DE102020000519A1 - Sensor device for use in pest control - Google Patents

Abstract

A sensor device for permanent monitoring of snap traps and locking mechanisms, as well as the detection of movements caused by pests, more precisely vertebrates, is proposed. The purpose of the invention is the timely recording of said events and the electronic notification of one or more users about them.

Description

The invention relates to a sensor device for use in pest control, especially trap monitoring, more precisely the permanent monitoring of snap traps and locking mechanisms, as well as the detection of movements caused by pests, precisely vertebrates. The purpose of the invention is the timely recording of said events and the electronic notification of the user about them.

The object of the invention is to provide a cost-effective, multifunctional possibility for permanent monitoring of snap traps and locking mechanisms, as well as the movement monitoring of tunnels, bait boxes or facilities endangered by pest infestation and their entry points.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a sensor device in accordance with the subject matter of claim 1 and by a method in accordance with the subject matter of claim 15. Advantageous refinements of the invention are given in the dependent claims.

According to European regulations, food companies are required to ensure food hygiene in cooperation with a pest control company. In addition to non-toxic and poisonous baits, which are currently the most widely used pesticides, the use of snap traps is also legally permitted.

The invention makes it possible to monitor the triggering state of snap traps electronically and to view it in real time using an application and / or a web interface as well as to monitor bait boxes and cable ducts, as well as bottlenecks and inlet holes endangered by pest infestation for movement, and thus to initiate appropriate control measures promptly . This ensures faster and more effective control and thus better food hygiene.

According to the invention, the sensor device comprises several different types of sensors, namely at least one movement sensor and one position sensor, a control unit for capturing data captured by means of the sensors, a power supply, and a fastening device for optionally fastening the sensor module. The motion sensor detects the movement of pests. The movement can preferably be quantified as a movement pattern through duration and intensity. The position sensor detects a position or position, in particular an angular position, of a striking element of a snap trap and / or a position or position of a closing element of a trap. The control unit can preferably be designed in the form of a microprocessor. The attachment can preferably be designed as a universal attachment, which allows attachment in different tunnels and bait boxes, the motion sensor can preferably be designed in the form of a motion detector.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the sensor device has an evaluation unit for processing the data. The sensor device is at least functionally connected to the evaluation unit.

The sensor device can preferably establish a connection to the evaluation unit, in particular with the built-in communication means. A sensor device can preferably be functionally connected to a plurality of evaluation units, or an evaluation unit can be functionally connected to a plurality of sensor devices.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the sensor device has a communication unit for communication with the evaluation unit, the communication unit being designed in particular to transmit signals generated by the control unit to the evaluation unit. Communication can primarily be implemented via wireless communication channels such as radio, W-LAN or cellular radio. The evaluation unit can preferably be a gateway, a server, a base station or a mobile phone. The generated signals can preferably be data recorded by the sensors, alarm signals, for example about a low battery level, or general operating signals.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, the sensor device has a communication unit for transmitting the collected sensor data, as well as alarm and operating signals, to a functionally linked evaluation unit. A plurality of communication units can preferably also be provided. The communication can preferably take place wirelessly, for example by establishing a WLAN connection to a WLAN router, by means of an integrated SIM card via cellular radio or via frequency bands approved for use, as well as Bluetooth and Bluetooth Low Energy. The evaluation unit can preferably be implemented, among other things, in the form of a gateway, a server, a base station or a mobile phone.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, a further sensor is used Temperature sensor provided for detecting temperature changes. In this way, the change in temperature when a pest enters can preferably be detected.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the movement sensor is implemented by an infrared sensor, the infrared sensor preferably being a pyroelectric sensor or an infrared camera. The pyroelectric sensor that is preferably used can preferably generate electronic control signals when the infrared radiation hitting the sensor changes.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the infrared sensor can function both as a motion sensor and as a temperature sensor for detecting temperature changes. Statements about movements and also about temperature changes can preferably be made via the changes in the control signals, and these can be quantified. This can preferably be specified more precisely by a further temperature sensor.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the position sensor is a magnetic field sensor, primarily a 3-axis magnetic field sensor. A magnetic field sensor can preferably be used, which generates control signals when the intensity and polarity of the surrounding magnetic field change. A 3-axis magnetic field sensor can preferably be used, which generates control signals separately for all three spatial axes.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, an interface for connection to a further sensor, in particular to a temperature sensor and / or a humidity sensor, can be implemented. The temperature sensor can preferably be attached directly to the snap trap and generate a capture confirmation in the event of characteristic temperature changes. Furthermore, an external sensor can preferably be provided for determining the ambient temperature and the air humidity. The data exchange can preferably take place wirelessly by modeling the data on a carrier medium, by infrared radiation or by electromagnetic control signals.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the sensor device can be fastened by the fastening device in different surroundings, the surroundings being a tunnel with a snap trap or with several snap traps, a tunnel without a snap trap, or a box, with exact dimensions and a design of the tunnel and / or the box are not predetermined. A tunnel can preferably also be understood as a cable duct. The environment can preferably be floor, wall and ceiling as well as an entry opening for pests. The application of the invention preferably also includes the control of traps for foxes, as well as marten, mole, squirrel and marmot traps.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the position sensor can detect the position, in particular the angular position, of the respective striking element of several snap traps and / or of the respective closing element of several traps. The position or position of a single snap latch and / or a single closing element can preferably also be detected.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the striking element is magnetic and / or has one or more magnetic elements, and / or the closing element is magnetic and / or has one or more magnetic elements. For this purpose, the striking element can preferably be coated with magnetic paint. Preferably, by amplifying the intensity of the magnetic field of the snap trap or of the closing element, its position and / or angular position can be located more precisely by the position sensor.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the evaluation unit generates a signal to confirm the catch as a function of the position or position detected by the position sensor, in particular the angular position, and / or the evaluation unit generates the signal to confirm the catch as a function of a movement of a pest detected by the movement sensor, preferably complete closing of the striking element of the snap trap causes no signal to confirm the catch, and particularly preferably a position lying in an angular value in the range between 10 ° and 70 °, preferably between 15 ° and 50 °, particularly preferably between 20 ° and 30 ° causes a signal to confirm the catch. Movements can preferably be recorded as a movement pattern, characterized by the duration and intensity of the movement. The state can preferably be detected between the extreme angles 0 °, which corresponds to a closed snap trap or a closed locking mechanism, and 90 °, which corresponds to an open snap trap or an opened locking mechanism. Likewise, preferably by evaluating the temperature change or the movement, a distinction can be made between unintentional and intentional triggering.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the energy supply of the sensor device is provided by a rechargeable Energy source, in particular implemented by a rechargeable battery, the sensor device preferably comprising a charge level sensor for detecting a charge level of the rechargeable energy source. The charge status can preferably be specified as a percentage and the battery can be charged wirelessly.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the sensor device has, as a fastening device, a receptacle and a receptacle part fastened to the receptacle, the receptacle part being attached to the receptacle preferably by gluing, screwing, pressing, plugging, clamping, by means of a latching mechanism (click mechanism), by means of elastic fastening means, by forming a non-positive connection and / or by forming a positive connection, the receiving part being fastened to the surroundings preferably by gluing, screwing, pressing, plugging, by forming a non-positive connection and / or by forming a positive connection is. The housing of the sensor device itself can preferably also function as a receiving part.

• Erfassen einer Stellung oder Position, insbesondere einer Winkelstellung, eines Schlagelements einer Schlagfalle und/oder eines Schließelements einer Falle durch den Lagesensor,
• Vergleichen der erfassten Stellung oder Position,
• insbesondere Winkelstellung, mit einem vorbestimmten Wertebereich, vorzugsweise Erfassen einer Bewegung eines Schädlings durch den Bewegungssensor,
• vorzugsweise Erfassen einer Temperaturerhöhung durch den Temperatursensor,
• Generieren und Ausgeben eines Signals zur Fangbestätigung. Vorzugsweise kann die Temperaturerhöhung beim Einlauf eines Schädlings auch bei einer geschlossenen Falle eine Fangbestätigung generieren. Vorzugsweise kann bei der Detektion einer nicht vollständig geschlossenen Falle bei Schlagfallen oder bei einem vollständig geschlossenen Schließmechanismus einer Lebendfalle eine Fangbestätigung generiert werden.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a method for detecting the capture of a pest by means of a sensor device, in particular by means of a sensor device according to the invention, is provided. The method according to the invention comprises the following steps:

• Detection of a position or position, in particular an angular position, of a striking element of a snap trap and / or a closing element of a trap by the position sensor,
• Comparing the recorded posture or position,
• in particular angular position, with a predetermined range of values, preferably detection of a movement of a pest by the movement sensor,
• preferably detection of a temperature increase by the temperature sensor,
• Generating and outputting a signal to confirm the catch. Preferably, the increase in temperature when a pest enters, can also generate a confirmation of catch when the trap is closed. A catch confirmation can preferably be generated when a trap that is not completely closed is detected in the case of snap traps or in the case of a completely closed closing mechanism of a live trap.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the position of the snap trap can be detected between the maximum angles 0 °, which corresponds to a relaxed snap trap, and 90 °, which corresponds to a tensioned snap trap. Intermediate positions such as 30 °, 45 ° or 60 ° can be recorded and corresponding control signals can be passed on to the microprocessor. A range between 5 ° and 10 ° is of particular interest. Another area between 25 ° and 50 °, specifically 25 °, is also of great interest.

This fact arises from the angular position of a snap trap in which a rodent was located during the triggering process. The angles described represent frequently occurring angular misalignments which remain due to the prevention of the complete closing of the mechanism.

• Zur Demonstration des Anwendungsbereichs wird der Einsatz der Sensorvorrichtung exemplarisch anhand von Ausführungsbeispielen erläutert. Dargestellt sind:
  • 1: Übersicht der Komponenten der Sensorvorrichtung und Übertragung der erhobenen Daten an die Auswertungseinheit.
  • 2: Einsatz der Sensorvorrichtung in einer Köderbox zur Erfassung von durch Schädlinge verursachter Bewegungen.
  • 3: Einsatz der Sensorvorrichtung in einem Schlagfallentunnel zur Überwachung des Auslösungszustands von Schlagfallen.
  • 4: Die Sensorvorrichtung und ein exemplarisches Aufnahmeteil zur Befestigung dieser.
  • 5: Die Sensorvorrichtung zur Überwachung einer freistehenden Schlagfalle vor einer potentiellen Einlaufstelle für Schadnager.
  • 6: Explosionszeichnung zur Darstellung der einzelnen Komponenten der Sensorvorrichtung.

Explanation of the figures:

• To demonstrate the area of application, the use of the sensor device is explained using exemplary embodiments. The following are shown:
  • 1 : Overview of the components of the sensor device and transmission of the collected data to the evaluation unit.
  • 2 : Use of the sensor device in a bait box to detect movements caused by pests.
  • 3 : Use of the sensor device in a snap trap tunnel to monitor the activation status of snap traps.
  • 4th : The sensor device and an exemplary receiving part for fastening it.
  • 5 : The sensor device for monitoring a free-standing snap trap in front of a potential entry point for rodents.
  • 6th : Exploded view to show the individual components of the sensor device.

1 represents schematically the path of the through the sensor device 1 collected data up to the evaluation unit 17th Sensor data are taken from a charge level sensor 2 , the on / off switch 3 , primarily a button, a temperature sensor 4th , as well as a position sensor 5 , primarily a magnetic field sensor, for example a 3-axis magnetometer and a motion sensor 6th , primarily a passive infrared sensor, for example a pyroelectric sensor. The collected sensor data are stored in the control unit 7th bundled, which instructs one or more of the built-in communication units to transmit the sensor data. Specifically, the data can be transmitted via Bluetooth 9 to an external device 10 , such as a computer. Of Transmission via Bluetooth Low Energy 11 to an external device 10 respectively. This can be a cell phone, for example, and for the initial setup of the sensor device 1 where all the required operating parameters to the sensor device 1 be handed over, serve. For example, the access data for the network via which communication with the evaluation unit 17th is to take place or the operating mode of the sensor device 1 . Communication with the external device 10 is done by special software. Communication with the evaluation unit 17th can on the one hand via WLAN 12th to a WiFi router 13th which can be established through the Internet 16 a connection with the evaluation unit 17th manufactures. The other connection option is through LoRa 8th Done over ISM and SRD frequency bands. LoRa 8th represents a license-free standard for communication over open frequency bands with a limited range. On these country-specific frequencies, which are released for use, communication becomes a base station through a proprietary format 14th realized. The base station 14th can turn with a WiFi router 13th be connected. In this case, the data gets through the Internet 16 to the evaluation unit 17th . Communication from the base station can also 14th via cellular to a cell tower 15th and from there through the internet 16 to the evaluation unit 17th respectively.

2 shows both the sensor device 1 , as well as a bait box 18th . The motion sensor shows 6th the sensor device in the direction of the entrances of the bait box. The position sensor 5 is located within the housing of the sensor device 1 and cannot be seen from the outside. When a pest enters, the movement sensor registers the movements caused by changes in the infrared radiation. The control unit 7th the sensor device 1 recognizes the change in the measurement data and transmits the measurement data via one of the built-in communication units for LoRa 8th and / or WiFi 12th to the evaluation unit 17th where the data is processed.

In 3 is the sensor device 1 by means of a receiving part 20th and an elastic fastening means 21 in a snap trap tunnel 19th fixed. The trigger state of the snap trap 22nd is by the 3-axis magnetic field sensor of the sensor device 1 supervised. There is a change in the angular position of the snap trap 22nd detected and by the evaluation unit 17th quantified.

4th shows the sensor device 1 by means of an elastic fastening means 21 , for example a rubber band, with a receiving part 20th connected. The receptacle is bonded to a surface, the sensor device 1 is by tension of the elastic fastener 21 between the receiving parts 20th and fixed to the surface. On the top is the motion sensor 6th to see which one is used to detect movements.

In 5 is a sensor device 1 by means of an elastic fastening means 21 with a receiving part 20th connected, which is glued to a wall. A motion sensor 6th , primarily a passive infrared sensor monitors a point at risk from pest infestation 23 on movement. A position sensor 5 monitors the release status of a snap trap 22nd .

6th represents the sensor device 1 as an exploded view. The sensor device 1 is composed of the upper and lower housing elements 28 and 29 , as well as additional electronics. On the circuit board 24 the central control unit is located 7th . The electricity for the entire electronics is provided by a built-in lithium-ion battery 30th provided, which can be recharged wirelessly by induction. This is what the charging coil is for 26th , as well as additional charging electronics installed. Communication with the evaluation unit 17th or external devices 10 takes place wirelessly, for example through the one in the control unit 7th integrated bluetooth transceiver 9 or via WLAN 12th , the data exchange via a WLAN antenna 25th he follows. The sensor data from the control unit is used for communication via ISM or SDR frequency bands 7th to the LoRa communication unit 8th transmitted, and by means of a LoRa antenna 27 transmitted over said frequency ranges. The collected sensor data come from a motion sensor 6th , primarily a passive infrared sensor, for example a pyroelectric sensor, which detects movements and changes in the infrared radiation and sends digital signals to the control unit 7th transmits, as well as a position sensor 5 , more precisely a 3-axis magnetic field sensor, which generates control signals for the intensity of the surrounding magnetic field for all 3 spatial axes, as well as when a configurable threshold value is exceeded and an absolute value for the ambient temperature. Furthermore, control signals can be generated by a switch or button or capacitive sensor, primarily a button, which functions as a multifunction button.

The system makes it possible to monitor the triggering states of snap traps or locking mechanisms, as well as to detect and quantify movements, for example at inlet holes, and to transmit them to a server via wireless communication channels, so that the status of the locking mechanisms in a management software using a web interface or an application can be viewed, or via any movements can be informed. Either the functionality of the locking mechanism monitoring, the motion monitoring or both functionalities can be used at the same time. The collected data is sent electronically for evaluation by the user and processed graphically. As the infestation becomes known promptly, measures can be implemented more effectively and more quickly.

The sensor device records a large number of sensor data which provide conclusions about movements caused by pests and the location and position of locking mechanisms such as snap traps. For this purpose, the sensor device can be adapted to the corresponding geometry of the environment by means of a large number of recordings, for example for use in tunnels, bait boxes, cable ducts, or within a radius of 50 cm around inlet holes and bottlenecks. The sensor data are then transmitted directly or indirectly to an evaluation unit through one of the available communication paths, which enables the user to have an electronic or analog insight into the processed data in almost real time. The sensor device consists of a waterproof housing, an accumulator, primarily a lithium-ion accumulator, electronics for wireless charging of the sensor device, primarily according to the Qi standard, a control unit, various sensors and communication units, and optoelectronics, primarily in the form of a LED, as well as an on / off switch.

The sensor device is not designed for use in a specific tunnel or a specific bait box, but can be adapted to the geometries of the various existing systems by means of various receptacles. In this case, the sensor device is fastened in the receptacle or the receptacle parts by means such as screwing, gluing or pressing, elastic composite elements, and other form-fitting and / or force-locking methods. The housing can also function as a receiving part. The receiving parts can be attached to the surface of the object to be monitored by the means already mentioned. While the receptacles can be specific for a certain type of housing, the sensor device is universal and can accordingly be equipped with different receptacles and / or receptacle parts in order to be able to adapt to the most varied of geometries.

The sensor device contains several sensors for generating control signals, including a magnetic field sensor, primarily in the form of a 3-axis magnetic field sensor for detecting the surrounding magnetic field, a motion detector, primarily in the form of a pyroelectric sensor, especially a passive infrared sensor (PIR sensor) for Detection of changes in the incident infrared radiation, an on / off switch, primarily in the form of a button or capacitive sensor, a thermal sensor, as well as sensors for detecting the current state of charge of the built-in battery.

Areas of application of the sensor device consist, for example, in the monitoring of the triggering state of one or more snap traps. By changing the magnetic field when changing the angular position, this can be detected by a magnetic field sensor, primarily a 3-axis magnetic field sensor. The same applies to locking mechanisms, such as those found on live traps for martens. Furthermore, the sensor device records and quantifies movements by means of a movement detector, which means that bait boxes and cable ducts, among other things, can be checked for infestation.

The areas of application of the sensor device are to be further clarified below. The sensor device can be used by a pest controller, for example, in an existing tunnel or a bait box in order to monitor the state of the snap traps there and to be notified in real time about the triggering, and about whether the trap was closed completely or only partially, and thus whether a pest has been caught (with a certain probability). Control measures can thus be started promptly, which increases their effectiveness. Furthermore, sensor devices can be used for movement monitoring in order to quantify the success of the control measures and, if necessary, to intensify the control, as well as to examine endangered areas, such as holes, to determine whether these potentially pests serve as entry points.

To monitor locking mechanisms, the sensor device contains a magnetic field sensor, primarily a 3-axis magnetic field sensor (Hall sensor). This generates analog control signals separately for all three spatial axes, which are evaluated by a control unit. By changing the intensity and the polarity of the magnetic field when the position of the locking mechanism changes, characteristic deflections are recorded in the control signals. To reinforce this effect, the locking mechanism can be enriched with a ferromagnetic material, for example by attaching a magnet or spraying it with magnetic paint. The sensor device is located within a maximum radius of 15 cm from the snap trap. The control signals are sent directly or indirectly to an evaluation unit when a configurable threshold is exceeded. The evaluation unit converts the sensor data into an angular offset between the maximum angles 0 °, which corresponds to a triggered trap, and 90 °, which corresponds to an opened snap trap. A distinction can be made between the states of a tensioned and a triggered trap, as well as an intermediate state of a trap with a catch. This is generated between 5 ° and 80 °, primarily between 5 ° and 10 ° and 10 ° and 30 °. A catch confirmation can still be generated in the event of a triggered trap based on a combination with a perceived movement.

The sensor device detects movements by means of a motion detector, primarily a pyroelectric sensor, especially a passive infrared sensor, the sensor device being attached within a maximum radius of 50 cm around the area to be monitored. After an initial movement has been registered, the following movements are quantified over a configurable period of time according to duration and intensity. The sensor data are then sent directly or indirectly to an evaluation unit.

If a digital change of state occurs, for example by pressing the on / off switch, by a detected movement or by an interrupt that is generated when a configurable threshold value for the change in the surrounding magnetic field is exceeded, the control unit is woken up from the energy-saving mode and begins with the collection of the sensor data. Once this has been completed, the control unit instructs one or more of the built-in communication units to send the data to the evaluation unit and, depending on the type of control signal, initiates optoelectronic communication, for example the flashing of an LED after a button has been pressed.

The control unit can initiate the transmission of the sensor data directly or indirectly to an evaluation unit using one of the built-in communication channels at any time, as well as at fixed configurable time intervals ("Heartbeat") or when the charge level changes ("Battery level warning"). Among other things, the communication channels Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, WLAN, as well as the ISM and SRD bands approved in the corresponding country or region are available. When communicating via ISM or SRD frequency bands, communication does not take place directly with the evaluation unit, but with a base station. This consists of a transmitter-receiver unit for ISM or SRD frequency bands, a control unit and a transmitter-receiver unit for a different or similar electronic form of communication. The base station converts the received data into a different or similar data format and serves as an intermediary between the sensor device and the evaluation unit. The data is encrypted by the control unit and given a device-specific identifier. The evaluation unit decrypts the incoming data and assigns them to the corresponding sensor device via said identifier. By evaluating the data, the status of the locking mechanisms or the motion detector data is processed and made available electronically to the corresponding user. Furthermore, the user can configure parameters for transmission to the sensor device, such as the maximum time interval between messages or the operating mode of the device. When the sensor device is next reported to the evaluation unit, these are transmitted directly or indirectly via one of the available communication paths. If the sensor device does not receive a confirmation from the evaluation unit with regard to the data input, the sensor device switches back to the energy-saving mode in order to resume the data transmission at a later point in time.

The evaluation unit receives encrypted sensor data from the sensor devices and evaluates them after decryption. The sensor data are processed differently depending on the selected application purpose. After the user has configured the intended use of the sensor device, for example the detection of snap traps in a mouse tunnel, or the detection of movement, the sensor data are compared with stored sensor data, or evaluated by means of machine learning or semi-automatically. A list of output parameters is generated from the large number of sensor values, depending on the application. For snap trap monitoring, for example, the states of the snap traps with the possible values, for example, “cocked”, “triggered” and “catch”, or for the locking mechanism monitoring with the possible values “catch” or “no catch”. The intensity and duration of the movement are output for movement monitoring. These data are made available to the user in a visual or acoustic form, electronically or in analog form. The control signals of the sensor devices cannot be viewed by the end user; only the calculated output parameters are displayed.

The failure safety of the sensor devices is ensured by sending a status message (“heartbeat”) to the evaluation unit at regular, configurable intervals. To do this, the control unit ends the energy-saving mode after the configured time and starts with sending the data. In the absence of a status message, the evaluation unit notifies the user electronically, who then has to take action within the specified deadlines. This is also done with base stations that communicate with sensor devices using ISM or SDR frequency bands. These also report to the evaluation unit at regular, configurable time intervals. If there are no status reports from several sensor devices that have been configured via the same means of communication, the user is also notified that said means of communication could have failed or there could be a power failure in said region, or if there is no status report from a base station for the ISM or SDR Communication that said base station has failed.

For communication with the user, the sensor device also contains optoelectronics in addition to the wireless communication units, primarily in the form of an LED, in order to be able to confirm events, such as the activation of the on / off switch or certain control signals, by means of visual feedback. Different states can be visualized by repeatedly switching the optoelectronics on / off at fixed time intervals, for example as a warning of a low battery level.

The battery of the sensor device, primarily a lithium-ion battery, can be charged wirelessly. For this purpose, the sensor device contains a charging coil, primarily based on the Qi standard, as well as electronics for regulating the voltage and current flow during the charging process. To recharge the device, it can be placed on a charging mat, whereupon it is charged using induction. The user can be notified of the initiation and progress of the charging process through wireless communication channels or visual feedback.

Additional devices, for example for monitoring the surface temperature of the snap traps, can connect wirelessly to the sensor device and use this to send your data to an evaluation unit. Possible communication paths are data modeling on a carrier medium, such as infrared radiation or radio waves, as well as the generation of a magnetic field.

By enabling remote maintenance of snap traps, locking mechanisms and the detection of movements, the user is able to experience status changes in almost real time and, based on these, to take prompt action, which greatly improves their effectiveness. The exact assignment of the sensor devices makes it possible to see exactly where the infestation is, instead of having to check all systems at one location for infestation. Remote maintenance also increases the use of snap traps, which have the advantage over poison baits of being able to precisely determine the position of the dead rodent.

The motion detector, primarily a passive infrared sensor, detects movements in the form of changes in the infrared radiation hitting the sensor and translates this into an electronic voltage potential, which can be further processed and evaluated.

The movements caused by the pest ("movement patterns") are quantified on the basis of duration and intensity. For this purpose, the control signals generated by the motion detector are collected and evaluated at regular intervals over a specific, configurable period of time.

The microprocessor processes analog and digital signals from the built-in sensors and, based on their value, forwards signals to transmit the sensor data to the built-in means of communication. Furthermore, the processor generates control signals for switching the built-in photoelectronics in order to allow the operator direct feedback, for example when certain status changes are caused by sensor data or when a switch, button or capacitive sensor is actuated.

The analog and digital sensor data are evaluated by the microprocessor and when a threshold value for analog signals or a digital voltage change is exceeded, the evaluation of the sensor data is initiated by the control unit, which sends a control signal to the or one of the built-in communication means to which to forward the collected data via one or more of the communication channels or to output it visually through the built-in optoelectronics.

List of reference symbols

1

Sensor device

2

Charge level sensor

3

On / off switch

4th

Temperature sensor

5

Position sensor

6th

Motion sensor

7th

Control unit

8th

Communication unit for communication via ISM and SRD frequency bands (LoRa)

9

Bluetooth communication unit

10

External device

11

Bluetooth low energy communication unit

12th

WLAN communication unit

13th

Wi-Fi router

14th

Base station for communication via ISM and SRD frequency bands

15th

Cell tower

16

Internet

17th

Evaluation unit

18th

Bait box

19th

Snap trap tunnel

20th

Receiving part

21

Elastic fastening element

22nd

Snap trap

23

Rodent enema

24

Circuit board

25th

WiFi antenna

26th

Charging coil

27

Antenna for communication via ISM and SRD frequency bands

28

Lower housing element

29

Upper housing element

30th

Lithium-ion accumulator

Claims (15)

Sensor device (1) for use in pest control, comprising several different types of sensors, namely at least one movement sensor (6) and one position sensor (5), the movement sensor (6) detecting a movement of pests, the position sensor (5) detecting a position or position , in particular an angular position of a striking element of a snap trap (22) and / or a position or position of a closing element of a trap is recorded, a control unit (7) for recording data recorded by means of the sensors, a power supply, and a fastening device for optionally fastening the sensor device (1). Sensor device (1) according to Claim 1 , wherein the sensor device (1) has an evaluation unit (17) for processing the recorded data. Sensor device (1) according to Claim 2 , wherein the sensor device (1) comprises a communication unit for communication with the evaluation unit, the communication unit being designed in particular to transmit signals generated by the control unit (7) to the evaluation unit (17). Sensor device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a temperature sensor for detecting temperature changes is provided as a further sensor. Sensor device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the movement sensor (6) is implemented by an infrared sensor, and wherein the infrared sensor is preferably a pyroelectric sensor or an infrared camera. Sensor device (1) according to Claim 4 , wherein the infrared sensor functions both as a motion sensor (6) and as a temperature sensor for detecting temperature changes. Sensor device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the position sensor (5) is a magnetic field sensor, in particular a 3-axis magnetic field sensor. Sensor device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor device (1) has an interface for connection to a further sensor, in particular to a temperature sensor and / or a humidity sensor. Sensor device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor device (1) can be fastened by the fastening device in different surroundings, the surroundings being a tunnel (19) with a snap trap (22) or with several snap traps (22), a tunnel ( 19) without snap trap (22), or a box (18), the exact dimensions and shape of the tunnel (19) and / or the box (18) not being predetermined. Sensor device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the position sensor (5) detects the position, in particular the angular position, of the respective striking element of several snap traps (22) and / or of the respective closing element of several traps (22). Sensor device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the striking element is magnetic and / or has one or more magnetic elements, and / or wherein the closing element is magnetic and / or has one or more magnetic elements. Sensor device (1) according to Claim 2 , the evaluation unit (17) generating a signal to confirm the catch as a function of the position or position detected by the position sensor (5), in particular the angular position, and / or the evaluation unit (17) generating the signal to confirm the catch as a function of a movement sensor ( 6) the detected movement of a pest is generated, with a complete closing of the striking element of the snap trap (22) preferably not causing a signal to confirm the catch, and with an angle value in the range between 10 ° and 70 °, preferably between 15 ° and 50 °, being particularly preferred, particularly preferably a position between 20 ° and 30 ° causes a signal to confirm the catch. Sensor device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the energy supply is a rechargeable energy source (30), in particular a battery, and wherein the sensor device (1) preferably comprises a charge level sensor for detecting a charge level of the rechargeable energy source. Sensor device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor device (1) has a receptacle as a fastening device and a receptacle part (20) fastened to the receptacle, the receptacle part (20) on the receptacle preferably by gluing, screwing, pressing, plugging , Clamping is fastened by means of a latching mechanism, by means of elastic fastening means (21), by forming a non-positive connection and / or by forming a form-fitting connection, the receiving part (20) being attached to the environment preferably by gluing, screwing, pressing, plugging Forming a force-locking connection and / or can be fastened by forming a form-locking connection. A method for detecting the capture of a pest by means of a sensor device (1), in particular by means of a sensor device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor device (1) has several different types of sensors, namely at least one motion sensor (6) and one position sensor (5), a control unit (7) for acquiring data acquired by means of the sensors, an energy supply (30) and a fastening device for optionally fastening the sensor device (1), wherein the movement sensor (6) detects a movement of pests, wherein the position sensor (5) detects a position, in particular an angular position, of a striking element of a snap trap (22) and / or a position or position of a closing element of a trap, the method includes the following steps: Detection of a position or position, in particular an angular position, of a striking element of a snap trap (22) and / or a closing element of a trap by the position sensor (5), Comparing the detected position or position, in particular angular position, with a predetermined range of values, preferably detection of a movement of a pest by the movement sensor (6), preferably detection of a temperature increase by the temperature sensor, generation and output of a signal to confirm capture.

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