WO2022186806A1

WO2022186806A1 - Pest control system and method

Info

Publication number: WO2022186806A1
Application number: PCT/TR2022/050186
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yilmaz SEÇKİNER
Original assignee: Seçki̇ner Teknoloji̇ Ve Ki̇mya Sanayi̇ Ve Ti̇caret Anoni̇m Şi̇rketi̇
Priority date: 2021-03-02
Filing date: 2022-03-02
Publication date: 2022-09-09
Also published as: TR202104078A2

Abstract

The invention is in particularly relates to a control system and method developed for tracking pests in the field of pest control services, working by heat mapping and over the Internet.

Description

PEST CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD

Technical Field

The invention generally relates to a control system and method developed for tracking pests in the field of pest control services.

The invention specifically relates to a control system and method developed for tracking pests in the field of pest control services, working by heat mapping and over the Internet.

State of the Art Today, pests such as mice, insects and rodents are encountered in all areas of life. Pests which roam homes, fields, workplaces, coops, warehouses, storehouses, especially in search of food, pose both health hazards and damage people's products/goods. Various methods such as spraying pesticide, trapping, pet feeding are used to control pests.

One of the most common ways to control pests is to set up traps. Traps are used to trap or kill pests. From past to present, both mechanical and electronic traps have been developed in which both techniques are used together. With the advancing technology, traps are now being replaced by pest detection/tracking/control systems. As it is in our invention, the object of these systems is not to catch the pest, but to detect and track and finally take precautions.

The use of sensors in pest control systems developed in the current technique is becoming more and more common. With the help of various sensors, pests are detected and capturing systems are activated. Even if the improved pest control systems known in the art use a sensor, heat mapping and communication over the Internet are not used. Without using the Internet of Things, it is possible to perform the recording process in the database by obtaining the data using only one sensor and create a warning,. Thanks to the communication over the Internet, users may remotely control more than one station at the same time, and thanks to the heat map, they may perform a control process with a pre-understanding about detecting the points where the pest moves.

The document no. TR 2013/04182 in the state of the art discloses an electronic pest detection system. The invention relates to a pest detection, counting and control system which attracts any flying pests in the natural habitats, social areas, cultivated areas and forest lands using organic substances, such as special pheromones, carbon dioxide gas and dry ice, an ultraviolet light, and a heat source, wherein the system sucks any flying pests with a fan, detects them by a digital optical reader and a sensor, counts every pest, classifies the species thereof, and sends this information to a control center via an sms and over the Internet, wherein the system enters the pest species and density in a city where it is used, on the city map in the control center, wherein the system notifies the time to disinfection and enhances the yield of the pest and vector control by allowing the correct disinfection method to be used in accordance with the electronic city map, land structure, instant weather and wind condition of the region and the information on the species detected. The invention comprises elements/features, such as a camera for detecting pests, software using algorithms such as neural networks, etc., and main control center for tracking. However, even if the Internet is mentioned in said invention, no heat mapping is disclosed. Its working principle is to suck the pests in by a fan. However, for example, it would not be possible to catch and/or detect a mouse by sucking by the fan via an airflow.

The document no. W02020026270 (A1), another document in the present art, discloses a smart system for catching, trapping and exterminating multiple mice continuously. The system includes an electronic and electrical panel mounted on a cage chassis, a storage chamber with a shifting panel, a tunnel with an opening hole, sensors configured to operate doors, bait boxes, tubes of different sizes, fragrance blowers, and a lever configured to operate servo motors. An extermination unit comprises an IR sensor, a killing chamber, a hollow killing panel equipped with a weight sensitive platform and a shutter door. Furthermore, the invention includes some details, such as a GSM/GPRS system, a user interface with a specially designed software application for providing message and notification, a sound alert and a cloud- based database containing a unique ID of each cage/trap, name and location of cage/trap. However, no heat mapping is disclosed in said application. Consequently, there is a need for a development in the related technical field due to the above-mentioned drawbacks and the inadequacy of the existing solutions on the subject.

Object of the Invention

The invention is achieved in accordance with the current situations and intends to solve the above-mentioned drawbacks.

The main object of the invention is to provide a pest control system and method developed for tracking pests in the field of pest control services.

Another object of the invention is to provide a pest control system and method developed for tracking pests in the field of pest control services, working by heat mapping and over the Internet. In our invention, the Internet of Things (loT) technology is used.

Another object of the invention is to provide a pest control system and method which allows the users to remotely control more than one station at the same time by means of the communication over the Internet, and to have a pre-understanding about the pest species to be encountered by means of the heat map.

Another object of the invention is to provide a pest control system and method which enables both a small pest, such as an insect and a big pest, such as a mouse to be detected by a single configuration.

A further object of the invention is to provide not only a pest control system, but also an integrated and multi-purpose system, due to the features such as a sketch drawing module, a service calendar module, an analysis report module, a reporting module, a personnel module, a file sharing module, a customer tracking module, an accounting module and a data matrix module, which are located in the software, as well as data sharing on stations in which the bait is consumed by the heat map. By our invention, all works performed with multiple modules may be carried out by a digital infrastructure, while serving to the field. In our invention, big data is created on the software. Another object of the invention is to provide a method and system in which the pest movements around the station (trap) are observed, the motion density on the way used by the pest is detected and notified to the user thanks to the heat map and so, the manpower spent for the control is reduced. The sensor in the station sends a warning to the software upon bait consumption in the station, a heat map is created on the station number where the consumption is observed on the sketch loaded in the software, and the map starts to blink. Thus, a team is directed to the business for control, the problem is solved in a rapid manner, so that precise data is obtained by a rodent/pest entry and exit in the business, while 100% protection and tracking are provided for the business, and also the personnel does not necessarily check and visit other stations one by one. As the Internet of Things, obtaining data from the stations (rodent control units) allows servicing with lesser workmanship. For example, in a business with 200 stations, only 4 stations in which a motion is detected are checked, thereby servicing being continued.

Another object of the invention is to provide a system working in compliance with industry 4.0.

A further object of the invention is to provide a pest control system and method which serves with visualization by means of the heat map. The motion density in the station where the pest is detected is determined by the heat map, so that the preventive actions may be taken more easily.

Another object of the invention is to provide a pest control system and method which prevents environmental pollution by using less chemicals as the pest is detected easily.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned objects, the invention is a control system developed for tracking pests in the field of pest control services, working by heat mapping and over the Internet, wherein the control system comprises:

• at least one station which collects the data in a place and provides pest control by attracting the pest,

• at least one sensor which allows the pest to be detected upon consumption of the bait in the station, or detection of the movements in the surroundings, • software which stores a sketch of the place, enables the motion density to be drawn as a heat map by means of the data from said sensor, records and reports the detected motion density in the database, and checks the system,

• at least one server which controls the stations remotely via the Internet connection.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned objects, the invention is also a pest control method developed for tracking pests in the field of pest control services, working by heat mapping and over the Internet, wherein the control method comprises the following process steps: detecting the consumption of the bait, or movement in the surrounding by the sensor after the bait in the station attracts the pest,

• detecting and marking the station in which the detection process is performed, by the software via the sketch of the place, · drawing the heat map of the mobility density around the station by the software, which is detected by the data collected from the sensor,

• reporting the station detected and the heat map provided, by the software to the server.

The structural and characteristic features and all advantages of the invention will be understood more clearly with the figures provided below and the detailed description provided with reference to those figures, and thus, the evaluation should be made by taking these figures and the detailed description into consideration.

Figures to Help Understand the Invention

Figure 1 is a representative top cross-sectional view of the pest control system of the invention. Figure 2 is a representative perspective view of the pest control system of the invention.

Figure 3 is a representative perspective view of the pest control system and cover configuration of the invention.

Description of the Part References

1. Station

1.1. Inlet

1.2. Cover

1.2. Lock

2. Sensor

2.1 Connecting Cable

3. Server

4. Software

5. Bait

Detailed Description of the Invention

In this detailed description, the pest control system and/or method of the invention and/or the preferred configurations/embodiments are described without any limitation on the better understanding of the subject.

Figure 2 is a representative perspective view of the pest control system developed for tracking pests in the field of pest control services, working by heat mapping over the Internet.

The pest control system comprises a station (1) which attracts the pest, collects the data in the place and allows pest control.

Said stations (1) may be one in number in the place, but may be more in number at different entry/exit points or regions. The stations (1) are the structures for providing the detection process, not a trap. Every station (1) is defined individually in the system, and an object in the Internet of Things technology corresponds to the stations (1) in the invention. In other words, each station (1) is a distributed data collection point operating as connected to the system.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said station (1) may comprise an inlet (1.1) which is an opening through which the pest may enter the station (1), a cover (1.2) which allows access to the inside of the station (1) by being opened, and a lock (1.3) which locks the station (1). Said lock (1.3) will prevent the chemical, if any, from being reached and spreading into the surrounding.

The pest control system also comprises a sensor (2) which allows the pest to be detected upon consumption of the bait (5) in said station, or detection of the movements in the surroundings.

Said sensor (2) may be used at least one in number per station (1), although a single sensor (2) may be used for several stations (1) (multiple sensors (2) may be used for one station (1)).

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a connecting cable (2.1) is provided for connecting said sensor (2) to the system and performs data transfer. Herein, said bait (5) may be a light, a nutrient, or fragrance for making the station attractive for the pest.

In the pest control system, software (4) is provided, which stores a sketch of the place, enables the motion density in the surrounding to be drawn as a heat map by means of the data from said sensor (2), records and reports the detected motion density in the database, and checks the system. The software (4) is one of the main elements of the invention and performs the reporting process. In addition, it contributes to the transparent tracking of the reporting and services to be provided to the customers with a digitally managed and executed system. The software (4) records the immediate data of the sensor (2) in the database, reports the same and determines the result.

The software (4) may draw the reports automatically and may draw a report immediately with an on-line signature.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said software (4) may allow an electronic mail (e-mail) to be sent to the defined addresses. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said software (4) may create a service calendar indicating the service period.

The software (4) may also comprise a sketch drawing module which draws the sketch of the place, an analysis report module which reports the motion density in the surrounding, a personnel module which tracks the personnel, a file sharing module (for example, sending the papers of the business to the customers) which shares the data and/or files (for example, stations where the bait is consumed), a customer tracking module which tracks the services provided (a customer being able to control the services provided for him/her), an accounting module which tracks the purchase and sale invoices, payments and receivables, a data matrix module which presents the services provided by a data matrix, and a central reporting module which allows the businesses having more than one branch to control the pest activity in their places from a single center.

Finally, the basic embodiment of the pest control system comprises a server (3) which controls the stations (1) remotely via to the Internet connection. The server (3) is a component which makes the system available for the Internet and enables a remote control.

The pest control system is a detailed system based on the Internet of Things, in which the data from the object (station (1) and/or sensor (2)) is processed by software (4) and the service provided is allowed to be shaped. The sensors (2) transmits information to the software (4), and the software (4) processes this information, warns the user and provides a report. The user take an action according to this data.

In the field of pest control services, the pest control method developed for tracking pests, working by heat mapping over the Internet comprises the following process steps:

• detecting the consumption of the bait (5), or movements in the surrounding by the sensor (2) after the bait (5) in the station (1) attracts the pest,

• detecting and marking the station (1) in which the detection process is performed, by the software (4) via the sketch of the place, • drawing the heat map of the mobility density around the station (1) by the software (4), which is detected by the data collected from the sensor (2),

• reporting the station (1) detected and the heat map provided, by the software (4) to the server (3).

In a preferred embodiment of the method of the invention, a process step of sending the detected station (1) and the heat map provided, to the defined addresses by an electronic mail by said software (4) may be present.

A preferred embodiment of the invention may be implemented as follows:

When the pest comes to the station (1), the sensor (2) detects the consumption of the bait (5) by it, or its movements around the station (1). The software (4) determines in which station (1) the detection process is observed. The station (1) where the detection process is observed is marked by the software (4) on the sketch of the place in which the station (1) is located. (For example, the associated station (1) blinks on the sketch). With the information obtained from the sensor (2), the heat map of the motion density (movements of the pest) around the station (1) where the detection is observed is drawn. The software (4) sends the station (1) detected and the heat map drawn to the server (3) and records the same. The software (4) and the server (3) send the station and heat map to the predefined e-mail address. As the station (1) is obvious, a control personnel directly goes to the station (1) area where the problem is encountered and takes the necessary measures.

Thus, a pest control system and method is provided, which is developed for tracking pests in the field of pest control services, working by heat mapping and over the Internet.

Claims

1. A control system developed for tracking pests in the field of pest control services, working by heat mapping and over the Internet, characterized in that it comprises: at least one station (1) which collects the data in a place and provides pest control by attracting the pest, at least one sensor (2) which allows the pest to be detected upon consumption of the bait (5) in said station, or detection of the movements in the surroundings, software (4) which stores a sketch of the place, enables the motion density in the surrounding to be drawn as a heat map by means of the data from said sensor (2), records and reports the detected motion density in the database, and checks the system, at least one server (3) which allows the stations (1) to be controlled remotely via the Internet connection.

2. A pest control system according to claim 1 , characterized in that said station (1) comprises: · at least one inlet (1.1) which is an opening, through which the pest enters inside the station (1),

• at least one cover (1.2) which allows access to the inside of the station (1) by being opened,

• at least one lock (1 .3) which locks the station (1 ).

3. A pest control system according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises at least one connecting cable (2.1) which connects said sensor (2) to the system and transfers the data.

4. A pest control system according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises software (4) which sends e-mails to the defined addresses.

5. A pest control system according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises software (4) which forms a service calendar indicating the service period.

6. A pest control system according to claim 1 , characterized in that said software (4) comprises:

• a sketch drawing module which draws the sketch of the place,

• an analysis report module which reports the motion density in the surrounding,

• a personnel module which tracks the personnel,

• a file sharing module which shares the data and/or files,

• a customer tracking module which tracks the services provided,

• an accounting module which tracks the purchase and sale invoices, payments and receivables,

• a data matrix module which presents the services provided by a data matrix,

• a central reporting module which allows the businesses having more than one branch to control the pest activity in their places from a single center.

7. A pest control method developed for tracking pests in the field of pest control services, working by heat mapping over the Internet, characterized in that the method comprises the following process steps: • detecting the consumption of the bait (5), or movement in the surrounding by the sensor (2) after the bait (5) in the station (1) attracts the pest,

• detecting and marking the station (1) in which the detection process is performed, by the software (4) via the sketch of the place,

• drawing the heat map of the mobility density around the station (1) by the software (4), which is detected by the data collected from the sensor (2),

8. A pest control method according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises a process step of sending the detected station (1) and the heat map provided, to the defined addresses by an electronic mail by said software (4).