FR3120494A1 - BEE COUNTING DEVICE - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a bee counting device (20) which comprises at least one arch (30) defining an entry and exit channel of a hive (10), said at least one arch (30) having a width suitable for the passage of a single bee at a time in a section of the channel and comprising at least one means for emitting pulsed light and two means for detecting pulsed light. Figure for abstract: Fig.1

Description

BEE COUNTING DEVICE

Field of invention

The invention relates to the field of controlling the activity of bee colonies in a hive. More specifically, the invention relates to the field of devices for counting bees entering and leaving a hive.

State of the art

Bee mortality, which has increased sharply in recent years, has become a subject of public concern. Populations are subject to many changes, pathologies, environmental changes and economic pressures are all factors that modify beekeeping practices. In addition, the appearance of new predators such as Asian hornets in our ecosystem further weakens bee populations in Europe.

In this context, an observation of the traffic of foraging bees at the entrance of a hive is a good indicator of the strength of the colony and its ability to exploit food resources. Observing the traffic of foragers entering and leaving the hive is within everyone's reach. But the exhaustive count of the entrances or exits of the foragers from dawn to dusk is an impossible task for the human eye and brain. This is why the first hives equipped with an automatic recording device concern those equipped with a bee counter. The construction and use of an electromechanical bee counter leaving the hive is reported for the first time at the beginning of the twentieth century. A hive has ten entry and exit channels for the bees. On each of the ten channels leading to the outside of the hive is a rocking system which establishes electrical contact each time the bee leaves. The succession of contacts, and therefore of outputs, is recorded on a strip of paper. In the 1950s, a purely mechanical device was developed, in which each passage of the bee activated a rocker which caused a drop of water to fall, causing a level to materialize the cumulative number of passages to rise. Such solutions remain difficult to implement, and remain rather imprecise.

Subsequently, many solutions have been proposed for counting bees entering and leaving hives, including photoelectric hive counting devices to monitor the number of bees leaving and entering.

In the early 1990s, meter designers focused their efforts on the development of electronic recordings associated with a computer interface allowing more efficient data processing. These emphasize the new possibilities of transferring and processing data from their devices.

These recordings are based beforehand on the manual identification of individuals and are therefore limited to a few cohorts of bees. However, the emergence of new technologies on image acquisition and analysis has opened up opportunities and prospects for monitoring bee colonies. Thus, bee counters have been developed allowing continuous counting of the number of entries and exits of bees at the scale of the colony.

Such solutions nevertheless pose a number of problems when applied in a context of bee counting applied to the specifications of a beekeeper. Firstly, these solutions involve a certain inaccuracy, due to the fact that several bees can simultaneously activate infrared sensors, the device being able to register the passage of only one bee when two bees pass simultaneously. Similarly, such devices do not make it possible to know the direction of passage of a bee. It is therefore complicated to know, for example, the number of bees that are outside the hive at a given time. In addition, raw data on bee traffic, without indication of the direction of passage, does not make it possible to estimate the mortality of bees outside the hive. It can also be noted that some bees can enter the exit channel of the hive before turning around. In this case, a bee will be counted as having passed through the channel when it has not left the hive. Finally, the implementation of a solution comprising several infrared emitters coupled to several infrared sensors consumes enough energy for it to be necessary to regularly recharge a battery or change the batteries of the device. The devices of the prior art therefore entail an increase in operations to be carried out for beekeepers.

The bee counting device according to the invention makes it possible to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks.

According to one aspect, the invention relates to a device for counting bees which comprises at least one arch defining an entry and exit channel of a hive, said at least one arch having a width suitable for the passage of a single bee at a time in a section of the channel and comprising:
- At least one pulsed light emission means located on an inner wall of the arch, said emission means being capable of emitting pulsed light into the channel;
- at least two pulsed light detection means on the wall, a first detection means being arranged at the channel input, a second detection means being arranged at the channel output, each detection means comprising a sensor for acquiring the signals emitted by the emission means and reflected by at least one bee, the counting device further comprising a computer for analyzing data extracted from said signals from each of the detection means to generate data for counting the number of bees entering or outgoing through the channel.

The counting device according to the invention allows efficient and precise counting of the number of bees. Indeed, each arch comprising two sensors at the entrance and exit of the channel, it is possible to know the direction of travel of the bee by determining which sensor was activated first. We therefore know when we count a bee if it enters or leaves the hive. Moreover, if a bee turns around in the middle of the channel (and therefore does not leave the hive if it was already inside, or does not return if it comes from outside), this one will not be counted. Finally, the arch only allowing the passage of one bee at a time, a bee cannot leave or return to the hive without having been counted, because it was hidden from the sensor by another bee. All of these characteristics allow a precise measurement of the activity of the hive, and to know the number of bees which are outside of it at a given moment.

The counting device according to the invention also allows thanks to the use of pulsed light an energy saving limiting the maintenance operations for a beekeeper.

According to one aspect, the device comprises at least two arches, preferably sixteen. An increase in the number of arches allows more bees to enter and leave through the counting device.

According to one aspect, the counting device comprises at least one ventilation opening, said opening not allowing the passage of bees. This arrangement allows aeration of the hive on which the device is installed.

In one aspect, the or each aperture extends parallel to the arch channel. This arrangement of the ventilation openings is an arrangement allowing to have a short ventilation opening. In this way, ventilation is more efficient.

According to one aspect, the device comprises a ventilation opening between each arch. The alternation of ventilation openings and arches allows effective ventilation of the hive.

In one aspect, the inner wall of the arch is black in color. The color black is a color that absorbs light very well, in particular the pulsed light emitted by the means of emission. This arrangement therefore makes it possible to avoid reflection of the pulsed light on the wall of the arch, and therefore to prevent accidental detection when there is no bee in the channel.

According to one aspect, the counting device is removable and includes means for fixing to an entrance of a hive. This arrangement allows rapid attachment of the counting device to a hive. It also makes it very easy to uninstall the counting device from the hive.

According to one aspect, the distance between the first detection means and the second detection means is greater than 2 centimeters, and preferably less than 4 centimeters. This distance between the two detection means makes it possible to confirm a passage of a bee in front of the first and second means and makes it possible to avoid counting a bee inserting itself into the channel and being detected by a detection means without being detected by the other.

According to one aspect, the pulsed light emitted by the pulsed light emission means has a wavelength in the infrared range. The infrared domain is a very practical domain for carrying out detection.

According to one aspect, the counting data is extracted by the computer from the data histograms of the pulsed light detection means. This feature is used to extract counting data from the histogram.

According to one aspect, the computer detects the passage of a bee by detecting an amplitude front in the data histograms of the light detection means. This characteristic makes it possible to detect the passage of a bee by looking at the amplitude fronts. Such a type of detection is simple to implement and requires little computing power.

According to one aspect, the computer determines the direction of passage of a bee by comparing the instant of detection of the amplitude edges of the first detection means and of the second detection means. This characteristic makes it possible to determine the direction of passage of a bee in the canal.

According to one aspect, over a given period of time, the pulsed light detection and emission means are electrically powered over a portion of this period, and are not electrically powered over the remaining portion of the period. This arrangement makes it possible to save electrical energy on the supply of the counting device.

According to one aspect, the computer comprises a communication interface and is configured to send the counting data to a remote entity by means of the communication interface. This characteristic makes it possible to communicate the metering data to a remote entity. A user can therefore check the counting data without physically going to the hive site.

The invention also relates to a hive which comprises at least one device for counting bees as described previously.

According to one aspect, the hive comprises at least one solar panel capable of electrically powering the bee counting device. This feature allows an independent power supply of the hive counting device.

The invention also relates to a method for counting bees which comprises the steps of:
- emission of pulsed light in at least one channel formed by an arch having a size suitable for the passage of a single bee at a time;
- reflection of said pulsed light by a bee present in the channel;
- detection of the pulsed light reflected by the bee by a first detection means located at the channel input or a second detection means located at the channel output;
- sending a detection signal from the first detection means or from the second detection means to a computer;
- storage in a memory of the computer of data relating to the detection signal comprising an identification of the means of detection and a date of detection; and
- Extraction by the computer of data counting the number of bees as a function of several data relating to the detection signal coming from the first detection means and from the second detection means.

The method for counting bees according to the invention allows efficient and precise counting of the number of bees. Indeed, each arch comprising two sensors at the entrance and exit of the channel, it is possible to know the direction of travel of the bee by determining which sensor was activated first. We therefore know when we count a bee if it enters or leaves the hive. Moreover, if a bee turns around in the middle of the channel (and therefore does not leave the hive if it was already inside, or does not return if it comes from outside), this one will not be counted. Finally, the arch only allowing the passage of one bee at a time, a bee cannot leave or return to the hive without having been counted, because it was hidden from the sensor by another bee. All of these characteristics allow a precise measurement of the activity of the hive, and to know the number of bees which are outside of it at a given moment.

The counting method according to the invention also allows thanks to the use of pulsed light an energy saving limiting the maintenance operations for a beekeeper.

According to one aspect, the counting method according to the invention comprises a step of sending the data counting the number of bees to a remote server by means of a communication interface. This characteristic allows remote consultation of the counting data produced by the method.

According to one aspect, the counting method according to the invention comprises a step of comparing the counting datum with a threshold, and the sending of an alert datum in the event of the threshold being exceeded. This characteristic allows the detection of a swarming in the hive and to warn a user of the occurrence of the swarming.

Brief description of figures

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent on reading the following detailed description, with reference to the appended figures, which illustrate:

: a front view of a hive comprising a counting device according to the invention;

: a view following section AA of the an arch of the counting device according to the invention;

: a view following a BB section of the an arch of the counting device according to the invention;

: a diagram illustrating the process of generation and communication of counting data.

Description of the invention

The represents a hive 10 comprising a bee counting device 20 according to the invention. The shows a partial sectional view of the hive 10 of the according to plan AA. The represents a sectional view of the counting device 20 according to the plane BB represented in .

Hive 10 is a habitat for 90 bees in which a colony of 90 bees lives and produces honey.

The hive 10 has four outer walls, including a front outer wall 16 in which an entrance is provided. The entrance to the hive typically has a generally substantially rectangular shape and is where bees 90 enter and exit hive 10.

During the day, the foraging bees 90 come out through this entrance and go back and forth between the hive 10 and the flowers they forage, to bring pollen back to the hive 10.

The hive 10 includes a take-off board 18. The take-off board 18 is placed opposite the entrance to the hive 10, outside the latter. The take-off board 18 is the place where the 90 bees take off on leaving the hive 10. It is also a place on which the 90 bees returning to the hive 10 land before re-entering it. .

The hive 10 includes a bee counting device 20 according to the invention. The counting device 10 is installed on the entrance of the hive 10. The counting device 10 occupies the entire space of the entrance to the hive 10. In this way, the bees 90 which try to enter or leave of the hive 10 must pass through the counting device 20. The characteristics described below relate both to the counting device 20 according to the invention and to the method for counting bees according to the invention. This process is illustrated by the , which represents it schematically.

The counting device 20 according to the invention comprises at least one arch 30. In the case shown, the counting device 20 comprises eight arches 30, but any number of arches 30 can be envisaged by those skilled in the art. One can for example have a single arch 30 on the counting device 20. One can also provide a counting device with two, three, four, five, six or even seven arches 30. One can also provide a number of arches 30 higher, for example sixteen, or much more. By arch 30 is meant a conduit of cylindrical or substantially cylindrical shape. The counting device 30 forms a wall 22 which occupies the space of the entrance to the hive 10. The arch(es) 30 pass through the wall 22 of the counting device 20 substantially perpendicular or perpendicular to said wall 22.

The arch 30 is substantially perpendicular or perpendicular to the front wall 12 of the hive 10.

Each arch 30 defines a channel 32 for entering and leaving the hive 10. The channel 32 defined by the arch 30 only allows the passage of a single bee 90 at a time. In other words, the cross section of the channel 32 has a width and a height which are less than the width and the height occupied by two bees 90 abreast. In this way, bees 90 wishing to enter or exit through channel 32 cannot do so head-on. They must arrange themselves in single file if they wish to enter or leave the hive 10. The channel 32 comprises an entrance 33a located on the side of the interior of the hive 10. The channel 32 comprises an exit 33b located on the side of the exterior of the hive 10.

The arch 30 has an inner wall 34. The inner wall 34 delimits the channel 32. In other words, the inner wall 34 is the wall delimiting the free space of the channel 32.

The arch 30 comprises at least one means 42 for emitting pulsed light. Pulsed light means an electromagnetic wave emitted intermittently. The electromagnetic wave in question has a wavelength belonging to the visible light, infrared or ultraviolet domains. In the case shown in Figures 1 and 2, the arch 30 comprises two pulsed light emission means 42.

The pulsed light emitting means 42 are arranged on the inner wall 34 of the arch 30. In other words, the inner wall 34 of the arch 30 comprises the light emitting means or means pulsed 42.

These pulsed light emitting means 42 are arranged at the inlet 33a of the channel 32 and at the outlet 33b of the channel 32. More specifically, a first pulsed light emitting means 42 is located close to the inlet 33a of channel 32, in channel 32. In the same way, a second pulsed light emission means 42 is located near the exit 33b of channel 32, in channel 32.

Arch 30 includes at least two pulsed light detection means 44. Alternatively, arch 30 may include a greater number of pulsed light detection means 44, for example three, four, or even five.

The pulsed light detection means 44 are arranged on the inner wall 34 of the arch 30. In other words, the inner wall 34 of the arch 30 comprises the pulsed light detection means 44.

By pulsed light detection means 44 is meant a device configured to pick up light and restore a signal as a function of the light picked up.

These pulsed light detection means 44 are arranged at the input 33a of the channel 32 and at the output 33b of the channel 32. More specifically, a first pulsed light detection means 44 is located close to the input 33a of channel 32, in channel 32. In the same way, a second pulsed light detection means 44 is located near the exit 33b of channel 32, in channel 32.

Each pulsed light detection means 44 comprises a sensor for acquiring the signals emitted by the pulsed light emission means 42 and reflected by a bee 90.

For example, the sensors of the pulsed light detection means 44 can be photodetectors, for example photodiodes. Alternatively or additionally, pulsed light detection means 44 may be thermodetectors.

According to the embodiment presented in , each detection means 44 is grouped together in a detection cell 40 with an emission means 42. Thus, the emission means 42 is grouped together with the detection means 44 which detects the light emitted by the emission means 42 and reflected by the bee 90 in the channel 32. Thus, the means for emitting the pulsed light 42 and the means for detecting the pulsed light 44 are arranged in an adequate manner for their proper operation together.

According to one arrangement, each detection means 44 is located on the ceiling of the channel 32 of the arch 30. Alternatively, the detection means 44 are located on a side wall of the channel 32.

According to one arrangement, each pulsed light emission means 42 is located on the ceiling of the channel 32 of the arch 30. Alternatively, the emission means 42 are located on the side wall of the channel 32.

The bee counting device 20 comprises a computer 50. The computer 50 is configured to analyze data extracted from the signals of the detection means 44 to generate data for counting the number of bees 90 entering and leaving via channel 32. In other words, the computer collects the signals from the sensors of the pulsed light detection means 44. It analyzes these signals and determines counting data for the number of bees 90 leaving and entering through the channel 32. For this To do so, it compares the signal from the first pulsed light detection means 44 and the signal from the second pulsed light detection means 44.

In this way, if the first pulsed light detection means detects a bee 90, and if the second pulsed light detection means 44 subsequently detects a bee 90, then the computer counts the output of a bee 90 of the hive 10. Similarly, if the second pulsed light detection means 44 detects a bee 90, and if the first pulsed light detection means 44 subsequently detects a bee 90, then the computer counts the exit of a bee 90 from the hive 10.

The computer generates counting data making it possible to know the flows of incoming and outgoing bees 90 per arch 30. Thus, by performing the same operation with the detectors of each arch 30 of the counting device 20, the computer can extract data from counting of incoming and outgoing bees from the counting device 20, and therefore from the hive 10.

We will now describe the operation of the bee counting device 20 according to the invention.

We recall that the hive 10 is a habitat for a colony of bees 90. The hive 10 has an interior space 12, in which the colony of bees shelters and produces honey. During the day, the foraging bees 90 go back and forth between the interior space 12 of the hive 10 and an exterior space 14 at the hive 10 to fetch pollen.

When a bee 90 tries to leave the hive 10 or to enter it, it must pass through the counting device 20 which occupies the space at the entrance to the hive 10.

To do this, the bee 90 must pass through one of the arches 30 and therefore be counted.

In the channel 32 formed by the arch 30, the pulsed light emitting means 42 emit pulsed light in the channel 32. This pulsed light is preferentially emitted perpendicular to the channel 32. In other words, the pulsed light is emitted transversely in channel 32. In the absence of a bee 90 in channel 32, the pulsed light rays RL are not reflected, and the pulsed light detection means are not activated.

When a bee 90 enters the channel 32 to leave the hive 10, it reflects the pulsed light emitted in the channel 32 near the entrance 33a of the channel 32, the reflected pulsed light reaches the first detection means of the pulsed light 44. Subsequently, when the bee 90 passes near the exit 33b of the channel 32, it reflects the pulsed light emitted in the channel 32 near the exit 33b of the channel 32, and the reflected pulsed light reaches the first pulsed light detection means 44. Thus, each of the sensors of the first and second pulsed light detection means 44 detects the passage of the bee 90 in the channel. In this way, the counting of bees is improved by preventing the counting of bees 90 having entered the channel 32 before emerging from the end of the channel by which they entered, the counting of an outgoing or incoming bee requiring detection by two detection means.

Alternatively, the ache 30 comprises only one pulsed light emission means 42. According to this alternative, the single emission means 42 is preferably located between the two detection means 42. The means of emission 42 is configured to emit pulsed light which, reflected by a bee 90 close to the entrance 33a of the arch 30, reaches the first detection means 44. In the same way, the emission means 42 is configured to emit pulsed light which, reflected by a bee 90 close to the exit 33b of the arch 30, reaches the second detection means 44. This emission means 42 can for example be a source of diffuse pulsed light extended between the first and the second detection means 44.

The sensors of the pulsed light detection means 44 are connected to the computer 50. The computer 50 collects physical data from the pulsed light detection means 44. The physical data indicates whether a light ray of pulsed light RL has reached the pulsed light detection means 44.

The computer 50 then analyzes the physical data from each pulsed light detection means and extracts the bee count data 90. To do this, it looks at the date of occurrence of the detection of each of the detection means 44, and deduces therefrom a direction of passage of the bee 90 in the arch 30, as well as a number of passages.

The counting device 20 according to the invention therefore advantageously makes it possible to know at any time, and with precision, the number of bees 90 which are outside the hive 10. This data is very useful, because it makes it possible to know and analyze the activity of the hive 10. In the same way, it allows, by knowing the initial population of bees 90 in the hive 10, to know the number of bees 90 present in it at different times of the daytime. The counting device according to the invention also makes it possible to know the daily mortality rate at the level of the hive 10 by comparing the number of bees 90 leaving during the day with the number of bees entering the hive during the day. This data is very useful for beekeepers insofar as the mortality rate of bees 90 has increased sharply in recent years, in particular due to the increasing use of pesticides, but also due to the appearance of new predators. such as Asian hornets.

The counting device 20 according to the invention also makes it possible, thanks to the use of pulsed light, to reduce the electrical consumption of the counting device 20. In this way, the beekeeper can use power sources of the device 20 more light and less powerful, which facilitates the installation and maintenance of said counting device 20.

Wall and arches

Advantageously, the counting device 20 according to the invention comprises at least two arches 30. This arrangement allows a greater flow of bees 90 to pass through the counting device 20. Thus, it does not disturb the activity of the hive 10. A larger number of arches 30 can be provided in the counting device 20, for example three, four, five, six, seven, or even eight. According to one embodiment, the counting device 20 comprises sixteen arches 30. The use of sixteen arches 30 per counting device 20 is particularly advantageous, because it makes it possible not to disturb the activity of the hive 10 by allowing a passage of a stream of bees 90, both in the direction of entry into the hive 10 and in the direction of exit from the hive 10. A greater number of arches 30 can also be provided in the counting device.

Advantageously, the counting device 20 according to the invention comprises at least one ventilation opening 36. The ventilation opening 36 has a dimension which does not allow the passage of a bee 90. In other words, the The vent opening 36 is too small for a bee 90 to pass through. The presence of the ventilation opening 36 in the counting device 20 allows good ventilation of the hive 10 allowing a renewal of the air in the latter. This arrangement is particularly advantageous, because the counting device 20 occupies the space of the entrance to the hive 10. The ventilation opening 36 therefore allows good ventilation despite the fact that the entrance to the hive 10 is occupied. by the counting device 20. The ventilation opening does not allow the passage of a bee 90, the latter therefore does not disturb the counting by not allowing the passage of bees 90 by another path than by the arches 30.

The counting device 20 may comprise a larger number of ventilation openings 36, for example two, three, four, five, six or else seven. A much higher number of ventilation openings 36 may also be provided, for example fifteen or even twenty. The number of ventilation openings is not limited. This arrangement makes it possible to further improve the ventilation of the hive 10. In addition, a plurality of ventilation openings 36 makes it possible to have both a flow of air entering the hive 10 through a ventilation opening 36 and a flow of air leaving the hive 10 through another ventilation opening 36. Thus, the circulation of air between the interior space 12 thereof and the exterior space 14 is improved.

Advantageously, the ventilation opening 36, or each of the ventilation openings extends parallel to the channel 32 formed by the arch 30. This arrangement allows good occupation of the space occupied by the counting device 20. In addition, the channel 32 being perpendicular to the wall 22 of the counting device 20, the ventilation opening 36 is also parallel to this wall 22. This arrangement makes it possible to have a ventilation opening which passes through the wall 22 of the counting device 20 in the most direct way, which makes it possible to improve the efficiency of the aeration.

Advantageously, the counting device 20 comprises a ventilation opening 36 between each arch 30. According to this characteristic, there is an alternation of arches 30 and ventilation openings 36. This characteristic is shown on the . This arrangement makes it possible to have ventilation openings 36 over the entire length of the counting device 30. Thus, the ventilation is distributed over the entire counting device 20 and is therefore improved.

It is also possible to provide ventilation openings 36 in other places of the counting device 20. It is also possible to provide one or more ventilation openings 36 on other parts of the hive 10. ventilation holes 36 on the side walls, the front wall 16 and/or the rear wall of the hive 10.

Advantageously, the inner wall 34 of the arch 30 is black in color. By black color is meant a dark color, preferably very close to black. A black color of the inner wall 34 of the arch 30 allows said inner wall 34 to absorb a lot of light. In other words, a light ray RL which arrives on the inner wall 34 will be largely absorbed, and very little reflected. This arrangement prevents the pulsed light emitted by the pulsed light emission means 42 from being reflected by the inner wall 34 of the arch 30, and reaching a pulsed light detection means 44. Thus , this arrangement makes it possible to avoid detection of a bee 90 when there is no bee 90 in the channel 32. Thus, the precision of the counting carried out by the counting device 20 is improved.

The counting device 20 is preferably removable. By "removable", it is meant that the counting device 20 can be fixed to an entrance of a hive 10 and that the latter can be detached easily, for example by means of a clip or a quick fastener. In the same way, it is easily removable from an entrance of the hive 10. This arrangement allows an easy installation of a counting device 20 on a hive 10. In addition, one can easily put the counting device alternatively on several different hives. For example, one can observe the activity of a hive for one week, then install the counting device 10 on another hive the following week.

The counting device 10 comprises means for fixing to an entrance of a hive 10. For example, the fixing means can be screws cooperating with tapped holes of the entrance of the hive 10. It is also possible to provide one or several clips on the counting device 20 which cooperate with one or more shoulders of the front wall 12 of the hive 10. It is also possible to provide a fastening system comprising staples and/or nails.

It is also possible to provide a counting device 20 which is integrated into the front wall 20 of the hive 10. According to this arrangement, the counting device 20 is included in the front wall 12 of the hive 10. the arches directly into the front wall 12 of hive 10.

Means of emission and means of detection

Advantageously, the first pulsed light detection means 44 and the second pulsed light detection means 44 are separated by a distance of at least 2 centimeters. The first and second pulsed light detection means 44 are thus far enough apart to allow good precision in the detection of the direction of passage of the bee 90. In addition, a sufficient distance between the two detection means 44 makes it possible to prevent the fact that an oblique reflection by a bee (for example if the RL ray arrives on a surface of the bee which is oriented in the direction of a means of detection opposite which the bee is not) of the ray of pulsed light RL arrives at the wrong detection means 44. Thus, it is certain that the ray RL reflected by a bee 90 reaches the detection means 44 in front of which the bee 90 is located. Preferably, the first and second detection means 44 are separated by a distance of 4 centimeters. This arrangement further improves detection.

Preferably, the pulsed light emitted by the pulsed light emission means 42 has a main wavelength which is included in the infrared range. In other words, the wavelength in vacuum of the light emitted by the emission means 42 is between 700 nanometers and 1 centimeter. Infrared light represents a particularly practical, effective and discreet solution for implementing detection by reflection. Alternatively, visible light can be used for the emission means 42.

Alternatively or additionally, a pulsed light emission means 42 can be provided at the input 33a of the channel 32, outside the channel. It is also possible to provide a means of detecting the pulsed light 44 at the entrance to the channel 32, outside the channel 32. This arrangement makes it possible to place the transmitter and the detector in a place where the bees 90 must pass to enter or leave. from hive 10 but out of the channel. This arrangement can be particularly advantageous if it is difficult to place the transmission means and the detection means in the channel 32 due to lack of space.

Alternatively or additionally, a pulsed light emission means 42 can be provided at the output 33b of the channel 32, outside the channel. It is also possible to provide a means of detecting the pulsed light 44 at the exit 33b of the channel 32, outside the channel 32. This arrangement makes it possible to place the transmitter and the detector in a place where the bees 90 must pass to enter or leave. from hive 10 but out of the channel. This arrangement can be particularly advantageous if it is difficult to place the transmission means and the detection means in the channel 32 due to lack of space.

Calculator

The computer 50 extracts the count data from histograms of the signals from the pulsed light detection means 44. The signal from a detection means 44 varies depending on whether or not pulsed light reflected by a bee 90 has been detected. in front of said detection means 44. Thus, the histogram of the signal from the detection means makes it possible to identify the moment when a bee 90 passes in front of said detection means 44. The computer 50 can therefore extract the count data by comparing the histograms of the two detection means 44 of an arch 30.

The computer 50 by detecting an amplitude front in the histograms of the signals of the detection means 44. The detection of the amplitude front makes it possible to highlight the appearance of the detection of the bee 90 by a detection means 44 Advantageously, the computer 50 compares the time of occurrence of an amplitude edge in the signal from the first detection means 44 and the time of occurrence of an amplitude edge in the signal from the second detection means 44. This comparison makes it possible to determine the direction of movement of the bee 90 in the arch 30. The computer therefore determines whether the bee 90 is leaving or entering the hive 10. In the same way, if an amplitude front of the signal of one of the detection means and detected without an edge of the other detection means being detected subsequently, then no entry or exit of a bee is counted in the counting datum. This way, if a 90 bee backs into the ark, then it is not counted. This arrangement improves counting accuracy.

According to one aspect, the pulsed light detection means are electrically powered intermittently. This arrangement makes it possible to reduce the electricity consumption of the counting device 20. Intermittent power supply means an electric power supply which, over a given period of time, electrically supplies the detection means 44 only over a portion of the given period of time.

According to one aspect, all the pulsed light emission means 42 and all the pulsed light detection means 42 of the same arch 30 are powered intermittently. According to one aspect, all the pulsed light emission means 42 and all the pulsed light detection means 42 of the same arch 30 are powered intermittently over the same portion of a given period of time. According to this arrangement, the transmission means 42 and the detection means are electrically powered at the same time. Therefore, when an emission means 42 emits pulsed light, the detection means 44 which is arranged to detect the ray reflected by a bee 90 and coming from the emission means 42 is also electrically powered. It can therefore detect this ray. Similarly, when the transmission means is not powered, the detection means 44 is not powered either. Thus, there is a good use of the electrical energy which makes it possible to optimize the electrical consumption of the counting device 20.

According to one aspect, the transmitting means 42 and the receiving means 44 are electrically powered one fifth of the time of a given period of time.

According to one aspect, this given period of time is less than the time necessary for the bee 90 to pass completely in front of a detection means 44. Typically, a given period of time of less than twenty milliseconds allows several given periods of time to pass during the passage of a bee 90 in front of a detection means 44. Thus, it is certain that a bee 90 does not have time to pass when the detection means is not electrically powered. This arrangement prevents a bee 90 from passing undetected.

According to one aspect, when the counting device 20 comprises eight arches 30, organized in groups of two arches 30. The groups of two arches 30 are each fed intermittently. In this case, the given time period can be divided into five time portions. The transmission means 42 and the detection means 44 of the two arches 30 of the first group are powered over the first fifth of the time period. The transmission means 42 and the detection means 44 of the two arches 30 of the second group are powered over the second fifth of the time period. The transmission means 42 and the detection means 44 of the two arches 30 of the third group are powered over the third fifth of the time period. The transmission means 42 and the detection means 44 of the two arches 30 of the fourth group are powered over the fourth fifth of the time period. Advantageously, during the fifth fifth of the time period, a synchronization task is carried out.

According to one arrangement, the computer includes a microcontroller. A microcontroller represents an efficient, inexpensive and low electrical energy consumer to perform the functions of the computer.

According to one arrangement, the computer 50 electrically supplies the transmission means 42 and the detection means 44.

According to one arrangement, the signals coming from the pulsed light detection means 44 can take on a value comprised between a reference voltage and a ground voltage value. The value taken by the signal from the detection means depends on whether or not a reflected light ray has been detected.

According to one embodiment, the signals from each detection means 44 are picked up by a binary input of the computer 50. The binary input of the computer 50 assigns a digital value “1” when the signal voltage passes a threshold, and a numerical value “0” otherwise. Each time the digital value takes a value "1", the computer increments by a step of 1 the value of a digital variable associated with the detection means. At the end of the given time period, the number of increments corresponds to the value of said digital variable over the given time period. The storage of each numerical value over each period makes it possible to obtain a histogram for each pulsed light detection means 44.

According to one arrangement, the computer 50 performs processing on the histograms of the two detection means 44. The computer 50 temporally shifts the signal coming from the detection means 44 located close to the output 33b. The value of the shift is close to the average time necessary for a bee 90 to cross the distance separating the two detection means 44. Typically, the average crossing time of a bee 90 is from one to three seconds. Thus, the histograms of the signals from the first detection means 44 and from the second detection means 44 are superimposed at the level of the detection of the bee 90. According to one arrangement, the signal from the first detection means and the offset signal from the second means of detection are multiplied. The multiplication of the two signals is a means advantageously making it possible to amplify the areas of the histograms comprising detections and to cancel the areas of the histograms which do not comprise any detection. Thus, detection of an edge on the histogram resulting from the multiplication of the histograms of the first and second detection means 44 makes it possible to detect the passage of a bee 90. The direction of the offset of the histogram of the second detection means 44 makes it possible to know the direction of passage of the bee in the channel 32.

According to one aspect, the computer includes a communication interface 60. The communication interface 60 is a device capable of receiving and sending information over a communication network. For example, the communication interface is configured to send data via an internet telecommunications network. In other words, it is configured to make metering data available on the Internet. The communication interface can for example be configured to send data via a telephone, wired or wireless network.

According to one aspect, the communication interface 60 sends the counting data of the counting device 20 to a remote server 70. In this way, the counting data of the hive 10 is available for a remote user. Advantageously, the data for counting the number of bees is available in real time for the user. In this way, the remote user 70 can, by checking the count data, know if an operation must be carried out on the hive 10.

According to one aspect, when the counting datum exceeds a threshold value, then an alert datum is sent to the remote server 70. This arrangement is particularly advantageous for detecting swarming. A swarming is characterized by a very large number of 90 bee exits from the 10 hive. The alert data can warn the remote user that a swarming is in progress, allowing him to take the necessary measures directly. Alternatively or additionally, the crossing of the threshold can be determined by the remote server 70, which itself generates the alert data.

According to one arrangement, the remote server 70 sends the alert data to the remote user. For example, the remote server sends a warning email to the user, an SMS (Short Message Service), or a notification on a dedicated mobile application. Other means of alerts will appear clearly to those skilled in the art. This provision is particularly advantageous for warning the user in real time.

Hive

According to one aspect, the hive 10 comprises, in addition to the main entrance, one or more secondary entrances. According to this arrangement, the main input includes a counting device 20. The secondary input or inputs also include a counting device 20 each.

According to one embodiment, the hive 10 has three entrances. A main entrance is located on the front wall 16 of the hive 10. The other two entrances are located for example on the side walls of the hive 10. The counting device 20 of the front wall 16 comprises eight arches 30. The counting devices counting 20 of the side walls each comprise four arches 30. According to this mode, the hive 10 comprises a computer 50. The computer 50 collects the signals from the detection means 44 of the three counting devices 20 to extract the counting data. The counting data extracted is then sent via a communication interface 60 associated with the hive 10. According to a variant, each counting device 20 includes a computer 50. In this case, the hive 10 includes a computer 50 which aggregates the data from counting of each counting device 20. The computer 50 of the hive 10 then sends the counting data to the communication interface 60 of the hive 10. According to another variant, each counting device 20 comprises a computer 50 and an interface communication interface 60. Each communication interface 60 sends the counting data of each counting device 20 to the remote server. The count data is then aggregated either by the remote server 70 or at the end user level.

According to one aspect, the hive 10 includes at least one solar panel. The solar panel is advantageously placed on the roof of the hive 10. The placement on the roof of the hive 10 facilitates the capture of solar radiation and increases the efficiency of said solar panel.

According to one aspect, the solar panel(s) electrically supply the counting device(s) of the hive 10. According to this arrangement, the solar panel provides the electrical energy necessary for the operation of the counting device(s) 20.

In one aspect, hive 10 includes a battery. The battery is configured to store electrical energy. The battery can for example store electrical energy from the solar panel. The battery is also configured to transmit the stored electrical energy to the counting device 20 in order to power it. These provisions allow an independent power supply of the counting device(s) 20 of the hive 10. Thus, there is no need to provide an external power supply to the hive 10. It is therefore much easier to install a hive 10 with a counting device 20, because many hives are placed in places where a power supply is not available; in the same way, the addition of the solar panel makes it possible to avoid battery recharging steps, a step that increases the maintenance time of the 20 metering devices for the user. Alternatively or additionally, the hive 10 may comprise a solar panel placed outside the hive 10, for example on the ground near the hive 10.

According to one aspect, the counting device(s) 20 are not electrically powered when it is dark. When it is dark, the 90 bees stay in the 10 hive. Thus, it is not necessary to count the round trips of the 90 bees during this period. This saves electrical energy. This arrangement makes it possible to facilitate the energy autonomy of the metering device 20. In addition, according to this arrangement, the electrical energy is used only during the day, that is to say when the solar panel(s) produce energy electric. The efficiency of the installation is therefore increased thanks to this arrangement.

Nomenclature :

10: Hive

12: Interior space of the hive

14: Space outside the hive

16: Front wall of the hive

18: Launch board

20: Bee counting device

22: Wall of the counting device

30: Ark

32: Arch channel

33a: Channel entrance

33b: Channel exit

34: Inner wall of the arch

36: Ventilation opening

40: Detection cell

42: Means of pulsed light emission

44: Pulsed light detection means

50: Calculator

60: Communications Interface

70: Remote server

90: Bee

RL: Light rays

Claims (10)

Device for counting bees (20) characterized in that it comprises at least one arch (30) defining an entry and exit channel (32) from a hive (10), said at least one arch (30 ) having a width suitable for the passage of a single bee at a time in a section of the channel (32) and comprising:
- at least one pulsed light emitting means (42) located on an inner wall (34) of the arch (30), said emitting means (42) being able to emit the pulsed light in the channel (32);
- at least two pulsed light detection means (44) on the wall (34), a first detection means (44) being arranged at the input (33a) of the channel (32), a second detection means (44) being arranged at the output (33b) of the channel (32), each detection means (44) comprising a sensor for acquiring the signals emitted by the emission means (42) and reflected by at least one bee, the counting device comprising furthermore a computer for analyzing data extracted from said signals from each of the detection means (44) to generate data for counting the number of bees entering or leaving through the channel (32). Device (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one ventilation opening (36), said opening (36) not allowing the passage of a bee (90). Device (20) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the or each ventilation opening (36) extends parallel to the channel (32) of the arch (30). Device (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the interior wall of the arch (30) is black in color. Device (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is removable and comprises means of attachment to an entrance of a hive (10). Device (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pulsed light emitted by the pulsed light emission means (42) has a wavelength in the infrared range. Device (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the counting data is extracted by the computer (50) from the data histograms of the pulsed light detection means (44). Device (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the computer (50) comprises a communication interface (60) and is configured to send the counting data to a remote entity by means of the communication interface (60). Hive (10) characterized in that it comprises at least one bee counting device (20) according to any one of the preceding claims. Method for counting bees (90) characterized in that it comprises the steps of:
- emission of pulsed light in at least one channel (32) formed by an arch (30) having a size suitable for the passage of a single bee (90) at a time;
- reflection of said pulsed light by a bee (90) present in the channel (32);
- detection of the pulsed light reflected by the bee (90) by a first detection means (44) located at the input of the channel (32) or a second detection means (44) located at the output of the channel (32);
- sending a detection signal from the first detection means (44) or from the second detection means (44) to a computer (50);
- storage in a computer memory (50) of data relating to the detection signal comprising an identification of the detection means (44) and a date of detection; and
- extraction by the computer (50) of data counting the number of bees (90) as a function of several data relating to the detection signal from the first detection means (44) and from the second detection means (44 ).