The present application is a divisional application of an invention patent application filed on 19/3/2001, having an international application date of 21/7/1999, an application number of 99811102.3, and an invention name of "pest control technology".
Detailed Description
For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will of course be realised that this is not to be taken as limiting the scope of the invention in any way. Any alterations and further modifications in the described embodiments, and any further applications of the principles of the invention as described herein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.
Fig. 1 illustrates pest control system 20 of one embodiment of the present invention. System 20 is arranged to protect building 22 from damage by pests, such as subterranean termites. System 20 includes pest control devices 110 positioned about building 22. In fig. 1, only a few of the devices 110 are specifically designated with reference numerals in order to maintain brevity. The system 20 also includes an interrogator 30 for gathering information about the device 110. The data collected by the interrogator 30 from the device 110 is collected by the data collection device 40(DCU) via the communication interface 41.
With additional reference to FIG. 2, certain aspects of the operation of the system 20 are described. In fig. 2, pest control service provider P is shown operating interrogator 30 employing wireless communication technology to interrogate pest control devices 110 at least partially buried below ground surface G. In this example, it can be seen that interrogator 30 is hand-held, facilitating sweeping across ground G to establish wireless communication with installed devices 110. Other aspects of system 20 and its operation are described in conjunction with fig. 5 and 6, but further details regarding representative pest control device 110 are described with reference to the exploded assembly views of fig. 3 and 4.
As shown in fig. 3 and 4, pest control device 110 includes a pest activity monitoring assembly 130. The monitoring assembly 130 includes two bait members 132, each of which is comprised of bait for one or more selected varieties of pests. For example, bait members 132 may be made of materials that are individually preferred by such pests. In one example for subterranean termites, bait portions 132 are each a block of soft wood that does not contain an insecticide component. In other examples for termites, bait portion 132 may initially include a pesticide, contain a non-wood component, or a combination of components. In other examples of pest control device 110 that are directed to a type of non-termite pest, bait member 132 is generally of a different composition accordingly.
The monitoring assembly 130 also includes a support 134. The support 134 includes a handle 136 connected to a base 138 by an elongated central connecting portion 137. The support 134 also includes a neck 139 located between the member 137 and the shank 136. Typically, the support 134 is made of a material that is not susceptible to serious consumption or removal by pests that may find the monitoring assembly 130. In one example for subterranean termites, support 134 is made of a polymeric resin compound (e.g., polypropylene).
Monitoring assembly 130 also includes pest sensors 150. Pest sensor 150 includes a sensing member 151 positioned between one of bait members 132 and support member 134. The sensing component 151 includes a substrate 152 with conductive paths 154. At either end of the path 154 are two insulated contacts 156. The material used for substrate 152 of component 151 can be consumed or removed by the bite of a pest. Electrical connectivity of pathway 154 is interrupted as substrate 152 is consumed and/or removed by one or more pests. This disruption may be considered an indication of the presence of the pest. Additionally, substrate 152 may be oriented with bait portion 132 such that the force generated by bait portion 132 to the extent it is consumed is sufficient to break conductive path 154. In one example found suitable for subterranean termites, substrate 152 is a non-food substrate such as a foam with closed cells that is suitable for removal by termites, and conductive path 154 is formed of a conductive material applied to substrate 152. In another example, substrate 152 can comprise a material that is preferred by one or more target pests. In yet another example, a combination of food and non-food materials may be employed.
Pest sensing component 151 is located on one side of support member 134 and one of bait members 132 is located on the other side of support member 134. Another bait member 132 is positioned on a side opposite the side of pest sensing member 151 in contact with support member 134. Bait member 132, pest sensing member 151 and support member 134 may be adhered together by an adhesive, or may be attached together by other methods as may be contemplated by those skilled in the art.
The monitoring assembly 130 also includes a support tray 140. The support plate 140 holds a slot 142 for passing right through the neck 139 of the support 134 and sandwiching the bait member 132 and sensing component 151 between the base 138 and the plate 140. Typically, the support tray 140 is also made of a material that is substantially undetectable to pest consumption or removal of the monitoring assembly 130. The support plate 140 holds a plate surface 144.
The surface 144 of the support tray 140 supports the circuit substrate 164 of the monitoring assembly 130. The wireless communication circuit 160 is made up of a plurality of elements 165 mounted on a substrate 164. Element 165 includes an antenna coil 162 operable in the Radio Frequency (RF) range and one or more elements electrically connected to coil 162. The wireless communication circuit 160 includes a pair of wires 166 that are each electrically connected to a respective one of the contacts 156 of the sensor 150 to form a conductive loop with the path 154. Pathway 154 of wireless communication circuit 160 and sensor 150 is generally referred to as pest monitoring circuit 169, which will be described in more detail below in conjunction with fig. 5.
Referring first further to the details of fig. 4, pest control device 110 further includes a housing 170. The housing 170 has opposite end members 171a and 171 b. End member 171b includes a tapered end 175 to facilitate placement of device 110 in the soil as shown in fig. 2. The end of the tapered end 175 terminates in a hole (not shown). Housing 170 secures container compartment 172 for insertion of pest activity monitoring assembly 130 through opening 178 defined by end member 171 a. In addition, communicating with the container bay 172 are a plurality of slots 174 defined by the housing 170. The slots 174 are configured to allow termites to enter and exit the container bay. Housing 170 has a plurality of projecting edges, several of which are indicated at 176a, 176b and 176c in FIG. 4, for assisting in securing device 110 in the soil.
The cover 180 is arranged to secure the monitoring assembly 130 in the container bay 172. The cover 180 may include prongs (not shown) to engage and be removable from structures (e.g., slots 179) secured to the housing 170. Generally, housing 170 and cover 180 are made of a material that protects against pests and the environment to which device 110 is exposed. In an example suitable for subterranean termites, housing 170 and cover 180 are made of a thermoset or thermoplastic polymeric resin.
Fig. 5 also illustrates monitoring circuitry 169 of device 110 and communication circuitry 31 of interrogator 30, which may also be referred to as wireless communication subsystem 120. Wireless communications circuitry 160 is included in circuitry 169 of subsystem 120. The wireless communication circuit 160 secures a sensor status detector 163 that is electrically coupled to the path 154 of the sensor 150. Path 154 is schematically represented as a switch in fig. 5. The sensor state detector 163 may provide a two-state signal when activated: one state represents an open or electrically open path 154 and the other state represents an electrically closed or electrically closed path 154. The wireless communication circuit 160 also includes an identification code 167 for generating a corresponding identification signal for the device 110. The identification code 167 may be a predetermined multi-bit binary code or other format as may occur to those of skill in the art. In one embodiment, the identification code 167 is defined by a set of integrated circuit fuses programmed at the time of manufacture. In yet another embodiment, the identification code 167 is defined by a set of adjustable microswitches. The detector 163, the identification code 167, or both may be an integrated sub-circuit of the wireless communication circuit 160, or other configurations as may be contemplated by those skilled in the art.
The wireless communication circuit 160 may operate as a passive RF transponder that is excited by an external stimulus or signal. Likewise, the detector 163 and identification code 167 functional characteristics of the wireless communication circuit 160 are also enabled by such a stimulus signal. In response to the excitation of the stimulus signal. Wireless communication circuitry 160 communicates information corresponding to the bait status determined by detector 163 and the device identification number determined by identification code 167 in a modulated RF format. U.S. patent to Lowe, number 5,764,138, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, provides additional background information regarding passive RF coupling technology that may be used to provide wireless communication circuitry 160. In one embodiment, the wireless communication circuit 160 is integrated on one semiconductor chip. For example, an integrated circuit model MCRF-202 (address 2355 West Chandler Blvd., Chandler, AZ 85224-. In other embodiments, wireless communication circuitry 160 may be provided collectively or separately with different designs of one or more elements.
In an alternative configuration, wireless communication circuitry 160 may transmit only the bait status signal or the identification signal, but not both. In another embodiment, the various variable information about the device 110 may or may not include bait status or device identification information when transmitted. In another alternative, the wireless communication circuit 160 may be selectively or permanently active and have its own internal power source. In yet another alternative embodiment, device 110 may include both active and passive circuitry.
Subsystem 120 of fig. 5 also illustrates communication circuitry 31 of interrogator 30. Interrogator 30 includes an RF excitation circuit 32 and an RF receiver (RXR) circuit 34, each connected for operation with a controller 36. It can be seen in interrogator 30 that circuits 32 and 34 both have their own coil, but in other embodiments both may use the same coil. Controller 36 operates in conjunction with input/output (I/O) port 37 and memory 38 of interrogator 30. Interrogator 30 has a separate power source (not shown) typically an electrochemical cell or a battery (not shown) of such cells for energizing circuit 31. The controller 36 may be constructed of one or more components. In one example, the controller 36 is based on a programmable microprocessor type that executes instructions loaded in the memory 38. In other examples, controller 36 may be comprised of analog computing circuitry, hardware implemented mechanical logic, or other device types, as alternatives or in addition to programmable digital circuitry. The memory 38 may include one or more volatile or non-volatile solid-state semiconductor elements. In the alternative, or in addition, the memory 38 may include one or more electromagnetic or optical storage devices, such as a floppy or hard disk drive, or a Compact Disc Read Only Memory (CDROM). In one example, controller 36, I/O ports 37 and memory 38 are all integrated on the same integrated circuit chip.
As shown in FIG. 1, I/O port 37 is configured to transmit data from interrogator 30 to data collection device 40. Referring again to FIG. 1, other aspects of the data collection device 40 are described. Interface 41 of unit 40 is configured for communication with interrogator 30 via I/O port 37. Unit 40 also includes a processor 42 and a memory 44 for storing and processing information from interrogator 30 regarding devices 110. Processor 42 and memory 44 may be variously configured in the form of similar controller 36 and memory 38, respectively. Furthermore, the interface 41, the processor 42 and the memory 44 may all be integrated on the same integrated circuit chip.
In one embodiment, unit 40 is configured to interface with interrogator 30 using a laptop personal computer and is programmed to receive and store data from interrogator 30. In another embodiment, unit 40 may be located at a remote location with respect to interrogator 30. For this embodiment, one or more interrogators 30 communicate with unit 40 over an established communications medium (e.g., a telephone system) or a computer network (e.g., the Internet). In still other embodiments, different interfaces and communication techniques may be used in interrogator 30, data collection device 40, and device 110 as will occur to those of skill in the art.
Referring generally to fig. 1-5, certain operational aspects of the system 20 are further explained. Generally, interrogator 30 is arranged to cause excitation circuit 32 to generate an RF signal suitable for exciting circuitry 169 of device 110 when device 110 is located within a predetermined distance range of interrogator 30. In one embodiment, the controller 36 is arranged to automatically prompt generation of such a stimulation signal periodically. In another embodiment, the stimulus signal may be prompted by an operator via an operator control connected to interrogator 30 (not shown), such operator prompting may be provided as an alternative or in addition to automatic prompting. The interrogator 30 may include a visual or audible indicator (not shown) of a conventional type to provide the operator with the status of the interrogation as desired.
When interrogator 30 transmits a stimulus signal to devices 110 within range, devices 110 transmit bait status and identification number information to interrogator 30. RF receiver circuitry 34 of interrogator 30 receives information from device 110 and provides appropriate signals via controller 36 in accordance with the conditions and formats for operation and storage in memory 38. Data received from the device 110 may be transferred to the data collection device 40 by connecting the I/O port 37 to the interface 41.
Termite control process 220 in accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention is described with reference to the flowchart of fig. 6. At step 222 of procedure 220, a plurality of pest control devices 110 are installed at spaced intervals relative to an area to be protected. By way of example and not limitation, fig. 1 provides a schematic illustration of one possible distribution of a plurality of devices 110 arranged around protected structure 22. One or more such devices may be at least partially buried below ground surface as shown in device 110 of fig. 2.
For process 220, device 110 is initially installed using the monitoring substance preferred by subterranean termites as bait member 132 without the addition of pesticide. As is common knowledge, once a colony of termites establishes access to a food source, they will plan to return to the food source. Thus, initially installing device 110 employs a monitoring configuration, such a passageway being established by termites that may be present near the building (e.g., building 22) or area to be protected.
Once in place, a profile of the device 110 is generated at step 224. The figure includes indicia corresponding to the identification number programmed for the installed device 110. In one example, these identification numbers are unique to each device 110. Pest monitoring loop 230 of procedure 220 is next step 226. At step 226, the installed devices 110 are periodically located and data is loaded from each device 110 by interrogation of the respective wireless communication circuit 160 of the interrogator 30. These data correspond to bait status and identification number information. In this manner, pest activity of a device 110 may be easily detected without having to pull or open each device 110 to view. Again, this wireless communication technology allows for the creation and construction of an electronic database that can be downloaded to the data collection device 40 for long term storage of the data.
It should also be appreciated that over time, subsurface pest monitoring devices 110 may be more difficult to locate because they are gradually moving, sometimes pushing deeper into the ground. In addition, the monitoring device 110 buried in the soil may be hidden by the growth of surrounding plants. In one embodiment, the interrogator 30 and the plurality of devices 110 are arranged such that the interrogator 30 only communicates with the nearest device 110. Such a technique may be implemented by appropriately selecting the communication range between the interrogator 30 and each device 110 and the relative positions of the devices 110 to each other. In this way, interrogator 30 may be used to scan a path along the ground to sequentially communicate with each device 110. For this embodiment, the wireless communication subsystem 120 established by the interrogator 30 with each device 110 provides a process and method for more reliably locating an installed device 110 relative to more limited visual inspection or metal detection. At step 226, this location process may utilize the unique identification number of each device and/or the profile generated in step 224 to more quickly service a site. In yet another embodiment, the location operation function may be enhanced by providing an operator-controlled communication range adjustment function for interrogator 30 (not shown) to assist in accurately locating a device. However, in other embodiments, the apparatus 110 may check by wireless communication techniques that do not include transmitting an identification signal or a coordinate profile. Also, in an alternative embodiment, locating the device 110 by the interrogator 30 may not be used.
The next step in the routine 220 is a conditional decision 228. Conditional 228 checks whether a status signal corresponding to broken pathway 154 indicates termite activity. If conditional 228 is a negative result, then monitoring loop 230 returns to step 226 to again monitor device 110 via interrogator 30. Loop 230 may be repeated many times in this manner. Typically, the repetition rate of the loop 230 is on the order of days or weeks and may vary. If the result of conditional 228 is positive, then routine 220 continues to step 240. At step 240, the pest control service provider places pesticide laden bait in the vicinity of where the pest was detected. In one example, the insecticide is placed by a service provider removing cap 180 and withdrawing pest activity monitoring assembly 130 from housing 170 via handle 136. A replacement device is then installed that is substantially identical in construction to pest activity monitoring assembly 130, except that bait member 132 contains a pesticide. The cover 180 is then closed with the housing 170 to protect the new components within the container bay 172. This approach consists in reconfiguring the device 110 from a monitoring mode of operation to a destruction mode.
In other embodiments, the replacement device may include a different configuration of communication circuitry or be entirely free of communication circuitry. In yet another alternative, the pesticide may be added to an existing pest sensing device or sensor 150 by replacing one or more bait members 132. In yet another embodiment, monitoring assembly 130 may or may not be removed when pest bait or other material is added. In yet another embodiment, the insecticide is placed in a different device near the installed device 110 where the insect pest is active. During the pesticide placement operation of step 240, it is desirable to have as many termites as possible return or remain near the device 110 where pest activity is detected, so that the established pathway to the nest will likely be a shortcut for delivering pesticide to other colonies.
After step 240 is completed, the next step in the monitoring loop 250 is step 242. At step 242, the periodic inspection of the device 110 continues. In one embodiment, the device 110 to which the pesticide bait corresponds is inspected by a pest control service provider review while other devices 110 continue to be inspected in a monitoring manner by interrogator 30. In other embodiments, these methods may be combined, either assisted by or entirely in lieu of manual inspection by electronic monitoring of pest activity monitoring assembly 130 with poison-containing bait members 132. In an alternative, path 154 is modified for monitoring pesticide bait so that it will typically only disconnect to produce an open circuit reading when a more substantial amount of bait consumption occurs relative to the path configuration of the monitoring mode. In still other alternatives, the pesticide bait is not generally inspected when the termites consume the pesticide, but rather is left in place to reduce the risk of disturbing the termites.
After step 242 is complete, conditional 244 is reached, and a check is made as to whether routine 220 should continue. If the result of conditional 244 is positive, then the process 220 continues with conditional 246. At conditional 246, a determination is made as to whether more pesticide bait needs to be installed. More bait may be required to replenish consumed bait for devices that have detected pest activity, or pesticide bait may need to be installed for devices 110 that are always in a monitoring mode corresponding to newly discovered pest activity. If the result of conditional 246 is positive, then loop 252 returns to step 240 to install the added pesticide bait. If the bait addition is not required as determined by conditional 246, loop 250 returns and repeats step 242. The loops 250 and 252 repeat in this manner until the result of the conditional 244 is negative. The repetition rate of loops 250 and 252, and accordingly the interval between successive executions of step 242, is on the order of days or weeks and may vary. If the result of conditional 244 is negative, then device 110 is looked up and removed at step 260 and process 220 terminates.
In an alternative procedure, the monitoring of additional pest activity in step 242 may be eliminated. The monitoring unit may not be queried or may be deleted as part of step 242. In another alternative, the devices 110 configured in the monitoring mode may be redistributed, increased in number, or decreased in number.
Fig. 7 and 8 illustrate pest control device 310 of another alternate embodiment of the present invention; wherein like reference numerals refer to like features already described in connection with figures 1 to 6. The device 310 includes a passive sensing device 330. Sensing device 330 includes two bait members 132 as previously described, a support 334, a sensor 350 having a sensing member 351, and a passive RF transponder 360. Modules 334 and 351 are designed to fit between bait segments 132 in a manner similar to the installation of modules 134 and 151 between bait segments 132 as previously described in connection with monitoring module 130 of fig. 3 and 4.
Sensing assembly 351 includes a substrate 352 and conductive paths 354. The path 354 is connected to the substrate 352 and is vulnerable to damage, thereby creating an open circuit in the form of the path 154 of the assembly 130. Pathway 354 is electrically connected to passive RF transponder 360 to form a closed conductive loop prior to pest damage. The repeater 360 may be configured in accordance with the wireless communication circuit 160. The transponder 360 is integrated with the sensor 350 in a packaged form as shown in fig. 7 and 8.
Referring to FIG. 8, it can be seen that the sensing device 330 is mounted within the housing 170. In addition, a circular housing 270 can be seen surrounding the transponder 360. The device 310 also includes active circuitry 370. The circuit 370 includes an interrogation circuit 380 and an active wireless communication circuit 390. The interrogation circuit 380 includes an antenna coil 382 around the outer periphery of a circular substrate 384. Query circuit 380 is comprised of components 385 including coils 382 mounted on a substrate 384. The communications circuit 390 takes the form of a transmitter/receiver (TXR/RXR) and is electrically connected to the query circuit 380. The communication circuit 390 includes a component 395 mounted on a substrate 394. Element 395 includes a power source 396, such as a button-type electrochemical cell, or a battery of such cells. Communication circuit 390 may include a separate antenna or use one or more antennas of query circuit 380. It is to be understood that elements 385 and 395 of apparatus 310 in fig. 8 are merely illustrative and may include more or fewer elements that may differ from those shown.
The substrates 384 and 394 are assembled in a stacked manner within the housing 270 on the transponder 360 of the sensing device 330. Pest sensing device 330 (including transponder 360) and active circuit 370 together comprise monitoring device 345. The operation of the cover 180 is the same as previously described to remove the packaged monitoring device 345 within the housing 170.
Referring to fig. 9, a communication system 320 in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention is shown in block diagram form; wherein previously described reference numerals indicate similar features. System 320 includes interrogator 30 identical to that previously described, monitoring device 345 of exemplary pest control device 310, and data collection device 340. Transponder 360 is connected in path 354 of sensor 350, which is illustrated as a switch, forming a pest activity sensing circuit in the form of monitoring assembly 130. The interrogation circuit 380 includes a stimulus circuit 381 and a receiver (RXR) circuit 383. Circuits 381 and 383 may be configured against circuits 32 and 34 of interrogator 30. Similarly, although circuits 381 and 383 are shown using different coils, in other embodiments a common coil may be used. The circuit 380 is powered by an internal power supply 396 of active communication circuitry 390 (see fig. 8). The circuit 380, the communication circuit 390, or both, may include a controller or other logic to perform the operations of the apparatus 310 as described below.
Data collection device 340 includes an active transmitter/receiver 348 operatively connected to processor 342. The processor 342 is in turn connected to a memory 344. Processor 342 and memory 344 may be the same as processor 42 and memory 44, respectively, of system 20. The data collection device 340 also includes the previously described interface 41 for interfacing with the I/O port 37 of the interrogator 30. In one embodiment, the data collection device is in the form of a custom processor provided to the pest control service to collect data from a plurality of devices 310, and in another embodiment, data collection device 340 is comprised of a laptop computer that is equipped with one or more custom components for providing specified functional characteristics.
Referring generally to fig. 7-9, one procedure for operating system 320 includes installing a plurality of pest control devices 310 in the form of device 110. Once installed, the device 310 is arranged to query in a number of ways. One way, as described for device 110, is to activate transponder 360 via interrogator 30. The interrogator 30 then receives information indicative of the identification number and bait status. This information may be downloaded from the interrogator 30 to the data collection device 40 or 340.
In another mode of operation, the transponder 360 is interrogated by interrogation circuitry 380 built into the device 310. In this manner, the initiation of the query begins when the data collection device 340 sends a query command from the transmitter/receiver 348 to the communication circuit 390 of the device 345. The transmitter/receiver 348 may send commands separately for each device 310, with the communication circuit 390 of a certain device 310 configured to ignore commands directed to other devices 310 and only respond to its own commands. The specific device 310 for which these commands are intended may be determined based on the identification code of the transponder 360 for each device 310.
Once the communication circuit 390 receives the correct command, the corresponding excitation circuit 381 is activated to generate the RF excitation signal. The stimulus signal triggers the passive transponder 360 to transmit bait status and identification information via RF transmission. The receiver circuit 383 receives the transmitted information from the transponder 360 and sends it to the communication circuit 390. Communication circuit 390 receives information transmitted by receiver circuit 383 in the form of RF communications and forwards it to data collection apparatus 340. Transmitter/receiver 348 receives information transmitted from device 310. The transmitter/receiver 348 converts the information from an RF format into a format suitable for operation by the processor 342 and storage in the memory 344. As used herein, transmitter/receiver (TXR/RXR) generally refers to a transmitter and receiver, such as a transceiver, having one or more common circuit elements, or a transmitter and receiver provided by separate transmit and receive circuits, respectively.
FIG. 10 illustrates a system 420 according to yet another embodiment of the invention; wherein like reference numerals refer to like features previously described. As illustrated in fig. 10, the system 420 includes a plurality of devices 310 installed in the ground G and a plurality of above-ground devices 410 for protecting a building 422. Each device 410 includes a device 345 housed in a housing different from housing 170 that is more suitable for placement inside building 422 than housing 170. The system 420 also includes a vehicle 430 equipped with a data collection device 340.
Referring generally to fig. 9 and 10, the flowchart of fig. 11 illustrates termite control program 520 in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. In step 522 of the process 520, the plurality of units 310 and 410 are installed in and around the building 422, as shown in FIG. 10. At step 524, a profile of the devices 310 and 410 for the identification numbers of the devices is established. The loop 530 is monitored by the entry of step 526. At step 526, the vehicle 430 is within a predetermined communication range of the mounted devices 310 and 410. The data collection device 340 is then activated and corresponding commands are sent to the respective installed devices 310 and 410 and information about each device is downloaded remotely on site. The processor 342 of the data collection device 340 evaluates this information. Based on this evaluation, a conditional decision 528 checks whether termites have been detected. At conditional 528, if termites are not detected, loop 530 returns to step 526 to continue the periodic monitoring. In general, the operating period for a particular field step 526 may be several days or weeks, with the repetition frequency of the loop 530 being variable. Thus, vehicle 430 may be driven to other locations to poll other pest detection device groups between periodic checks at step 526.
If termite activity is detected at conditional 528, then at step 532 each device 310 and 410 can be located and queried by interrogator 30 for each device. At step 540, pesticide bait is installed in the location where termite activity is indicated as per the instructions of the mating procedure 220. At step 542, remote periodic queries by vehicle 430 are resumed. The next step is conditional 544. Conditional 544 checks whether the process 520 should continue. If the routine 520 should continue, the next step is conditional 546. Conditional 546 checks to see if more pesticide bait is needed, similar to conditional 246 of routine 220. If no more bait is needed, loop 550 returns to step 542 to continue remote monitoring of devices 310 and 410. If more pesticide bait is needed, loop 552 returns to step 540 to place pesticide bait. As with step 532, when the conditional 546 indicates that more bait is needed, the interrogator 30 may be used to locate the devices 310 and 410 and query them one by one. Typically, loops 550 and 552 are repeated once a few days or weeks, including a corresponding interval between performing steps 540 and 542.
If the result of conditional 544 is negative, then devices 310 and 410 are positioned and removed at step 560. At step 560, devices 310 and 410 are located with the assistance of interrogator 30. The routine 520 terminates.
It should be appreciated that routine 520 facilitates performing the operations of monitoring circuits 530 and 550 without the need for pest control service providers to leave vehicle 430. In an alternative embodiment, the query may be executed at steps 526 and 542 while the vehicle 430 is driven into the target site, with the determination and planning being performed separately, as long as the individual device requires service, such as loading or replenishing pesticide bait.
FIG. 12 illustrates a system 620 of yet another embodiment of the present invention; wherein like previously described reference numerals refer to like features. Fig. 12 illustrates a building 622 of the system 620. The system 620 also includes devices 310 and 410 located at selected locations relative to the building where protection from insects is desired. System 620 also includes a data collection device 340 located within building 622. The data collection device 340 may establish communication with the data collection point 640 via a communication channel 650. Channel 650 may be a telephone communication line, a computer network (e.g., the internet), or other types of communication channels as may occur to those of skill in the art. System 620 may work according to either program 220 or 520, just to accomplish some of the named work. The association of data collection device 340 with data collection point 640 eliminates the need for pest control service providers to walk around to perform periodic queries on devices 310 and 410. Instead, the query operation may be initiated iteratively by appropriate commands sent to the data collection device 340 via channel 650. The results of the query may be reported to data collection site 640, evaluated, and scheduled for pest control service providers to visit as indicated by the need for service by individual devices 310 and 410. This data can be used to determine which device 310, 410 needs attention if there is an indication of a single service need. If it is difficult to locate the device 310, 410 that requires service, the location of the target device 310, 410 may be determined using the interrogator 30 in the manner described in relation to the program 220.
Fig. 13 illustrates pest control device system 720 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention; wherein like reference numerals refer to like features previously described. System 720 includes interrogator 730 and pest control device 710. Pest control device 710 includes a pest monitoring component 732 that is designed to be consumed and/or removed by pests. In one example, member 732 is configured as a bait material that includes pest-edible material 734, such as wood for termites, and magnetic material 736 applied to the surface of material 734. Magnetic material 736 may be a magnetic ink or paint applied to the wood core as material 734. In other examples, material 734 may be made using a substance other than wood that is generally removable or removable by the targeted pests, such as foam with closed cells for subterranean termites. In yet another example, material 734 may be composed of wood and non-wood components.
The device 710 also includes a wireless communication circuit 780 electrically connected to the magnetic label sensor 790. Sensor 790 includes a series of magnetoresistors 794 fixed in a predetermined orientation with respect to component 732 to detect changes in resistance caused by changes in the magnetic field produced by magnetic material 736. For example, the change that occurs includes component 732 being consumed, removed, or dislodged from component 732 by the pest. Sensor 790 provides a means of displaying the magnetic indicia of component 732. In alternative embodiments, sensor 790 may be based on a single magnetoresistor, or another magnetic field sensing device, such as a Hall effect device or a magnetoresistive-based sensing device.
Magnetic field information from sensor 790 may be communicated as variable data through communication circuit 780. Circuit 780 may also transmit a unique device identification number and/or discrete bait status information as described with respect to communication circuit 160. Circuit 780, sensor 790 or both may be active and passive.
Interrogator 730 includes communications circuitry 735 that may wirelessly communicate with circuitry 780 of device 710. In one embodiment, circuits 780 and 790 are of a passive type, and circuit 780 is in the form of an RF connector. For this embodiment, communication circuit 735 is configured against circuits 32 and 34 of interrogator 30 to perform wireless communication with device 710. In other embodiments, the device 710 may be adapted to include a passive transponder, a built-in interrogator, and active communication circuitry similar to the device 310 or be entirely active. For these alternatives, the interrogator 730 is configured accordingly and the data collection device may be used at a location appropriate for the interrogator 730 or a combination of both methods may be used.
Interrogator 730 includes controller 731, I/O port 737, and memory 738, as with controller 36, I/O port 37, and memory 38 of interrogator 30, but is configured to receive, manipulate, and store magnetic marker information as an addition or alternative to discrete bait status and identification information. It should be understood that the magnetic signature information can be evaluated to reflect pest consumption. This condition can be used to establish predictions regarding bait replenishment needs and pest feeding patterns.
Fig. 14 illustrates a system 820 in accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention. System 820 includes pest control device 810 and data collector 830. Device 810 includes pest monitoring component 832 that is designed to be consumed and/or removed by pests targeted. Component 832 includes a matrix 834 having magnetic material 836 dispersed throughout. Material 836 is illustrated as a number of dots in matrix 834. Matrix 834 may contain food ingredients, non-food ingredients, or a combination of these.
Device 810 also includes communication circuitry 880 and sensor circuitry 890 electrically connected thereto. Circuit 890 includes a series of magnetoresistors 894 fixed relative to component 832 for detecting changes in the magnetic field induced by material 836 as it is consumed, removed, or stripped from component 832 by an insect infestation.
Circuit 890 also includes a number of environmental (ENV.) sensors 894a, 894b, and 894c configured to detect temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure, respectively. The sensors 894, 894a, 894b, and 894c are coupled to the substrate 838 to provide signals in a digital or analog format compatible with the associated equipment. Thus, the circuit 890 is configured to receive and format signals from the sensors 894a, 894b, and 894 c. In addition, circuit 890 receives and formats signals corresponding to magnetic labels detected by magnetoresistive 894. The sensed information provided by circuit 890 is communicated to data collector 830 via communication circuit 880. Communication circuit 880 may include discrete bait status information, device identification numbers, or both as described with respect to devices 110, 310, and 410. Circuits 880 and 890 may be passive, active or a combination of both, with data collector 830 being adapted accordingly to the communication needs according to the chosen method.
For passive embodiments of circuit 880 based on RF connector technology, data collector 830 is configured the same as interrogator 30 except that its controller is designed to operate and store sensing information of a different format provided by circuit 890. In yet another embodiment, the data collector 830 may take the form of a standard active transmitter/receiver to communicate with circuitry 880 in the form of an active transmitter/receiver. In yet another embodiment, the data collector 830 and the device 810 are connected via a hardware interface to facilitate data exchange.
The flow chart of fig. 15 illustrates a procedure 920 according to yet another embodiment of the invention. At step 922 of the process 920, data is collected from one or more devices 810. At step 924, data collected from the device 810 is analyzed with respect to the environmental conditions determined by the sensors 894a, 894b, and 894c and the location of the device 810. The pest status is then predicted from the analysis at step 926. Based on the prediction of step 926, steps 928 are taken and one or more additional devices may be installed.
Then, the loop 930 is entered by step 932. Data collection from device 810 by data collector 830 continues at step 932 and further collates the forecast of pest conditions at step 934. Control then flows to conditional determination 936 that it verifies whether to continue with process 920. If the process 920 is to continue, loop 930 returns to step 932. If the process 920 is to be terminated as a result of the conditional determination 936, then the process stops.
Examples of other measures may be supplemented or replaced entirely in conjunction with step 928, including using pest status predictions to better determine the direction of pest spread within an area. In this way, alerts based on the prediction may be provided. Further, according to procedure 920, advertising and marketing of pest control systems can be targeted to sites that appear to be more likely to benefit. Again, this information is evaluated to determine whether the need for pest control services in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention fluctuates seasonally. This allows the allocation of pest control resources (e.g., equipment or personnel) to be adjusted accordingly. Furthermore, the efficiency of installation of the pest control device can be enhanced. It should also be appreciated that the process 920 may alternatively be performed by one or more of the devices 110, 310, 410, or 710 in addition to the one or more of the devices 810.
In other alternative embodiments, the devices 110, 310, 410, 710, 810 and corresponding interrogator and data collection devices may be used in various other combinations of systems that may occur to those of skill in the art. In addition, the bait material of the devices 110, 310, 410, 710 and 810 may be used as appropriate for termites, but the type of bait material used to control different types of pests, insect or non-insect, is optional, and the device housing and other features may be adapted to suit the monitoring and extermination of different types of pests. Further, the bait of the devices 110, 310, 410, 710, and 810 may be made using materials for attracting pests of the target species without substantial consumption by the pests. In one alternative, one or more pest control devices include non-food material that is dislodged or altered by the targeted pest. By way of example and not limitation, such materials may be used to form a non-consumable sensing component substrate, which may or may not include a consumable bait member. In yet another alternative, one or more pest control devices according to the present invention lack a housing, such as housing 170 (and corresponding cap 180). For this embodiment, the contents of the enclosure may be placed directly in the soil, or may be arranged and utilized as may occur to those of skill in the art. Additionally, any of the pest control devices of the present invention may be arranged interchangeably so that bait consumption or movement of the sensing member displaces the conductor to form a conductive closed loop rather than causing an open circuit as an indication of pest activity.
Pest control devices based on wireless communication technology may optionally include a hardware-implemented communication port. Wired communication may be used as an alternative to wireless communication for diagnostic purposes when wireless communication is impaired by the conditions itself or as may be encountered by those skilled in the art. Further, the various steps, operations and conditions of procedures 220, 520 and 920 may be reordered, altered, rearranged, substituted, deleted, duplicated, combined, or added to procedures that may occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
Yet another embodiment of the present invention includes a pest control device including at least one bait member for at least one species of pest and passive RF communication circuitry for communicating information about the device in response to a wireless stimulus signal. In yet another embodiment, a plurality of pest control devices are configured to be distributed at spaced intervals over an area to be protected from one or more species of pest, and each of them includes a passive RF communication circuit responsive to a stimulus signal.
Yet another embodiment of the present invention includes installing a pest control device at least partially below ground. The device includes communication circuitry that, when installed, is positioned by receiving a wireless transmission signal from the pest control device.
In yet another embodiment, each of the plurality of pest control devices includes wireless communication circuitry configured to protect the structure from one or more species of pest. Positioning a hand-held interrogator to receive information from a first pest control device via wireless transmission and then moving its location to receive information from a second pest control device via wireless transmission; wherein the second pest control device is spaced a distance from the first pest control device. Data collection means may also be included to receive data from the interrogator.
Yet another embodiment of the present invention includes a pest control device having a pest edible bait member with a magnetic material composition. This component generates a magnetic field. The magnetic field changes in response to consumption of the edible bait member by the insect pest. The apparatus also includes a monitoring circuit operable to generate a monitoring signal corresponding to a change in the magnetic field when the magnetic field changes.
In yet another embodiment, a pest control device includes a bait member for at least one species of pest and a communication circuit operable to communicate a device identification code and bait consumption information.
In yet another embodiment, a pest control device includes pest bait packaged with an environmental sensor and circuitry operable to communicate information corresponding to environmental characteristics and bait status detected by the sensor.
Yet another embodiment of the present invention comprises: installing a plurality of pest control devices, each comprising a bait and a wireless communication circuit, to protect the structure from one or more species of pest; and querying the device by receiving a plurality of wireless communication devices each corresponding to a different type of pest control device.
All publications, patents and patent applications cited in this specification are herein incorporated by reference as if each individual publication were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference and set forth in its entirety herein. While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes, equivalents, and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.