WO2022084540A1

WO2022084540A1 - Device for controlling and/or monitoring pests

Info

Publication number: WO2022084540A1
Application number: PCT/EP2021/079416
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jürgen Buchstaller
Original assignee: Buchstaller Juergen
Priority date: 2020-10-24
Filing date: 2021-10-22
Publication date: 2022-04-28
Also published as: DE102020128032A1

Abstract

Device (2) for controlling and/or monitoring pests.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Device for controlling and/or monitoring vermin

The invention relates to a device for controlling and/or monitoring pests.

Corresponding devices for controlling and/or monitoring pests are known from the prior art in different designs and in principle.

In connection with the control and / or monitoring of pests such. B. rodents, especially rats, there is a need for a "more intelligence" corresponding devices, which encounter known devices by detecting operating states of certain functional components.

However, the existing technical approaches in this context, e.g. B. in terms of efficiency, practicality and reliability, in need of improvement.

Proceeding from this, the present invention is based on the object of specifying a device for combating and/or monitoring pests which is improved in comparison thereto.

The object is solved by a device according to claim 1. The dependent claims relate to possible embodiments of the device according to claim 1.

A first aspect of the invention relates to a device for controlling and/or monitoring pests. The device is therefore for controlling and / or monitoring pests, ie animal organisms in general, which, especially in a certain environment such. B. a manufacturing, production, processing or administrative environment, outside or inside a structure or building for whatever reason, are undesirable. Merely by way of example, in connection with the term "pest" is referenced to rodents, such as e.g. B. mice and rats, or insects referred. Pests can be controlled in a targeted manner, ie aiming at controlling a specific species or genus of animal organisms. As follows, instead of the term "pest" also the term "target organism" can be used. The same applies to the monitoring of pests.

In a basic configuration, the device, which may also be referred to as an “animal trap” or “bait box”, comprises a housing part, a functional component that can be operated in at least one operating state, and a detection device. In principle, it is conceivable that the device for underground use d. H. e.g. B. in a manhole of a sewer system, or is designed for above-ground use.

As explained in more detail below, the housing part is typically defined by one or more housing part elements, such as e.g. B. formed by housing part walls, which limit or define at least one housing interior. A corresponding housing interior can form a functional space of the housing part. On or in the housing part, d. H. in particular in a corresponding functional space, at least one functional component of the device, such as. B. the detection device and / or set up for the execution of a pest execution device such. B. a snap trap device, arranged or formed. In particular, it is possible for at least the detection device and/or an execution device set up to execute a pest to be arranged together in one functional space—this is to be understood in particular as a second functional space in the sense of the present application, e.g. B. to enable, by means of the detection device, an improved detection of the operation of the execution device. In particular, it is possible for the detection device and the execution device to be arranged opposite one another, as this arrangement enables a particularly precise detection of the operation of the execution device by means of the detection device, since the detection area of the detection device can be aimed directly at the execution device. Alternatively or additionally, a lure or bait element for attracting or “baiting” a pest can be arranged or formed in a corresponding functional space. A corresponding lure or bait element can be provided with certain chemical substances, in particular those that cause a pest to be attracted or killed directly or indirectly.

However, the above-described mutually opposite arrangement of the execution device and the detection device does not preclude the possibility that there may be a passage between them for a vermin which the vermin allows access to the functional space of the housing part in which the execution device and the detection device are arranged.

The detection device is set up to detect an event in connection with a pest located in the housing part and to generate pest event information relating to a corresponding event. An event directly or indirectly affecting a pest located in the housing part can thus be described via detected or generated malware event information. A corresponding event is, in particular, an active or passive action by a pest in the housing part, d. H. e.g. B. to understand, in particular spatial and / or temporal, change of state of a pest located in the housing part. The detection device can be set up to provide a piece of pest event information, in particular by appropriate data processing, with location and/or time information. In this way, conclusions can be drawn as to the location and/or time at which a pest event occurred.

Corresponding pest event information can e.g. B. describe an entry event of a pest in the housing part. The detection device can therefore be set up to describe the entry of a pest into the housing part and to generate corresponding pest event information based thereon.

Alternatively or additionally, a corresponding pest event information z. B. describe an exit event of a pest from the housing part. The detection device can therefore be set up to describe the emergence of a pest from the housing part and to generate corresponding pest event information based thereon.

Alternatively or corresponding pest event information z. B. describe a biting event of a lure or bait element by a pest located in the housing part. The detection device can therefore be set up to detect a bite on a lure or bait element by a pest located in the housing part and to generate corresponding pest event information based on this.

Alternatively or additionally, a corresponding pest event information z. B. describe a locking event of a pest locked in the housing part, in particular by means of a locking or locking device of the device. the The detection device can therefore be set up to detect whether or not a pest has been locked up in the housing part and based on this to generate corresponding pest event information.

In all of the embodiments, pest event information can contain image and/or audio information about a respective pest event. The detection device can therefore be set up to continuously, quasi-continuously or discontinuously capture video and/or audio information on the respective pest event or to describe the respective pest event in the form of continuous, quasi-continuous or discontinuous video and/or audio information. The detection device can thus z. B. be designed as an image and / or sound recording device or at least include such. Corresponding image and/or sound information can be static or dynamic information, so a respective pest event can be optically and/or acoustically mapped over a specific period of time. Concretely, a pest event information can thus e.g. B. include a continuous, quasi-continuous or discontinuous sequence of images and / or sound.

The detection device can be equipped with image and/or sound processing algorithms, for example for optical and/or acoustic pattern recognition, in order to recognize or identify specific optical and/or acoustic features within the captured image and/or sound information using data processing. Based on a corresponding recognition or identification of features z. B. a distinction between a target organism, such. B. a pest, and a non-target organism, such. B. another animal, a human body part, etc. can be made. Corresponding image and/or sound processing algorithms can be or will be “trained” on the basis of artificial intelligence or machine learning, possibly including neural networks.

Corresponding pest event information can, as indicated, contain at least one piece of location and/or time information about the respective pest event. A respective pest event can therefore be associated with a place and/or a time, such as e.g. B. time and / or date, are correlated. The location and/or the time of a respective malware event can therefore be contained in a piece of malware event information. The place can z. B. correlate with the installation site of the device, so that location information z. B. can describe the location of the device, which in turn means that a pest event information about the Location information can be assigned to a specific device in the case of multiple devices. Alternatively or in addition, however, location information can also describe at least one location within the housing part, so that z. B. movement paths of an object can be described within the housing part. A first pest event information can thus z. B. an event in an entry or exit area of the housing part, ie e.g. an entry or exit of an object, ie in particular a pest, into or out of the housing part, and further pest event information an event in a functional space of the housing part, ie e.g. describe an entry or exit of an object, ie in particular a pest, into or out of the functional space.

Alternatively or additionally, the detection device can be set up to detect an event in connection with a functional component located in the housing part and to generate functional component event information relating to a corresponding event. An event relating directly or indirectly to a functional component located in the housing part can therefore be described via a detected or generated functional component event information item. A corresponding event is, in particular, an active or passive action of the functional component, d. H. e.g. B. to understand, in particular spatial and / or temporal, change of state of a functional component located in the housing part. The detection device can be set up to provide functional component event information with location and/or time information, in particular through appropriate data processing. In this way, conclusions can be drawn as to the location and/or time at which a functional component event occurred.

Corresponding functional component event information can transfer a functional component, in particular an execution device set up for executing pests, such as e.g. B. a snap trap device, describe from a first operating state to a second operating state. The detection device can therefore be set up to detect a transition of a functional component from a first operating state to a second operating state and to generate corresponding functional component event information based thereon. As indicated, a functional component may be an enforcing device, such as a B. an electrical and / or mechanical snap trap device - the same applies to all other identical or similar acting execution devices, such. B. execution facilities, the death of a pest on a Induce gas so that the detection device can be set up to transfer an execution device from a first operating state, ie e.g. B. by an electric shock, a sudden movement of a striking element, etc., so that the detection device can be set up, a transfer of an execution device from a state in which the execution device is not yet triggered, in a state in which the executor is triggered to detect and generate corresponding functional component event information based thereon.

Corresponding functional component event information can, as indicated, contain at least one piece of location and/or time information about the respective functional component event. A respective functional component event can therefore be associated with a location and/or a time, such as e.g. B. time and / or date, are correlated. The location and/or the time of a respective functional component event can therefore be contained in functional component event information. The place can z. B. correlate with the installation site of the device, so that location information z. B. can describe the installation location of the device, which in turn means that a function component event information can be assigned to a specific device via the location information in the case of multiple devices. Alternatively or in addition, however, location information can also describe at least one location within the housing part, so that z. B. the triggering of different functional components can be described within the housing part. A first function component event information can thus z. B. an event related to a functional component, i. H. e.g. B. a triggering or other operating state change of the first functional component, in a first functional space and a further functional component event information an event in connection with a second functional component, d. H. e.g. B. describe a triggering or other operating state change of the second functional component in a second functional space of the housing part.

Corresponding functional component event information can also contain video and/or audio information for a respective functional component event. The detection device can therefore be set up to continuously, quasi-continuously or discontinuously detect video and/or audio information on the respective functional component event or the respective Describe functional component event in the form of continuous, quasikontmuierhchen or discontinuous image and / or sound information. As mentioned, the detection device can thus z. B. be designed as an image and / or sound recording device or at least include such. Corresponding image and/or sound information can be static or dynamic information, which means that a respective functional component event can be optically and/or acoustically mapped over a specific period of time. Concretely, functional component event information can thus e.g. B. include a continuous, quasi-continuous or discontinuous sequence of images and / or sound.

As mentioned, the detection device can be equipped with image and/or sound processing algorithms, for example from the field of optical and/or acoustic pattern recognition, in order to process certain optical and/or acoustic features within the recorded image and/or sound information recognize or identify. Based on a corresponding recognition or identification of features z. B. a distinction between a proper transfer of a respective functional component from a first to a second operating state, such. B. triggering an execution facility. Corresponding image and/or sound processing algorithms can be or will be “trained” on the basis of artificial intelligence or machine learning, possibly including neural networks.

It follows from the above explanations that corresponding information can be mutually dependent. For example, malware event information can trigger or condition at least functional component event information. In principle, however, functional component event information can also condition at least one piece of malware event information.

The device also includes a control device implemented in terms of hardware and/or software, which is set up to control the operation of the at least one functional component on the basis of corresponding malware event information and/or functional component event information. Information recorded by the recording device, e.g. B. a corresponding malware event information and / or functional component event information, can thus be used as a basis for the operation of at least one functional component of the device. Corresponding recorded information can be converted into control data for this purpose by data processing, which controls the at least one Functional component of the device are used as a basis. In particular, the control device can be set up to control the operation of a respective functional component depending on the respective information content of a corresponding piece of information.

For a control of the operation of a functional component based on a corresponding information, i. H. e.g. B. a pest event information and / or a functional component event information, can thus z. B. apply that the operation of the functional component z. B. is controllable in such a way that it is controlled only in the presence of information having a specific information content. The operation of a respective functional component can be controlled in all cases, e.g. B. include a transfer of the respective functional component from a first operating state to a second operating state.

The controller typically forms part of the device. However, it is also conceivable that the control device, z. B. in terms of cloud computing, forms part of an external control unit communicating with the device. In this case, the device can comprise a data transmission device, via which recorded information can be transmitted to a corresponding external control unit.

Due to the possibility of considering corresponding collected information, i. H. in particular pest event information and/or functional components, for controlling the operation of one or more functional components of the device, an improved principle of a corresponding device is given, in particular with regard to efficiency, practicability and reliability.

The detection device can be used to detect or identify objects that are penetrating or have penetrated into the housing part, ie in particular target organisms such as e.g. B. rodents, be furnished. On the basis of a corresponding recognition or identification, the detection device can also be set up to distinguish between target organisms (predefined for the device) and other objects that can also be designated as non-target organisms and to generate object recognition information describing a corresponding object recognition result. Object recognition information can therefore basically indicate whether an object was recognized which corresponds to a (predefined target organism or not. It is also conceivable that object recognition information contains detailed Information about a detected object, such as a target organism or a non-target organism. For example, object recognition information can contain one or more details about the type or genus of a recognized object, such as e.g. B. a target organism or a non-target organism included.

Object detection information may be a specific example of pest event information.

Object recognition information can also be used alternatively or additionally as a basis for controlling the operation of the at least one functional component of the device. Consequently, the control device can be set up to control the operation of the at least one functional component on the basis of corresponding object recognition information. For the example of an execution device as a functional component, it can therefore apply that the operation of the execution device can be controlled in such a way that it is only triggered when object recognition information describing a target organism is present. From the above example, it is again evident that the control of the operation of a functional component can generally mean a transfer of a respective functional component from a first operating state to at least one further operating state.

It was mentioned that the detection device can be equipped with image and/or sound processing algorithms, for example for optical and/or acoustic pattern recognition. In general, the detection device z. B. is designed as an optical and / or acoustic detection device. The detection device can detect corresponding pest events and/or functional component events, e.g. B. optically and / or acoustically. Equally, objects for detection or identification z. B. be detected optically and / or acoustically. Optical detection can e.g. B. by an image recording device such. B. as a camera device, or as a laser or light barrier, ie generally designed as an optical recording or sensor device or such a comprehensive detection device. An acoustic detection can, as mentioned, z. B. by a sound recording device such. B. as a microphone device, ie generally designed as an acoustic recording or sensor device or such a comprehensive detection device. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the detection device detects corresponding malware events and/or functional component events haptically. A haptic detection can e.g. B. by as a vibration recording device, ie generally designed as a haptic detection device or such a comprehensive recording facility. Analogously, detection devices in the form of contact or proximity sensor devices, weight detection devices, etc. are basically conceivable.

In principle, the device can comprise a plurality of detection devices, possibly configured differently. The detection devices can be configured differently with regard to their detection type; consequently, a first detection device z. B. as an optical detection device and a second detection device z. B. be designed as an acoustic or haptic detection device or include such. Similarly, the detection devices can be configured differently with regard to their detection range; consequently, a first detection device z. B. a comparatively wide detection area with a comparatively low resolution and a second detection device can be designed or comprise a comparatively narrow detection area with a comparatively high resolution.

The device can also include a data processing device implemented in terms of hardware and/or software, which is set up to process the detection information supplied by the respective detection devices. A corresponding data processing device can be set up in particular for plausibility checking or verification of the recording information supplied by the respective recording devices with regard to at least one plausibility checking or verification criterion. A corresponding plausibility check or verification can be expedient in particular in order to avoid undesired control of the operation of functional components. For example, an undesired triggering of an execution device can be avoided in a situation in which a first detection device detects a pest event, such as e.g. B. indicates the entry of a target organism into a functional space equipped with an execution device, but this pest event is not checked for plausibility or verified by a second detection device. The same applies to the likewise exemplary case in which a first detection device generates object identification information which specifies an object as the target organism, but this object identification information is not checked for plausibility or verified by a second detection device. In an analogous manner, detection information can then be checked for plausibility or verified as to whether a pest, e.g. B. after a triggering of an execution device, is actually dead. In this respect, a staggered generation of corresponding detection information, z. B. to a first and at least one later further time, conceivable. Em first time z. B. be immediately after triggering an execution facility, another time z. B. be a few seconds after the first time.

As mentioned, the housing part of the device can comprise one or more functional spaces. The functional spaces are typically separated by housing part elements, i. H. in particular housing part walls, limited or defined. At least one functional component of the device can be arranged or formed in each functional space. Typically, the housing part comprises at least a first functional space with an entry and/or exit opening through which a pest can enter the housing part and/or exit from the housing part, and at least one second functional space communicating with it via at least one passage opening. In a specific embodiment of a function space - this applies in particular to a corresponding second function space - with several functional components z. B. arranged or formed a detection device, a data transmission device and an execution device. Likewise, an energy supply device, via which functional components can be supplied with electrical energy if necessary, can be arranged as a further functional component in the functional space or in another functional space.

If there are several functional spaces, they can communicate with one another directly or indirectly via at least one passage opening, so that a pest that has gotten into the housing part can get from a first functional space into at least one further functional space by passing through at least one passage opening.

It is conceivable that a corresponding passage opening is assigned a closure device, which has at least one closure element, e.g. B. in the form of a closure plate includes. Movements of a respective closure element can be implemented via a drive device, in particular a motor, which is assigned to the closure device. A corresponding closure device and/or an associated drive device can also represent a functional component of the device. Examples of a possible structural configuration of the housing part are explained below:

The housing part can be a one-piece or multi-part first housing part element, which comprises at least one base or positioning surface and a side surface aligned at an angle, in particular at right angles, thereto, and at least one further or , second housing part element, which comprises a cover surface. The basic configuration of a housing part can thus comprise a first housing part element forming or encompassing a base or positioning surface and at least one further housing part element forming or encompassing a cover surface. The first partial housing element can have several differently aligned surface or wall sections. The same applies to the additional or second partial housing element.

In a specific configuration, the first housing part element has at least one first surface or wall section, which forms a bottom or footprint of the housing part, an angled, i. H. perpendicular, oriented relative to the first wall section, the second wall section forming a rear wall of the housing part, and also angled, i. H. third and fourth surface or wall sections which are aligned at right angles relative to the first surface or wall section and which each form side walls of the housing part. In addition, an angular, d. H. be provided at right angles, relative to the first surface or wall section, aligned fifth surface or wall section, which defines a first functional space and a second functional space or separates a first functional space from a second functional space. As indicated, one or more functional components of the device, such as e.g. B. the detection device, the data transmission device and an execution device, be arranged or formed. As indicated, the two functional spaces can communicate with one another via a through-opening which can optionally be closed via a closure device.

An entry and/or exit opening through which a pest can enter the housing part and/or exit from the housing part can be formed in the third and/or the fourth surface or wall section. If the housing part comprises a plurality of inlet and/or outlet openings, these can at least be aligned in sections so that they define a viewing axis passing through the housing part.

In a specific configuration, the second housing part element can have a curved or arched geometry, in particular when viewed in cross section, at least in sections, optionally completely. The second housing part element can, for. B. a horizontal or vertical axis formed or arranged obliquely running first surface or wall section, a curved running second surface or wall section and a third surface or wall section. The third surface or wall section can also be arranged or designed to run obliquely with respect to a horizontal or vertical axis. The at least partially curved or arched geometry can be advantageous when this z. B. can complicate an unwanted accumulation of liquid and / or accumulation of dirt on the second housing part element.

The housing part can include one or more attachment interfaces, via which it can be attached to a substrate or a third-party object, such as e.g. B. a structure can be fastened. An attachment of the housing part is advantageous when this z. B. a proper arrangement of the housing part under adverse conditions such. B. adverse climatic conditions, but also a backup of the housing part, z. B. against theft, unwanted implementation, etc. guaranteed.

Appropriate attachment interfaces can in principle, z. B. via a positive and / or non-positive and / or material-locking type of attachment, a (damage or non-destructive) releasable attachment of the housing part to a substrate and / or on a third-party object, such. B. a building allow. A screw fastening of the housing part to a substrate and/or a third-party object is referred to merely as an example.

Corresponding fastening interfaces can be arranged or formed on different sections of the first housing part element. For example, the first housing part element can have a base or footprint with at least one attachment interface for attaching the housing part to or in a substrate and/or third-party object. Alternatively or additionally, the first housing part element z. B. a side surface with at least one attachment interface Have attachment of the housing part on or in a substrate and / or third-party object.

The second housing part element can in at least one degree of freedom of movement, in particular in a z. B. defined by a horizontal pivot axis, pivoting movement degree of freedom, be movably mounted on the first housing part element. The movable mounting of the second housing part element on the first housing part element can be realized in particular in such a way that the second housing part element can be transferred into a first position (open position), in which an access possibility is created in a housing part interior or functional space limited on the housing part side, and into a second Position (closed position) can be transferred, in which no possibility of access to a housing part interior or functional space limited on the housing part side is created. For this purpose, the second housing sub-element can e.g. B. flap-like or shaped and z. B. displaceable along a sliding axis or pivotable about a pivot axis, be mounted on the first housing part element.

The device can include a blocking or locking device, via which the movably mounted second housing part element can be moved in a certain position, ie. H. particularly in the closed position, can lock or lock. A corresponding blocking or locking device can comprise one or more blocking or locking elements which can be converted into a blocking or locking position in which these, e.g. B. positively and / or non-positively, act on the second housing part element, so that its degree of freedom of movement is limited, in particular in such a way that it cannot be moved any further. Unlocking or unlocking can be achieved by actuating one of the locking or locking device associated unlocking or unlocking mechanism, such. B. by moving an unlocking or unlocking element.

The housing part forming the housing part elements can, for. Example, be made of plastic or metal. Specifically, the housing part elements can therefore be z. B. from a plastic such. B. ABS, PA, PC, PE, PP, etc., formed injection molded parts and / or made of a metal such. B. aluminum, steel, etc., act formed bent and / or stamped parts. Of course, it is conceivable that different housing part elements are formed from different materials, so that an individualized configuration of the housing part is conceivable. In all cases, individual, several or all housing part elements can be provided with at least one surface or wall section, which allows a view into the housing part. Corresponding surface or wall sections of the housing part elements can be made of transparent materials or material structures, such as. B. glass, plastic formed.

In all cases, inlet and/or outlet openings of the housing part of the device can be provided with adapter elements, in particular tube-like or tube-shaped, which, due to their geometry, prevent or inhibit the ingress or entry of non-target organisms. For example, a tubular or -shaped adapter element due to its geometry, i. H. e.g. B. a length and / or its diameter, make it impossible for a human hand to penetrate into the housing part. The same applies to other non-target organisms.

As mentioned, the device can have a data transmission device for the transmission of information detected by the detection device, e.g. H. in particular pest event information and/or functional component event information and/or object recognition information, to at least one external communication partner, such as e.g. B. to a (mobile) terminal include. Corresponding malware event information and/or corresponding functional component event information can, depending on the configuration of the mobile terminal, e.g. B. as an email or as part of such, as a message of a telecommunications service such. B. SMS, Imessage, Whatsapp, or as part of such, directly or indirectly. Transmission in the form of a call to the respective mobile terminal device, optionally executed automatically via a computer-based call service, is also conceivable.

The device or the data transmission device of the device can form a first communication partner of a communication system. A corresponding terminal or a data transmission device of such can form a second communication partner of the communication system.

The terminal can be z. B. a smartphone, a smartwatch, a tablet, a PC, or any other electronic device with the appropriate reception functionality, such. B. an (RFID reader). The end device is therefore set up to receive information transmitted by the data transmission device of the device and, if necessary, e.g. B. for the purpose of output to process. In particular, the terminal is designed to receive pest event information and/or functional component event information transmitted by the data transmission device of the device and, if necessary, to process received pest event information and/or functional component event information, for example for the purpose of output via an output interface, such as e.g. B. a display set up. A user of the terminal, such as B. a service provider, in particular a pest control service provider, can therefore be informed about pest events and / or functional component events without necessarily having to be "on site" when he transmits them via corresponding pest event information and / or functional component event information to (s) a mobile device and there can get spent.

In general, therefore, that the device via a corresponding data transmission device directly or indirectly with an external communication partner, such. B. a server can communicate, so that z. B. pest event information and / or functional component event information can be transmitted to an external communication partner. In this way, monitoring of malware events and/or functional component events can be implemented, optionally with spatial and/or temporal resolution.

In principle, therefore, corresponding malware event information and/or functional component event information can alternatively or additionally be transmitted to a provider of a communication system or a provider of corresponding devices, so that the latter can be informed about corresponding malware events and/or functional component events. The information that can be derived from this, for example in connection with a pest infestation or its control, the functionality of corresponding functional components, the (sufficient) presence of lure or bait elements, etc., can be valuable for efficient pest control than this, e.g. B. spatially and / or temporally resolved, allow a comprehensive current or future overview of local, regional or global pest control requirements.

The detection device can be set up to generate corresponding malware event information and/or functional component event information continuously, quasi-continuously or discontinuously. Of course it is conceivable that the operation of the detection device, e.g. B. with regard to the state of charge of the supply of the detection device with electrical energy serving electrical energy storage device such. B. a battery, based on certain boundary conditions, such as the aforementioned state of charge of a corresponding electrical energy storage device, is controlled so that z. B. is switched from a continuous generation to a quasi-continuous or discontinuous generation of corresponding pest event information and / or functional component event information.

In the same way, the data transmission device of a corresponding device can be set up to transmit corresponding malware event information and/or functional component event information continuously, quasi-continuously or discontinuously. The above statements in connection with the generation of corresponding malware event information and/or functional component event information apply analogously.

The at least one detection device and the at least one data transmission device of the device and optionally an electrical energy store such. B. a battery can be formed as a common assembly. In particular, it can be a combined function module that includes a housing structure that is optionally encapsulated against environmental influences. A corresponding assembly can be equipped with fastening interfaces, via which these can be detached, in particular (without damage or destruction), e.g. B. positively and / or non-positively and / or cohesively, can be fixed within the housing part.

In all of the embodiments, the device can comprise an energy generation device for generating electrical energy that can be used in particular for the operation of functional components of the device. The device can therefore be equipped with a self-sufficient energy generation or supply, as the electrical energy required for the operation of the functional components of the device via an energy generation device, z. B. piezoelectric, thermoelectric or photoelectric can be generated. A corresponding energy production device can, for. B. be designed as a photovoltaic device or include such, via which electromagnetic radiation, ie in particular light, can be converted into electrical energy. A corresponding photoelectric Power generation device such. B. a photovoltaic Emnchtung z. B. on exposed outer surfaces of the housing part, ie in particular the second housing part element, arranged or formed.

Functional components of the device can generally be supplied with energy via an energy supply device that can be integrated or integrated into the device, e.g. B. in the form of an electrical energy storage device, and / or the device with a connection device such. B. a socket, a connector plug, etc., may be equipped, soft on an external power source such. B. a power supply network, for the purpose of power supply can be connected to the device. Of course, an inductive and therefore contactless power supply for the functional components of the device is also conceivable.

The or a detection device of the device can also be set up to detect chemical and/or physical and/or climatic environmental parameters in the area around the housing part and to generate corresponding environmental parameter information. The device can therefore also serve as a station for recording chemical and/or physical and/or climatic parameters, with the recorded parameters of course also being transmitted via a corresponding data transmission device, if available, (directly) to a terminal device or (directly) to an external communication partner, such as B. a server can be transmitted. The functionality of the device can be expanded considerably in this way.

In principle, it is true that individual, several or all functional components of the device - this applies in particular to electrical or electronic functional components

- can be designed with explosion protection (EX protection). The functional or structural design of the functional components of the device can therefore be designed with regard to aspects of explosion protection.

A second aspect of the invention relates to a method for operating a device for controlling and/or monitoring pests, in particular rodents. The procedure includes the steps:

- Detecting an event in connection with a pest located in a housing part of the device and generating pest event information relating to a corresponding event and/or detecting an event in connection with a functional component located in the housing part apparatus and generating functional component event information relating to a corresponding event; controlling the operation of at least one functional component of the device based on corresponding pest event information and/or functional component event information.

All explanations in connection with the device according to the first aspect of the invention apply analogously to the method according to the second aspect of the invention.

The invention is explained in more detail using exemplary embodiments in the drawings. It shows:

1 shows a schematic representation of a communication system according to an embodiment; and

Fig. 2 - 4 a schematic representation of a device according to an embodiment.

1 shows a schematic representation of a communication system 1 according to an exemplary embodiment. The communication system 1 is particularly useful for combating pests, i. H. in general animal organisms which, especially in a certain environment, such as e.g. B. a manufacturing, production, processing or administrative environment, outside or inside a building or building for whatever reason, are set up. Merely by way of example, in connection with the term "pest" is referenced to rodents, such as e.g. B. mice and rats, or insects referred. Pest control can be targeted, i. H. aim to combat a specific species or genus of animal organisms. The term "target organism" can also be used instead of the term "pest".

The communication system 1 comprises at least two communication partners communicating with one another via a communication protocol or a communication connection indicated by arrows in FIG. 1 . At least one first communication partner can be configured or configured at least temporarily as a transmitter via a transmission functionality and at least one second communication partner communicating with it can be configured or configured at least temporarily as a receiver via a reception functionality. Of course they can Communication partners can be configured or configured with both a send and a receive functionality.

A respective sending and/or receiving functionality is typically implemented via a sending and/or receiving device which is assigned to the respective communication partner and forms a data transmission device; a respective communication partner can therefore be connected to a transmitting and/or receiving device, d. H. generally with a data transmission device, be formed or at least include such a device. A corresponding data transmission device of a first communication partner is typically set up to communicate with a corresponding data transmission device of a second communication partner via at least one communication link defined, in particular by a network or communication protocol. A corresponding communication link can be wired or wireless and can therefore be established via a wired or wireless communication network, in particular a communication network forming a distributed system or a component of such a system. In particular, a corresponding communication link can take place via wireless networks. Correspondingly, wireless networks such as B. WLAN, Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-loT), or Long Range Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN) or mobile networks, such as. B. Long Term Evolution (LTE) of the third, fourth, fifth or a higher generation, used or used. In particular, so-called low-power wireless networks or corresponding protocols or long-term evolution networks or standards come into consideration as they have long ranges with efficient energy consumption.

In all cases, the communication between the respective communication partners of the communication system can be direct or indirect, i. H. with the interposition of at least one other communication partner, such as e.g. B. a hub, server, etc., take place.

The communication system 1 comprises at least one device 2 for controlling and/or monitoring pests, in particular rodents. A concrete exemplary embodiment of a corresponding device 2 is shown in FIGS. 2-4.

The device 2 is basically an independent of the communication system 1 and thus an independent object of the invention, so that all The following explanations in connection with the device 2 basically apply independently of the communication system 1.

The device 2, which can also be referred to as an “animal trap” or “bait box”, comprises a housing part 2.1 (cf. FIGS. 2-4), a detection device 2.2 and optionally a data transmission device 2.3, i. H. e.g. B. a transmitting and / or receiving device. The detection device 2.2 and the data transmission device 2.3 represent functional components of the device 2. Although it is fundamentally conceivable that the device 2 is underground, ie. H. e.g. B. can be used in a manhole of a sewer system, the device 2 is primarily designed for use above ground.

The housing part 2.1 is, as explained in more detail below in connection with FIGS. 2-4, typically by one or more housing part elements, such as. B. by housing part walls 2.1.1 - 2.1.5 formed, which limit or define at least one housing interior. A corresponding housing interior can form a functional space 2.1.8 of the housing part 2.1. On or in the housing part 2.1, d. H. in particular in a corresponding functional space 2.1.8, at least one functional component of the device 2, such as. B. the detection device 2.2 and / or the data transmission device 2.3 and / or a functional component, d. H. e.g. B. a set up for the execution of a pest execution device 2.4, such as. B. a snap trap device, arranged or formed. Alternatively or in addition, a attractant or active substance element 2.5, such as e.g. B. arranged or formed a bait for attracting or baiting or fighting a pest. A corresponding attractant or active substance element can be provided with certain chemical substances, in particular those which cause a pest to be attracted or killed directly or indirectly. With a corresponding attractor or drug element 2.5, it can be z. B. be a decoy and / or active ingredient bait that the pest absorbs.

The detection device 2.2 is set up to detect an event in connection with a pest located in the housing part 2.1 and to generate pest event information relating to a corresponding event. An event directly or indirectly affecting a pest located in the housing part 2.1 can thus be described via detected or generated pest event information. A corresponding event is, in particular, an active or passive action by a pest in the housing part 2.1, ie for example a in particular spatial and/or temporal change of state of a pest located in the housing part 2.1. The detection device 2.2 can be set up to provide a piece of pest event information, in particular through appropriate data processing, with location and/or time information. In this way, conclusions can be drawn as to the location and/or time at which a pest event occurred. Corresponding pest event information may optionally include (only) raw data.

Alternatively or additionally, the detection device 2.2 can be set up to detect an event in connection with a functional component located in the housing part 2.1 and to generate functional component event information relating to a corresponding event. An event relating directly or indirectly to a functional component located in the housing part 2.1 can thus be described via a detected or generated functional component event information item. A corresponding event is, in particular, an active or passive action of the functional component, d. H. e.g. B. to understand, in particular spatial and / or temporal, change of state of a functional component located in the housing part 2.1. The detection device 2.2 can be set up to provide functional component event information with location and/or time information, in particular through appropriate data processing. In this way, conclusions can be drawn as to the location and/or time at which a functional component event occurred. Corresponding functional component event information may include raw data (only).

The or another detection device 2.2 can optionally also be arranged outside of the housing part 2.1 and can communicate with a corresponding data transmission device 2.3 via a suitable communication link, so that detection information, i. H. in particular pest event information and/or functional component event information, can be transmitted to the data transmission device 2.3.

The data transmission device 2.3 is set up for the direct or indirect transmission of corresponding malware event information and/or corresponding functional component event information to at least one mobile terminal 3 (“terminal”). Corresponding pest event information and/or corresponding functional component event information can, depending on the configuration of the terminal 3, e.g. B. as an email or as part of such, as a message telecommunications service such as B. SMS, Imessage, Whatsapp, or as part of such. Transmission in the form of a call to the respective mobile terminal device, optionally executed automatically via a computer-based call service, is also conceivable.

The device 2 or the data transmission device 2.2. of the device 2 forms a first communication partner of the communication system 1, a corresponding terminal device 3 or its data transmission device 3.1 forms a second communication partner of the communication system 1.

The communication system also includes at least one corresponding terminal 3. The terminal 3 can be z. B. a smartphone, smartwatch, tablet, PC, or any other electronic device with the appropriate reception functionality, such. B. an (RFID reader), act.

The terminal 3 is set up to receive information transmitted by the data transmission device 2.2 of the device 2 and, if necessary, e.g. B. for the purpose of output to process. The terminal 3 is particularly suitable for receiving pest event information Sl and/or functional component event information Fl transmitted by the data transmission device 2.2 of the device 2 and, if necessary, for processing received pest event information Sl and/or functional component event information Fl, for example for the purpose of output via an output interface 3.2, such as e.g. B. a display set up. A user of the terminal 3, such as. B. a service provider, in particular a pest control service provider, or a z. B. In the event of an epidemic, the regulatory authority responsible can therefore be informed about pest events and / or functional component events without necessarily having to be "on site" when he transmits them to (s) a terminal 3 via corresponding pest event information Sl and / or functional component event information Fl can be issued there.

The terminal 3 typically includes the already mentioned data transmission device 3.1 and an acknowledgment device 3.3 implemented in terms of hardware and/or software. As indicated, the terminal 3 also includes a data processing device 3.4 implemented in terms of hardware and/or software and an output interface 3.2. The acknowledgment device 3.3 is set up to acknowledge a pest event described by the pest event information Sl and/or a functional component event described by the functional component event information Fl and to generate at least one acknowledgment of the corresponding pest event and/or functional component event describing acknowledgment information Ql. As mentioned, the acknowledgment device 3.3 can be implemented in terms of hardware and/or software; the acknowledgment device 3.3 can therefore z. B. be implemented as an algorithm or neural network or include an algorithm or neural network.

The acknowledgment can B. include a confirmation and / or verification of proper receipt of a corresponding pest event information Sl and / or functional component event information Fl. The acknowledgment device 3.3 can be set up to check the receipt of malware event information S1 and/or functional component event information Fl, in particular for completeness. Alternatively or additionally, the acknowledgment device 3.3 can be set up to analyze the content of a received piece of malware event information S1 and/or functional component event information Fl, in particular for completeness. The acknowledgment device 3.3 can be equipped with analysis algorithms for this purpose. It is conceivable that the acknowledgment device 3.3 is set up to provide a received piece of malware event information S1 and/or functional component event information F1 with location and/or time information, in particular through appropriate data processing. In this way, conclusions can be drawn as to the location and/or time at which an acknowledgment of received malware event information S1 and/or functional component event information F1 took place. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that an acknowledgment information item contains information about a user executing the acknowledgment. Corresponding information can e.g. B. include a name, a degree, a position, a personnel number, etc. of a respective user.

An acknowledgment is typically made by a user of the terminal 3 and a z. B. acoustic and / or optical and / or haptic, interaction of a user with the terminal 3 require. The user can use acoustic and/or visual and/or haptic input interfaces of the end device 3 for this purpose. The acknowledgment device 3.3 can be set up to execute individual, several or all of the actions listed above, possibly on the basis of appropriately configured algorithms, in an automated manner.

The acknowledgment device 3.3 can, for. B. a service provider, d. H. give in particular a pest control service provider, more particularly a pest controller in the field, especially on site, the opportunity to document and, if necessary, prove that a corresponding pest event and/or functional component event, especially on site and/or at a given time, was recorded and/or checked . Such can z. B. the fact that in certain pest events and / or functional component events, z. B. due to legal regulations, the respective malware event and / or functional component event must be checked within a certain period of time, in particular on site. This applies in particular to functional component events such as the triggering of an execution device 2.4 as an example of a functional component of a corresponding device 2, since here it is typically necessary to check within a certain period of time whether a vermin has actually been killed or not.

The data transmission device 3.1 of the terminal 3 is set up for the direct or indirect transmission of corresponding acknowledgment information Q1 to at least one external communication partner 4. With a corresponding external communication partner 4, it can be z. B. be a server. A corresponding server can e.g. B. one, e.g. B. official, control body or a service provider, d. H. in particular a pest control service provider, so that they can be informed about corresponding acknowledgment processes or their implementation. In this way, monitoring of acknowledgment processes can be implemented, optionally with spatial and/or temporal resolution. Equally, a server can also be assigned to a provider of corresponding devices 2, so that it can receive acknowledgment information, possibly also for the purpose of corresponding monitoring.

As indicated in Fig. 1, a corresponding device 2 can also directly or indirectly with an external communication partner 4, such as. B. a server communicate so that z. B. pest event information Sl and / or functional component event information Fl can be transmitted via the device 2 to an external communication partner 4. This can be done locally, if necessary and/or implement time-resolved, monitoring of pest events and/or functional component events. It also applies in this context that a server can be assigned to a provider of corresponding devices 2 or a corresponding communication system 1, so that it can receive malware event information S1 and/or functional component event information F1.

In principle, therefore, corresponding malware event information Sl and/or functional component event information Fl can alternatively or additionally be transmitted to a provider of the communication system 1 or a provider of corresponding devices 2, so that the latter can be informed about corresponding malware events and/or functional component events. The information that can be derived from this, for example in connection with a pest infestation or its control, the functionality of corresponding functional components, the (sufficient) presence of attractants or active substance elements 2.5, etc., can be valuable for efficient pest control when these, e.g . B. spatially and / or temporally resolved, allow a comprehensive current or future overview of local, regional or global pest control requirements.

The detection device 2.2 of the device 2 can be set up to generate corresponding pest event information S1 and/or functional component event information Fl continuously, quasi-continuously or discontinuously. It is conceivable that the operation of the detection device 2.2, z. B. with regard to the state of charge of the supply of the detection device 2.2. with electrical energy serving electrical energy storage such. B. a battery, based on certain boundary conditions, such as the aforementioned state of charge of a corresponding electrical energy storage device, is controlled so that z. B. is switched from a continuous generation to a quasi-continuous or discontinuous generation of corresponding pest event information Sl and / or functional component event information Fl. A corresponding electrical energy store can form an energy supply device 2.6 of the device 2 or a component of such.

In the same way, the data transmission device 2.2 of the device 2 can be set up to transmit corresponding malware event information and/or functional component event information continuously, quasi-continuously or discontinuously transfer. The above statements in connection with the generation of corresponding malware event information S1 and/or functional component event information Fl apply analogously.

A corresponding pest event information Sl z. B. describe an entry event of a pest in the housing part 2.1. The detection device 2.2 can therefore be set up to describe the entry of a pest into the housing part 2.1 and to generate corresponding pest event information S1 based on this. Similarly, the detection device 2.2 can be set up to detect an approach of a pest to the housing part 2.1 or an entry and/or exit opening of the housing part 2.1.

Alternatively or additionally, a corresponding pest event information Sl z. B. describe an exit event of a pest from the housing part 2.1. The detection device 2.2 can therefore be set up to describe an exit of a pest from the housing part 2.2 and to generate corresponding pest event information S1 based thereon.

Alternatively or corresponding pest event information SI z. B. describe a biting event of a lure or active substance element 2.5 by a pest located in the housing part 2.1. The detection device 2.2 can therefore be set up to detect a bite on a lure or active ingredient element 2.5 by a pest located in the housing part 2.1 and to generate corresponding pest event information S1 based thereon.

Alternatively or additionally, a corresponding pest event information Sl z. B. describe a locking event of a pest locked in the housing part 2.1, in particular by means of a locking or locking device (not shown) of the device 2. The detection device 2.2 can therefore be set up to detect the locking or being locked in of a pest in the housing part 2.1 and to generate corresponding pest event information S1 based thereon.

Corresponding functional component event information Fl can transfer a functional component, in particular an execution device 2.4 set up for the execution of pests, such as e.g. B. a snap trap device, describe from a first operating state to a second operating state. the Detection device 2.2 can therefore be set up to detect a transition of a functional component from a first operating state to a second operating state and to generate corresponding functional component event information Fl based on this. As indicated, a functional component can be an execution device 2.4, such as e.g. an electrical and/or mechanical snap trap device - the same applies to all other execution devices that work in the same or similar way - so that the detection device 2.2 can be set up to transfer an execution device 2.4 from a first operating state, i.e. e.g. an operating state, to which the execution device 2.4 has not yet been triggered, into a second operating state in which the execution device 2.4, depending on the configuration, e.g. by an electric shock, a sudden movement of a striking element, etc., so that the detection device 2.2 can be set up to transfer an execution device 2.4 from a state in which the execution device 2.4 has not yet been triggered into a state , in which the execution device is triggered 2.4 to detect and based thereon to generate a corresponding functional component event information Fl.

In all of the embodiments, pest event information S1 can contain image and/or audio information about a respective pest event. The detection device 2.2 can therefore be set up to detect image and/or sound information on the respective pest event or to describe the respective pest event in the form of image and/or sound information. The detection device 2.2 can therefore z. B. be designed as an image and / or sound recording device or at least include such. Corresponding image and/or sound information can be static or dynamic information, which means that a respective pest event can be optically and/or acoustically mapped over a specific period of time. Specifically, a pest event information Sl sonach z. B. include a continuous, quasi-continuous or discontinuous sequence of images and / or sound.

The detection device 2.2 can be equipped with image and/or sound processing algorithms, for example for optical and/or acoustic pattern recognition, in order to recognize or identify specific optical and/or acoustic features within the captured image and/or sound information using data processing. Based on a corresponding recognition or identification of features z. B. a distinction between a target organism, such. B. a pest, and a non-target organism such as B. another animal, a human body part, etc. can be made. Corresponding image and/or sound processing algorithms can be or will be “trained” on the basis of artificial intelligence or machine learning, possibly including neural networks.

Corresponding pest event information S1 can, as indicated, contain at least one piece of location and/or time information about the respective pest event. A respective pest event can therefore be associated with a place and/or a time, such as e.g. B. time and / or date, are correlated. The location and/or the time of a respective pest event can therefore be contained in a piece of pest event information S1. The place can z. B. correlate with the installation location of the device 2, so that a location information z. B. can describe the installation site of the device 2, which in turn means that a pest event information Sl can be assigned to a specific device 2 via the location information in the case of multiple devices 2. Alternatively or in addition, however, location information can also describe at least one location within the housing part 2.1, so that z. B. movement paths of an object can be described within the housing part 2.1. A first pest event information can thus z. B. an event in an entry or exit area of the housing part 2.1, d. H. e.g. B. an entry or exit of an object, d. H. in particular a pest, into or out of the housing part 2.1, and further pest event information Sl an event in a functional space 2.1.8 of the housing part 2.1, d. H. e.g. B. an entry or exit of an object, d. H. in particular a pest, in or out of the function space 2.1.8 describe.

Corresponding malware event information S1 can contain information about an acknowledgment requirement, in particular information about a period in which the malware event is to be acknowledged. The detection device 2.2 can therefore be set up, e.g. B. on the basis of a detection or identification, possibly also a categorization or classification, of a malware event contain information as to whether an acknowledgment is required and, if so, within what period of time this is to be carried out. For example, an acknowledgment can only be required for certain objects, ie for example for target organisms, and/or has to be carried out for different target organisms within different periods of time, which can be contained in a corresponding statement. As an alternative or in addition, corresponding functional component event information Fl can also contain video and/or audio information about a respective functional component event. The recording device 2.2 can therefore be set up to record video and/or audio information on the respective functional component event or to describe the respective functional component event in the form of video and/or audio information. As mentioned, the detection device 2.2 can therefore z. B. be designed as an image and / or sound recording device or at least include such. Corresponding image and/or sound information can be static or dynamic information, which means that a respective functional component event can be optically and/or acoustically mapped over a specific period of time. Specifically, functional component event information Fl can therefore e.g. B. include a continuous, quasi-continuous or discontinuous sequence of images and / or sound.

As mentioned, the detection device 2.2 can be equipped with image and/or sound processing algorithms, for example from the field of optical and/or acoustic pattern recognition, in order to process certain optical and/or acoustic features within the recorded image and/or sound information to recognize or identify. Based on a corresponding recognition or identification of features z. B. a distinction between a proper transfer of a respective functional component from a first to a second operating state, such. B. a triggering of an execution device 2.4 made. Corresponding image and/or sound processing algorithms can be or will be “trained” on the basis of artificial intelligence or machine learning, possibly including neural networks.

Corresponding functional component event information Fl can, as indicated, contain at least one piece of location and/or time information about the respective functional component event. A respective functional component event can therefore be associated with a location and/or a time, such as e.g. B. time and / or date, are correlated. The location and/or the time of a respective functional component event can therefore be contained in functional component event information Fl. The place can z. B. correlate with the installation location of the device 2, so that a location information z. B. can describe the installation location of the device 2, which in turn means that a function component event information Fl can be assigned to a specific device 2 via the location information in the case of multiple devices 2. As an alternative or in addition, however, location information can also describe at least one location within the housing part 2.1, so that z. B. the triggering of different functional components can be described within the housing part 2.1. A first function component event information Fl can therefore z. B. an event in connection with a functional component, ie e.g. a triggering or other operating state change of the first functional component, in a first functional space 2.1.8 of the housing part 2.1 and further functional component event information Fl an event in connection with a second functional component, ie e.g. describe a triggering or other change in the operating state of the second functional component in a second functional space 2.1.8 of the housing part 2.1.

Corresponding functional component event information Fl can contain information about an acknowledgment requirement, in particular information about a time period in which the functional component event is to be acknowledged. The detection device 2.2 can therefore be set up, e.g. B. on the basis of a detection or identification, possibly also a categorization or classification, of a function component event contain an indication as to whether an acknowledgment is required and, if so, within what period of time this is to be made. For example, an acknowledgment can only be given for certain functional components, i. H. e.g. g. for execution facilities 2.4, and/or for different functional components, in particular for different execution facilities 2.4, to be carried out within different periods of time, which can be included in a corresponding statement.

The acknowledgment device 3.3 can be set up for contactless, in particular radio-based, acknowledgment of a malware event and/or a functional component event. The communication between the device 2, ie in particular the data transmission device 2.2 of the device 2, and the terminal 3, ie in particular the data transmission device 3.1 of the terminal 3, is therefore typically wireless, so that an acknowledgment can be made without contact. Depending on the specific implementation of wireless communication, the acknowledgment z. B. from a distance between the device 2 and the terminal 3 in a range between 0.01 m and 5 m, in particular in a range between 0.01 m and 3 m, more particularly in a range of 0.5 m and 2 m, more particularly in a range between 0.01 m and 1 m. Of course, distances of less than 1 cm are also conceivable, especially for NFC techniques. This can e.g. B. by near field communication techniques (NFC techniques) or WPAN techniques such. B.Bluetooth, Zigbee, etc., take place. In principle, however, an acknowledgment, e.g. B. via a wide area network, also from greater distances or remotely.

It is also conceivable in all cases that an acknowledgment z. B. takes place from a vehicle, so that a user, in turn, reference is made to a pest controller, for example, can optionally make an acknowledgment without getting out of the vehicle. The vehicle can be motionless or possibly even moved, so that a user can carry out an acknowledgment process while passing the device 2 with a vehicle. The same applies, of course, to acknowledgment processes without a vehicle, i. H. a user can also carry out an acknowledgment process when passing a device 2 without a vehicle without stopping.

As indicated, the detection device 2.2 can be used to detect or identify objects penetrating or penetrating into the housing part 2.1, i. H. in particular of target organisms such. B. rodents, be furnished. On the basis of a corresponding recognition or identification, the detection device 2.2 can be set up to distinguish between target organisms that are predefined for the device 2 and other objects that can also be described as non-target organisms, and to generate object recognition information Q1 describing a corresponding object recognition result. Object recognition information Q1 can therefore basically indicate whether an object was recognized which corresponds to a (pre)defined target organism or not.It is also conceivable that object recognition information O1 contains detailed information about a recognized object, such as a target organism or a non-target organism For example, object recognition information Ol can contain one or more details about the type or genus of a recognized object, such as a target organism or a non-target organism n are transmitted via the data transmission device 2.3 of the device 2 to the terminal 3 and/or an external communication partner 4. Such z. B. Knowledge can be obtained as to whether the respective device 2 is placed in the correct location or whether the device 2 needs to be moved, in particular with regard to effective pest control, because there are no or too few target organisms and/or ( too many) non-target organisms penetrate into the housing part 2.1.

Corresponding object recognition information Ol—this also applies in principle to pest event information S1 and/or a Functional component event information Fl - can be used to control the operation of at least one functional component of the device 2 . The communication system 1 can therefore include a hardware and/or software-implemented control device which is used to control the operation of at least one functional component of the device 1 on the basis of object recognition information Ol - this can in turn also be based on malware event information Sl and/or functional component event information Fl - is set up. The control device can in particular be set up to control the operation of a respective functional component as a function of the respective information content of an object recognition information item O1--this in turn also applies to a pest event information item S1 and/or a functional component event information item F1. For controlling the operation of a functional component on the basis of object recognition information Ol can therefore apply that the operation of the functional component z. B. is controllable in such a way that it is only transferred to a further operating state if object recognition information Ol describing a target organism is present. For the example of an execution device 2.4 as a functional component, it can therefore apply that the operation of the execution device 2.4 can be controlled in such a way that it is only triggered when object recognition information O1 describing a target organism is present. It follows from the above examples that the control of the operation of a functional component can generally mean a transfer of a respective functional component from a first operating state to at least one further operating state. A corresponding control device 2.7 can, as indicated by way of example in FIG. 1, form part of the device 2; However, it is also conceivable that the control device, e.g. B. in terms of cloud computing, forms part of an external control unit 5 communicating with the device 2 .

It was mentioned that the detection device 2.2 can be equipped with image and/or sound processing algorithms, for example for optical and/or acoustic pattern recognition. In general, the detection device 2.2 is designed as an optical and/or acoustic detection device. The detection device 2.2 can detect corresponding pest events and/or functional component events, e.g. B. optically and / or acoustically. Optical detection can e.g. B. by an image recording device such. B. as a camera device, or as a laser or light barrier, ie generally designed as an optical recording or sensor device or such a comprehensive detection device 2.2. An acoustic detection can, as mentioned, z. B. by a sound recording device such. B. as Microphone device, ie generally designed as an acoustic recording or sensor device or such a comprehensive detection device 2.2. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the detection device 2.2 detects corresponding malware events and/or functional component events haptically. A haptic detection can e.g. B. by a detection device 2.2 designed as a vibration recording device, ie generally as a haptic detection device, or comprising such a device. Analogously, detection devices 2.2 in the form of contact or proximity sensor devices, weight detection devices, etc. are basically conceivable.

In principle, the device 1 can comprise a plurality of detection devices 2.2, possibly configured differently. The detection devices 2.2 can be configured differently with regard to their detection type; consequently, a first detection device 2.2 z. B. as an optical detection device and a second detection device 2.2 z. B. be designed as an acoustic or haptic detection device or include such. Similarly, the detection devices 2.2 can be configured differently with regard to their detection range; consequently, a first detection device 2.2 z. B. a comparatively wide detection range with a comparatively low resolution and a second detection device 2.2 a comparatively narrow detection range with a comparatively high resolution or include such.

The device 2 can also include a data processing device 2.8 implemented in terms of hardware and/or software, which is set up to process the detection information supplied by the respective detection devices 2.2. A corresponding data processing device 2.8 can be set up in particular for plausibility checking or verification of the recording information supplied by the respective recording devices 2.2 with regard to at least one plausibility checking or verification criterion. A corresponding plausibility check or verification can be expedient in particular in order to avoid undesired control of the operation of functional components. For example, an undesired triggering of an execution device 2.4 can be avoided in a situation in which a first detection device 2.2 detects a pest event, such as e.g. B. indicates the entry of a target organism into a functional space equipped with an execution device 2.4, but this pest event is not checked for plausibility or verified by a second detection device 2.2. The same applies to the case, which is also exemplary, in which a first detection device 2.2 generates object identification information 01, which specifies an object as the target organism, but this object identification information 01 is not checked for plausibility or verified by a second detection device 2.2. In an analogous manner, detection information can then be checked for plausibility or verified as to whether a pest, e.g. B. after triggering an execution device 2.4, is actually dead. In this respect, a staggered generation of corresponding detection information, z. B. at a first and at least one later time, conceivable. A first time z. B. be immediately after triggering an execution device 2.4, another time z. B. be a few seconds after the first time.

As mentioned, the housing part 2.1 of the device 2 can comprise one or more functional spaces 2.1.8, which are typically formed by housing part elements, i. H. in particular housing part walls, are limited or defined. At least one functional component can be arranged or formed in each functional space 2.1.8. Typically, the housing part 2.1 comprises at least one first functional space 2.1.8.1 with an entry and/or exit opening, through which a pest can enter the housing part 2.1 and/or exit from the housing part 2.1, and at least one with this through at least one passage opening 2.1 .9 communicating second functional space 2.1.8, so that a pest that has gotten into the housing part 2.1 can get from the first functional space 2.1.8.1 into the second functional space 2.1.8.2 by passing through the passage opening 2.1.9.

It is conceivable that a corresponding passage opening 2.1.9 is assigned a closure device (not shown) which has at least one closure device (not shown) which has at least one degree of freedom of movement between a first position (open position) releasing passage opening 2.1.9 and a second position not releasing passage opening 2.1.9 Position (closed position) movably mounted closure element, e.g. B. in the form of a closure plate includes. Movements of a respective closure element can be implemented via a drive device (not shown), in particular a motor, which is assigned to the closure device. A corresponding closure device and/or an associated drive device, if present, can also represent a functional component of the device 2 .

An exemplary configuration of a housing part 2.1 of a device 2 is described below with reference to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 2-4 explained. 2 shows a perspective view of the device 2, FIG. 3 shows a side view of the device and FIG. 4 shows a plan view of the device 2:

As can be seen, the housing part 2.1 can have a one-piece or multi-part first housing part element 2.1a, which comprises at least one bottom or positioning surface and a side surface aligned at an angle, in particular at right angles, and a first housing part element 2.1.1 that can be connected or is connected - or have a further or second partial housing element 2.1b which is formed in several parts and comprises a cover surface. The basic configuration of the housing part 2.1 shown in FIGS. 2-4 thus comprises a first housing part element 2.1.1 forming or enclosing a bottom or positioning surface and at least one second housing part element 2.1.2 forming or enclosing a cover surface.

In the exemplary embodiment, the first housing part element 2.1.1 has at least one first surface or wall section 2.1.1, which forms a bottom or footprint of the housing part 2.1, an angled, d. H. perpendicular, relative to the first surface or wall section 2.1.1 aligned second surface or wall section 2.1.2, which forms a rear wall of the housing part 2.1, and also at an angle, i. H. third and fourth surface or wall sections 2.1.3, 2.1.4, which are aligned at right angles relative to the first surface or wall section 2.1.1 and which each form side walls of the housing part 2.1. It can be seen from FIG. 4 that an angular, i. H. right-angled, relative to the first surface or wall section 2.1.1 aligned fifth surface or wall section 2.1.5 can be provided, which defines a first functional space 2.1.8.1 and a second functional space 2.1.8.2 or a first functional space 2.1.8.1 separated from a second function space 2.1.8.2 (cf. Fig. 2, 4). As indicated in FIGS. 2, 4, one or more functional components of the device 2, such as e.g. B. the detection device 2.2, the data transmission device 2.3 and an execution device 2.4, be arranged or formed. The two functional spaces 2.1.8.1, 2.1.8.2 communicate with one another via a through-opening 2.1.9, which can optionally be closed via a closing device (not shown).

In the third and the fourth surface or wall section 2.1.3, 2.1.4 there is an entry and/or exit opening (not designated) through which a pest can enter the housing part 2.1 and/or exit from the housing part. educated. Based on Fig. 3 it can be seen that the inlet and / or outlet openings are aligned at least in sections so that they define a viewing axis passing through the housing part 2.1.

In the exemplary embodiment, the second partial housing element 2.1.2 has a first surface or wall section 2.1.2.1 that is designed or arranged to run obliquely with respect to a horizontal or vertical axis, a curved second surface or wall section 2.1.2.2 and a third surface or Wall section 2.1.2.3, which is also arranged or designed to run obliquely with respect to a horizontal or vertical axis. The resulting at least partially curved or arched geometry can be advantageous as this z. B. can complicate an unwanted accumulation of liquid and / or accumulation of dirt on the second housing part element 2.1.2.

The housing part 2.1 can include one or more attachment interfaces (not shown), via which it can be attached to a subsurface U or a third-party object D, such as. B. a structure can be fastened. An attachment of the housing part 2.1 is advantageous when this z. B. a proper arrangement of the housing part 2.1 even under adverse conditions such. B. adverse climatic conditions, but also a backup of the housing part 2.1, z. B. against theft, unwanted implementation, etc. guaranteed.

Appropriate attachment interfaces can in principle, z. B. via a positive and / or non-positive and / or material-locking type of attachment, a (damage or non-destructive) releasable attachment of the housing part 2.1 to a substrate U and / or on a third-party object D, such. B. a building allow. Reference is made to a screw fastening of the housing part 2.1 to a substrate U and/or a third-party object D merely as an example.

Corresponding fastening interfaces can be arranged or formed on different sections of the first housing part element 2.1.1. For example, the first housing part element 2.1.1 can have a base or footprint with at least one fastening interface for fastening the housing part 2.1 to or in a substrate U and/or third-party object D. Alternatively or additionally, the first housing part element 2.1.1 z. B. have a side surface with at least one attachment interface for attaching the housing part 2.1 to or in a substrate U and/or third-party object D. Based on Fig. 3 it can be seen that the second housing part element 2.1.2 in a degree of freedom of movement, in particular in a z. B. defined by a horizontal pivot axis A and indicated by the double arrow pivoting movement degree of freedom, be movably mounted on the first housing part element 2.1.1. The movable mounting of the second housing part element 2.1.2 on the first housing part element 2.1.1 can be realized in such a way that the second housing part element 2.1.2 can be moved into a first position (open position), in which there is a possibility of access to at least one functional space 2.1. 8 is created, and can be transferred into a second position (closed position) shown in FIG. 3, in which there is no possibility of access to the functional space 2.1.8 limited on the housing part side. For this purpose, the second housing part element 2.1.2 is flap-like or flap-shaped in the exemplary embodiment and is mounted pivotably about the pivot axis A on the first housing part element 2.1.1.

Another kinematics would be equally conceivable, such. B. a sliding movement along a sliding axis A in order to convert the second housing part element 2.1.2 from a corresponding first position into a corresponding second position.

The device 1 can include a blocking or locking device (not shown) via which the movably mounted second housing part element 2.1.2 can be moved in a specific position, i. H. particularly in the closed position, can lock or lock. A corresponding blocking or locking device can comprise one or more blocking or locking elements which can be converted into a blocking or locking position in which these, e.g. B. positively and / or non-positively, act on the second housing part element 2.1.2, so that its degree of freedom of movement is limited, in particular such that it cannot be moved any further. Unlocking or unlocking can be achieved by actuating one of the locking or locking device associated unlocking or unlocking mechanism, such. B. by moving an unlocking or unlocking element.

The housing part elements 2.1.1, 2.1.2 forming the housing part 2.1 can e.g. Example, be made of plastic or metal. In concrete terms, the housing part elements 2.1.1, 2.1.2 can therefore be e.g. B. from a plastic such. B. ABS, PA, PC, PE, PP, etc., formed injection molded parts and / or made of a metal such. B. aluminum, steel, etc., act formed bent and / or stamped parts. Of course, it is conceivable that different housing part elements 2.1.1, 2.1.2 are formed from different materials, so that an individualized configuration of the housing part 2.1 is conceivable. Although not shown, individual, several or all housing part elements 2.1.1, 2.1.2 can be provided with at least one surface or wall section, which enables a view into the housing part 2.1. Corresponding surface or wall sections of the housing part elements 2.1.1, 2.1.2 can be made of transparent materials or material structures, such as. B. glass, plastic formed.

Although not shown, the inlet and/or outlet openings of the housing part 2.1 of the device 2 can be provided with, in particular, tubular adapter elements which, due to their geometry, prevent or inhibit the ingress or entry of non-target organisms. For example, a tubular or -shaped adapter element due to its geometry, i. H. e.g. B. a length and / or its diameter, make penetration of a human hand into the housing part 2 impossible. The same applies to other non-target organisms.

Although not shown, the device 2 can comprise an energy generation device for generating electrical energy that can be used in particular for the operation of functional components of the device 2 . The device 2 can therefore be equipped with a self-sufficient energy generation or supply, as the electrical energy required for the operation of the functional components of the device 2 via an energy generation device, z. B. piezoelectric, thermoelectric or photoelectric can be generated. A corresponding energy production device can, for. B. be designed as a photovoltaic device or include such, via which electromagnetic radiation, d. H. in particular light, can be converted into electrical energy. A corresponding photoelectric energy harvesting generating device, such as. B. a photovoltaic device, z. B. on exposed outer surfaces of the housing part 2.1, d. H. in particular of the second housing part element 2.1.2, be arranged or formed.

In general, it should be noted that the energy supply of functional components of the device 2 via an energy supply device 2.6 that can be integrated or integrated into the device 2, e.g. B. in the form of an electrical energy store, and / or the device 2 with a connection device (not shown), such as. B. a socket, a connector plug, etc., may be equipped, soft on an external power source such. B. a power supply network, for the purpose of power supply to the device 2 can be connected. Of course, an inductive and thus contactless power supply of the functional components of the device 2 is also conceivable.

Although not shown, the device 2 can also include a detection device which is set up to detect chemical and/or physical and/or climatic environmental parameters in the area around the housing part 2.1 and to generate corresponding environmental parameter information. The device 2 can therefore also serve as a station for recording chemical and/or physical and/or climatic parameters, with the recorded parameters of course also being transmitted via the data transmission device 2.3 to the terminal 3 or directly to an external communication partner 4, such as e.g. B. a server can be transmitted. The functionality of the device 2 and the communication system 1 can be expanded considerably in this way. This also applies in particular to embodiments with a plurality of devices 2, which can of course also communicate with one another via their respective data transmission devices 2.3.

In all of the embodiments, at least the detection device 2.2 and the data transmission device 2.3 of the device 2 and optionally an electrical energy store, such as e.g. B. a battery, as part of an energy supply device 2.6 be formed as a common assembly. In particular, it can be a combined functional module that includes a housing structure that is optionally encapsulated against environmental influences. A corresponding assembly can be equipped with fastening interfaces, via which these can be detached, in particular (without damage or destruction), e.g. B. positively and / or non-positively and / or cohesively, can be fixed within the housing part 2.1.

In principle, it is true that individual, several or all functional components of the device 2--this applies in particular to electrical or electronic functional components--can be designed with explosion protection (EX protection). The functional or structural design of the functional components of the device 2 can therefore be designed with regard to aspects of explosion protection.

All hardware and / or software implemented facilities of the device 2, such. B. the detection device 2.2 and the data transmission device 2.3, and / or the mobile terminal 3, ie such. B. the acknowledgment device 3.3 can be set up in all embodiments that are their own Functions at least partially, if necessary completely, automatable or automated to perform.

A method for operating a communication system 1, in particular for combating vermin, can be implemented with the communication system 1 shown in FIG. The procedure includes the following steps:

Step S1: Detecting, in particular by means of a detection device 2.2, an event in connection with a pest located in a housing part 2.1 of a device 2 for controlling pests and generating pest event information S1 relating to a corresponding event, and/or

Step S1: detecting, in particular by means of the or a detection device 2.2, an event in connection with a functional component located in a housing part 2.1 of a device 2 for combating vermin and generating functional component event information Fl relating to a corresponding event;

- Step S2: Transmission, in particular by means of a data transmission device 2.3 of a corresponding device 2, a corresponding pest event information Sl and / or functional component event information Fl to at least one mobile terminal 3;

- Step S3: receiving, in particular by means of a data transmission device 3.1 of a mobile terminal 3, the corresponding pest event information Sl and / or functional component event information Fl on the mobile terminal 3;

- Step S4: Acknowledging, in particular by means of an acknowledgment device 3.3 of the mobile terminal device 3 implemented in terms of hardware and/or software, of a pest event described by the pest event information Sl and/or a functional component event described by the functional component event information Fl and generating at least one acknowledgment of the corresponding pest event and /or the corresponding functional component events describing acknowledgment information Ql; such as

- Step S5: Transmission, in particular by means of the data transmission device 3.1 of the mobile terminal 3, corresponding acknowledgment information Ql to at least one external communication partner 4.

With the device 2 shown in FIGS. 2-4, a method for operating a device 2 for controlling and/or monitoring pests, in particular rodents, can be implemented. The procedure includes the steps: - Detecting an event in connection with a pest located in a housing part 2.1 of the device 2 and generating a pest event information item S1 relating to a corresponding event and/or detecting an event in connection with a functional component of the device 2 located in the housing part 2.1 and generating a corresponding one event-related functional component event information Fl; Controlling the operation of at least one functional component of the device 2 on the basis of corresponding pest event information Sl and/or functional component event information Fl.

Coming back to the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 2, 4, but generally valid in principle, it is that an expedient arrangement of the detection device 2.2 and the or a corresponding execution device 2.5 provides that at least the detection device 2.2 and the execution device 2.5 are located together in a functional space 2.1 .8 of the housing part 2.1, d. H. are arranged in particular in a corresponding second functional space 2.1.8.2, e.g. B. to enable an improved detection of the operation of the execution device 2.5 by means of the detection device 2.2. In particular, it is possible for the detection device 2.2 and the execution device 2.5 to be arranged opposite one another, as this arrangement enables a particularly precise detection of the operation of the execution device 2.5 by means of the detection device 2.2, since the detection area of the detection device 2.2 is aimed directly at the execution device can. However, the above-described opposite arrangement of the execution device 2.5 by means of the detection device 2.2 does not rule out that - as indicated in Figs. 2, 4 by way of example - there is a passage for a vermin between them, which gives the vermin access to the functional space 2.1.8 of the housing part 2.1 allows.

Claims

PATE N TAN CLAIMS

1. Device (2) for controlling and/or monitoring pests, in particular rodents, comprising:

- a housing part (2.1),

- A functional component that can be operated in at least one operating state;

- a detection device (2.2) for detecting an event in connection with a pest located in the housing part (2.1) and for generating pest event information (S1) relating to a corresponding event and/or for detecting an event in connection with a pest located in the housing part (2.1 ) Located functional component of the device (2) and for generating a corresponding event related functional component event information (Fl); such as

- A control device for controlling the operation of the at least one functional component on the basis of pest event information (SI) and/or functional component event information (Fl).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the detection device (2.2) for detecting objects penetrating into the housing part (2.1), in particular for distinguishing target organisms defined for the device (2) from other objects, and for generating a Object recognition information (Ol) describing the corresponding object recognition result is set up, and the control device is set up to control the operation of the at least one functional component of the device (2) on the basis of corresponding object recognition information (Ol), in particular in such a way that the functional component only operates when a target organism is present descriptive object recognition information (Ol) is converted into a specific operating state.

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the housing part (2) has one or more functional spaces (2.1.8) delimited by the walls of the housing part.

4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing part (2) has a one-part or multi-part first housing part element (2.1.1), which comprises at least one bottom surface and one side surface aligned at an angle, in particular at right angles thereto, and one with that

43 first partial housing element (2.1.1) has a further partial housing element (2.1.2) which can be connected in one or more parts and comprises a cover surface.

5. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that the bottom surface of the first housing part element (2.1.1) has at least one fastening interface for fastening the housing part (2.1) to or in a substrate (U) and/or third-party object (D), and/or the side surface of the first housing part element

(2.1.1) at least one attachment interface for attaching the housing part

(2.1) on or in a substrate (U) and/or third-party object (D).

6. Apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the second housing part element (2.1.2) is movably mounted on the first housing part element (2.1.1) in at least one degree of freedom of movement, in particular in a pivoting degree of freedom of movement.

7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device has a plurality of detection devices (2.2) and a data processing device assigned to them for processing the detection information supplied by the respective detection devices (2.2), in particular for plausibility checking or verification of the data supplied by the respective detection devices (2.2). Pest event information (Sl) and / or functional component event information (Fl) includes.

8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (2) comprises an energy generation device for generating electrical energy that can be used, in particular for the operation of functional components of the device (2).

9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the detection device (2.2) is set up to detect chemical and/or physical environmental parameters in the area around the housing part (2.1) and to generate corresponding environmental parameter information.

10. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a data transmission device (2.3) for the direct or indirect transmission of a corresponding pest event information (Sl) and / or functional component event information (F1) to at least one mobile terminal (3).

44

11. The device according to claim 10, characterized in that the detection device (2.2) and the data transmission device (2.3) are designed as a common assembly.

12. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pest event information (S1) describes an entry event of a pest into the housing part (2.1) and/or describes a biting event of a bait by a pest located in the housing part (2.1) and/or or a locking event of a pest locked in the housing part (2.1), in particular by means of a locking device of the device; and/or the functional component event information (Fl) describes a transition of a functional component, in particular an execution device (2.4), more particularly a snap trap device, from a first operating state to a second operating state.

13. A method for operating a device (2) for controlling and/or monitoring pests, in particular rodents, comprising the steps:

- Detecting an event in connection with a pest located in a housing part (2.1) of the device (2) and generating pest event information (S1) relating to a corresponding event and/or detecting an event in connection with a functional component located in the housing part (2.1). the device (2) and generating functional component event information (Fl) relating to a corresponding event;

- Controlling the operation of at least one functional component of the device (2) on the basis of corresponding pest event information (Sl) and/or functional component event information (Fl).

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