JP2006223174A - Device for detecting small animal - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To grasp an active region of a small animal while distinguishing the detection of the small animal from the detection of a human being and a pet. <P>SOLUTION: The device for detecting the small animal has a first sensor 2 having a detection region set so as to detect both of the small animal and a large animal as detection objects, a second sensor 3 arranged at the upper part of the first sensor 2 and having the detection region set so as to detect only the large animal as the detection objects, and a control unit 10 sending a count signal when only the first sensor 2 detects. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a small animal detection device that detects the presence of a small animal such as a cockroach or a mouse and grasps its activity region.

  Small animals such as cockroaches and mice that inhabit indoors are not only harmful to human and pet food, but also carry various pathogens, and their feces and carcasses become allergic antigens and are eliminated as sanitary pests. It is the target of. In order to control these small animals, various collection boxes made of adhesive paper, poisons, insecticides and the like have been proposed. However, since these small animals are nocturnal and act so as not to be seen by the human eye, it is difficult to accurately grasp the activity area of these small animals. Therefore, humans should control directly with insecticides when discovering small animals, or identify areas where small animals will be active, such as corners of kitchens and rooms, and collect traps such as collection boxes and poisons. This is dealt with by installing or using pesticides that spread the drug throughout the house. However, if the place where the cocoon is installed is inappropriate, efficient removal cannot be performed, and the cocoon will be wasted and frequently sprayed with insecticides that will adversely affect the human body and pet body. I can't help. Therefore, it is desirable to accurately grasp the activity area of small animals and to efficiently eliminate small animals.

  Therefore, Patent Document 1 discloses a detection device that has a passage in the case, and can detect a cockroach passing through the passage with a sensor and count the inhabitation state of the cockroach. Yes. If this detection device is used, it is possible to grasp an active area such as a cockroach.

JP-A-9-94048

  However, the detection device of Patent Document 1 detects cockroaches that have passed through the passage in the case, and cockroaches do not necessarily pass through the passage, so that it is possible to grasp an accurate habitat / activity region. Can not. Therefore, it is conceivable to use a plurality of externally exposed sensors to perform sensing over a wide range, but in this case humans and pets are detected in the same way as small animals, so the active area of small animals can be accurately determined. Can't figure out.

  The objective of this invention is providing the small animal detection apparatus which can grasp | ascertain the active area | region of a small animal, distinguishing the detection of a small animal and the detection of a human or a pet.

Means and effects for solving the problems

  The small animal detection device of the present invention includes a first detection means in which a detection region is set so as to detect small animals and large animals, and is disposed above the first detection means, and detects only the large animals. A second detection unit having a detection area set to be a target and a control unit that transmits a count signal when only the first detection unit detects are provided.

  According to the present invention, only the first detection means detects small animals such as cockroaches, and the first and second detection means detect humans and pets (referred to as humans) larger than small animals. Therefore, it is possible to distinguish between small animals and large animals such as humans. In some cases, a count signal is transmitted only for detection of a small animal, and by counting this signal, the activity region of the small animal can be grasped without being influenced by human activities such as humans. .

  In the present invention, the detection area of the second detection means may be wider than the detection area of the first detection means. According to this, since the second detection means can detect a person or the like before the first detection means, only the first detection means mistakenly detects the person or the like earlier, and a count signal is transmitted. There is a case where it is possible to prevent the risk of being lost.

  In the present invention, the first detection unit and the second detection unit may be configured by a reflection type optical sensor having a detection region that is a region where light can be emitted and reflected light can be received. According to this, since a general reflection type light detection sensor can be used as the detection means, there are cases where a small animal detection device can be configured at low cost.

  A plurality of small animal detection devices of the present invention may be provided in a matrix. According to this, small animals can be detected at multiple locations provided in a matrix, and the movement path of the small animals can be determined from the temporal transition of the active area of the small animals. In some cases, it is possible to determine the most suitable place to install the fence.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a small animal detection device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a small animal detection device. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an installation form of the first and second sensors. FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of the small animal detection device. FIG. 4 is a transparent perspective view of a room such as a kitchen. FIG. 5 shows a display screen of the personal computer.

  In FIG. 1, a small animal detection device 1 includes a first sensor (first sensor) horizontally disposed on a floor on which a small animal such as a cockroach or a mouse moves, the surface of furniture such as a table, or the like, such as the surface of a household appliance such as a refrigerator. 1 detection means) 2, a second sensor (second detection means) 3 disposed horizontally above the first sensor 2 and spaced apart by a distance c wider than the height width of the small animal, and a count signal And a control unit 10 for transmitting to the personal computer 21. In addition, the 1st sensor 2 and the 2nd sensor 3 are not limited to the structure arrange | positioned horizontally, Any of vertical arrangement | positioning, opposing arrangement | positioning, and diagonal arrangement | positioning may be sufficient.

  The 1st sensor 2 and the 2nd sensor 3 are constituted by a reflection type photosensor which makes a detection area a field which can emit light and can receive reflected light. Specifically, the configuration of the first sensor 2 will be described. In the housing 8, an infrared light emitting diode 4 that emits infrared light, and a position detection element (PSD: Position Sensitive) that receives reflected light. Detector) 5.

  Infrared light emitted from the infrared light emitting diode 4 and passing through a hole drilled in the housing 8 is reflected by a small animal or a human being located in front of the first sensor 2. The PSD 5 that has received the reflected light changes in voltage, thereby turning on the first sensor 2. As described above, there are cases where the small animal detection device 1 can be configured at low cost by adopting general reflection type light detection sensors as the first sensor 2 and the second sensor 3.

  The detection area of the first sensor 2 is set such that the horizontal distance is the distance a. This distance a is appropriately adjusted in consideration of the distance to the adjacent object. On the other hand, the detection area of the second sensor 3 is set such that the horizontal distance is the distance b, and the distance b is longer than the distance a. That is, the detection area of the second sensor 3 is set wider than the detection area of the first sensor 2, and the reason will be described later. This distance b is also adjusted as appropriate in consideration of the distance to the adjacent object.

  Such a first sensor 2 and a second sensor 3 are used as a pair and are attached to a stay 15 as shown in FIG. That is, the stay 15 is fixed to the wall or the like by a screw 20 inserted in a through hole (not shown) that penetrates the stay 15 in the thickness direction while standing upright on the floor or the like, and the first sensor 2 is fixed. The slider 16 and the slider 18 to which the second sensor 3 is fixed are fixed to the stay 15 by tightening bolts 17 and 19.

  The slider 16 and the slider 18 are slidable in the vertical direction along the stay 15 by loosening the bolts 17 and 19. The slider 16 is fixed to the stay 15 by a bolt 17 at a very low position close to a surface such as a floor so that the first sensor 2 can detect small animals, humans, and the like. On the other hand, the slider 18 is positioned so that the first sensor 2 and the second sensor 3 are separated by a distance c so that the second sensor 3 detects only humans or the like, that is, a position higher than the height width of the small animal. The bolt 19 is fixed to the stay 15. The interval c set wider than the height width of the small animal is set in accordance with the height position of the human torso, the height of the torso of the pet or the like so that the second sensor 3 can suitably detect the person or the like. Adjust as appropriate. The adjustment is easily performed by loosening the bolt 19 and sliding the slider 18 in the vertical direction. Note that if the detection area of the first sensor 2 cannot be secured because an object is placed on the floor or the like, the bolt 17 may be loosened and the slider 16 may be slid upward.

  As described above, the first sensor 2 is disposed at a very low position, while the second sensor 3 is disposed at a position higher than the height width of the small animal and capable of suitably detecting a human or the like. Therefore, only the first sensor 2 detects a small animal such as a cockroach, and the first sensor 2 and the second sensor 3 detect a human or the like larger than the small animal. Therefore, by grasping the detection states of the first and second sensors 2 and 3, it is possible to determine what the detection target is. That is, if only the first sensor 2 detects, the detection target is a small animal, and if both the first sensor 2 and the second sensor 3 detect both, the detection target is a human or the like. . Therefore, by using the first and second sensors 2 and 3 as a pair, it is possible to distinguish a small animal from a human or the like.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the control unit 10 is configured to transmit a count signal to the personal computer 21 by wire or wireless when only the first sensor 2 detects something and is turned on. Therefore, when both the first sensor 2 and the second sensor 3 are not detecting anything, or when only the second sensor 3 is detecting something, or the first sensor 2 and the second sensor. The control unit 10 does not transmit a count signal to the personal computer 21 when both of the three are detecting something. That is, since the detection target when only the first sensor 2 detects is a small animal such as a cockroach, the control unit 10 transmits a count signal only for detection of the small animal. Other than that, for example, when the detection target is a human, since the first sensor 2 and the second sensor 3 detect this, the control unit 10 does not transmit a count signal. Based on the count signal thus transmitted, the personal computer 21 counts. Thereby, the activity region of a small animal may be able to be grasped without being influenced by living activities such as humans.

  Furthermore, as described above, the detection area of the first sensor 2 is set wider than the detection area of the second sensor 3. As a result, the second sensor 3 can detect a person or the like before the first sensor 2, so that only the first sensor 2 mistakenly detects the person or the like before, and a count signal is transmitted. There is a case where it is possible to prevent the risk of being lost.

  The electric circuit of the small animal detection apparatus 1 is, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, and includes infrared light emitting diodes 4 and 6, PSDs 5 and 7, a control unit 10, and resistors R1 and R2. The control unit 10 includes a voltage detection circuit 14 represented by logic symbols, a power supply circuit (not shown), an output circuit, and the like. Electric power is supplied to the control unit 10 from an outlet 12 via a transformer 11. The cable 13 connects the control unit 10 and a personal computer 21 (not shown) and transmits a count signal from the control unit 10 to the personal computer 21. If the count signal is transmitted wirelessly, this cable 13 is used. 13 is replaced by a wireless communication unit.

  The voltage detection circuit 14 performs a calculation using the signals from the first sensor 2 and the second sensor 3 as input signals, and outputs the calculation result to the cable 13 as an output signal. Specifically, the calculation executed by the voltage detection circuit 14 is input with an ON signal (a signal transmitted in the ON state) from the first sensor 2 and an OFF signal (OFF) from the second sensor 3. The count signal is output to the cable 13 only when the signal transmitted in the state is input, and other output signals are output to the cable 13 in other cases.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of small animal detection devices 1 are provided in a matrix in one room 41. In FIG. 4, only a pair of the first sensor 2 and the second sensor 3 (hereinafter referred to as a sensor pair) is illustrated. In this way, small animals are simultaneously detected at a plurality of locations provided in a matrix. Note that the plurality of second sensors 3 positioned in the central space of the room 41 may be supported by the above-described stay 15 that is erected or may be suspended from the ceiling.

  On the display screen 30 of the personal computer 21, as shown in FIG. 5, there is a two-dimensional matrix-like screen in which each of a plurality (25 in this case) of sensor pairs provided in the room 41 is a detection position 31. A counter 32 corresponding to each sensor pair is displayed in black, for example, in the vicinity of the detection position 31 corresponding to the sensor pair.

  The counter 32 is incremented by one in real time each time the corresponding sensor pair detects a small animal. The counter 32 whose count exceeds “20” is displayed in red, and a square area (also referred to as an area to which the counter 32 belongs) whose detection position 31 corresponding to the counter 32 is one of the vertices is red. It is made to display with. Further, the counter 32 having a count number of “10” or more and less than “20” is displayed in yellow, and a square area having the detection position 31 corresponding to the counter 32 as one vertex is displayed in yellow. Has been. As a result, it is possible to easily confirm the temporal transition of the active area of the small animal and to determine the movement route of the small animal based on this result, so it is best to identify the nest of the small animal or install the cage May be able to determine the correct location.

  In addition, since it is possible to know the occurrence of small animals in real time, it is also possible to rush to the site and carry out extermination on the spot. In addition, since the two-dimensional matrix screen displayed on the display screen 30 serves as a distribution map, it can be used by printing it. Further, the personal computer 21 may be provided with a function for creating a statistical chart from the detection result.

  Next, the operation of the small animal detection apparatus 1 having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a difference in operation due to a difference in detection object. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the personal computer.

  In FIG. 6, when a cockroach 22, which is a small animal, moves on the floor and approaches the first sensor 2 beyond the distance a that is the detection area of the first sensor 2, the light is emitted from the infrared light emitting diode 4 of the first sensor 2. The reflected infrared light is reflected by the cockroach 22, and the reflected light enters the PSD 5, and the first sensor 2 is turned on. At this time, since the infrared light emitted from the infrared light emitting diode 6 of the second sensor 3 is not reflected by the cockroach 22, the second sensor 3 remains off. The control unit 10 transmits a count signal to a personal computer 21 (not shown) when only the first sensor 2 is turned on.

  On the other hand, when the pet 23 or the human 24 moves on the floor and approaches the second sensor 3 beyond the distance b that is the detection area of the second sensor 3, the red light emitted from the infrared light emitting diode 6 of the second sensor 3. External light is reflected by the pet 23 or the human 24, the reflected light enters the PSD 7, and the second sensor 3 is turned on. At this time, since the first sensor 2 remains off and only the second sensor 3 is on, the control unit 10 does not transmit a count signal to the personal computer 21. Thereafter, when the pet 23 or the human 24 further moves on the floor and approaches the first sensor 2 beyond the distance a which is the detection area of the first sensor 2, the light is emitted from the infrared light emitting diode 4 of the first sensor 2. Infrared light is reflected by the pet 23 or the human 24, the reflected light enters the PSD 5, and the first sensor 2 is also turned on. At this time, since the second sensor 3 and the first sensor 2 are simultaneously turned on, the control unit 10 does not transmit a count signal to the personal computer 21. That is, the count signal is not transmitted by detection of the pet 23 or the human 24.

  The personal computer 21 to which the count signal is input updates the display screen 30 shown in FIG. 5 according to the flow shown in FIG. That is, in FIG. 7, the CPU incorporated in the personal computer 21 that is turned on sets the terminal number n (n is a natural number from 1 to 25) to be checked to “1” (step S1). Terminal numbers 1 to 25 are assigned to 25 input terminals corresponding to 25 sensor pairs on a one-to-one basis.

  Next, the input terminal with the terminal number n is checked (step S2). Then, it is determined whether or not a count signal is input to the input terminal (step S3). If no count signal is input to the input terminal (S3: NO), the process proceeds to step S13. On the other hand, if the count signal is input to the input terminal (S3: YES), the count number of the counter 32 corresponding to the input terminal is incremented by “1” (step S4).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the count number of the counter 32 is “10” or more (step S5). If the count number is not “10” or more (S5: NO), the counter 32 is displayed in black ( In step S6), the area to which the counter 32 belongs is displayed in white (step S7), and the process proceeds to step S13. On the other hand, if the count number is “10” or more (S5: YES), it is subsequently determined whether or not the count number is “20” or more (step S8).

  If the count number is “20” or more (S8: YES), the counter 32 is displayed in red (step S9), and the area to which the counter 32 belongs is displayed in red (step S10). On the other hand, if the count is not “20” or more (S8: NO), the counter 32 is displayed in yellow (step S11), and the area to which the counter 32 belongs is displayed in yellow (step S12). In this way, the counter 32 is displayed in red or yellow, and the area to which the counter 32 belongs is displayed in red or yellow, so that it is easy for a person who has seen the display screen 30 to see where many small animals appear. Can be recognized. Therefore, human beings may be able to identify the nest of small animals and determine the optimal location for placing the cage based on these recognitions.

  Thereafter, in step S13, it is determined whether or not the terminal number n is “25”. If the terminal number n is not “25” (S13: NO), “1” is added to the current terminal number n ( Step S14) and return to step S2. On the other hand, if the terminal number n is “25” (S13: YES), the current terminal number n is set to “1” (step S15), and the process returns to step S2.

  As described above, the small animal detection device 1 according to the present embodiment is disposed above the first sensor 2 and the first sensor 2 in which the detection region is set so as to detect small animals and large animals. The second sensor 3 has a detection area set to detect only large animals, and the control unit 10 transmits a count signal when only the first sensor 2 detects the detection area. Yes. According to this configuration, only the first sensor 2 detects small animals such as cockroaches 22, and the first sensor 2 and the second sensor 3 detect humans 23 and 24 that are larger than small animals. Therefore, it is possible to distinguish between small animals and large animals 23 and 24 such as humans. A count signal is transmitted only for detection of a small animal, and by counting this signal, the activity region of the small animal can be grasped without being influenced by the living activities of humans 23 and 24. There is a case.

  Further, the detection area of the second sensor 3 is configured to be wider than the detection area of the first sensor 2. According to this, since the second sensor 3 can detect the humans 23 and 24 before the first sensor 2, only the first sensor 2 erroneously detects the humans 23 and 24 earlier. In some cases, it is possible to prevent the possibility of the count signal being transmitted.

  Moreover, the 1st sensor 2 and the 2nd sensor 3 are set as the structure comprised by the reflection type optical sensor which makes the detection area | region the area | region which can radiate | emit light and can receive reflected light. According to this, since a general reflection type light detection sensor can be used as the detection means, the small animal detection device 1 may be configured at low cost.

  Moreover, the small animal detection apparatus 1 of this Embodiment is set as the structure provided with two or more by the matrix form. According to this, small animals can be detected at multiple locations provided in a matrix, and the movement path of the small animals can be determined from the temporal transition of the active area of the small animals. In some cases, it is possible to determine the most suitable place to install the fence.

  Moreover, although this invention was demonstrated based on suitable embodiment, this invention can be changed in the range which does not exceed the meaning. That is, it may be configured such that a buzzer sounds or an announcement is made by a speaker by a signal (which may be a count signal) transmitted from the control unit. In this case, since the appearance of the small animal can be known in real time by the buzzer, it is possible to rush to the site and directly control with an insecticide or the like. At that time, if the location of the appearance is announced by the speaker, it is easy to find a small animal.

  Further, the detection area of the second sensor 3 may not be wider than the detection area of the first sensor 2. If there are circumstances such as being unpopular at night or not keeping pets, there are few opportunities for humans to be mistakenly counted, so there is little influence from miscounting in grasping the activity area of small animals.

  Moreover, the 1st sensor 2 and the 2nd sensor 3 are not restricted to the reflection type optical sensor which makes the detection area | region the area | region which can radiate | emit light and can receive reflected light. For example, a sensor composed of a light emitter and a light receiver may be used.

  Moreover, the small animal detection apparatus is not limited to a configuration in which a plurality of small animal detection devices are provided in a matrix, and the arrangement shape and quantity can be changed as appropriate.

It is a block diagram of a small animal detection apparatus. It is a perspective view showing the installation form of the 1st and 2nd sensor. It is a circuit diagram of a small animal detection apparatus. It is a permeation | transmission perspective view of rooms, such as a kitchen. It is a figure showing the display screen of a personal computer. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the difference in the action | operation by the difference in a detection target object. It is a flowchart figure for demonstrating the action | operation of a personal computer.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Small animal detection apparatus 2 1st sensor (1st detection means)
3 Second sensor (second detection means)
4 Infrared light emitting diode 5 Position sensing element (PSD)
6 Infrared light emitting diode 7 Position sensing element (PSD)
8, 9 Case 10 Control unit 11 Transformer 12 Outlet 13 Cable 14 Voltage detection circuit 15 Stay 16 Slider 17 Bolt 18 Slider 19 Bolt 20 Screw 21 Personal computer 22 Cockroach 23 Pet 24 Human 30 Display screen 31 Detection position 32 Counter 41 Room

Claims (4)

First detection means in which a detection region is set so as to detect small animals and large animals;
A second detection means disposed above the first detection means, wherein a detection region is set so as to detect only the large animal;
A control unit for transmitting a count signal when only the first detection means detects,
A small animal detection device comprising:   The small animal detection device according to claim 1, wherein a detection area of the second detection means is wider than a detection area of the first detection means.   The said 1st detection means and the said 2nd detection means are comprised by the reflection type optical sensor which makes the detection area | region the area | region which can radiate | emit light and can receive reflected light. The small animal detection apparatus described. 4. The small animal detection device according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the animal detection devices are provided in a matrix.

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