken as at reference voltage V _RDivider, so to the input voltage V of A/D converter 324 _iCan represent by following formula: V _i=V _R* (R _R/ (R _R+ R _S)).

Substrate 351 and/or network 353 are all made by the material that one or more can be consumed or move by one or more insects of paying close attention to.Along with sensor 350 is consumed by these insects or is shifted, the resistor path 354 that comprises the branch of network 353 disconnects and becomes open circuit, along with one or more resistor paths 354 become open circuit, and R _SValue change.Therefore, by suitable selection resistor path 354 relative to each other, R _RAnd V _RResistance value; Some different R can be provided _SValue is with corresponding to the open circuit of different resistor paths 354 and/or the various combination of open circuit path 354.

Different with Figure 12, Figure 13 be described in that one or more insects have begun to consume or moving substrate 351 and/or network 353 after sensor 350.In Figure 13, insect T and because the open circuit 370 that the insect that insect consumes or displacement is caused causes have been illustrated.The open circuit 370 that insect causes covers 380 with respect to the position of network 353 corresponding to part shown in Figure 12.The open circuit 370 that insect causes from outer sensor edge 372 near axle A1 the mid portion ground of sensor 350 run through the several layer 360 of sensor 350.The open circuit 370 that insect causes is corresponding to separation or the displacement with respect to another part of one or more parts of sensor 350, and this may cause one or more resistor paths 354 open circuits, depends on relative position.This separation or displacement may be because pest activity causes one or more parts of sensor 350 to be removed.Even insect is not got rid of any part of sensor 350, but the separation and the displacement of sensor 350 still may take place owing to pest activity, because pest activity is separated with respect to the second portion in the sensor region or has been moved first, but this first and second part still connects together in other sensor region.For example, in Figure 13, Sensor section 374 is with respect to Sensor section 376 separated or displacement owing to form opening 370; But Sensor section 374 and 376 is still linked together by Sensor section 378.

Be also to be understood that sensor 350 can be configured to usually along with R by spatially arranging resistor path 354 in a predefined manner _SValue and corresponding V _iChange consumption and the displacement degree that progressively increases that indicate.For example, the configuration of substrate 351 shown in Figure 13 can be used for resistor path 354 is placed on near the nearer place of the substrate afterbody the sensor outward flange 372 357, such as those resistor paths 354 corresponding to R8 and R9.Because these resistor paths 354 are more near outward flange 372, so they more may be run into by insect before other resistor path 354.On the contrary, when insect consumption and movable sensor 350, nearer those resistor paths 354 such as corresponding to R1, R5 and R10 more may be run into by insect at last from the middle part of the substrate of rolling 351 (axle A1).So, because R _SAlong with progressively consumption and the displacement and change of insect from sensor outward flange 372 to the centre, therefore corresponding input voltage V _iCan be used for representing the some different non-zero consumption or the displacement degree of sensor 350.

Processor 326 can be used for assessing one or more and uses A/D converter 324 digitized V _iCorresponding value, thus determine whether to take place the variation that insect consumes or is shifted.This analysis can comprise various statistical techniques, to reduce the adverse effect of interference or other anomalies.In addition, can utilize analysis to determine consumption or the speed that is shifted and this speed any variation with respect to the time.These results can be provided by telecommunication circuit 328 according to some predefined activation threshold value termly by processor 326, with the inquiry of response external to data unit 390, or realize by the thinkable different configurations of those skilled in the art.

Should be appreciated that,, can use isolated at a certain distance some devices 310 more install in the pest control system just as the pest control device 110 of system 20.Device 310 can be set to be placed on below ground, the ground or be above the ground level.In addition, as coupling system 20 was described, device 310 can use with challenger, these devices was positioned helping.Simultaneously, should be appreciated that, can in device 310, use a plurality of different resistor network configurations simultaneously, so that the insect that detects in various degree consumes and displacement.In another alternate embodiment, by some layers that separate are deposited in together and on request the electrical interconnection multilayer so that required sensor network to be provided, thereby multi-layer configuration is provided.In another alternate embodiment, the used single layer configuration of sensor 350, rather than the sort of form shown in Figure 13 for spreading out.Another embodiment comprises the thinkable different resistance sensing network configuration of those skilled in the art.

With reference to figure 14-16, another pest control system embodiment 400 of utilizing resistor network to determine pest activity in various degree is described; Wherein identical label is represented and previous described identical functions parts.System 400 comprises as coupling system 300 described data collection module 390 and pest control devices 410.Pest control device 410 comprises circuit 420, and it is coupled to sensor 450.Circuit 420 comprises the same reference resistance R as discussed previously _R, reference voltage V _R, A/D converter 324 and telecommunication circuit 328.Circuit 420 also comprises processor 426, and it can be the same with the configuration of processor 326 physically, but it is configured to adapt to the difference in any processing between sensor 350 and 450, and this point will further specify below.

Sensor 450 comprises substrate 451, and it has and surperficial 451b facing surfaces 451a.Substrate 451 forms some rule passages 456 at interval from surperficial 451a to surperficial 451b.Resistor network 453 comprises the sensing element 453a of some resistive elements 455 forms.Each resistive elements 455 runs through different passages 456.Resistive elements 455 by being electrically connected with conductive layer 454a and the 454b that substrate surface 451a contacts with 451b respectively with being connected in parallel to each other.For this configuration, substrate 451 is made of the electrically insulating material with respect to resistive elements 455 and conductive layer 454a and 454b.

In general, circuit 420 and network 453 constitute observation circuit 469.Specifically with reference to Figure 14, the parallel resistance member 455 of network 453 respectively by resistance R P1, RP2, RP3 ... one of RPN-2, RPN-1 and RPN schematically show; Wherein " N " is the sum of resistive elements 455.Therefore, the equivalent resistance R of network 453 _NCan determine according to the parallel resistance law: R _N=(1/RP1+1/RP2...+1/RPN) ^-1The equivalent resistance R of network 453 _NWith reference resistance R _RFormation is with respect to reference voltage V _RDivider.Reference resistance R _ROn voltage V _iBe imported into A/D converter 324.

Substrate 451, layer 454a and 454b and/or member 455 are all made by a kind of material that is consumed or move by insect that paid close attention to.In addition, sensor 450 is through configuration, as illustrating in conjunction with Figure 13, the one or more parts by making sensor 450 disconnect or displacement with respect to the other parts of sensor 450, make insect consume or displacement causes the electrical connection open circuit of resistive elements 455 to network 453.Figure 16 describes zone 470, and wherein material disconnects or displacement from sensor 450, causes being electrically connected open circuit.In Figure 16, part is analysed and observe profile 472 and is illustrated in the pest activity shape factor of sensor 450 before.Along with more resistive elements 455 becomes open circuit, the equivalent resistance R of network 453 on electric _NIncrease, cause V by circuit 420 monitorings _iRespective change, thereby determine that insect consumes or move movable different relative extents.

In one embodiment, each resistive elements 455 generally has identical resistance value, thus the expection tolerance in RP1=RP2=...=RPN.In other embodiments, resistive elements 455 can have visibly different each other resistance value.Processor 426 is configured to analyze by V _iChange the variation on consuming and moving of expression, and corresponding data are sent to data collection module 390, just as coupling system 300 is discussed. Conductive layer 454a and 454b can utilize one to be suitable for engaging these surperficial elastomeric connectors or thinkable other device of those skilled in the art is coupled to circuit 420.

Except resistance value, along with the consumption of insect or move and other electrical characteristics of the sensing element that changes also can be monitored, to collect the pest activity data.With reference to figure 17-19, the pest control system 500 of another embodiment of the present invention is described; Wherein similarly reference number refers to previously described similar functions parts.Pest control system 500 comprises data collection module 390 and pest control device 510.Pest control device 510 comprises circuit 520 and sensor 550.

Specifically with reference to Figure 17, as mentioned before, circuit 520 comprises reference voltage V _R, A/D converter 324 and telecommunication circuit 328.Circuit 520 also comprises the processor 526 that is coupling between A/D converter 324 and the telecommunication circuit 328.Processor 526 can be the physical type identical with the processor 326 of system 300, but is configured to the aspect that adaptive system 500 is different from system 300.For example, processor 526 is coupled to some switch 530a, 530b and 530c by signal controlling path 531a, 531b and 531c respectively in operation.Processor 526 is configured to optionally disconnect and Closing Switch 530a-530c by sending corresponding signal along each path 531a-531c.Switch 530a-530c is schematically illustrated as the single pole single throw operative configuration respectively.Switch 530a-530c can be such as the semiconductor type of isolated-gate field effect transistor (IGFET) (IGFET) configuration, dynamo-electric type, their combination or thinkable other type of those skilled in the art.

Circuit 520 also comprises the reference capacitor C that is coupled in parallel to switch 530c _RAnd voltage amplifier (AMP) 523.523 couples of input voltage V of voltage amplifier _QAmplify and with the output voltage V of amplifying _OOffer A/D converter 324 and carry out optionally digitlization.

In Figure 17, sensor 550 comprises sensing element 553a, and sensing element 553a is schematically shown the form for the capacitor with electrode 554.Generally speaking, circuit 520 and sensor 550 form observation circuit 569.In observation circuit 569, reference voltage V _R, switch 530a-530c, reference capacitor C _RAnd sensor 550 provides sensor network 553.In sensor network 553, reference voltage V _RFormation be electrically coupled to the branch of the terminal of switch 530a.Another terminal of switch 530a is electrically coupled to the terminal of electrode 554 and switch 530b.Another terminal of switch 530b is coupled to input, the reference capacitor C of voltage amplifier 523 by the common electrical node _RAnd the terminal of switch 530c.Switch 530c is coupled in parallel to reference capacitor C _R, they all have a terminal of ground connection.

Still with reference to figure 18-19, sensor 550 has relative both ends 555 and 557, and is made up of the multilayer 560 that comprises dielectric 551 and electrode 554.Dielectric 551 forms and surperficial 551b facing surfaces 551a.Electrode 554 comprises the contacted surperficial 554a with surperficial 551a.As mentioned above, surperficial 551a and 554a are generally symbiosis.

Sensor 550 is depicted as the capacitor of " opening electrode " configuration in Figure 17; Wherein the electrical connection to ground is to realize by dielectric 551 and other possible material such as the air-gap between dielectric 551 and the ground.In other words, sensor 550 is not included in the predefined paths on ground-but possibility of allowing the ground coupling to change.In Figure 17, this dielectric coupling of sensor 550 is illustrated by the broken lines 556 and signifies.

One or more materials that dielectric 551 and/or electrode 554 are consumed or moved by the insect of being paid close attention to constitute.Along with insect to the consumption of these materials or move, the part of dielectric 551 and/or electrode 554 is moved with respect to another part or separately.The zone 570 that Figure 19 explanation has been consumed by insect or moved.Zone 570 covers 580 corresponding to part shown in Figure 180.Such mechanical alteration of sensor 550 tends to change electrode 554 and keeps the ability of charge Q, thereby correspondingly changes the capacitor C of sensor 550 _SFor example, along with the area of electrode surface 554a reduces, the associated charge hold facility or the electric capacity of electrode 554 also reduce.In another example, along with the variation of dielectric dimension or the change of dielectric composition, electric capacity generally also can change.In another example, because the variation of distance can influence the ability that keeps electric charge between the separation of one or more parts of sensor 550 or mobile electrode 554 that causes and the ground.

Usually, a kind of pattern of function circuit 520 is described then with reference to figure 17-19.For each measurement of adopting this pattern to carry out, the on off sequence that processor 526 is carried out is as follows: (1) switch 530a closure, maintained switch 530b disconnects simultaneously, thereby adds reference voltage V at sensor 550 two ends _R, make and on electrode 554, set up charge Q; (2) after this charging stage, cut-off switch 530a; (3) follow Closing Switch 530b, to reference capacitor C _RShift at least a portion charge Q, at this moment maintained switch 530c disconnects; And (4) after this shifts, again cut-off switch 530b.Utilize amplifier 523 to amplify corresponding to transferring to reference capacitor C _RThe voltage V of electric charge TQ _Q, and offer A/D converter 324 as input voltage.The digitlization input of A/D converter 324 is provided for processor 526 and/or is stored in the memory (not shown).After measuring this voltage, can be by utilizing the processor 526 closed and disconnected switch 530c reference capacitor C that resets _RFinish this sequence then.For than reference capacitance C _RMuch smaller sensor capacitance C _S(C _S＜＜C _R), capacitor C _SCan for this configuration by equation C _S=C _R* (V _Q/ V _R) modeling.

Processor 526 can be configured to repeat often this on off sequence with monitoring Q and corresponding C _SVariation.Can utilize processor 526 to analyze these data and utilize by telecommunication circuit 328 reports at system's 300 described technology.These repetitions can be periodic or acyclic; According to request such as another device of telecommunication circuit 328; Perhaps by the thinkable different device of those skilled in the art.

In alternative, can use the burst mode of electric charge/electric capacity monitoring.For burst mode, processor 526 is configured to the following sequence of repetition: (1) switch 530a closure, and maintained switch 530b disconnects simultaneously, thereby to electrode 554 chargings and isolation reference capacitor C _R, (2) cut-off switch 530a, and (3) then Closing Switch 530b are to reference capacitor C _RTransfer charge.Under this pattern, switch 530c keeps disconnecting during whole these repeat.Therefore, reference capacitor C when carrying out repetition _RBe not reset.In case finish the repetition (" burst ") of requirement, A/D converter 324 is with the input voltage digitlization.Repeat by carrying out fast enough, transfer to reference capacitor C from electrode 554 _RThe quantity of charge Q increase.This enhanced charge shifts provides the relative increase in the gain.Therefore, gain can be controlled by the number of iterations that each burst is carried out.Simultaneously, reference capacitor C _RAs integrator so that signal averaging to a certain degree to be provided.

In other alternatives, network 560 can be configured to utilize resistance place of switches 530c to come repetitive burst mode sequences constantly, so that monitoring simultaneously.For this configuration, be used for resistance and the reference capacitor C of place of switches 530c _RForm single pole low-pass filter.This continuous mode has " electric charge gain " (being expressed as the current potential of per unit electric capacity), and it is confirmed as substitutional resistance, reference voltage V _RAnd the function of carrying out the frequency that repeats.In other alternative, network 560 is modified to utilize operational amplifier (opamp) integrator or HalPhillip Charge Transfer Sensing(1997) the one pole equivalent described in, it is incorporated herein by reference.In other embodiment, can use the thinkable measurement charge Q of those skilled in the art, voltage V _O, C _SOr other is corresponding to C _SThe different circuit configuration of value.

Electrode 554 can utilize elastomeric connector or those skilled in the art thinkable dissimilar connector be electrically connected to circuit 520.In an alternative, sensor 550 can be configured to be included in the prescribed path on ground rather than open the electrode configuration, or the combination of these two kinds of methods.Some other embodiment comprise substitute the piling up of electrode layer and dielectric layer, twine, fold, bending or curling form, wherein one or more layers is the material of being paid close attention to that insect consumed or moved.Instead or append mode, sensor is arranged in the capacitor sensor in the network or the combination of these forms with can comprising electrode that two or more separate or series, parallel.

In further embodiments, electrode 554 that can application sensors 550 is with get rid of insects one or more characteristics beyond consuming or moving of sensing.In one example, sensor 550 is arranged to and detects wearing and tearing, corrodes or corrosion.For this arrangement, make in response to the specific mechanical activity by lost material by one or more for sensor 550, and this wearing and tearing change the electric charge hold facility of electrode 554 accordingly.For example, the area of the surperficial 554a of electrode 554 can reduce along with moving of the one or more parts that caused by this activity.Circuit 520 can be used for monitoring this variation and it surpass expression need to utilize the sensor device for monitoring to change or serve, end to use this device or take those skilled in the art report during the threshold value of thinkable other action.

In another example, sensor 550 is made of one or more materials, selected materials is separated or minimizing electric charge maintenance capacity in response to the variation of the environmental condition that described one or more materials exposed, with the chemical reaction of one or more materials or by the thinkable different mechanisms of those skilled in the art.For the embodiment of these no insects, the operation of processor 526 can be correspondingly different.Equally, hard-wired connection, indicator and/or other device can be used as the additional or alternative circuit of telecommunication circuit 328.

Usually frame of reference 300,400 and 500, and one or more conducting elements, resistive element or the capacity cell of sensor 350,450,550 can comprise in conjunction with pest control device 110 described carbon containing inks.Certainly, can utilize ink to define such as the different resistance values of the various sensing elements of element 353a and 453a with different volumes resistivity.As an alternative or append mode, the size that different resistance values can be by changing conductive material and/or adopt different interconnection elements define to these elements.In addition, substrate 351,451/ or 551 can be made of the paper that scribbles the polymer such as polyethylene, to reduce the change in size that is caused by moisture, as described in conjunction with pest control device 110.

Figure 20 illustrates the 5th kind of pest control system 620, and it comprises pest control device 310,410,510 and 610, and wherein similarly reference number is represented previous described similar functions parts.System 620 comprises building 622, and data collection module 390 wherein is housed.System 620 also comprises CDCP central data collection point 626, and it is connected to data collection module 390 by communication path 624.Communication path 624 can be combination or thinkable other form of those skilled in the art of, wireless link interconnected by hard-wired connection, telephone for special use such as the computer network of internet, these forms.

For system 620, it is similar that the application of the pest control device 310 in the soil that is shown in and coupling system 20 are discussed.The pest control device 410 and 510 of system 620 is arranged in building 622, is expressed as among the figure to be positioned at ground or more than the ground.Pest control device 310,410,510 all is configured to communicate by wireless device, hardwired device, other device by being similar to hand-held interrogator 30 or the combination and the data collection module 390 of these forms.

Pest control device 610 comprises circuit 420 and the sensor 650 that preamble is described.Sensor 650 comprises the network of being made up of sensing element 453a 453.For sensor 650, network 453 directly is attached to the member 628 of building 622.Member 628 comprises that one or more are subject to the material that one or more insects are destroyed.For example, member 628 can be made of timber, and at this moment termite is the target pest type.Therefore, directly utilize the pest activity of pest control device 610 monitorings with respect to the member 628 of building 622.As pest control device 310,410 and 510, pest control device 610 communicates by wireless device, hardwired device, other device by being similar to hand-held interrogator 30 or the combination and the data collection module 390 of these forms.

CDCP central data collection point 626 can be connected to plurality of data collector unit 390, arrange different building or the zones of these data collection module 390 monitorings, wherein each zone all has one or more in pest control device 110,310,410,510 and/or 610.

Figure 21 illustrates the pest control device system 720 of another embodiment of the present invention; Wherein similarly reference number is represented previously described similar functions parts.System 720 comprises challenger 730 and pest control device 710.Pest control device 710 comprises that being arranged to the insect pest that consumes and/or move for insect monitors member 732.In one example, member 732 be configured to comprise insect eatable material 734 bait, such as under the situation of termite for timber, and the magnetic material 736 of coating form on the material 734.Magnetic material 736 can be as the magnetic ink or the coating that apply on the timber core of material 734.In other examples, material 734 can be made of the material that is different from food source, generally is the material of removing or shifting for target pest, such as being closed cell foamed plastic under the situation of subteranean termite.In other example, material 734 can comprise food and non-composition of food.

Device 710 also comprises the radio communication circuit 780 that is electrically coupled to magnetic characteristic sensor 790.Sensor 790 comprises a series of magnetoresistor 794, and they are fixed on the predetermined direction with respect to member 732, to detect the resistance variations that variation was caused in the magnetic field that magnetic material 736 produces.Therefore, material 736 and magnetoresistor 794 alternately are designated as sensing element 753a.The variation in the magnetic field of monitoring can be consumed, take place when shifting or removing by insect at for example member 732.Sensor 790 provides the means of the magnetic characteristic that characterizes member 732.In alternative, sensor 790 can be based on single magnetoresistor or such as Hall effect device or based on the magnetic field sensing apparatus of the another kind of type of the sensor of magnetic resistance.

Can utilize telecommunication circuit 780 to send from the Magnetic Field of sensor 790 as variable data.Circuit 780 can also send as at telecommunication circuit 160 described unique device identifier and/or discrete bait status information.Circuit 780, sensor 790 or the two can be passive or active in itself.

Challenger 730 comprises telecommunication circuit 735, can be used for carrying out and install the radio communication between 710 the circuit 780.In one embodiment, circuit 780 and 790 all is a passive type, and wherein the form of circuit 780 is the RF mark that is similar to circuit 160.Embodiment hereto, telecommunication circuit 735 is configured to and the circuit 32 of challenger 30 and 34 similar to carry out the radio communications with device 710.In further embodiments, device 710 can be revised as with alternative or append mode and comprise active radio communication circuit and/or hard-wired communications interface.For these alternatives, challenger 730 is carried out corresponding modify, can utilize data collection module to replace challenger 730, perhaps can use the combination of these two kinds of methods.

Challenger 730 comprises controller 731, I/O port 737 and the memory 738 identical with the controller 36 of challenger 30, I/O port 37 and memory 38, just they are configured to except discrete bait state and identifying information or replace these information, receive, handle and store magnetic characteristic information.Should be appreciated that, resemble the resistance characteristic of device 310,410 and 610 or install 510 capacitance characteristic; Can estimate that magnetic characteristic information is to characterize the consumption behavior of insect.This behavior can be used for setting up the prediction relevant with the insect feeding pattern with bait supply needs.

Figure 22 has described the system 820 of another embodiment of the present invention.System 820 comprises pest control device 810 and data collector 830.Device 810 is included as the insect that supplies to be paid close attention to and consumes and/or move and the monitoring member 832 of arrangement.Member 832 comprises the parent 834 with the magnetic material 836 that intersperses among wherein.Material 836 is schematically illustrated as the some particulates in the parent 834.Parent 834 can have the combination of food composition, non-food stuff composition or these compositions.

Device 810 also comprise telecommunication circuit 880 and with the sensor circuit 890 of its electric coupling.Circuit 890 comprises a series of magnetoresistor 894, and they are fixing with respect to member 832, to detect the changes of magnetic field that is consumed, moves or produced from member 832 disengaging backs along with magnetic material 836.

Circuit 890 also comprises some environment (ENV.) sensor 894a, 894b, 894c, and they are configured to detected temperatures, humidity and air pressure respectively.Material 836 and sensor 894,894a, 894b and 894c alternately are appointed as sensing element 853a.Sensor 894,894a, 894b and 894c are coupled to substrate 838, and the signal with the digital form or the analog form of relevant device compatibility can be provided.Correspondingly, circuit 890 is configured to regulating and format from the signal of sensor 894a, 894b and 894c.Equally, 890 pairs of signals corresponding to the magnetic characteristic that detects with magnetoresistor 894 of circuit are regulated and are formatd.The sensitive information that utilizes telecommunication circuit 880 that circuit 890 is provided sends to data collector 830.Telecommunication circuit 880 can comprise discrete bait status information that combining device 110 describes, device identification or both.Circuit 880 and circuit 890 can be respectively passive, active or both combination, and data collector 830 correspondingly is configured to communicate according to institute's choosing method simultaneously.

For the passive embodiment according to the circuit 880 of RF labeling technique, it is the same with challenger 30 that data collector 830 is configured to, and just its controller is arranged to and handles and multi-form sensitive information that storage circuit 890 provides.In another embodiment, data collector 830 can be the form of the active emitter/receiver of standard, so that communicate with the circuit 880 of active emitter/receiver form.In other embodiment, data collector 830 is connected by hard-wired interface with device 810, so that exchanges data.

Figure 23 and 24 describes the pest control device 1010 of another embodiment of the present invention; Wherein similarly reference number is represented similar functional part.As shown in figure 23, pest control device 1010 comprises the sensor 1050 of telecommunication circuit 1020, connector 1040 and configuration in insect pest monitoring device 1060.Telecommunication circuit 1020 comprises active device 1022 and all indicating devices 1024 with output information.Telecommunication circuit 1020 comprises that also the element of other assembling is to provide circuit component module 1044.Module 1044 can comprise printed wiring board, is used for various elements and/or other are mechanically supported the member electrical interconnection of telecommunication circuit 1020.Module 1044 and corresponding communication circuit 1020 by connector 1040 and sensor 1050 electric and mechanically be coupled.Connector 1040 can comprise this class different materials or the configuration that can expect as connecting elements 140 described conductive elastomers and/or those skilled in the art at pest control device 110.

Sensor 1050 comprises the substrate 1051 that has insect pest sensing circuit 1052.Insect pest sensing circuit 1052 comprises conductive loop or network, and these conductive loops or network have the resistance that is lower than predeterminated level after installation, and is subjected to the change of insect pest activity described at the conductor 153 of pest control device 110 as preamble.Substrate 1051 and/or insect pest sensing circuit 1052 comprise usually will be by installing the material that 1060 one or more insects of monitoring are removable or consume.When being coupled to telecommunication circuit 1020, insect pest sensing circuit 1052 is cooperated with it and observation circuit 1069 is provided.

Insect pest monitoring device 1060 also comprises bait 1032, and its surface is represented by the cutaway view of the bottom of Figure 23.It is identical with bait member 132 or any above-mentioned distortion that bait 1032 can be configured to.In a kind of configuration, the form of bait 1032 is at least two members that are positioned at the opposite side of sensor 1050, as the bait member 132 of pest control device 110 in Fig. 3 and 6 situation with respect to sensor 150.

The portable unit that insect pest monitoring device 1060 is configured to be used for being installed to shell 1070 and removes from shell 1070.Shell 1070 can have definite shape, and constitute by being fit to be installed to underground material as the shell of describing in conjunction with pest control device 110 170.Sensor 1050 is fixing with respect to circuit component module 1044 by connector 1040, and connector 10403 is fixed to lid 1080 (being expressed as section) again.Bearing carrier 1090 provides the further mechanical support of installing 1060, comprises the one or more curb girder (not shown) that are connected to module 1044 and/or lid 1080.It is suitable with the lid 180 of pest control device 110 that lid 1080 can be configured to, and allows erecting device 1022 and 1024 as described.It is suitable with the bearing carrier 190 of pest control device 110 that bearing carrier 1090 can be configured to, and can be permanently fixed with respect to module 1044 and/or lid 1080, perhaps optionally is connected with it.

In Figure 24, represent telecommunication circuit 1020 with schematic form.Active device 1022 also is expressed as the form of " often opening " press button 1022a, makes to have only switch 1022a just to be electrically connected when direction shown in the arrow 1023 is pressed.Indicating device 1024 is expressed as the form of light emitting diode (LED) 1024a, and it is optionally luminous with output information.The element of telecommunication circuit 1020 also comprises electric energy 1025, resistance 1026 and the NPN transistor 1027 that is used to provide general constant voltage V, and they carry out electric interconnection as shown in figure 24.

Usually, the operation of pest control device 1010 is described then with reference to Figure 23 and 24.Pest control device 1010 is arranged to and is placed in the zone that will monitor one or more insects, as illustrated at the various pest control devices among Fig. 2 and Figure 20.In addition, as described, pest control device 1010 is suitable for being installed in the ground.In fact, in routine was used, one or more pest control devices 1010 were mounted at least partially in below ground, and lid 1080 still can be opened.

In case installation, the operator encourages the work (and corresponding observation circuit 1069) of telecommunication circuit 1020 by pressing switch 1022a.In response, the voltage ground connection that provides with respect to source 1025 of the emitter stage 1027e of transistor 1027.When emitter stage 1027e ground connection, LED1024a can send light when transistor 1027 conductings, makes to produce voltage drop from the voltage in source 1025 on the colelctor electrode 1027c of LED1024a, transistor 1027 and emitter stage 1027e terminal.If offering the voltage level of base stage 1027b, the electrical interconnection between the base stage 1027b of source 1025 and transistor 1027 is enough to make transistor 1027 conductings, then transistor 1027 conducting by switch 1022a closure.This electrical interconnection comprises the resistor 1026 of series connection and the resistance of insect pest sensing circuit 1052.Therefore, for the resistance of the insect pest sensing circuit 1052 that is equal to or less than given threshold value,, then can light LED1024a if switch 1022a is pressed.But, along with insect consumes or moving substrate 1051 and/or insect pest sensing circuit 1052, the circuit variation that is produced can cause obvious increased resistance or open-circuit condition, make no longer can make transistor 1027 conductings by pressing switch 1022a, so LED1024a can be not luminous yet.

Operation by telecommunication circuit 1020 provides binary signal with LED1024a, visually indicates whether to change being electrically connected/resistance of insect pest sensing circuit 1052.This binary signal can be used to determine when and reconfigures pest control device 1010 to increase insecticide, replaces insect pest monitoring device 1060 with the insecticide delivery device, and/or impel and take other action.Other action of this class can comprise that mounting strap is with or without other device of insecticide.In another embodiment, pest control device 1010 is configured to comprise the bait that insecticide is housed at first, makes telecommunication circuit 1020 provide and indicates the information that insecticide consumes situation.

For one embodiment of the present of invention, resistance 1026 nominal values approximately are 10000 ohm, source 1025 provides general 3 volts of constant outputs, and be the form (for example " accumulator ") of one or more electrochemical cells, transistor 1027 is the ambipolar junction type switchtypes of standard, and insect pest sensing circuit 1052 is as in conjunction with pest control device 110 described conductive loops.In other embodiments, the character of the value of electric energy 1025, resistance 1026 and/or transistor 1027 can be different.This replacement scheme can comprise PNP bipolar junction transistor, field-effect transistor (FET), electromechanical relay or the solid-state relay (SSR) that replaces NPN transistor 1027, and to the corresponding modify of circuit 1020, just enumerates one or two here.As an alternative or additional, source 1025 can be the form except that battery, can install 1010 outsides and/or can be selectively used for device 1010 by the operator.

As an alternative or append mode, observation circuit 1069 can be revised as the different information of transmission about device.For example, can comprise that additional electronic circuit comes test voltage source 1025 whether can work.In another example, the insect pest sensing circuit manually inquires by active device 1022 and exports by installing 1024, can add in the radio communication circuit of previous described pest control device so that the operational testing of manual activation to be provided.In another example, utilize artificial interrogating to export the insect pest consumption or the displacement degree of different non-zeros.Therefore, can respond the information that the artificial excitation realizes that the degree that will consume and be shifted quantizes.For this embodiment, the sensor device of device 310,410,510,610,710 and/or 810 can be used with the suitable modification of telecommunication circuit 1020, so that provide activation by switch or other operator input device.In this type of form, the variable non-zero of a plurality of LED or the output of another visible display device consumes degree.In another form, adopt single bifurcation indication LED; But, threshold level is set corresponding to given non-zero consumption or displacement degree.This threshold value can be that factory is provided with and/or control by the operator and to be provided with.

In another embodiment, can be alternatively or additionally use the active device that is different from normal open switch 1022a.In one example, active device is the form of wireless RF receiving circuit.In another example, active device is that to have form or those skilled in the art of two or more state of switch thinkable multi-form.For other embodiment, can use the indicating device that is different from LED.This indicator can be visual, can listen or the two combination or those skilled in the art thinkable dissimilar.In one example, identity device is the form of incandescent lamp or dynamo-electric indicator.In another example, indicating device is the form of RF signal projector, the excitation of its responsing excitation device 1022 and export the information that observation circuit 1069 is provided.In another form, other functional part of exciting bank 1022, indicating device 1024 and/or telecommunication circuit 1020 provides with the form of signal repeater, can be active or passive in essence.In another form, other functional part of exciting bank 1022, indicating device 1024 and/or telecommunication circuit 1020 is configured to a unit, and they can engage with the remainder of device 1010 or separate by connector or alternate manner.For this form, this unit can be used for by inquiring multiple arrangement 1010 with in the artificial engaged/disengaged multiple arrangement 1010 of desired sequence each.In other form, this unit can be configured to keep the information from multiple arrangement 1010.

Figure 25 describes the pest control system 1100 of another embodiment of the present invention, and wherein similarly reference number is represented similar functional part.Pest control system 1100 comprises the magnetic active device of operator's control of excellent 1102 forms.Rod 1102 comprises and has the operator the main body 1104 of hand 1106 and magnetic field sources 1108.Magnetic field sources 1108 is provided at the magnetic field MF of symbolically among Figure 25.Magnetic field sources 1108 can be provided by for example permanent magnet or electromagnet.

System 1100 also comprises pest control device 1110.In addition with reference to Figure 26, pest control device 1110 comprises telecommunication circuit 1120, connector 1040 and is configured in sensor 1150 in the insect pest monitoring device 1160.Telecommunication circuit 1120 comprises the device 1122 that responds and the indicator 1136 and 1138 of output information when near magnetic field MF.Telecommunication circuit 1120 also comprises other element of assembling, is used to provide circuit component module 1144.Module 1144 can comprise other member with the printed substrate of various element electric interconnections and/or mechanical support telecommunication circuit 1120.Module 1144 and corresponding communication circuit 1120 and sensor 1150 be by connector 1040 electric and mechanical couplings, as the front in conjunction with as described in the pest control device 1010.

Sensor 1150 comprises the substrate 1051 of carrying insect pest sensing circuit 1152.Insect pest sensing circuit 1152 comprises conductive loop or network, and it has the resistance of being represented by R1 among Figure 26, and this resistance is lower than predetermine level after installing, and can be changed because of pest activity, as preamble at as described in the conductor 153 of pest control device 110.Substrate 1051 and/or insect pest sensing circuit 1152 comprise the material that one or more insects that common supplying apparatus 1160 will be monitored move or consume.When being coupled to telecommunication circuit 1120, insect pest sensing circuit 1152 is cooperated with it and observation circuit 1169 is provided.Insect pest monitoring device 1160 comprises that also its surface is represented as preamble combining device 1010 described bait 1032 in the cutaway view of the bottom of Figure 25.

The portable unit that insect pest monitoring device 1160 is configured to be used for being installed to shell 1070 and removes from shell 1070, as preamble at as described in the device 1010.Sensor 1150 is fixing with respect to circuit component module 1144 by connector 1040, and connector 1040 is fixed to lid 1180 (being expressed as section) again.Equally as at the device 1010 as described in, member 1090 provides the further mechanical support of installing 1160, comprises the one or more curb girder (not shown) that are connected to module 1144 and/or lid 1180.It is suitable with the lid 1080 of pest control device 1010 that lid 1180 can be configured to, and allows erecting device 1136 and 1138 as described.

In Figure 26, represent telecommunication circuit 1120 with schematic form.Active device 1122 also is expressed as the form of " often opening " switch 1123, makes to have only device 1122 to be activated by magnetic field MF shown in Figure 25, and switch 1123 is just closed.The indicator 1136 and 1138 that provides is the form of LED1124, can be optionally luminous by telecommunication circuit 1120.The element of telecommunication circuit 1120 also comprises electric energy 1125, resistance R 2-R4 and comparator 1132 and 1134 that are used to provide general constant voltage VS, and they are electric interconnection as shown in figure 26.

Usually, the operation of pest control device 1110 is described then with reference to Figure 25 and 26.Pest control device 1110 is arranged to and is placed in the zone that will monitor one or more insects, as illustrated at the various pest control devices among Fig. 2 and Figure 20.In addition, as described, pest control device 1110 is suitable for being installed in the ground.In fact, in routine was used, one or more pest control devices 1110 were mounted at least partially in below ground, and lid 1180 still to small part as seen.

In case pest control device 1110 installations, the operator is by being placed on rod 1102 near the lid 1180 with magnetic field MF alignment device 1122 in the mode of Closing Switch 1123 to be enough to exciting bank 1122 correspondingly, thus the work of excitation telecommunication circuit 1120 (and corresponding observation circuit 1169).When switch 1123 closures, energy source 1125 is electrically coupled to other element of telecommunication circuit 1120 via electrical nodes 1126.Resistance R 2 and R3 are configured to divider, and divider provides reference voltage VREF to anti-phase (-) input of comparator 1132 and noninverting (+) input of comparator 1134, and switch 1123 is coupled to circuit node 1126 to the voltage VS in source 1125.The resistance of the insect pest sensing apparatus 1152 that resistance R 4 and R1 are represented also constitutes divider, and the divider that this divider and R2 and R3 are constituted is in parallel electric.Sensing voltage VSENSE is added to noninverting (+) input of comparator 1132 and anti-phase (-) input of comparator 1134.When switch 1123 was closed, R2/R3 and R1/R4 divider all were connected between VS and the electric ground.

Select the relative resistance value of four resistance R 1-R4, make in VREF nominal before any variation of insect pest sensing circuit 1152 greater than VSENSE.Make the impedance infinity (reasonable approximation of the value of R1 and R4 is all less than 1 megaohm usually) of anti-phase (-) and noninverting (+) input of comparator 1132 and 1134, then VREF=VS (R3/ (R2+R3) and VSENSE=VS (R1/R1+R4)).

(during VREF＞VSENSE), comparator 1134 is output as high level, and comparator 1132 is output as low level greater than VSENSE as VREF.For these situations, voltage VS is provided on the LED1124 of indicator 1136, if VS enough will make it luminous greatly.On the contrary, conducting voltage does not offer the LED1124 of indicator 1138, prevents that it is luminous.

But along with pest activity increases, the resistance R 1 of insect pest sensing circuit 1152 increases.If R1 surpasses R3, then VSENSE becomes, and (VSENSE＞VREF), comparator 1132 and 1134 output state become opposite greater than VREF.Correspondingly, indicator 1138 is luminous and indicator 1136 is not luminous, and this provides information, and the situation the when state that shows insect pest sensing circuit 1152 and VREF＞VSENSE is compared and changed.As long as it is enough far away by mover bar 1102 or alternate manner magnetic field MF and device 1122 to be separated, switch 1123 will become open circuit, and VS is eliminated from node 1126, makes telecommunication circuit 1120 deactivations, makes indicator 1136 and 1138 not luminous.

By the operation of telecommunication circuit 1120, provide binary signal with indicator 1136 and 1138, whether electrical connectivity/resistance that they all visually indicate insect pest sensing circuit 1152 changes with respect to the threshold value of being set up.This binary signal can be used for determining when and reconfigures pest control device 1110 to add insecticide, replaces insect pest monitoring device 1160 with the insecticide delivery device, and/or impels other action.This other action can comprise installs the other device that has or do not have insecticide.In another embodiment, pest control device 1110 is configured to comprise the bait that has insecticide at first, makes telecommunication circuit 1120 provide and indicates the information that insecticide consumes situation.

For one embodiment of the present of invention, the nominal value of resistance R 2 and R4 is 330000 ohm, and the nominal value of resistance R 3 is approximately 25000 ohm, and the nominal value of the resistance of insect pest sensing circuit 1152 before being changed by insect is approximately 15000 ohm (R1).Embodiment hereto, source 1125 provides three (3) general constant volt outputs, and be the form (for example " accumulator ") of one or more electrochemical cells, comparator 1132 and 1134 is a LM339 series, device 1122 is forms of magnetic pumping reed switch, indicator 1136 is forms of green LED, and indicator 1138 is forms of red LED.In other embodiments, the represented resistance value of electric energy 1125, any resistance R 1-R4, device 1122, indicator 1136 with 1138 and/or comparator 1132 can be different with 1134.In an alternative, VREF is provided by the reference voltage that is different from divider.For example, also can adopt Zener diode, bandgap reference and/or voltage regulator element, only lift numerical example here.

Device 1122 except magnetic red sheet switch form, also can use other magnetic actuation means, such as element, the inductance coil in response external magnetic field or the different device type that this type of those skilled in the art can expect of one or more hall effect sensors, dynamo-electric excitation.As an alternative or append mode, can carry out excitation with device with two or more duties.

In other embodiments, only adopt single indicator.For a kind of form of present embodiment, LED but is not luminous in both cases only when detecting pest activity or only luminous when not detecting pest activity.For another form of present embodiment, use the indicator of multi-colored led type to replace two discrete LED elements.For other embodiment, can use the one or more indicators that are different from LED.This indicator can be combination visual, that can listen, this dual mode or those skilled in the art can expect dissimilar.In one example, indicator is the form of incandescent lamp or dynamo-electric indicator.In another example, indicator is the form of RF signal projector, the information that its output is provided by observation circuit 1169 response magnetic field MF excitation.Should be appreciated that the field element of power transformation magnetic radiation when magnetic field MF can be.

In another form, device 1122, indicator 1136 and 1138 and/or other functional part of telecommunication circuit 1120 be that form with active or passive signal repeater provides.In another form, device 1122, source 1125, indicator 1136 and 1138 and/or other functional part of telecommunication circuit 1120 be configured to a unit, this unit can be installed together by the remainder of connector or alternate manner and device 1110 or face dismounting from it.For this form, this unit can be used to by inquiring multiple arrangement 1110 according in desired sequence manual installation/dismounting multiple arrangement 1110 each.In another version, this unit can be configured to keep the information from multiple arrangement 1110.

Other embodiment comprises circuit and/or the element that is different from comparator, provides required output state to indicate the state of insect pest sensing circuit 1152.For example, can use one or more transistors, logical device etc. of the changed condition of response insect pest sensing circuit 1152.As an alternative or append mode, source 1125 can be the form that is different from accumulator, and is can be at device 1110 outside and/or can optionally add auto levelizer 1110 by the operator.In another alternative, magnetic field excitation MF is a variable type, and telecommunication circuit 1120 is configured to obtain that power for operation is come replacement source 1125 or as the additional product in source 1125 from magnetic field excitation MF.

As an alternative or append mode, observation circuit 1169 can be suitable for transmitting the different information about device.For example, can comprise whether additional electronic circuit can work with test source 1125.In another example, come manual interrogation insect pest sensing circuit and export accordingly on the radio communication circuit that can add above-mentioned pest control device to by rod 1102, with the test that provides the operator to trigger with indicator.In another example, the manual interrogation technology of implementing in the device 1110 is used to export the insect consumption or the displacement grade of different non-zeros.Therefore, can realize consuming or information that shift amount quantizes with responsing excitation.For this embodiment, the configuration of the sensor of device 310,410,510,610,710 and/or 810 can be used with the suitable modification of telecommunication circuit 1120, so that encouraged by magnetic actuation means or other operator input device.In a this form, a plurality of LED or another visual display unit are exported the consumption level of different non-zeros.In another form, adopt single bifurcation indication LED; But, be provided with threshold levels corresponding to given non-zero consumption or displacement degree.This threshold value can be factory set and/or be provided with by the operator.

Figure 27 describes the pest control system 1200 of another embodiment of the present invention, and wherein similarly reference number is represented similar functional part.System 1200 also comprises pest control device 1210.In addition with reference to Figure 28, pest control device 1210 comprises circuit 1220, connector 1040 and is configured in sensor 1250 in the insect pest monitoring device 1260.Circuit 1220 comprises device indicating 1230.Device 1230 comprises the indicator 1136 and 1138 of aforesaid LED1124 form.Circuit 1220 also comprises one or more other elements of assembling, is used to provide circuit component module 1244.Module 1244 can comprise printed substrate that various electric interconnections are provided and/or other member of mechanical support circuit 1220.Module 1244 and corresponding circuit 1220 pass through connector 1040 electric and mechanical couplings with sensor 1250, as mentioned above.

Sensor 1250 comprises the substrate 1051 of carrying insect pest sensing circuit 1252.Insect pest sensing circuit 1252 comprises conductive loop or network, and it has the resistance of being represented by R1 among Figure 28.This resistance R 1 is lower than the predefine grade after pest control device 1210 is installed, and can be changed because of pest activity, as preamble at as described in the conductor 153 of pest control device 110.Substrate 1051 and/or insect pest sensing circuit 1252 comprise the material that one or more insects that common supplying apparatus 1260 will be monitored move or consume.When being coupled to circuit 1220, insect pest sensing circuit 1252 is cooperated with it and observation circuit 1269 is provided.Insect pest monitoring device 1260 comprises that also its surface is represented as preamble combining device 1010 described bait 1032 in the cutaway view of the bottom of Figure 27.

The portable unit that insect pest monitoring device 1260 is configured to be used for being installed to shell 1070 and removes from shell 1070, as preamble at as described in the device 1010.Sensor 1250 is fixing with respect to circuit component module 1244 by connector 1040, and connector 1040 is fixed to lid 1280 (being expressed as section) again.Equally as at the device 1010 as described in, member 1090 provides the further mechanical support of installing 1260, comprises the one or more curb girder (not shown) that are connected to module 1244 and/or lid 1280.It is suitable with the lid 1080 of pest control device 1010 that lid 1280 can be configured to, and allows indicator 1136 and 1138 is installed, and makes the operator of device 1210 outsides to see.

In Figure 28, with schematic form indication circuit 1220.The indicator 1136 and 1138 of device 1230 all can be optionally luminous by circuit 1220.But circuit 1220 also comprise the electric energy 1225 that is used to provide general constant voltage, with the controller circuitry 1240 and the device indicating 1230 of 1225 places of working, source coupling.

Controller circuitry 1240 optionally is coupled to insect pest sensing circuit 1252 by connector 1040.The element of the combination of dissimilar or these types that controller circuitry 1240 can be expected by one or more numeric types, analog type, those skilled in the art constitutes.In one form, controller circuitry 1240 is based on the solid-state integrated circuit device.For example, controller circuitry 1240 schematically illustrates with single integrated circuit device IC1 in Figure 28.Described embodiment is corresponding to Microchip Technology, and the model that Inc provides is the microcontroller of PIC12C5XX.The microcontroller of this form is a programmable type, has risc (RISC) processor, and comprises the memory of one or more forms.Source 1225 can be made of (as common accumulator) one or more electrochemical cells, about three (3) volt direct currents (DC) are provided, and is coupling between contact VDD and the VSS, for the IC1 among the described embodiment provides electric power.Connector 1040 be coupling in IC1 GP4/OSC2 and

Between the contact; Device 1230 is coupled to contact GP1, GP0 and GP2/TOCK1.The tables of data of PIC12C5XX Series of MCU is incorporated herein by reference.As an alternative or append mode, in other embodiments, the able to programme or non-programmable dissimilar controller circuitry that can adopt those skilled in the art to expect.

Usually, the operation of pest control device 1210 is described then with reference to Figure 27 and 28.Pest control device 1210 is arranged to and is placed in the zone that will monitor one or more insects, as illustrated at the various pest control devices among Fig. 2 and Figure 20.In addition, as described, pest control device 1210 is suitable for being installed in the ground.In fact, in routine was used, one or more pest control devices 1210 were mounted at least partially in below ground, and lid 1280 still to small part as seen.

For power saving, circuit 1220 can be arranged like this, and it is not activated always, till it is electrically coupled to insect pest sensing circuit 1252 via connector 1040.For example, this coupling can cause the conductive path closure and trigger excitation (path 1226 as shown in Figure 28).In one form, switch can insert in the connectors 1040 and/or cooperates the auxiliary conductor of insect pest sensing circuit 1252 to trigger with the close path by insect pest sensing circuit 1252.As an alternative or append mode, circuit 1220 can be encouraged by following mode: operator's controller, as being installed in the hand switch on the lid 1280; Magnetic or electromagnetic excitation signal; With any exciting technique that is used in the device 310,410,510,610,710,810,1010 or 1110; And/or work with being arranged to not concrete excitation requirement.

In case excitation and install after, controller circuitry 1240 work of pest control device 1210, continuously and/or monitor the situation of insect pest sensing circuit 1252 termly automatically.Controller circuitry 1240 also can be used for detecting the variation of insect pest sensing circuit 1252 from first state to second state.In one example, first state can be corresponding to the circuit of electric closure, and the value of resistance R 1 is lower than the threshold value of setting, and second state can be corresponding to the circuit of electrical open, and the value of resistance R 1 surpasses the threshold value that is provided with.In other example, can use the one or more different parameters of controller circuitry 1240 monitoring/detections, as electric capacity, inductance and/or magnetic signature (only giving some instances), and the respective change of the situation of the insect pest sensing circuit 1252 that defines relatively with these one or more different parameters as the additional or substitute of resistance and/or open circuit/closed circuit condition.

First state for insect pest sensing circuit 1252, controller circuitry 1240 via contact GP0 to device 1230 indicator 1136 (among the LED1124) output signal, make it luminous, keep not working and install 1230 indicator 1138 (another among the LED1124).This situation can be considered the first luminous configuration of device 1230.The detection of controller circuitry 1240 state variation from first state to second state corresponding to insect pest sensing circuit 1252 specifically is luminous and to start indicator 1138 luminous with interrupt indicator 1136 via regulate its output by the output of contact GP2/TOCK1.This situation can be considered the second luminous configuration of device 1230.

In one form, indicator 1136 is green LED 1124, and it is beated because of the output of controller circuitry 1240, and is luminous off and on and/or be the first luminous configuration change luminous intensity with the flicker pattern; Indicator 1138 is red LED 1124, and it is beated because of the output of controller circuitry 1240, and is luminous off and on and/or be the second luminous configuration change luminous intensity with the flicker pattern.This flicker pattern can be included between " opening state " and " off status " and change luminescent device.The given state of insect sensor can be represented by luminous variation, and this variation can be periodic and/or according to predefined changing pattern.This variation can be according to the variation of the light intensity that sends, reflection, direction, refraction, optical filtering and/or obstruction.In a non-finite form, luminous intensity changes between two strength grades of non-zero.In other forms, brightness can be for the given state constant; The color type and the quantity of luminous indication can change; And/or luminous configuration can be different.

Should be appreciated that when source 1225 no longer can power, indicator 1136 or indicator 1138 were not luminous, show power failure.The adjustment of one or more output signals of the monitoring of insect pest sensing circuit 1252, the detection of state variation, slave controller circuit 1240 auto levelizers 1230 or other operation can be carried out according to controller circuitry 1240 performed operation logics.This operation logic can be the instruction of writing, special circuit, both these forms of combination and/or those skilled in the art can expect multi-form.By non-limiting example, for aforesaid PIC12C5XX controller embodiment, at least a portion operation logic is the form that is stored in the instruction of being write in the resident nonvolatile memory.

By the operation of circuit 1220, provide binary signal with indicator 1136 and 1138, whether electrical connectivity/resistance that they respectively visually indicate insect pest sensing circuit 1252 changes with respect to the threshold value that is provided with.This binary signal can be used for determining when and reconfigures pest control device 1210 to add insecticide, replaces insect pest monitoring device 1260 with the insecticide delivery device, and/or impels other action.This other action can comprise installs the other device that has or do not have insecticide.In another embodiment, pest control device 1210 is configured to comprise the bait that has insecticide at first, makes telecommunication circuit 1220 provide and indicates the information that insecticide consumes situation.

In other embodiments, only be that device 1230 uses single indicator.For a kind of form of present embodiment, LED but is not luminous in both cases only when detecting pest activity or only luminous when not detecting pest activity.For another form of present embodiment, use the indicator of multi-colored led type to replace two discrete LED elements.For other embodiment, can use the one or more indicators that are different from LED.This indicator can be combination visual, that can listen, this dual mode or those skilled in the art can expect dissimilar.In one example, indicator is the form of incandescent lamp or dynamo-electric indicator.In another example, indicator is the form of RF signal projector, the information that its output is provided by observation circuit 1269 responsing excitations.

In another form, 1220, source 1225, indicator 1136 and 1138 and/or other functional part of circuit 1220 be configured to a unit, this unit can be installed together by the remainder of connector or alternate manner and device 1210 or from it face remove.For this form, this unit can be used to by inquiring multiple arrangement 1210 according in desired sequence manual installation/dismounting multiple arrangement 1210 each.In another version, this unit can be configured to keep the information from multiple arrangement 1210.

In another embodiment, source 1225 can be the form that is different from accumulator, can and/or can optionally add auto levelizer 1210 by the operator in device 1210 outsides.As an alternative or append mode, observation circuit 1269 can be suitable for transmitting the different information about device.In another example, controller circuitry 1240 and device 1230 can add on the radio communication circuit of above-mentioned pest control device.Controller circuitry 1240 is fit to that output consumes corresponding to the different non-zero insects of bait 1032 or displacement grade and/or corresponding to the indication of the change of insect pest sensing circuit 1252.Therefore, can realize information that change, consumption and/or shift amount are quantized.For this embodiment, the configuration of the sensor of device 310,410,510,610,710 and/or 810 can be used with the suitable modification of circuit 1220.In a this form, a plurality of LED or another visual display unit are exported the consumption level of different non-zeros.In another form, adopt single bifurcation indication LED; But, be provided with the threshold levels of change corresponding to given non-zero, consumption and/or displacement degree.This threshold value can be factory set and/or be provided with by the operator.

In general, should be appreciated that the embodiment that utilizes one or more luminous indications can glimmer, change color, changes the flicker pattern and/or change luminous intensity according to one or more patterns of expression given state.Equally, changing output mode can be with the output device of other type, as listening and the pop-up indicator type is used, and this is wherein several examples just.

Figure 29 illustrates that another kind comprises the pest control system 1300 of pest control device 1310 and 1410, and wherein similarly reference number is represented above-mentioned similar functions parts.System 1300 comprises building 1412, and the system data acquisition device 1460 of demonstration and control panel 1462 forms wherein has been installed.System 1300 also comprises CDCP central data collection point 626 (seeing Figure 20), and it is connected to device 1460 by communication path 1414.Communication path 1414 can be by the hardwired such as the computer network of internet connect, telephone for special use is interconnected, combination or thinkable other form of those skilled in the art of wireless link, these forms.

For system 1300, pest control device 1310 is shown in the soil, and pest control device 1410 is shown in the building 1412. Pest control device 1310 and 1410 is connected to device 1460 so that communicate with selectively by bus 1420.CDCP central data collection point 626 can be connected to a plurality of device 1460 and/or unit 390 (seeing Figure 11,14,17 and 20) at a distance that are positioned at.As an alternative or append mode, can arrange CDCP central data collection point 626 by unit 390 or install 1460 and one or more pest control device 110,310,410,510,610,710,810,1010,1110,1210,1310 and/or different building or the areas of 1410 monitorings.

With reference to Figure 30 and 31, further describe the typical pest control device 1310 of system 1300 in addition; Wherein similarly reference number is represented similar functional part.Figure 31 also illustrates device 1460 with the sketch form.As shown in figure 30, pest control device 1310 comprises telecommunication circuit 1320, connector 1040 and is configured in sensor 1350 in the insect pest monitoring device 1360.Telecommunication circuit 1320 is connected to bus 1420.Bus 1420 comprises duplex (two-way) communication path 1422 (also being called BCP) of electric conductor 1422a form, the corresponding electrical ground 1424 (also being called GND) of electric conductor 1424a form and the sensing circuit power line 1426 (also being called PWR) of electric conductor 1426a form.As illustrative among Figure 30, conductor 1422 and 1424 can be that " twisted-pair feeder " is configured to help electrical noise to eliminate; But, in other embodiments, can adopt different wiring configurations.

Telecommunication circuit 1320 comprises the addressable communications device 1340 in the path 1422 that is connected to bus 1420, also comprises the sensing interface 1330 that is connected between device 1340 and the insect pest sensing circuit 1352.The element of telecommunication circuit 1320 provides circuit component module 1344 through assembling.Module 1344 can comprise other member with the printed substrate of various element electric interconnections and/or mechanical support telecommunication circuit 1320.Module 1344 and corresponding communication circuit 1320 pass through connector 1040 electric and mechanical couplings with sensor 1350.Connector 1040 can comprise this type of different materials or the configuration that the conductive elastomer described as above connecting elements 140 at pest control device 110 and/or those skilled in the art can expect.

Sensor 1350 comprises the substrate 1051 of carrying insect pest sensing circuit 1352.Insect pest sensing circuit 1352 comprises conductive loop or network, and it has resistance, and this resistance is lower than the predefine grade after installing, and can be changed because of pest activity, as preamble at as described in the conductor 153 of pest control device 110.Substrate 1051 and/or insect pest sensing circuit 1352 comprise the material that one or more insects that common supplying apparatus 1360 will be monitored move or consume.When being coupled to telecommunication circuit 1320, insect pest sensing circuit 1352 is cooperated with it and observation circuit 1369 is provided.

Insect pest monitoring device 1360 also comprises bait 1032, and its surface is represented in the cutaway view of the bottom of Figure 30.It is identical with bait member 132 or any above-mentioned distortion that bait 1032 can be configured to.In a kind of configuration, the form of bait 1032 is at least two members that are positioned at the opposite side of sensor 1350, as the situation of bait member 132 in Fig. 3 and 6 with respect to the sensor 150 of pest control device 110.

The portable unit that insect pest monitoring device 1360 is configured to be used for being installed to shell 1070 and removes from shell 1070.Shell 1070 can have the definite shape that is suitable for being installed in the ground and material constitutes, as in conjunction with pest control device 110 described shells 170.Sensor 1350 is fixing with respect to circuit component module 1344 by connector 1040, and connector 1040 is fixed to lid 1380 (being expressed as section) again.Bearing carrier 1090 provides the further mechanical support of installing 1360, comprises the one or more curb girder (not shown) that are connected to module 1344 and/or lid 1380.It is suitable with the lid 180 of pest control device 110 that lid 1380 can be configured to, through revising to hold conductor 1422a, 1424a and 1426a and device 1310 being connected by connector 1382.It is suitable with the bearing carrier 190 of pest control device 110 that bearing carrier 1090 can be configured to, and can be permanently fixed or optionally be connected with it with respect to module 1344 and/or lid 1380.

Specifically, further describe transacter 1460 and pest control device 1310, should be appreciated that only to mark a device 1310 among the figure for simplicity's sake with reference to Figure 31.The device 1340 of pest control device 1310 is described as the form of addressable thyristor, and this element is provided by Dallas Semiconductor, and model is DS2405.For this model, DATA pin (the BCP path that is expressed as among Figure 30 and 31 is connected) is connected to the data path 1422 of bus 1420, and a two-way communication ports 1322 therebetween is provided.Equally, the GND pin is connected to the ground wire 1424 of bus 1420.The power line 1426 of bus 1420 (about 5 volts of DC are provided in this example) is connected to sensing interface 1330 so that electric power to be provided for it.Shown in the configuration, device 1340 comprises the internal capacitor (not shown), its storage is enough to the electric charge to its internal circuit power supply.This capacitor voltage on path 1422 and the ground wire 1424 autoeciously obtains the energy of its storage.Because this parasitic capacitance power supply; Device 1340 does not need to draw electric power from power line 1426.However, in other embodiments, device 1340 can pass through to additionally or alternati power line 1426 connection and/or different power supply, receive electric power as one or more electrochemical cells.Equally, interface 1330 can be by a more than power supply and/or different electrical power power supply, and these power supplys comprise for example one or more electrochemical cells or capacitor, or the like.

Each addressable monitoring device 1340 comprises the identifier 1342 of the permanent factory registration of binary number form.Can obtain device 1340 in groups, wherein each identifier 1342 is different with any other member's identifier 1342 in the group.Device 1340 is configured to its identifier of comparison and the information that receives through bus 1420 to determine whether it is addressed.For one group of addressable communications device 1340 with each different identifiers 1342, can be through the path 1422 pairs respectively install 1340 unique addressing.In case be addressed, can inquire setter 1340 with by the independent input of path 1422 output (I/P) nodes state---more particularly, the I/P node is height or low binary logic level.DS2405 form for device 1340, the I/P node is the connection pin that is designated as " PIO " pin, its can also provide the output of various mode of operations as the node of " open collector " type, provides from " Dallas SemiconductorDS2405 Addressable Switch " tables of data that the uniform resource locator of www.maxim-ic.com obtains about installing the out of Memory of 1340 model DS2405 form on July 16th, 2002.

Interface 1330 comprises PNP transistor 1332, and its colelctor electrode is connected to the I/P node of device 1340, and emitter-coupled is to power line 1426, and base stage is coupling between the contact and resistance 1334 of connector 1040.In an embodiment who is fit to be used with the DS2407 form of installing 1340, transistor 1332 is 2N3906 types, and resistance 1334 is 220000 ohm of types.When engaging with connector 1040, insect pest sensing circuit 1352 be placed on the base stage of transistor 1332 and electrically between.In Figure 31, insect pest sensing circuit 1352 is represented by resistance 1353.

Also with reference to Figure 29, pest control device 1410 is the types that are suitable in the building 1412, and is fit to be connected in the mode of describing at device 1310 with bus 1420.Therefore, pest control device 1410 can wherein any provides so that comprise observation circuit 1369 device 410,510,610 by revising " in the building " shown in above-mentioned Figure 20.Though Figure 29 has only represented a pest control device 1410 and some pest control devices 1310, but be to be understood that, in other embodiments, can adopt more or less all kinds device, comprising or do not comprise one or more in pest control device 110,310,410,510,610,710,810,1010,1110 and/or 1210.The COM1 1322 that should be understood that each pest control device 1310,1410 is connected to the common electrical node 1423 that the conductor 1422a by communication path 1422 provides.Equally, common electrical ground is connected next shared by conductor 1424a and 1426a respectively with power supply.

Transacter 1460 is inquired pest control device 1310 and 1410 and collect and data that storage receives by bus 1420 in response respectively.Transacter 1460 also provides operator interface therewith by various operator's output devices 1464 and operator input device 1480.Output device 1464 comprises the LCD (LCD) 1466 of the alphanumeric character string that can show appointment, light-emitting device 1468a, the light-emitting device 1468b of beacon scanning state, the light-emitting device 1468c of indicating fault status and the light-emitting device 1468d of indication state of activation of indication power supply status.Device 1468a, 1468b, 1468c and/or 1468d can be the combinations of LED type, incandescent lamp type, dissimilar or these types, or the like.

Output device 1464 is coupled to the control circuit 1470 of device 1460.Control circuit 1470 comprises controller 1472, oscillator 1474 and memory 1476.Controller 1472 has been equipped with operation logic, the form of operation logic comprise the instruction of writing, dedicated logic circuit, these combination or those skilled in the art can expect multi-form.The various operations of control circuit 1470 realize according to this operation logic by controller 1472, include but not limited to: communicate via bus 1420; Data are handled, are stored and retrieval; And guiding input and output operation.In one embodiment, controller 1472 is forms of the model PIC16F877 that provided by Microchip Technologies, and wherein at least a portion operation logic is to provide with the instruction of writing.Controller 1472 comprises a two-way I/O port arrangement, is used for communicating by the path 1422 of bus 1420.Oscillator 1474 is standard types, is used for clocking to be used for the operation of controller 1472.Memory 1476 is expressed as non-volatile EEPROM (EEPROM) in the drawings; But it can be one or more other types, such as random-access memory (ram), magnetic bubble memory, CD or electromagnetic disc, dynamic ram (DRAM) and/or the static RAM (SRAM) (SRAM) of flash memory, battery backup, or the like.If the use nonvolatile type, it can be when needed from external device (ED), as CDCP central data collection point 626 via path 1414 and/or input unit, reload as the disk drive (not shown).As additional or alternative, the personal computer (not shown) can be coupled to device 1460, thus at computer network, as setting up path 1414 on the internet.This personal computer can be in addition or is alternatively provided and install the device of Data transmission between 1460 and/or programming.

The operator input device 1480 that device 1460 also comprises press button 1482,1484,1486 and 1488 forms, it is coupled to controller 1472 to provide unique input to control circuit 1470 respectively: upper and lower, install and reset.Comprise that also power supply 1490 is to provide element and the bus 1420 of electric power to device 1460.For the embodiment that realizes with the controller 1472 of PIC16F877 form, pin A0-A3 is coupled to device 1468a-1468d; Pin D0-D7, E0 and E1 are coupled to LCD1466; And pin B0-B3 is coupled to input unit 1480 in a suitable manner.

Usually, further describe the various mode of operations of system 1300 with reference to Figure 29-31.Transacter 1460 and pest control device 1310,1410 are arranged to and are placed in the zone that will monitor, in building 1412 and zone all around thereof.Transacter 1460 is installed and be coupled to pest control device 1310,1410 by bus 1420.For described embodiment, pest control device 1310 is fit to be installed in the ground.In fact, in routine was used, one or more pest control devices 1310 to small part was installed in below ground, and pest control device 1410 is installed in the building 1412.Transacter 1460 also is installed in the building 1412, as shown in figure 29.

For the one group of device 1310 that respectively has different identification symbol 1342 and 1410, the member of this group can be addressed as slave on bus 1420 uniquely with respect to bus host.For system 1300, the bus host operation is what to carry out according to the operation logic of controller 1472.On bus 1420, uniquely during addressing, set up an agreement when device 1340 controlled devices 1472, allow controller 1472 to send the inquiry of I/P node states.Respond this inquiry, unique device that is addressed to 1340 is through the logic state of path 1422 its corresponding I/P nodes of transmission, as mentioned above.

The logic state of I/P node is decided by the situation of insect pest sensing circuit 1352.If insect pest sensing circuit 1352 is perfect and be coupled to by connector 1040 between the base stage and ground of transistor 1332, then resistance 1334 and 1353 divider that form provide the voltage between base stage and the emitter stage to make transistor 1332 conductings.In conjunction with as described in other embodiment,, make insect pest sensing circuit 1352 become and establish the road by cable or have enough big resistance that then the voltage between base stage and the emitter stage reduces and transistor 1332 is ended as the front if one or more insect has been moved material.Along with the conduction and cut-off state variation of transistor 1332, the logic level that occurs on the I/P node of device 1340 also can change.

The operation logic identification of controller 1472 and storage are corresponding to the data of the identifier 1342 of one group of pest control device of being installed 1310,1410; Wherein, each in these identifiers 1342 is unique for other device in the group.Each pest control device is installed is indicated by button 1486 by the operator.Can produce the tabulation of the pest control device of being installed 1310,1410 and show with display 1466.The operator can use button 1482 and this tabulation of 1484 scroll-up/down respectively.Control circuit 1470 can reset with button 1488.

The operation logic of controller 1472 is used for also suitably that lamp device 1468a provides power supply with indication, and lamp device 1468d activates with indication mechanism 1300.In addition, according to its programming, controller 1472 scans the pest control device 1310,1410 that is coupled termly one by one, inquires the situation of each device about corresponding insect pest sensing circuit 1352, reflects this situation by the logic level on the I/P node of related device 1340.Controller 1472 makes device 1468b luminous to indicate this operation.Along with pest control device 1310,1410 is addressed respectively, the gained result is sent to control circuit 1470 and storage by corresponding device thereof 1340 via path 1422.The tabulation that pest control device 1310,1410 is installed that refresh display 1466 is presented is with reflection: (1) it whether " activations " and (2) whether the state variation of the I/P node of one or more device 1310,1410 indicate the insect existence.Setter 1310 or " activation " state of 1410 can be indicated by switch or other circuit function that response substrate 1051 change with the mechanical connection of connector 1040, as above in conjunction with as described in the pest control device 1210.

If the state variation that insect exists has taken place to indicate, indication fault then, controller 1472 is programmed so that make device 1468c luminous with indication " fault " situation.Also produce corresponding listened to alarm (not shown) alternatively or additionally.If not obvious from the information that display 1466 shows, then indicating fault can remind the tabulation of operator's rolling view to search out of order any pest control device.

In case determine to exist one or more insects, then a kind of operator scheme is reported faults and/or is made the pest control ISP check that system 1300 also takes further action where necessary to CDCP central data collection point 626 via path 1414.As an alternative or append mode, the operator at building 1412 places can report fault to the pest control ISP.In another pattern, the occupant of building 1412 can handle the insect that is detected and not notify pest control ISP at a distance.The action that operator and/or the pest control ISP who obtains notifying can take comprises by replace insect pest monitoring device 1360 to reconfigure one or more pest control devices 1310,1410 to add insecticide with the insecticide delivery device.Other action can comprise that mounting strap is with or without other device of insecticide.In another embodiment, pest control device 1310,1410 is configured to comprise the bait that insecticide is housed at first, makes telecommunication circuit 1320 provide and indicates the information that insecticide consumes situation.

In different embodiment, the I/P node is connected with insect pest sensing circuit 1352 and without transistor.In further embodiments, as the additional product or the substitute of transistor 1332, adopt different resistance values and/or dissimilar switching devices.These replacement schemes can comprise NPN bipolar junction transistor, field-effect transistor (FET), electromechanical relay or the solid-state relay (SSR) that replaces PNP transistor 1332, and to the corresponding modify of circuit 1320, just enumerate one or two here.

In other embodiments, addressable communications device 1340 is to be different from the type of model DS2405 and/or to be provided by the custom circuit that is fit to directly or the one or more elements that are connected with insect pest sensing circuit 1352 by interface 1330 constitute.In this alternative, each installs 1310,1410 identifier 1342 can be designated or change with electricity and/or mechanical system.In another alternative, observation circuit 1369 and/or install and 1340 be suitable for transmitting different information, consume or the displacement degree as the non-zero insect that the consumption understood or shift amount are quantized about device.For these embodiment, the configuration of the sensor of device 310,410,510,610,710 and/or 810 can be used with the suitable modification of telecommunication circuit 1320.In addition, in same pest control device, can use multiple arrangement 1340, have suitable support circuit and reflect different discrete consumption or displacement grade.

Controller 1472 can be provided by the type that is different from PIC16F877, and/or constitutes by being fit to be arranged to one or more elements of execution in conjunction with control circuit 1470 described operations.Correspondingly, can be different such as the supporting element of oscillator 1474 and/or memory 1476, can be used with other element, perhaps can not exist.Can use dissimilar output device 1464 in other embodiments, as plasma scope, dynamo-electric indicator or cathode ray tube (CRT), or the like.Can use dissimilar input unit 1480 in other embodiments, as toggle switch, alphanumeric keyboard or keypad, as the positioner of the noise that is used for cooperating or laser accunputure (light pin) or speech recognition subsystem or the like with display.

In other embodiments, bus 1420 can be to utilize any smooth type of optical fiber or other transmitting device.Perhaps, bus 1420 can be arranged to along given path carries out one-way communication, rather than all is two-way among all embodiment.For such example, can adopt many communication paths, wherein at least one path be main frame to slave, another is that slave is to main frame.And other embodiment can be configured to be used for the parallel communications form, as the additional or replacer of serial communication.Equally, can use any compatible bus protocol.

In another form, telecommunication circuit 1320 and/or control circuit 1470 are that form with active or passive wireless signal repeaters provides.In another version, telecommunication circuit 1320 and/or control circuit 1470 are fit to utilize the technology of previous embodiment that wireless and/or artificial inquiry is provided.

In further embodiments, pest control device 310,410,510,610,710,810,1010,1110,1210,1310 or 1410 can comprise as pest control device 110 described one or more bait members 132 at system 20.In addition, any in the pest control device 110,310,410,510,610,710,810,1010,1110,1210,1310 and 1410 all can be configured to be placed on underground, the ground or be above the ground level.In another embodiment, pest control device is suitable for making up two or more the detection technology in pest control device 110,310,410,510,610,710,810,1010,1110,1210,1310 or 1410.As additional or alternative, two or more dissimilar pest control devices 110,310,410,510,610,710,810,1010,1110,1210,1310 and 1410 are used in monitoring pest activity and/or input insecticide in the same area.

In further embodiments, in case pest control device 110,310,410,510,610,710,810,1010,1110,1210,1310 or 1410 can be configured to detect insect, just completely or partially replace by the insecticide delivery device.This replacement can comprise from the insect pest monitoring device removes communication circuit module or other circuit, so that pack the insecticide delivery device into.In further embodiments, any in the pest control device 110,310,410,510,610,710,810,1010,1110,1210,1310 or 1410 can be configured to monitor simultaneously pest activity and throw in insecticide.As an alternative or append mode, the insect that detects given degree consumes or insecticide is just thrown in displacement automatically in case pest control device 110,310,410,510,610,710,810,1010,1110,1210,1310 and/or 1410 can be configured to.For this configuration, input can trigger automatically according to Monitoring Data and/or via the external command that telecommunication circuit is received.

The flow chart description of Figure 32 the process 920 of another embodiment of the present invention.In the step 922 of process 920, collect data from one or more devices 110,310,410,510,610,710,810,1010,1110,1210,1310 and/or 1410.In step 924, the data of collecting are analyzed at environmental condition and/or position.Next, in step 926, the insect behavior is predicted according to this analysis.According to the prediction of step 926, in step 928, to take action, described action can comprise installs one or more attachment devices.

Then, circulation 930 enters step 932.In step 932, continue to collect data, and improve the insect behavior prediction in step 934 from device.Control proceeds to the condition 936 whether test continues process 920 then.If process 920 continues, then circulating 930 turns back to step 932.If process 920 stops according to the test result of condition 936, then this process stops.

The example of increase ground that other can be relevant with step 928 or the action of alternatively carrying out comprises uses the direction of insect behavior pattern to determine that better insect may distribute in the given area.Therefore, can provide warning according to this prediction.The advertisement of pest control system simultaneously, and marketing can be according to process 920 at the places that more may be benefited.In addition, can estimate for the needs of pest control service whether seasonal fluctuations are arranged to this information to determine one or more embodiment according to the present invention.Distribution such as the pest control resource of equipment or manpower can correspondingly be adjusted.In addition, can strengthen placement efficiency of pest control devices.

In other alternative, device 110,310,410,510,610,710,810,1010,1110,1210,1310 and 1410 and other the various system in combination that can expect with those skilled in the art of corresponding challenger, data collection module and data collector in.Although shown challenger 30 and rod 1102 are hand-held forms, in other embodiments, this class inquiry unit can be different form, delivers or be installed in general fixing position by vehicle.In fact, data collection module can be used for directly from pest control device inquiry/reception information.In addition, although installing 110,310,410,510,610,710,810,1010,1110,1210,1310 and 1410 bait can be fit to the edible form of termite and provide, but the bait kind of selecting to be used to control the dissimilar insects of insect or non-insect can be selected, and crust of the device and further feature can be through adjusting to be suitable for monitoring and to eliminate different types of insect.Moreover device 110,310,410,510,610,710,810,1010,1110,1210,1310 and 1410 bait can be to select to be used to attract the insect of target variety and can not made by the material that this insect consumes substantially.In a replacement scheme, one or more pest control devices comprise the non-foodstuff that can be removed or change by target pest.As non-limiting example, this material can be used to constitute the sensing member substrate that can not consume, and wherein has or do not have to consume the bait member.In addition, any pest control device of the present invention can comprise suitably resin-sealed or scribble one or more elements of epoxy resin or other suitable resin with polyurethane or other, invades so that reduce moisture.In the alternative of the described embodiment of Fig. 3-5, cover does not have 120 inner edge 123, does not have O-ring seals 124 yet.Alternative hereto, pedestal 130 and case 120 ultra-sonic welded and utilize the polyurethane encapsulant to come any remaining un-occupied space in the cavity filling 122 after circuit package 118 assemblings together, so that minimizing moisture contact circuit 160.But, should be appreciated that in other embodiments of the invention, may not need to solve by this way the problem of moisture or the intrusion of other material, may solve this problem with the alternate manner that those skilled in the art can expect, perhaps not address this problem fully.

In other replacement schemes, according to one or more pest control devices of the present invention not such as the shell (and corresponding lid 180, lid 1080, lid 1180, lid 1280 or lid 1380) of shell 170 or shell 1070.On the contrary, the tote in the embodiment hereto, shell can be placed directly in the soil, on the member of the building that will monitor or be arranged in the difference configuration that those skilled in the art can expect.In addition, any pest control device of the present invention can be arranged interchangeably, makes the bait consumption of sensing member or the mobile conductor that can make be shifted, thereby constitutes the closed of conductive path rather than cause open circuit.

Based on the pest control device of wireless communication technology can be alternatively or be included in extraly challenger, data collection module, data collector or those skilled in the art the hard-wired communications of thinkable some other device connect.When obstacle takes place because of local circumstance in radio communication or need hardwired to connect, be the needs of diagnosis, hard-wired communications can be used as the replacer of radio communication.Moreover, under the prerequisite of spirit of the present invention, process 220 and process 920 can utilize various steps, operation and the condition of being resequenced, changing, rearranging, substituting, deleting, duplicating, making up or appending to other process that those skilled in the art may imagine to carry out.

In another embodiment, pest control device comprises a kind of circuit, and this coupling of circuits is to the one or more sensing cells with one or more elastic connection elements.One or more elastic connection elements can be by the carbon containing synthetic compounds, constitute as silicon rubber.

For another embodiment, pest control device comprises can be for bait, near the insect pest sensing circuit and the device indicating of bait of one or more insects consumption or displacement.Comprise that also but the place of working is coupled to the controller circuitry of insect pest sensing circuit and device indicating, be used to monitor the insect pest sensing circuit, detect the state variation of insect pest sensing circuit and provide one or more signals corresponding to this state variation to device indicating.Device indicating responds these one or more signals and changes its output.This embodiment also can comprise the structure that can be used for to small part encapsulation bait, insect pest sensing circuit and controller circuitry; Also be configured at least a portion of device indicating is positioned at the position that the operator can see.In one form, device indicating comprises two light-emitting components, and wherein one of these elements are luminous off and on and another element is luminous off and on after state changes at least before state changes at least.Other embodiment comprises the system with some this pest control devices.

Another embodiment comprises: a plurality of pest control devices that respectively comprise the corresponding bait that is used for one or more insects are installed; Corresponding insect pest sensing circuit; Corresponding device indicating; And corresponding controller circuit; First state with corresponding device indicating indication pest control device; State variation with the corresponding insect pest sensing circuit of corresponding controller electric circuit inspection; Responsive state changes, and adjusts the one or more output signals from the corresponding controller circuit; And respond this adjustment, with second state of one of corresponding device indicating indication pest control device.

An alternative embodiment of the invention comprises one group of pest control device.These devices respectively have two-way communication ports, detect insect pest sensing circuit, bait and the identifier of one or more pest activity, and this identifier is unique with respect to the identifier of any other device in the group.Two-way communication path is connected to transacter to the two-way communication ports of each pest control device.Transacter can be used for by two-way communication path the described selecting apparatus in the pest control device being carried out addressing according to the uniqueness of the identifier of a selecting apparatus in the pest control device, and receives the state of the insect pest sensing circuit of the described selecting apparatus in the pest control device.

An alternative embodiment of the invention comprises: the transacter of one group of pest control device is coupled in operation by communication path, each described pest control device comprises COM1, insect pest sensing circuit and address, and this address is unique with respect to the address of any other pest control device in described group; Utilize the insect pest sensing circuit of one of described pest control device to detect termite; And the address that sends one of pest control device from transacter responded, receive the information that detects from one of described pest control device.

An alternative embodiment of the invention comprises: operate a plurality of pest control devices, each pest control device comprises the bait that is used for one or more insects, corresponding insect pest sensing circuit, corresponding visual detector device and corresponding controller circuit; And provide light according to the corresponding visual detector device of the device of regular changing pattern from described pest control device, with a kind of state of the described device in the expression pest control device.

Another kind of form comprises: a plurality of pest control devices are installed, and each pest control device comprises bait, insect pest sensing circuit, visual detector device and controller circuitry; Send the light of first color to represent first state from the device indicating of one of pest control device; Detect the state variation of the insect pest sensing circuit of one of described pest control device; Respond the one or more output signals of described state variation adjustment from the controller circuitry of one of pest control device; And send the light of second color that is different from first color from the visual detector device of one of pest control device, to represent second state that is different from first state of corresponding insect pest sensing circuit.

All publications of in this specification, being quoted, patent and patent application are all incorporated by reference herein, just as each publication, patent or patent application all ad hoc and are individually indicated will intactly state incorporated by reference and in this article, include but not limited to: the U.S. Patent application No.10/103460 that on March 21st, 2002 submitted to, the U.S. Patent application No.09/925392 that submit to August 9 calendar year 2001, International Patent Application PCT/US00/26373 that on September 25th, 2000 submitted to, International Patent Application PCT/US99/16519 that on July 21st, 1999 submitted to, the U.S. Patent application No.09/669316 that on September 25th, 2000 submitted to, and the U.S. Patent application No.09/812302 that submits to March 20 calendar year 2001.In addition, any theory that this paper stated, the working mechanism of proposal or discovery all are to promote the understanding of the present invention for further, and are to limit the present invention in the working mechanism or discovery of these theories, proposal anything but.Although in accompanying drawing and above stated specification, the present invention is had been described in detail and describes; but should be considered as illustrative equally; and there is not restriction on the feature; should be appreciated that; only represent and selected embodiment be described that all changes, equivalent and the modification that realize are all protected in the of the present invention spiritual scope of appended claims regulation.

Claims (55)

1. system comprises:

Pest control device is comprising consuming or bait, insect pest sensing circuit that moves and the observation circuit that is coupled to described insect pest sensing circuit for one or more insects;

In described pest control device outside in order to optionally to apply the magnetic field sources in magnetic field to it; And

Wherein said observation circuit comprises that the described magnetic field of response is with the exciting bank of output about the status information of described insect pest sensing circuit.

2. the system as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, the form of described magnetic field sources is the rod that controlled by the operator.

3. the system as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, described pest control device be a plurality of pest control devices that respond described magnetic field sources respectively one of them.

4. the system as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, described pest control device comprises the visual detector device, comprising the first luminous configuration and the second luminous configuration different with the described first luminous configuration.

5. the system as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, described exciting bank comprises the magnetic switch by described field drives.

6. as each described system among the claim 1-5, it is characterized in that described bait comprises insecticide.

7. as each described system among the claim 1-5, it is characterized in that described bait is the monitoring type selected for one or more termites.

8. pest control device comprises:

Can consume or mobile bait for one or more insects;

Near the described bait insect pest sensing circuit;

The visual detector device;

Controller circuitry, but described insect pest sensing circuit and described device indicating are coupled in the place of working, described controller through programming with the described insect pest sensing circuit of automatic monitoring, detect the state variation of described insect pest sensing circuit and provide one or more signals corresponding to described state variation to described device indicating, described device indicating responds described one or more signal and becomes the second luminous configuration from the first luminous configuration; And

A kind of structure that can be used for encapsulating to small part described bait, described insect pest sensing circuit and described controller circuitry, described structure be through arranging, and makes at least a portion of described device indicating be positioned at the position of can the person of being operated seeing.

9. device as claimed in claim 8, it is characterized in that, described device indicating comprises two light-emitting components, and first described light-emitting component is lighted so that the described first luminous configuration to be provided, and second described light-emitting component lighted so that the described second luminous configuration to be provided.

10. device as claimed in claim 8 is characterized in that, the described first luminous configuration comprises the flicker pattern that illuminates of first described light-emitting component.

11., it is characterized in that described bait comprises insecticide as each described device among the claim 8-10.

12., it is characterized in that described bait is the monitoring type selected for one or more termites as each described device among the claim 8-10.

13. a pest control device comprises:

Can consume or mobile bait for one or more insects;

The insect pest sensing circuit;

Be coupled to the telecommunication circuit of described insect pest sensing circuit, described telecommunication circuit comprises and is used to trigger described telecommunication circuit to the exciting bank of the inquiry of described insect pest sensing circuit and provide the described inquiry of response and the indicating device of definite information about described insect pest sensing circuit; And

Can be used for locating the structure of described bait, described insect pest sensing circuit and described telecommunication circuit according to predetermined spatial relationship each other.

14. device as claimed in claim 13, it is characterized in that, described apparatus structure comprises the shell that encapsulates described supporting construction, described bait, described insect pest sensing circuit and described telecommunication circuit to small part, and described exciting bank and described indicating device are installed on the described shell.

15., it is characterized in that described exciting bank comprises switch as claim 13 or 14 described devices.

16., it is characterized in that institute reaches indicating device and comprises visual detector as claim 13 or 14 described devices.

17. as claim 13 or 14 described devices, it is characterized in that described exciting bank is a switch, described indicating device is a light emitting diode, and comprises transistor and the power supply that optionally is coupled by described switch.

18., it is characterized in that described insect pest sensing circuit comprises the consumption that is configured to by one or more insects or moves conductive loop on the substrate that changes as claim 13 or 14 described devices.

19., it is characterized in that described bait comprises insecticide as claim 13 or 14 described devices.

20., it is characterized in that described bait is the monitoring type selected for one or more termites as claim 13 or 14 described devices.

21. a system comprises a plurality of pest control devices, each pest control device comprises: can consume or mobile bait for one or more insects;

The circuit that comprises insect pest sensing circuit, exciting bank and indicating device, described exciting bank can be used for optionally encouraging described circuit according to operator's indication, and described indicating device can be used for responding described exciting bank to the excitation of described circuit and operator message about described insect pest sensing circuit is provided.

22. system as claimed in claim 21 is characterized in that also comprising the shell that encapsulates described bait and described circuit to small part.

23. the system as claimed in claim 22 is characterized in that, described exciting bank and described indicating device are installed on the described shell.

24. system as claimed in claim 21 is characterized in that, described insect pest sensing circuit is contained on the substrate that can be used for optionally being connected with described circuit and disconnect.

25., it is characterized in that described exciting bank comprises switch as each described system among the claim 21-24.

As each described system among the claim 21-24, it is characterized in that 26, institute reaches indicating device and comprises visual detector.

27. as each described system among the claim 21-24, it is characterized in that described exciting bank is a switch, described indicating device is a light emitting diode, and comprises transistor and the power supply that optionally is coupled by described switch.

28., it is characterized in that described insect pest sensing circuit comprises the consumption that is configured to by one or more insects or moves conductive loop on the substrate that changes as each described system among the claim 21-24.

29., it is characterized in that described bait comprises insecticide as each described system among the claim 21-24.

30., it is characterized in that described bait is the monitoring type selected for one or more termites as each described system among the claim 21-24.

31. a method comprises:

Pest control device is installed, and described pest control device comprises bait, insect pest sensing member and the observation circuit of monitoring the state of described insect pest sensing member;

Magnetic field is applied to described pest control device to encourage the operation of described observation circuit; And

Described the applying of response and provide information about described insect pest sensing member from described observation circuit.

32. method as claimed in claim 31 is characterized in that, described pest control device also comprises the encapsulation of packing described bait and described insect pest sensing member and described observation circuit to small part; And described observation circuit comprises the device that responds described magnetic field and operate described observation circuit.

33. method as claimed in claim 31 is characterized in that, described applying is to utilize the magnetic field sources of described pest control device outside to carry out.

34. method as claimed in claim 33 is characterized in that, the described rod that comprises having described magnetic field sources that applies is placed near the described pest control device.

35. a method comprises:

Operate a plurality of pest control devices, each pest control device comprises the corresponding bait that is used for one or more insects, corresponding insect pest sensing circuit, corresponding visual detector device and corresponding controller circuit; And

Described corresponding visual detector device according to the device of regular changing pattern from described pest control device provides light, with a kind of state of the corresponding insect pest sensing circuit of representing the described device in the described pest control device.

36. method as claimed in claim 35 is characterized in that comprising:

Detect the state variation of described corresponding insect pest sensing circuit with the corresponding controllers circuit of the described device in the described pest control device;

Respond described state variation, adjust one or more output signals from the described corresponding controllers circuit of the described device in the described pest control device; And

Respond described one or more output signal the visual indication that provides with corresponding visual detector device is provided.

37. method as claimed in claim 36, it is characterized in that, a described state is corresponding to the state of described corresponding insect pest sensing circuit before described detection, only first color of sending during described providing, described variation comprises the light that sends second color different with described first color another state with the described corresponding insect pest sensing circuit of representing the described device in the described pest control device.

38. method as claimed in claim 37 is characterized in that, described regular changing pattern comprises with the glimmer light of described first color of described visual detector device repeatedly, and the described luminous light that comprises described second color of glimmering repeatedly.

39. method as claimed in claim 35, it is characterized in that, described providing is included in the light-emitting device that changes described visual detector device between conducting state and the off-state, thereby provide the flicker form of described regular changing pattern, and a described state detects pest activity corresponding to the corresponding insect pest sensing circuit with one of described pest control device.

40. method as claimed in claim 35 is characterized in that, described regular changing pattern is included in and changes described light intensity between two non-zero grades.

41. as each described method among the claim 35-40, it is characterized in that described installation comprises by utilizing connector that described corresponding controllers is coupled to the described corresponding controllers circuit that described corresponding insect pest sensing circuit encourages each described insect pest sensing circuit.

42., it is characterized in that described insect pest sensing circuit comprises the conductive loop that is configured to by on the substrate that one or more insects consume or displacement changes as each described method among the claim 35-40.

43., it is characterized in that comprising that light that regular flicker sends from another described pest control device is to represent the predefine state of described corresponding insect pest sensing circuit as each described method among the claim 35-40.

44. as each described method among the claim 35-40, it is characterized in that, described detection comprise determine by one or more insects progressively consume or be shifted and cause change the transformation of degree to second of described insect pest sensing circuit from the first change degree of described insect pest sensing circuit.

45., it is characterized in that the described corresponding bait of one of described pest control device comprises insecticide as each described method among the claim 35-40.

46., it is characterized in that the described corresponding bait of one of described pest control device is the bait of the monitoring type selected for one or more termites as each described method among the claim 35-40.

47. a method comprises:

A plurality of pest control devices are installed, and each pest control device comprises the corresponding bait that is used for one or more insects, corresponding insect pest sensing circuit, corresponding visual detector device and corresponding controller circuit;

Send the light of first color from the described respective indicator device of one of described pest control device, to represent first state of described corresponding insect pest sensing circuit;

With the described corresponding control circuit of the described device in the described pest control device detect reach the state variation of corresponding insect pest sensing circuit;

Respond described state variation adjustment from the described pest control device reach one or more output signals of the described corresponding controllers circuit of a device; And

The described corresponding visual detector device of the described device from described pest control device sends the light of second color that is different from described first color, to represent second state of described corresponding insect pest sensing circuit.

Described second color is red 48. method as claimed in claim 47 is characterized in that, described first color is green.

49. method as claimed in claim 47 is characterized in that comprising wherein at least a of light of the light of described first color and described second color of glimmering.

50. as each described method among the claim 47-49, it is characterized in that described installation comprises by utilizing connector that described corresponding controllers is coupled to the described corresponding controllers circuit that described corresponding insect pest sensing circuit encourages each described insect pest sensing circuit.

51., it is characterized in that described insect pest sensing circuit comprises the conductive loop that is configured to by on the substrate that one or more insects consume or displacement changes as each described method among the claim 47-49.

52. as each described method among the claim 47-49, it is characterized in that, described detection comprise determine by one or more insects progressively consume or be shifted and cause change the transformation of degree to second of described insect pest sensing circuit from the first change degree of described insect pest sensing circuit.

53., it is characterized in that comprising that light that regular flicker sends from another described pest control device is to represent the predefine state of described corresponding insect pest sensing circuit as each described method among the claim 47-49.

54., it is characterized in that the described corresponding bait of one of described pest control device comprises insecticide as each described method among the claim 47-49.

55., it is characterized in that the described corresponding bait of one of described pest control device is the bait of the monitoring type selected for one or more termites as each described method among the claim 47-49.

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