WO2014024052A1

WO2014024052A1 - Device for detecting and electrocuting pests

Info

Publication number: WO2014024052A1
Application number: PCT/IB2013/053267
Authority: WO
Inventors: Srinivasulu REDDY GUVVALA
Original assignee: Reddy Guvvala Srinivasulu
Priority date: 2012-08-09
Filing date: 2013-04-25
Publication date: 2014-02-13

Abstract

A device for eliminating pests is provided. The device includes one or more sensors, at least one processing unit and at least one pest eliminating apparatus. The sensors are configured to receive inputs corresponding to presence of pests. The processing unit is configured to process signals received from the sensors and compares the processed signals with predefined pest information, and provides instructions corresponding to arming and disarming of the device. The pest eliminating apparatus is armed or disarmed based on the instructions corresponding to arming and disarming of the device.

Description

DEVICE FOR DETECTING AND ELECTROCUTING PESTS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[001] The present application claims priority from Indian Provisional Application numbered 3311/CHE/2012 filed on August 09, 2012, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Field

[002] This application relates generally to the field of pest elimination and, more particularly but not exclusively, to elimination of pest by selectively electrocuting pests that are targeted for elimination.

Discussion of related field

[003] Mosquitoes and flies are considered to be some of the most dangerous insects that transmit deadly diseases, such as, malaria, dengue, cholera, typhoid and west nile virus, among others. Usually mosquitoes feed on nectar and plant juices. However, most of the female mosquitoes suck blood from host bodies, such as, human beings, for producing and nourishing eggs. Prior to and while sucking blood, mosquitoes inject their saliva into the host bodies. Saliva usually contains harmful bacteria, virus and toxins, which are the root cause of many diseases. Hence, there is a need to control such pests.

[004] Several conventional techniques have attempted to control such pests. In one of the conventional techniques, mosquito nets are used to keep pests at bay. While mosquito nets can be successful in keeping pests at bay, it has several disadvantages. Some of the disadvantages include, need for human intervention to secure the nets and usage of nets leads to aesthetically repulsive atmosphere. Further, this technique can only keep the pests outside the netted area, but cannot eliminate the pests. Hence, once a person comes out of the netted area, he will be exposed to pests.

[005] Other conventional techniques attempts to control pests by repelling them. Such techniques relies on the usage of DEET (insect repellent), mosquito coils, mosquito repellent mats and mosquito repellent sprays, body lotions, among other such repellents. While, such techniques can repel pests to some extent, they are also found to be harmful to the humans and environment.

[006] Yet other conventional techniques attempt to control mosquitoes by eliminating them. These techniques adopt electrocution of pests to eliminate them. Generally, pests are electrocuted using mosquito swatter bats, bug zappers, attracting mosquitoes and bugs sometimes using carbondioxide or propane gas at other times using neon or UV light and electrocute them and. These approaches have also been found ineffective as they electrocute harmless insects too, and require a constant supply of industrial gases which could be harmful to the humans.

[007] In light of the foregoing discussion, there is a need for a technique to eliminate pests effectively without causing prejudice to human health, without affecting harmless and friendly fauna.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[008] An object is to electrocute only those pests that are targeted for electrocution.

[009] Another object is to electrocute only those pests that are targeted for electrocution, while letting other creatures to pass by without electrocuting.

[0010] Yet another object is to electrocute pests in a way that does not cause prejudice to humans or animals.

[0011] Still another object is to electrocute pests without requiring substantial human intervention.

[0012] Still another object is to enable selection of one or more pre-programmed category of pests to be targeted for electrocution.

[0013] Still another object is to enable users to configure targeting of new pests for electrocution. [0014] Other objects and advantages will become obvious to a person skilled in the art and it is intended that these objects and advantages are within the scope of the embodiments. To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings, attention being called to the fact, however, the drawings are illustrative only, and that changes may be made in the specific construction illustrated and described within the scope of this application.

STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Accordingly the invention provides a device for eliminating pests. The device includes one or more sensors, at least one processing unit and at least one pest eliminating apparatus. The sensors are configured to receive inputs corresponding to presence of pests. The processing unit is configured to process signals received from the sensors and compare the processed signals with predefined pest information, and provide instructions corresponding to arming and disarming of the device. The pest eliminating apparatus is armed or disarmed based on the instructions corresponding to arming and disarming of the device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0016] Embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the Figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references indicate similar elements and in which:

[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded side view of a device 100 configured to electrocute pests, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of device 100 configured to electrocute pests, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0019] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of an alternate embodiment of device 100 configured to electrocute pests, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0020] FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of an alternate embodiment of the device 100 configured to electrocute pests, in accordance with an embodiment; [0021] FIG. 5 illustrates polar pattern 502 of microphones 106, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0022] FIG. 6 illustrates polar patterns 502 of omni -directional microphones 106, before and after application of beam forming techniques, in accordance with an embodiment; and

[0023] FIG. 7 illustrates a block diagram device 100 configured to electrocute pests, in accordance with an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The following detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show illustrations in accordance with example embodiments. These example embodiments, which are also referred to herein as "examples," are described in enough detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present subject matter. The embodiments can be combined, other embodiments can be utilized, or structural, logical, and electrical changes can be made without departing from the scope of what is claimed. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0025] In this document, the terms "a" or "an" are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one. In this document, the term "or" is used to refer to a nonexclusive "or," such that "A or B" includes "A but not B,"

"B but not A," and "A and B," unless otherwise indicated. Furthermore, all publications, patents, and patent documents referred to in this document are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety, as though individually incorporated by reference. In the event of inconsistent usages between this document and those documents so incorporated by reference, the usage in the incorporated reference(s) should be considered supplementary to that of this document; for irreconcilable inconsistencies, the usage in this document controls.

[0026] Embodiments disclose a device configured to electrocute pests. Referring to FIG. 1, wherein FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded side view of a device 100 configured to electrocute pests, in accordance with an embodiment. Device 100 includes supporting frame 102, at least one electrode pair 104 and at least one microphone 106, which are disclosed in this specification.

[0027] In an embodiment, device 100 is equipped with supporting frame 102. Supporting frame 102 enables securing of electrode pair 104 and other components. [0028] In an embodiment, supporting frame 102 may be constructed of material capable of providing mechanical stability and electrical insulation to device 100.

[0029] In an embodiment, electrode pair 104 is a pair of conductive wire mesh. Each mesh forms a planar body and will be facing each other. The conductive wires in the mesh can be placed in such a way that, there is a predetermined gap between them.

[0030] In an embodiment, instead of wires, steady structures can be used, such that the steady structures define gaps, through which pests can pass.

[0031] In an embodiment, electrode pair 104 can be a pair of plates, wherein each plate defines multiple holes, through which pests can pass.

[0032] In an embodiment, the voltage between the electrode pair 104 are arranged and maintained such that, a spark gap is created between the electrode pair 104. Pests passing between the electrode pair 104 trigger and breakdown the spark gap and experience an electric shock, which may result in elimination or incapacitation of the pests. Desired spark gap breakdown voltage can be configured by varying one or more of gap between the electrode pair 104, spacing between the conductive wires of the wire mesh and voltage, power or frequency between the electrode pair 104.

[0033] It shall be noted that, the breakdown voltage between electrode pair 104 may depend upon factors such as, temperature, composition, humidity, pressure of the medium, gap between the electrode pair, shape of the electrode and type of voltage such as, AC, DC or pulsed, among other factors.

[0034] The breakdown voltage between two electrodes in air at standard temperature and pressure, with DC voltage is approximately 30 kV per cm.

[0035] The device 100 is armed when voltage is applied between electrode pair 104 and disarmed in case of absence of voltage between electrode pair 104.

[0036] In an embodiment, microphones 106 can be arranged and placed in the device 100 such that, the microphones 106 are enabled to detect the sounds of approaching pests and convert the audio signals to electrical signals.

[0037] In an embodiment, the microphone 106 can be an acoustic to electric transducer or sensor that is capable of converting sound signals to electrical signals.

[0038] The microphone 106 may be equipped with a mechanism to communicate the signals from the sensitive transducer of the microphone to other equipment. To achieve such functionalities, microphones known in the art such as, electrets condenser microphone, piezoelectric microphone, laser microphone, liquid microphone, fiber optic microphone and MEMS microphone among others may be used.

[0039] Now referring to FIG. 2, wherein FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of device 100 configured to electrocute pests, in accordance with an embodiment. It may be noted that, the difference between FIG. 2 and FIG. 1 is, FIG. 1 illustrates the exploded view of the components of device 100, whereas, FIG. 2 illustrates the side view of the device 100 after the components are assembled. The description may use the combination of the illustrations in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

[0040] Now, referring to FIG. 3, wherein FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of an alternate embodiment of device 100 configured to electrocute pests, in accordance with an embodiment. It may be noted that, the difference between FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 is, FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the device 100, wherein, the electrode pair 104 of the device 100 is divided into multiple segments 302. Segmenting the electrode pair 104 enables selective arming of segments 302 of the device 100. Only pests passing through the armed segment 302 are electrocuted.

[0041] In an embodiment, multiple segments 302 may be armed at the same time. Voltage will only pass thorough the respective armed segments 302 of electrode pair 104.

[0042] In another embodiment, each of the segments 302 may be armed with different voltages. The voltages can be derived from different voltage sources. [0043] Referring to FIG. 4, wherein FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of an alternate embodiment of the device 100 configured to electrocute pests, in accordance with an embodiment. It may be noted that, the alternate embodiment differs from the earlier embodiments in the construction of electrode pair 104. This exemplifies that, device 100 is capable of rearrangement of components and modification of construction of components to serve the intended functions.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 5, wherein FIG. 5 illustrates polar pattern 502 of microphones 106, in accordance with an embodiment. Each circle 502 around the microphones 106 illustrates polar pattern of respective microphones 106. The polar pattern 502 indicates how sensitive the microphones 106 are to sounds arriving at different angles about its central axis.

[0045] Multiple microphones 106 can be arranged to create a microphone array. The microphones 106 may be arranged omni-directionally. FIG. 6 illustrates polar patterns 502 of omni directional microphones 106, before and after application of beam forming techniques, in accordance with an embodiment. In an embodiment, beamforming techniques are applied to the microphone 106 array. Beamforming techniques are used to create virtual microphones. In this figure, 'a' illustrates polar pattern 502 of microphones 106 before the application of beamforming techniques, whereas, 'b' illustrates the polar pattern 502 of the microphones 106 after the application of beamforming techniques.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 7, wherein FIG. 7 illustrates a block diagram device 100 configured to electrocute pests, in accordance with an embodiment. Device 100 includes electrode pair 104, at least one microphone 106 (sensor), a pest information database 702, an electric charge generator 704 and a processing unit 706, among other components.

PEST INFORMATION DATABASE

[0047] In an embodiment, the device 100 is equipped with a pest information database 702. Pests such as mosquitoes, house flies, fruit flies, wasps and sand flies, among others, produce a distinct sound while flying. These sound patterns are usually unique to the pest family or species with little variation from specimen to specimen. Sound patterns of pests targeted for elimination are recorded. The sound patterns can be recorded in a soundproof environment to improve signal to noise ratio. The recorded sounds are converted to digital signals using digital signal processing techniques. Thereafter the digital signals are stored in the pest information database 702.

[0048] In an embodiment, multiple sound patterns of a particular pest species may be stored in the pest information database 702 to form a comprehensive sound pattern database. This may enable identification of newer specimen of the same species. This may be achieved by providing an allowable margin of deviation in sound patterns.

[0049] In an embodiment, the sound patterns corresponding to pests may be enhanced, filtered and conditioned before storing the sound patterns in the pest information database 702. Further, multiple frequency spectrum patterns may be combined to form a single frequency spectrum of the targeted pest.

[0050] In an embodiment, additional information pertaining to pests such as, one or more of physical, biological, behavioural information, pest type, pest size, pest travel speed, pest wing beat sound patterns, pest wing beat pressure wave patterns, pest wing beat light patterns and pest crawling vibration patterns, corresponding to one or more pest species, may be stored in the pest information database 702.

[0051] In an embodiment, the pest information database is stored with information of non-pestilent creatures, and configured to record the events of these creatures passing by the device.

[0052] The pest information database 702 may include information pertaining to multiple pest types.

PROCESSING UNIT

[0053] In an embodiment, the device 100 is equipped with a processing unit 706.

The processing unit 706 can include microphone pre-amplifier, one or more filters, digital signal processor and memory to store software, algorithms and data. [0054] It shall be noted that in some scenarios signals from microphones 106 are usually weak. In an embodiment, processing unit 706 enhances these signals and improves the signal to noise ratio. The signals are converted to digital form using digital signal processing techniques.

[0055] In an embodiment, processing unit 706 may be programmed to combine signals from a microphone array (illustrated in FIG. 1,2,5 and 6) to create a virtual microphone using beamforming techniques.

[0056] In an embodiment, processing unit 706 may be further programmed to divide an array of microphone groups and create a virtual microphone for each group. Further, processing unit 706 may be further programmed to multiplex multiple groups of microphones 106 and create several virtual microphones at the same time. The creation of virtual microphones will result in identifying of relevant sounds near to the device 100, even if the sounds are weak by ignoring sounds that originate from a farther distance from device 100, even though such sounds might be louder.

[0057] Processing unit 706 continuously compares signals received from the sensors with sound patterns present in the pest information database 702. Techniques of digital signal processing and pattern recognition can be used to enable the comparison.

[0058] In an embodiment, the processing unit 706 may be programmed to recognize sound patterns of one or more targeted pests.

[0059] Processing unit 706 may be programmed to recognize pest sound patterns from several microphones by multiplexing and comparing signals from multiple physical or virtual microphones at the same time.

[0060] In an embodiment, the processing unit 706 can be programmed to identify predetermined pest sounds by continuously filtering the signals received from the sensors using a predetermined pattern recognizing filter.

[0061] In an embodiment, processing unit 706 may be programmed to locate the relative location of the source of pest sound with respect to microphone 106 array and device 100, using techniques known in the art such as, sound ranging and acoustic source localization.

[0062] In an embodiment, processing unit 706 may be programmed to test the sensitivity of the microphones 106 by using a speaker to generate a calibrated sound and measure the feedback at each microphone 106. The processing unit 706 may be programmed to compensate for any discrepancies in the sensitivity of the microphones 106 over a period of time.

[0063] In an embodiment, processing unit 706 may comprise one or more digital signal controller and/or micro-controllers and/or microprocessors and/or Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). Further, the processing unit 706 may also comprise of multiplexers, demultiplexers, Analog-to-Digital converters, Digital- to-Analog converters, buffers, timers, shift registers and noise-cancellation circuit among others.

[0064] The processing power required in the processing unit 706 may depend upon a number of factors such as, the number of microphones 106, the microphone's polar pattern 502, the response time, and the travel speed of the targeted pests, among other factors.

[0065] In an embodiment, multiple digital signal processors may be used in the processing unit 706. The multiple digital signal processors may be combined in parallel, cascade, in master-slave configuration or configured for distributed signal processing.

[0066] In an embodiment, processing unit 706 may also incorporate one or more micro-controllers and/or microprocessors with adequate program and data memory and supporting circuitry to enhance the functionalities of the processing unit 706.

[0067] In an embodiment, some or all the functions of the processing unit 706 may be programmed into the Field Programmable Gate Array(FPGA).

[0068] In an embodiment, some of the functionality of the processing unit 706 may also be achieved by adopting analog signal processing techniques. Such processing may include techniques of filtering, delaying, phase shifting, multiplying, adding and subtracting of signals among others.

[0069] In an embodiment, processing unit 706 is equipped with one or more micro-controller(s) and/or microprocessor(s) and memory for storing programs, data and algorithms among others.

[0070] In an embodiment, the processing unit 706 may be programmed to trigger the electric charge generator 704. It may be further programmed to set trigger parameters such as, arming and disarming of segments 302, set the duration of arming and also set arming voltage, frequency and power in order to achieve maximum efficiency in electrocution of pests.

[0071] In another embodiment, processing unit 706 may be programmed to enable indication of the device 100 or a segment thereof, being armed or disarmed. The indication may in the form of audible or visible indication through speakers, light emitting diodes (LEDs), or any other indicator mounted on device 100. In case the device 100 is divided into multiple segments 302, each segment 302 may be equipped with individual indicators to indicate arming.

[0072] In an embodiment, the processing unit 706 may be programmed to assess the spark gap breakdown voltage on a periodic basis. This may be enabled by boosting the spark gap voltage till it breaks down. This voltage can be determined by measuring the current through the electrode pair 104 or by sensing the hissing or cracking sound produced when the spark gap breaks down. This is to compensate for the changing spark gap breakdown voltage between the electrode pair 104, which may occur due to changes in temperature and humidity among other factors.

[0073] In an embodiment, processing unit 706 may be programmed to detect short circuits in the electrode pair 104. Further, the processing unit 706 may be programmed to disable such short circuit electrodes.

[0074] In an embodiment, the processing unit 706 may be programmed to measure arming events. It may include measuring timing, current and voltage in the spark gap of electrode pair 104, among other measurements.

[0075] In an embodiment, the processing unit 706 may be programmed to evaluate and store information such as, pest type, pest size, total spark duration, spark and voltage strength, time difference between arming and onset of electrocution among other information. Further, the processing unit 706 may be programmed to compute the measured information and fine tune trigger parameters sent to the electric charge generator 704. This will lead to achieving efficient elimination of pests, reduction of electrocution noise and avoidance of unwanted electric shock to humans, pets and non targeted pests.

[0076] In an embodiment, the processing unit 706 may be programmed to store all activity information. The information may include segment arming activities, elimination yields, elimination time and location of the device 100 among other activities. The location of the device 100 can be determined either manually by the user or automatically, using technologies know in the art such as, geomagnetic positioning and global positioning system among others.

[0077] In an embodiment, processing unit 706 may be configured to communicate with other devices. Other devices may include computers, servers, cellular networks, remote database, phones and tablets among other communication devices. The communication may be related to exchange of information such as activity of device 100 and to acquire sound patterns of new species among other related information.

ELECTRIC CHARGE GENERATOR

[0078] In an embodiment, as discussed earlier, device 100 is equipped with an electric charge generator 704. Electric charge generator 704 receives a trigger input from the processing unit 706. The trigger input activates the output voltage charge. The electric charge generator 704 provides voltage to the electrode pair 104. The device 100 is armed, when voltage is present in electrode pair 104. The voltage applied across electrode pair 104 may be such that, a passing pest will trigger and breakdown the spark gap of the electrode pair 104 and form a conductive path between the electrodes 104 and the body of the pest, which results in electrocution of the pest.

[0079] In an embodiment, the electric charge generator 704 may be built to have multiple voltage outputs, with separate trigger inputs for each output.

[0080] In another embodiment, the electric charge generator 704 may be built to generate AC, DC or pulsed voltages of different magnitudes, frequency and current capacities based on input trigger parameters.

[0081] A person skilled in the art will appreciate the fact that, in light of this description, the functionality of processing unit 706, pest information database 702 and electric charge generator 704, can be achieved by providing one or more units, which are provided with the required hardware and software.

[0082] The device 100 may be placed at locations where, there may be a chance of pest infestation. Such locations may include windows, gardens, living areas, lakefronts and camping areas among other locations. The device 100 operates by enabling the processing unit 706 to receive signals from the microphones 106. The processing unit 706 processes the signals received from the microphones 106. Thereafter, processing unit 706 continuously compares the signals received from the microphones 106 with sound patterns present in the pest information database 702. When the processing unit 706 finds a match between the compared sound signals, processing unit 706 decides on the appropriate trigger parameters such as timing, voltage, frequency and power of arming voltage among other parameters. The processing unit 706 arms the device 100 by communicating instructions to the electric charge generator 704. The processing unit 706 may arm the whole device 100 or arm segments 302 selectively of the device 100. The processing unit 706 may adjust the arming parameters to achieve efficient elimination of pests.

[0083] In an embodiment, the device 100 may be equipped with electrical safety mechanisms such as circuit breakers and resettable fuse among other safety mechanisms to protect humans and pets from electrical shocks, if they come in contact with the device 100 when it is armed. [0084] In an embodiment, the device 100 may be equipped with a flammable gas detector. The detector may automatically shut down the device 100 upon detection of a combustion threat.

[0085] In an embodiment, the device 100 may be equipped with an air blower and/or a vacuum suction system. The air blower may be configured to blow away any unwanted pests without eliminating them. The air blower can be further configured to blow away debris of eliminated pests. The vacuum suction system may be configured to collect the debris of the eliminated pests.

[0086] In an embodiment, a pest attracting mechanism may be provided in the device 100. Pests are attracted to certain frequencies, wavelengths, patterns of sounds, lights and electromagnetic waves among other factors. The pest attracting mechanism may include generating such sounds, lights and electromagnetic waves, and may include emulating human body heat, movements, breathing mechanism to lure the pests to the device 100, and subsequently eliminating them. Further, the device 100 can be equipped with mechanism to atomize and exude additional lures such as, scents, hormones, chemical and biochemical lure agents.

[0087] In an embodiment, the device may be configured to detect rain, water, dew drops, dust and snow on its surface. This can be enabled with the help of microphones 106 and other sensors know in the art. The device 100 can be configured to limit its functionality during such events and thereafter resume functionality once the event has passed. Further, the device 100 may be equipped with a jolting mechanism such as a vibrator to induce a jolt in the device 100, in order to jolt away any residual dust, snow, water and dew present on its surface.

[0088] In an embodiment, the device 100 may be programmed to correlate time of the day and seasons with changes in pest size, pest pattern and other such pest information. Based on the correlated data, the device may adjust the arming parameters to achieve efficient pest elimination.

[0089] In an embodiment, the device 100 may be equipped with sensors such as photo electric sensors, electro optical sensors, infra red sensors, ultrasonic sensors, light sensors, photo detectors, photo diodes, image sensors, video sensors, to detect the presence of pests. The pests may be detected due to the patterns created during light reflection and diffusion. The light reflection and diffusion pattern caused due to the wing beats of the pests are usually unique to the pest type. Further, the processing unit 706may be programmed to detect these wing beat light patterns and compare them with pre recorded wing beat light patterns stored in the pest information database 702. This type of detection may be used in combination with sound pattern detection.

[0090] In an embodiment, the device 100 may be programmed to be continuously armed and selectively eliminate pests by detecting if the pest is a targeted pest or not. If the pest is not the targeted pest, the electric charge is withdrawn. This method of pest elimination is suited for heavily pest infested areas.

[0091] In an embodiment, the device 100 may be programmed to identify non pestilent bugs and insects by adding their sound patterns to the pest information database 702. The device 100 may be programmed to identify birds and animals or other sounds, whose sound patterns are stored in the pest information database 702. This enables the device in collecting information pertaining to all desired species. The information may also be gathered from several devices 100, and combined to understand the demographics, migration patterns of different species.

[0092] In an embodiment, the device 100 may be programmed to eliminate non flying pests such as ants and bed bugs as well. This feature may be enabled by using vibration sensors. The vibration patterns created by the pests may be pre recorded in the pest information database 702. The device may be equipped with vibration sensors to detect and compare the vibrations. The device may be modified such that, the device can be laid where such pests walk, when such pests comes in contact with the device 100, they are eliminated.

[0093] In an embodiment, the device 100 may be constructed by changing the transducer, and/or adding other types of sensors, such as proximity sensors, heat sensors, photoelectric sensors, pressure wave sensors, cameras and any other type of sensors which can detect one or more aspects of the targeted pest.

[0094] It shall be noted that a combination of one or more of electric charge generator, electrode pair and supporting frame, can be referred to as pest eliminating apparatus.

[0095] In another embodiment the pest eliminating constructed using a laser beam to eliminate the pest, such a laser beam when mounted on a multiple axis voice coil or servo mechanism which can be directed towards the pest location to eliminate it. Such a pest eliminating apparatus has some inherent disadvantages such as, it could be dangerous to humans and pets who would find themselves in the path of the laser. In an embodiment the device 100 can be equipped with multiple laser beam sources each mounted on a multiple multi axis voice coil or servo mechanism and placed at a predetermined distance and angle from each other and are spread evenly throughout the elimination zone, the processing unit 706 can be programmed to direct all the individual laser beams to a single spot corresponding to the location of the pest. The energy of the laser beams can be chosen such that, each of them individually would be harmless to humans or pets, but when directed towards a single spot is strong enough to eliminate common house hold pests.

[0096] In another embodiment the device 100 can be equipped with pest eliminating apparatus consisting of air jet, heated air jet, water jet, heated water jet, such apparatus suitably combined with a proper servo or voice coil mechanism can be used to eliminate pests.

[0097] Although embodiments have been described with reference to specific example embodiments, it will be evident that various modifications and changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the system and method described herein. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

[0098] Many alterations and modifications of the present invention will no doubt become apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art after having read the foregoing description. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. It is to be understood that the description above contains many specifications, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the personally preferred embodiments of this invention. Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents rather than by the examples given.

Claims

A device for eliminating pests, the device comprising: one or more sensors configured to receive inputs corresponding to presence of pests;

at least one processing unit configured to process signals received from the sensors and compare the processed signals with predefined pest information, and provide instructions corresponding to arming and disarming of the device;

at least one pest eliminating apparatus, wherein the pest eliminating apparatus is armed or disarmed based on the instructions corresponding to arming and disarming of the device.

The device according to claim 1, wherein the pest eliminating apparatus comprises at least one electric charge generator and at least one electrode pair, wherein the electric charge generator is configured to receive instructions corresponding to arming and disarming the device and apply any one of AC, DC or pulsed voltages of predefined magnitudes, frequency and current to the electrode pair based on the instructions, wherein the electrode pair is a pair of conducting wire mesh, wherein the electrode pair is placed in such a way that, there is a predetermined gap between them.

The device according to claim 2, wherein voltage between the electrodes is maintained such that pests passing through the electrode pair will triggers and breakdown the spark gap and experience an electric shock, wherein the voltage depends upon one or more of temperature, composition, humidity, pressure of the medium, gap between the electrode pair, shape of the electrode and type of electric current.

The device according to claim 2, wherein the electrode pair is divided into multiple segments, wherein each segment is be armed or disarmed independently, wherein each of the segments is configured to be armed with different voltages.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the sensors comprises one or more microphones, wherein the microphones are configured to receive sound signals corresponding to wing beat sounds of approaching pests and convert sound signals to electrical signals.

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein the processing unit is configured to combine signals from one or more microphones, and create a virtual microphones using beamforming techniques.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein the pest information is stored in a pest information database, wherein the pest information comprises one or more of physical, biological, behavioural information, pest type, pest size, pest travel speed, pest wing beat sound patterns, pest wing beat pressure wave patterns, pest wing beat light patterns and pest crawling vibration patterns, corresponding to one or more pest species.

8. The device according to claim 7, wherein the pest information database is stored with information of non-pestilent creatures, and configured to record the events of these creatures passing by the device.

9. The device according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit is configured to receive signals from the one or more sensors, wherein the sensors are microphone, the processing unit is configured to filter out unwanted sound signals, to enhance the signal to noise ratio.

10. The device according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit is configured to locate the relative location of the pests with respect to the sensors.

11. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device is equipped with one or more sensors configured to detect events, wherein the events comprises one or more of inflammability, rain, water, dew drops, dust and snow on its surface, wherein the device is configured to limit its operation when the events are detected and resume operation after the events are overcome.

12. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device is equipped with luring mechanisms to lure pests towards the device, wherein the pests are lured by emulating one or more of, sounds, lights, electromagnetic waves, body heat, body movement and breathing pattern of living bodies.

13. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device is equipped with exuding mechanisms to lure pests towards the device, wherein the pests are lured by exuding scents, hormones, chemical and biochemical lure agents.

14. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device is equipped with a vacuum suction mechanism, wherein the vacuum suction mechanism is configured to collect the debris of the pests.

15. The device according to claim 1, is further configured to record the events comprising one or more of pest presence, pest type, arming, elimination yield and time, and store such information in memory.

16. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device is further configured to correlate time of the day and seasons with changing pest information such as pest size, elimination yield and pest pattern deviation, wherein the processing unit is configured to adjust its sensitivity and arming parameters based on these changes.

17. The device according to claim 1, wherein the sensors comprises one or more of proximity sensors, heat sensors, pressure wave sensors, photo electric sensors, electro optical sensors, infra red sensors, ultrasonic sensors, light sensors, photo detectors, photo diodes, image sensors and video sensors, wherein the sensors are configured to detect an approaching pests and convert to electrical signals.

18. The device according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit is configured to receive signals from the one or more sensors, filter out unwanted signals, combine signals from one or more sensors and enhance the signals to improve the signal to noise ratio and compare the received signals with predetermined patterns.

19. The device according to claim 1, is configured to be connected to at least one of computer, server, cellular network, remote database, internet, smart phone and tablet.

20. The device according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit is configured to enable indication of the device being armed or disarmed.

21. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device is equipped with a supporting frame, wherein the supporting frame is configured to secure a pair of electrodes and other components of the device, wherein the supporting frame is constructed of material capable of providing mechanical stability and electrical insulation to the device.

22. A device for electrocuting pests as herein above described in the specification with reference to figures.