JP7587283B2 - Imaging System - Google Patents

Description

Application of Article 30, Paragraph 2 of the Patent Act 1. Food Safety Japan 2021 (October 26, 2021 - October 29, 2021) 2. Akamon Willex Co., Ltd. (January 11, 2022) 3. Maruei Sangyo Co., Ltd. (January 21, 2022) 4. Miyako Disinfection Co., Ltd. (February 24, 2022) 5. Teiso Kasei Co., Ltd. Chiba Sales Office (February 25, 2022) 6. A-TEC Co., Ltd. (February 25, 2022) 7. FOODEX JAPAN 2022 (March 7, 2022 - March 11, 2022) 8. Seibu Disinfection Co., Ltd. (March 16, 2022) 9. Wish Co., Ltd. Ishioka Sales Office (March 17, 2022) 10. 9th Knowledge Innovation Award (March 20, 2022) 11. Ishikawa Disinfection Ltd. (March 24, 2022) 12. Sanitech Co., Ltd. (April 7, 2022) 13. Balm Co., Ltd. (April 14, 2022) 14. Ibaraki Disinfection (April 22, 2022) 15. Light Trap Monitoring Utilization Seminar (May 24, 2022) 16. Aisin Technos Co., Ltd. (May 25, 2022) 17. Light Trap Monitoring Utilization Seminar (May 27, 2022) 18. Light Trap Monitoring Utilization Seminar (May 31, 2022) 19. Light Trap Monitoring Utilization Seminar (June 3, 2022) 20. Umezawa Sangyo Co., Ltd. (June 9, 2022) 21. Tohoku Environmental Disinfection Co., Ltd. (June 21, 2020) 22. Clean Lease Co., Ltd. (July 21, 2020) 23. Kitanihon Disinfection Co., Ltd. (July 29, 2020)

The present invention relates to an imaging system that captures images of the insect trapping surface of an insect trapping sheet.

Conventionally, the system described in Patent Document 1 is known as a captured insect identification system that identifies captured insects. The captured insect identification system includes an image reading means that reads an image of an adhesive sheet to which insects are attached using an image reading device, and an analysis device that analyzes the read image to identify captured insects. The analysis device includes a preprocessing means that performs image processing on the read image to distinguish between an insect region, which is a region in which insects are captured, and a background, a feature extraction means that acquires insect landmark data from the preprocessed image, a data storage means that stores standard landmark data that standardizes landmarks for morphological features of insects, and an identification means that identifies insects by comparing the landmark data extracted by the feature extraction means with the standard landmark data stored in the data storage means.

The above-mentioned captured insect identification system is said to be able to obtain identification results that are more objective and consistent than when insects are identified manually.

JP 2014-142833 A

When identifying insects using the above-mentioned captured insect identification system, it is necessary to read the morphological characteristics of the insects from the images read by the image reader. However, the insect trapping sheet (adhesive sheet) may become distorted due to moisture absorption in the environment in which it is installed to capture insects. If a distorted insect trapping sheet is read by the image reader, the focus may be shifted, and it may not be possible to grasp the morphological characteristics of the captured insects.

Furthermore, this problem is not limited to cases where the captured insects are identified by machine, but can also occur when a person identifies the insects based on images of the insect trapping sheet.

Therefore, the present invention aims to provide an imaging system that can properly image the insect trapping surface of an insect trapping sheet even if the insect trapping sheet is distorted.

The imaging system of the present invention is an imaging system that images an insect trapping surface of an insect trapping sheet that has at least one surface with an insect trapping surface capable of trapping insects, and is configured to include a holding section that holds the insect trapping sheet under tension in a tensile direction along the surface direction of the insect trapping surface, and an imaging means that images the insect trapping surface of the insect trapping sheet held by the holding section.

With this configuration, the holding section holds the insect trapping sheet under tension in the direction along the surface of the insect trapping surface, so distortion of the insect trapping sheet due to tension can be suppressed. This allows the insect trapping surface of the insect trapping sheet to be properly imaged.

The holding portion can also be configured to include a pair of fixing means for fixing both ends of the insect trapping sheet that are spaced apart in the pulling direction, and a tension applying means for applying tension in the pulling direction while the pair of fixing means are fixing both ends of the insect trapping sheet.

With this configuration, the tension applying means applies tension to the insect trapping sheet fixed to the fixing means, so tension can be reliably applied to the insect trapping sheet held by the holding part, thereby suppressing distortion of the insect trapping sheet.

The imaging means can also be configured to run approximately parallel to the pulling direction.

With this configuration, the imaging means travels parallel to the tensile direction while suppressing distortion of the insect trapping surface due to tension, so the position of the imaging device can be changed to image the insect trapping surface while keeping the distance between the insect trapping surface and the imaging means approximately constant. This allows the insect trapping surface of the insect trapping sheet to be properly imaged.

The device may also be provided with an illumination device that illuminates the insect-catching surface with light, and the illumination device may be configured to illuminate the insect-catching surface with light from at least one side of the insect-catching surface in a width direction that is perpendicular to the tensile direction and along the surface direction of the insect-catching surface.

With this configuration, the irradiation device irradiates light onto the insect-catching surface from at least one side in the width direction, so even if the length of the insect-catching paper in the tensile direction changes due to tension, the light can be reliably irradiated onto the insect-catching paper. This allows the insect-catching surface of the insect-catching sheet to be properly imaged.

The device may also be configured to include an image processing unit, the imaging means capturing images of the insect catching surface at multiple positions spaced apart in the pulling direction, and the image processing unit performing image processing to generate processed image data based on the multiple images captured by the imaging means.

With this configuration, the image processing unit generates processed image data based on multiple images captured by the imaging means, so images at multiple positions in the tensile direction can be converted into processed image data, making the resulting image data easy to handle.

The present invention provides an imaging system that can properly image the insect trapping surface of an insect trapping sheet even if the insect trapping sheet is distorted.

1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an imaging system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an imaging device of the imaging system. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the inside of the imaging device. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a holding section of the imaging system. 13 is a diagram showing a state in which one end of the insect trapping sheet is fixed to a holding part of the imaging system. FIG. 5b is a diagram showing a state in which the insect trapping sheet is pulled in the left-right direction from the state shown in FIG. 5a. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the state in which both ends of the insect trapping sheet are fixed to the holding part of the imaging system. FIG. FIG. 5c is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VI-VI. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII of FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an outline of an image captured by an imaging unit of the imaging system. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an outline of image processing in an image processing unit of the imaging system. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an insect trapping sheet imaged by the imaging system. FIG.

An imaging system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 10. For ease of explanation, the up-down direction, left-right direction, and front-rear direction will be described based on the directions shown in Fig. 2.

First, the insect trapping sheet 9 imaged by the imaging system 1 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 10.

As shown in FIG. 10, the insect trapping sheet 9 is a sheet-like shape that is generally rectangular in a plan view. Specifically, the insect trapping sheet 9 has a sheet-like insect trapping portion 91 that extends in the left-right direction, and a pair of sheet end portions 92 that are connected to both left-right ends of the insect trapping portion 91.

The insect catching section 91 is configured to have insect catching surfaces 91a capable of catching insects on both the upper and lower surfaces. Specifically, the insect catching section 91 comprises a sheet-shaped substrate that is rectangular in plan view and elongated in the left-right direction, and insect catching surfaces 91a provided on the upper and lower surfaces of the substrate, and the insect catching surfaces 91a are configured as adhesive surfaces to which insects can adhere. The insect catching section 91 of this embodiment is configured so that when flying insects come into contact with the insect catching surface 91a, the insects adhere to the insect catching surface 91a and are caught.

The sheet end 92 is a plate-like body connected to both left and right ends of the insect trapping section 91. Specifically, the sheet end 92 includes a plate-like first sheet end 921 provided at the end of one side (left side) in the left and right direction of the insect trapping section 91, and a plate-like second sheet end 922 provided at the end of the other side (right side) in the left and right direction of the insect trapping section 91. The first sheet end 921 includes a hanging hole 921a penetrating in the thickness direction, and an entry section 921b in which information about insect trapping (for example, insect trapping location and insect trapping time) can be entered. The second sheet end 922 is connected to the insect trapping portion 91 at a mid-way point in the left-right direction when the surface direction is along the upper and lower surfaces of the insect trapping portion 91, and has an inner part 922a that is provided on one side in the left-right direction (left side) of the connection part with the insect trapping portion 91 and overlaps with the insect trapping portion 91 in the up-down direction when the surface direction is along the upper and lower surfaces of the insect trapping portion 91, and an outer part 922b that is provided on the other side in the left-right direction (right side) of the connection part with the insect trapping portion 91. In this embodiment, the front-rear (width) length of the first sheet end 921 and the second sheet end 922 is configured to be longer than the front-rear (width) length of the insect trapping portion 91.

Such an insect trapping sheet 9 is installed for a certain period of time at the location where insects are to be trapped (for example, a location where it is necessary to check whether insects are present). For example, the insect trapping sheet 9 is installed at the installation location by inserting hooks provided at the installation location into the hanging holes 921a, and is removed after being maintained in the installed state for several days to several months. Here, the insect trapping sheet 9 may become distorted due to moisture absorption in the installation environment, and for example, the left-right length may expand or contract overall or locally.

As shown in FIG. 1, the imaging system 1 includes an imaging device 2 that images an insect trapping sheet 9, and a determination processing unit 3 that determines the insects trapped on the insect trapping sheet 9 based on the results of imaging by the imaging device 2. The determination processing unit 3 in this embodiment is a server provided outside the imaging device 2, and is configured to be able to communicate with the imaging device 2 via wired or wireless communication. Such an imaging system 1 is a system that images the insect trapping surface 91a of the insect trapping sheet 9 that has been installed in a location for trapping insects for a certain period of time and then collected as described above.

As shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the imaging device 2 includes a box-shaped housing 21, a holding section 4 that holds the insect trapping sheet 9 to be imaged, a control section 23 that controls the entire device, imaging means 5 that images the insect trapping sheet 9 held in the holding section 4, an irradiation device 6 that irradiates the insect trapping sheet 9 held in the holding section 4 with light, an operation section 7 that accepts input from the outside, and an image processing section 8 that processes the image captured by the imaging means 5. The holding section 4, the control section 23, the imaging means 5, and the irradiation device 6 are provided inside the housing 21. The housing 21 includes a door 22 that can be opened and closed on the front side, and is configured so that the holding section 4 is pulled out forward when the door 22 is opened. Furthermore, the housing 21 is configured to include a magnetic metal (e.g., iron).

As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the holding portion 4 is a frame-shaped portion that is rectangular in plan view and is connected to the housing 21. Specifically, the holding portion 4 includes a holding frame portion 41 that holds the insect trapping sheet 9, and a holding base portion 46 that connects the holding frame portion 41 to the housing 21. In this embodiment, the holding frame portion 41 is configured to be detachable from the housing 21 via the holding base portion 46. Such a holding portion 4 is disposed at a position spaced above the underside of the housing 21, with its longitudinal direction coinciding with the left-right direction, and holds the insect trapping sheet 9 so that it extends horizontally.

As shown in FIG. 4, the holding frame 41 is a rectangular frame-shaped body in plan view, and can hold the insect trapping sheet 9 inside. Specifically, the holding frame 41 includes a rectangular frame body 42 in plan view extending in the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) and the lateral direction (front-rear direction), a first fixing means 43 provided at one longitudinal end of the frame body 42, a second fixing means 44 provided at the other longitudinal end of the frame body 42, and a tensioning means 45 for applying longitudinal tension to the held insect trapping sheet 9. The frame body 42 is a frame formed by combining a pair of rod-shaped bodies extending in the longitudinal direction and a pair of rod-shaped bodies extending in the lateral direction, and has a plurality of connecting holes 41a that can engage with the holding protrusions of the holding base 46 described later.

The first fixing means 43 is a portion that fixes the end of one side (left side) in the left-right direction of the insect trapping sheet 9. Specifically, the first fixing means 43 includes a plate-shaped first fixing base 431 that is connected to the frame main body 42, and a hook portion 432 that is connected to the first fixing base 431. The first fixing base 431 is fixed immovably relative to the frame main body 42. The hook portion 432 is a hook that can be inserted into the hanging hole 921a of the first sheet end 921, and is provided in the approximate center in the short side direction, extending upward and leftward from the first fixing base 431.

The second fixing means 44 is a portion that fixes the other end of the insect trapping sheet 9 in the left-right direction (the right side). Specifically, the second fixing means 44 includes a plate-shaped second fixing base 441 that is connected to the holding frame 41 via a tensioning means 45, and a plate-shaped stopper 442 (see FIG. 6) that extends downward from the second fixing base 441. The stopper 442 is provided to extend downward from an end on one longitudinal side of the second fixing base 441, and restricts the inner portion 922a of the second sheet end 922 from moving to one longitudinal side.

The second fixed base 441 comprises a plate-shaped fixed main body 443 constituting one end in the longitudinal direction, and a plate-shaped positioning portion 444 connected to the fixed main body 443 and extending toward the other end in the longitudinal direction. A pair of positioning portions 444 are provided spaced apart in the lateral direction, and are specifically connected to one end and the other end in the lateral direction of the fixed main body 443, respectively. As shown in FIG. 5(a), the pair of positioning portions 444 are spaced apart in the lateral direction by a distance approximately equal to the lateral length of the insect trapping portion 91 of the insect trapping sheet 9 to be fixed.

As shown in Figs. 4 and 6, the tension applying means 45 applies tension to the insect trapping sheet 9 fixed to the first fixing means 43 and the second fixing means 44. The tension applying means 45 applies tension in the direction in which the first fixing means 43 and the second fixing means 44 move apart. In this embodiment, the tension applying means 45 biases the second fixing means 44 in the direction away from the first fixing means 43, thereby applying tension to the insect trapping sheet 9 fixed to the first fixing means 43 and the second fixing means 44 in the direction in which the first fixing means 43 and the second fixing means 44 move apart. Specifically, the tension applying means 45 includes a guide portion 451 that extends in the longitudinal direction and is connected to the frame main body portion 42, and a biasing means 452 that is provided on the guide portion 451.

The guide portion 451 is a rod-shaped portion extending along the longitudinal direction. Specifically, the guide portion 451 includes a rod-shaped guide body portion 453 extending along the longitudinal direction, a wall-shaped biasing connection portion 454 extending in the vertical direction provided at one longitudinal end of the guide body portion 453, and a wall-shaped slide restricting portion 455 extending in the vertical direction provided at the other longitudinal end of the guide body portion 453. A second fixed base portion 441 can be attached to the guide body portion 453, and the attached second fixed base portion 441 can move between the slide restricting portion 455 and the biasing connection portion 454 along the guide body portion 453.

The second fixing means 44 can move in a direction approaching or separating from the first fixing means 43 by the second fixing base 441 moving in the longitudinal direction along the guide portion 451. Specifically, the second fixing means 44 can move between the biasing connection portion 454 and the slide regulating portion 455 along the guide main body portion 453. Here, the guide portion 451 is provided so that the second fixing means 44 can move between a position closer to the first fixing means 43 (specifically, the hook portion 432) than the longitudinal length of the insect trapping sheet 9 and a position farther away. Specifically, in the longitudinal direction, the biasing connection portion 454 provided at one end of the guide main body portion 453 is provided at a position closer to the first fixing means 43 than the longitudinal length of the insect trapping sheet 9, and the slide regulating portion 455 provided at the other end of the guide main body portion 453 is provided at a position farther away from the first fixing means 43 than the longitudinal length of the insect trapping sheet 9. Therefore, the second fixing means 44 can move between a position closer to and farther from the first fixing means 43 than the longitudinal length of the insect trapping sheet 9.

The biasing means 452 is a part that biases the second fixed base 441 attached to the guide part 451 toward the other end in the longitudinal direction. Specifically, the biasing means 452 is provided on the guide part 451 such that one end in the longitudinal direction is connected to the biasing connection part 454 and the other end is in contact with the second fixed base 441, and in this embodiment, is a coil spring provided between the biasing connection part 454 and the second fixed base 441. In addition, the biasing means 452 biases the second fixed base 441 in the longitudinal direction so that the second fixed base 441 is positioned farther from the first fixing means 43 than the longitudinal length of the insect trapping sheet 9 in a state where it is not subjected to an external force.

Such tension applying means 45 are provided in pairs, spaced apart in the short-side direction. Specifically, the tension applying means 45 are provided on one side and the other side of a rod-shaped body extending in the longitudinal direction of the frame main body 42. The tension applying means 45 on one side in the short-side direction is connected to one short-side end of the second fixing means 44, and the tension applying means 45 on the other side in the short-side direction is connected to the other short-side end of the second fixing means 44. Furthermore, the biasing portion of the tension applying means 45 on one side in the short-side direction abuts against one short-side end of the second fixing means 44 to bias the second fixing means 44, and the biasing portion of the tension applying means 45 on the other side in the short-side direction abuts against the other short-side end of the second fixing means 44 to bias the second fixing means 44.

A method for attaching the insect trapping sheet 9 to the holding frame 41 will be described with reference to Figures 5(a) to 5(c). In this embodiment, the second sheet end 922 is fixed to the second fixing means 44, and then the first sheet end 921 is fixed to the first fixing means 43.

As shown in FIG. 5(a), when the second sheet end 922 is fixed to the second fixing means 44, the second sheet end 922 is engaged with the second fixed base 441. Specifically, the insect trapping portion 91 is disposed above the fixed main body portion 443, and the inner portion 922a of the second sheet end 922 is disposed below the fixed main body portion 443, and the connecting portion between the second sheet end 922 and the insect trapping portion 91 is supported between the upper and lower surfaces (thickness) of the fixed main body portion 443. Then, the upper surface of the second sheet end 922 abuts against the lower surface of the fixed main body portion 443, and is engaged with the second fixed base 441.

Here, a positioning portion 444 extending toward the other end in the longitudinal direction is connected to both ends of the fixed main body portion 443 in the width direction (short direction), so that the positioning portion 444 can prevent the insect trapping portion 91 from shifting in the width direction. In addition, since the width direction length of the second sheet end portion 922 is longer than the width direction length of the insect trapping portion 91, the portion of the second sheet end portion 922 that is outward from the insect trapping portion 91 in the width direction can be securely engaged with the underside of the positioning portion 444. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the insect trapping sheet 9 fixed to the second fixing means 44 from shifting or falling off from the second fixing means 44.

5(b) and (c), while the second fixing means 44 is fixing the second sheet end 922, the second fixing base 441 is moved toward one end in the longitudinal direction (one side in the pulling direction) against the bias of the biasing means 452 to bring the second fixing means 44 closer to the first fixing means 43, and fix the first sheet end 921 to the first fixing means 43. When fixing the first sheet end 921 to the first fixing means 43, the hook portion 432 is inserted into the hanging hole 921a of the first sheet end 921.

The insect trapping sheet 9 is attached to the holding frame 41 by the above procedure. Note that the insect trapping sheet 9 can also be attached to the holding frame 41 by a procedure other than the above. For example, it can be configured so that the first sheet end 921 is fixed to the first fixing means 43, the second fixing means 44 is brought close to the first fixing means 43, and the second sheet end 922 is fixed to the second fixing means 44.

As shown in FIG. 5(c), the insect trapping sheet 9 attached to the holding frame 41 is pulled in the longitudinal direction by the tensioning means 45. Specifically, the second fixing means 44 is biased toward the other longitudinal end by the biasing portion, so that the second sheet end 922 fixed to the second fixing means 44 is biased toward the other longitudinal end, and tension is applied to pull the insect trapping sheet 9 in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the distortion of the insect trapping sheet 9 is corrected by the tension. Also, as shown in FIG. 5(c) and FIG. 6, the second fixing means 44 supports the entire width of the insect trapping sheet 9. The second fixing means 44 of this embodiment supports the insect trapping sheet 9 by abutting the entire width of the connection portion between the insect trapping portion 91 and the second sheet end 922 of the insect trapping sheet 9 from one side in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the tension from being biased to a part of the width of the insect trapping sheet 9, and therefore it is possible to prevent the insect trapping sheet 9 from being distorted due to the tension.

As shown in FIG. 4, the holding base 46 includes a frame receiving portion 461 that receives the frame body, and a rotation mechanism K that connects the frame receiving portion 461 to the housing 21 and rotates the frame receiving portion 461 relative to the housing 21. The rotation mechanism includes a shaft portion 462 that protrudes outward from the frame receiving portion 461 and is connected to the housing 21, a holding operation portion 463 that rotates the frame receiving portion 461 around the shaft portion 462, and an inversion assist portion 464. Such a holding base 46 is housed inside the housing 21 except for the holding operation portion 463.

The frame receiving portion 461 is a rectangular frame body in plan view that can accommodate the holding frame portion 41 inside, and can be fixed with the holding frame portion 41 accommodated inside. Specifically, the frame receiving portion 461 has a frame connecting portion 461a that engages with the connecting hole 41a of the holding frame portion 41 accommodated inside. The frame connecting portion 461a is a plurality of protrusions that protrude toward the inside of the frame receiving portion 461, and is provided so as to be able to move inward and outward from the inside of the frame receiving portion 461. Such a frame connecting portion 461a engages with the connecting hole 41a in an advanced state, fixing the holding frame portion 41 to the frame receiving portion 461, and by retreating, releases the engagement with the connecting hole 41a and releases the fixing of the holding frame portion 41 to the frame receiving portion 461. Such a frame receiving portion 461 is configured so that the upper surface of the insect trapping sheet 9 held by the fixed holding frame portion 41 can be seen from above, and the lower surface can be seen from below.

The shaft portion 462 is an axis that extends outward from the center of the short side of both longitudinal ends of the frame receiving portion 461. Such a shaft portion 462 is connected so that the holding base 46 can rotate relative to the housing 21, and more specifically, is connected to the housing 21 via a bearing (not shown).

The holding operation part 463 is a part for rotating the frame receiving part 461 around the shaft part 462, and in this embodiment, the frame receiving part 461 provided inside the housing 21 is provided so that it can be rotated around the shaft part 462 from outside the housing 21. Specifically, the holding operation part 463 includes an operation shaft part 465 that is connected to the shaft part 462 and extends outward from the shaft part 462 in the longitudinal direction of the frame receiving part 461, and a handle part 466 that is connected to the operation shaft part 465. The operation shaft part 465 is an axis that is provided so that one end in the extension direction (longitudinal direction) is connected to the shaft part 462 and the other end extends to the outside of the housing 21. The handle part 466 is connected to the other end in the extension direction of the operation shaft part 465, and is configured so that the shaft part 462 can be rotated by operation from outside the housing 21.

As shown in Figs. 4 and 7, the inversion assisting portion 464 is provided with an inversion assisting portion 464 that assists the rotation of the frame receiving portion 461 around the shaft portion 462 so that the insect trapping surface 91a of the insect trapping sheet 9 faces the imaging means 5 described later. Specifically, the inversion assisting portion 464 is provided with a first magnetic body 464a that is a magnetic body that rotates around the shaft portion 462 integrally with the frame receiving portion 461, and a second magnetic body that is attracted to the first magnetic body 464a while facing the insect trapping surface 91a of the insect trapping sheet 9 on which the imaging means 5 described later is held.

The first magnetic body 464a is a magnetic body provided on the frame receiving portion 461, for example a magnet. Specifically, the first magnetic body 464a is a magnetic body provided on both ends of the frame receiving portion 461 in the short direction. Such a first magnetic body 464a can rotate around the shaft portion 462 integrally with the frame receiving portion 461.

As shown in FIG. 7, the second magnetic body is a magnetic body that can be attracted to the first magnetic body 464a, such as iron. In this embodiment, the second magnetic body is a part of the wall surface of the housing 21.

In this embodiment, the first magnetic body 464a is closest to the wall surface of the housing 21 when the insect trapping surface 91a (upper or lower surface) of the insect trapping sheet 9 held by the frame receiving part 461 rotates around the shaft part 462 of the frame receiving part 461 and faces the imaging means 5. Here, since the first magnetic body 464a can be attracted to the second magnetic body, when the first magnetic body 464a approaches the second magnetic body by rotating around the shaft part 462 of the frame receiving part 461, the first magnetic body 464a tries to be attracted to the second magnetic body by the magnetic force. Therefore, since the first magnetic body 464a is closest to the second magnetic body (the wall surface of the housing 21 in this embodiment), it can be assisted that the insect trapping surface 91a of the insect trapping sheet 9 held by the holding part 4 faces the imaging means 5.

As shown in Figures 3 and 7, the imaging means 5 is provided above the insect trapping sheet 9 held by the holding part 4, and is configured to be able to image the upper surface (insect trapping surface 91a) of the insect trapping sheet 9. Specifically, the imaging means 5 includes an imaging section 51 that images the insect trapping surface 91a, and a running section 52 that runs the imaging section 51 along the pulling direction (longitudinal direction) of the insect trapping sheet 9. Such imaging means 5 is able to image the entire area of the insect trapping surface 91a of the insect trapping sheet 9.

The imaging unit 51 is disposed opposite the insect trapping surface 91a of the insect trapping sheet 9 held by the holding unit 4, and is configured to be able to capture an image of the opposing insect trapping surface 91a. Specifically, the imaging unit 51 is a camera. The imaging unit 51 of this embodiment is configured to focus on the portion of the insect trapping surface 91a that faces the imaging unit 51 (the portion located directly below the imaging unit 51). As shown in FIG. 8, the imaging unit 51 of this embodiment is capable of capturing an image of the entire area of the insect trapping surface 91a in the short side direction (width direction), and is also capable of capturing an image of a portion of the insect trapping surface 91a in the long side direction (tensile direction).

The running unit 52 includes a rail 53 that extends along the pulling direction (longitudinal direction) and a moving unit 54 that is connected to the imaging unit 51 and engages with the rail 53, and is movable along the rail 53. The rail 53 is provided to extend from one end side of the pulling direction (longitudinal direction) of the holding frame unit 41 connected to the housing 21 to the other end side of the other end side of the holding frame unit 41.

The imaging means 5 as described above can image the catching surface 91a at a plurality of positions spaced apart in the pulling direction of the insect trapping sheet 9. Specifically, the imaging unit 51 images the insect trapping sheet 9 at a plurality of positions while moving in the pulling direction along the rail 53. The imaging unit 51 of this embodiment is configured to image the catching surface 91a at a predetermined interval in the pulling direction. Specifically, the interval at which the imaging unit 51 images the catching surface 91a is set so that the ends in the longitudinal direction of each image captured by the imaging unit 51 at adjacent imaging positions in the pulling direction overlap, and in this embodiment, the interval at which the imaging unit 51 images the catching surface 91a is set so that the portions of the captured images in focus are adjacent in the pulling direction. Here, since the rail 53 extends along the pulling direction, the imaging unit 51 runs approximately parallel to the catching surface 91a. Therefore, the distance between the catching surface 91a and the imaging unit 51 can be approximately constant at a plurality of imaging positions spaced apart in the pulling direction. In addition, in this embodiment, the imaging means 5 images the first sheet end 921 including the written area 921b prior to imaging the insect trapping surface 91a.

3 and 7, the irradiation device 6 is a part that irradiates light onto the insect trapping surface 91a of the insect trapping sheet 9 held by the holding part 4. The irradiation device 6 of this embodiment is configured to irradiate light onto the insect trapping surface 91a from both sides in the pulling direction. Specifically, the irradiation device 6 has illumination units 61 (e.g., LED lights) on one side and the other side across the rail 53 of the running part 52 in the width direction, and each illumination unit 61 irradiates light onto the insect trapping surface 91a. In addition, the illumination unit 61 is arranged to irradiate light from a position spaced approximately 45 degrees upward from the center of the width direction (direction perpendicular to the surface direction) of the insect trapping surface 91a. The irradiation device 6 of this embodiment is configured so that a plurality of illumination units 61 are arranged in a line along the pulling direction, and specifically, the illumination units 61 are arranged in a line from one end side of the holding frame part 41 in the pulling direction (longitudinal direction) to the other end side of the holding frame part 41. In addition, the illumination device 6 of this embodiment illuminates the insect trapping surface 91a with white light.

As shown in FIG. 2, the operation unit 7 is configured to allow various operations to be input from outside the housing 21. For example, inputs can be made to the operation unit 7 regarding an operation to have the imaging unit 51 capture an image of the insect trapping sheet 9, or an operation to transmit the captured image to the external determination processing unit 3. The operation unit 7 in this embodiment is a touch panel provided on the outer surface of the housing 21, but is not limited to this configuration, and can also be configured as a wired or wireless controller provided outside the housing 21, or can be configured to allow operations to be input from an external computer.

8 and 9, the image processing unit 8 executes image processing to generate processed image data D based on multiple images P1, P2 captured by the imaging unit 5 of the catching surface 91a. In the image processing, the imaging unit 5 generates processed image data D by combining multiple images of the catching surface 91a. Specifically, in the image processing, one processed image data D is generated by combining multiple images P1, P2 captured of one catching surface 91a in the pulling direction. In the image processing of this embodiment, the in-focus parts P1a, P2a of the images P1, P2 captured by the imaging unit 5 are extracted, and the in-focus parts P1a, P2a extracted from each image P1, P2 are arranged in the pulling direction and combined to generate the processed image data D. In addition, being in focus means being in focus to the extent that it does not interfere with the processing in the judgment processing unit 3 described later. In addition, in this embodiment, the in-focus portions of the images P1 and P2 refer to ranges that are predefined in consideration of the performance of the imaging unit 51 and the effect on processing in the determination processing unit 3, which will be described later. Narrowing the in-focus portions P1a and P2a reduces the adverse effects of out-of-focus in the processed image data D, but increases the number of images captured by the imaging unit 51 that are necessary to generate the processed image data D. Widening the in-focus portions P1a and P2a increases the adverse effects of out-of-focus in the processed image data D, but reduces the number of images captured by the imaging unit 51 that are necessary to generate the processed image data D.

The control unit 23 controls the entire imaging device 2. Specifically, the control unit 23 operates the imaging means 5 based on input from the operation unit 7, and causes the image processing unit 8 to process the image captured by the imaging means 5. The control unit 23 also transmits processed image data D that has been image-processed by the image processing unit 8 to the external determination processing unit 3.

A method of imaging the insect trapping surface 91a with the imaging device 2 configured as above will be described. When imaging the insect trapping surface 91a with the imaging device 2, first, the insect trapping sheet 9 is fixed to the holding part 4. The method of fixing the insect trapping sheet 9 to the holding part 4 is as described above. Here, when fixing the insect trapping sheet 9 to the holding frame part 41, the insect trapping sheet 9 can be fixed to the holding frame part 41 in a state where the holding frame part 41 is removed from the holding base part 46, or the insect trapping sheet 9 can be fixed to the holding frame part 41 in a state where the holding frame part 41 is fixed to the holding base part 46. When the insect trapping sheet 9 is fixed to the holding frame part 41, tension is applied along the longitudinal direction of the insect trapping sheet 9 by the tension applying means 45, so that distortion of the insect trapping sheet 9 is suppressed. After the insect trapping sheet 9 is fixed to the holding part 4, the door 22 of the housing 21 is closed.

Next, the operation unit 7 is operated to image the insect trapping sheet 9 with the imaging means 5. In this embodiment, first, the entry section 921b of the first sheet end portion 921 and the front side (located at the top) of the insect trapping surfaces 91a provided on both sides are imaged. When the image of the upper surface is completed, the operator rotates the handle portion 466 of the holding operation unit 463 around the shaft portion 462 to invert the holding unit 4 and the insect trapping paper held by the holding unit 4 around the shaft portion 462, swapping the upper insect trapping surface 91a and positioning the back side insect trapping surface 91a at the top. Here, since the holding unit 4 is equipped with the inversion assistance portion 464, the rotation of the holding unit 4 around the shaft portion 462 can be stopped at a position where the insect trapping surface 91a faces the imaging unit 51, so that the back side insect trapping surface 91a can be reliably placed in a state facing the imaging unit 51. Then, the insect trapping sheet 9 is turned over and the operating unit 7 is operated again to capture an image of the insect trapping surface 91a on the back side with the imaging means 5.

When the imaging of both insect catching surfaces 91a is completed, the image processing unit 8 processes the images captured for each insect catching surface 91a to generate processed image data D. In this embodiment, the image processing unit 8 generates processed image data D corresponding to the front insect catching surface 91a and processed image data D corresponding to the back insect catching surface 91a.

Then, the control unit 23 transmits the processed image data D to the external determination processing unit 3. In this embodiment, the processed image data D for two surfaces corresponding to the front and back insect catching surfaces 91a and the image captured of the entry area 921b are associated with each other and transmitted to the determination processing unit 3. This completes the imaging and other processing in the imaging device 2.

Next, the processing in the determination processing unit 3 will be described. The determination processing unit 3 performs a determination process to determine the types of insects caught on the insect catching surface 91a and the number of insects of each type based on the processed image data D.

The determination processing unit 3 of this embodiment is configured to identify the types of insects contained in the processed image data D and count the number of insects of each type by a trained model constructed by machine learning using training data. The trained model is constructed by machine learning using training image data described below as training data.

Teacher image data is data to which an image containing an insect is assigned frame information for identifying the position of the insect in the image, posture information for identifying the posture of the insect, and type information for identifying the type of insect. In this embodiment, the posture information includes point information assigned to at least three points including the insect's head and abdomen, and order information regarding the order in which the point information is assigned.

Such a determination processing unit 3 processes the processed image data D to discover insects contained in the processed image data D and identify the type of the discovered insects. The determination processing unit 3 of this embodiment adds type information of the discovered insects to the processed image data D and outputs the number of insects of each type as the identification result. The determination processing unit 3 of this embodiment outputs the identification result in association with the information written in the entry section 921b associated with the processed image data D. For example, the identification result is output in association with the capture location and capture time of the insect written in the entry section 921b. In this embodiment, classification at the family level is mainly used as the type of insect.

With this type of determination processing unit 3, the learned model is constructed by machine learning using training data that includes point information on at least three points specified for the insect data included in the training image data and posture information including order information, so that the type of insect can be appropriately identified even if, for example, the insect included in the processed image data D is bent.

According to the imaging system 1 configured as described above, the holding section 4 holds the insect trapping sheet 9 under tension in the direction along the surface direction of the insect trapping surface 91a, so that the tension can suppress distortion of the insect trapping sheet 9. Therefore, the insect trapping surface 91a of the insect trapping sheet 9 can be appropriately imaged. Note that suppressing distortion means suppressing distortion to a level that does not affect subsequent processes (e.g., processing by the determination processing section 3), and is not limited to completely eliminating distortion.

In addition, since the tension applying means 45 applies tension to the insect trapping sheet 9 fixed to the fixing means, tension can be reliably applied to the insect trapping sheet 9 held by the holding portion 4, so distortion of the insect trapping sheet 9 can be suppressed.

Furthermore, since the imaging means 5 runs parallel to the tensile direction while suppressing distortion of the insect trapping surface 91a due to tension, the insect trapping surface 91a can be imaged by changing the position of the imaging device 2 while keeping the distance between the insect trapping surface 91a and the imaging means 5 substantially constant. Therefore, the insect trapping surface 91a of the insect trapping sheet 9 can be appropriately imaged.

In addition, since the irradiation device 6 irradiates light onto the insect trapping surface 91a from at least one side in the width direction, the light can be reliably irradiated onto the insect trapping paper even if the length of the insect trapping paper in the tensile direction changes due to tension. Therefore, the insect trapping surface 91a of the insect trapping sheet 9 can be properly imaged.

Furthermore, the image processing unit 8 generates processed image data D based on multiple images captured by the imaging means 5, so images at multiple positions in the tensile direction can be converted into processed image data D, making the resulting image data easy to handle.

The tension applying means 45 also includes biasing means 452 that biases one of the pair of fixing means (second fixing means 44) in a direction away from the other (first fixing means 43), and the biasing means 452 is provided on one and the other widthwise sides of the insect trapping sheet 9 fixed to the pair of fixing means. This prevents the tension from being biased toward a portion of the insect trapping sheet 9 in the widthwise direction, thereby preventing the insect trapping sheet 9 from being distorted due to the tension.

Furthermore, the tension applying means 45 is configured to bias one of the fixing means in a direction away from the other, and at least one of the pair of fixing means (the second fixing means 44) is configured to hold the entire width of the insect trapping sheet 9. This prevents the tension from being biased toward a portion of the width of the insect trapping sheet 9, thereby preventing the insect trapping sheet 9 from being distorted due to the tension.

The distance between the pair of fixing means can be changed between a distance shorter than the tensile length of the insect trapping sheet 9 before it is installed to trap insects and a distance longer than that. Therefore, tension can be applied to the insect trapping sheet 9 both when the insect trapping sheet 9 is shrunk and when it is extended due to distortion, so distortion of the insect trapping sheet 9 can be reliably suppressed. Therefore, the insect trapping surface 91a of the insect trapping sheet 9 can be appropriately imaged.

The holding unit 4 further includes a rotation mechanism K that rotates the held insect-trapping sheet 9 around the shaft 462 along the pulling direction. This allows the insect-trapping sheet 9 to be inverted to change the side facing the imaging means 5, so that images can be smoothly captured on both sides of an insect-trapping sheet 9 that has insect-trapping surfaces 91a on both sides.

The rotation mechanism K also includes an inversion assisting section 464 that assists in inversion so that the insect catching surface 91a of the insect catching sheet 9 faces the camera. This ensures that the insect catching surface 91a faces the imaging section 51, allowing the insect catching surface 91a of the insect catching sheet 9 to be properly imaged.

Furthermore, the inversion assisting portion 464 includes a first magnetic body 464a that rotates around the shaft portion 462 together with the insect catching surface 91a, and a second magnetic body that is attracted to the first magnetic body 464a when the insect catching surface 91a faces the imaging means 5. Therefore, the insect catching surface 91a can be brought into a state facing the imaging means 5 with a simple configuration.

The rotating mechanism K also includes a holding operation part 463 for operating to turn over the insect trapping sheet 9, and the holding operation part 463 is provided so that at least a part of it is located outside the housing 21. Therefore, the insect trapping sheet 9 can be turned over by operating from outside the housing 21, making it easy to turn over the insect trapping sheet 9.

Furthermore, the holding unit 4 includes a holding frame 41 that holds the insect trapping sheet 9, and a holding base 46 that fixes the holding frame 41 to the housing 21, and the holding frame 41 is detachably provided on the holding base 46. Therefore, since the holding frame 41 is detachable from the holding base 46, the holding frame 41 can be removed from the holding base 46 and the insect trapping sheet 9 can be attached as necessary. Therefore, the insect trapping sheet 9 can be easily attached to the holding unit 4.

The above describes an embodiment of the present invention by way of example, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

For example, the configuration of the insect trapping sheet 9 is not limited to the configuration described in the embodiment. For example, the case where the insect trapping surface 91a is an adhesive surface has been described, but this is not limited to this configuration, and various configurations capable of trapping insects can be adopted. For example, the upper surface of a tray on one side of which the dead bodies of fallen insects are placed can be configured as the insect trapping surface 91a. Even if configured as an adhesive surface, the insect trapping surface 91a is not limited to being provided on both sides, but can be configured to be provided on only one side. Also, the case where the insect trapping surface 91a is a substantially rectangular shape that is long in the tensile direction has been described, but this is not limited to this configuration, and the insect trapping surface 91a can be configured to be in various shapes such as a circle or a square.

The fixing means is not limited to a configuration that includes a first fixing means 43 having a hook portion 432 and a second fixing means 44 that can engage the entire second sheet end portion 922, and various means that can fix the end portion of the insect trapping sheet 9 can be used. For example, both ends of the insect trapping sheet 9 can be configured as hooks or portions that hook the entire sheet end portion 92, or the sheet end portion 92 can be clamped to fix the end portion of the insect trapping sheet 9.

Furthermore, while the holding section 4 has been described as applying tension in the pulling direction to the insect trapping sheet 9 using the tension applying means 45, the configuration is not limited to this, and it is also possible to apply tension in the pulling direction using the force of an operator, and then fix both ends of the insect trapping sheet 9 in this state, thereby holding the insect trapping sheet 9 in a tensioned state.

In addition, the holding portion 4 has been described as holding the insect trapping sheet 9 so that the insect trapping sheet 9 extends horizontally, but this configuration is not limited, and the insect trapping sheet 9 can also be held so that it extends vertically. When such a configuration is adopted, distortion can be suppressed by the synergistic effect of gravity and the tensioning means 45.

Furthermore, although the case where the holding unit 4 is provided with a rotation mechanism K has been described, this configuration is not limited thereto, and the holding unit 4 may be configured so that the insect trapping sheet 9 held by the holding unit 4 cannot be flipped over. When such a configuration is adopted, for example, after the imaging means 5 images one side, the operator can remove the insect trapping sheet 9 from the holding unit 4, flip it over, and reattach it to the holding unit 4, thereby making it possible to image both sides, or by providing the imaging means 5 on both the front and back sides of the insect trapping sheet 9, it is possible to image both sides without flipping the insect trapping sheet 9.

In addition, the imaging means 5 runs in the pulling direction and images the adhesive surface at multiple locations spaced apart in the pulling direction, but is not limited to this configuration. For example, imaging units 51 can be provided at multiple locations spaced apart in the pulling direction, and imaging can be performed with each imaging unit 51 to image the adhesive surface at multiple locations spaced apart in the pulling direction, or the insect trapping sheet 9 can run in the pulling direction to image the insect trapping surface 91a only at one location suitable for imaging.

Furthermore, while the image processing unit 8 has been described as being provided inside the imaging device 2, the present invention is not limited to this configuration and can also be provided outside the imaging device 2. For example, the image captured by the imaging means 5 can be transmitted to an external computer serving as the image processing unit 8, and the external computer can perform image processing.

In addition, in the image processing, a case has been described in which a predefined range is cut out as the in-focus portion of each of a plurality of images, and the cut-out portions are joined together to generate processed image data D. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and it is also possible to configure the image processing to, for example, determine the in-focus portion of each of a plurality of images, and cut out and join together the portions determined to be in focus.

Furthermore, the image processing unit 8 transmits the processed image data D generated by the image processing to the determination processing unit 3 provided outside the imaging device 2, and the determination processing unit 3 executes the determination process for the insects caught on the insect catching surface 91a. However, this configuration is not limited to this, and the determination processing unit 3 can also be configured to be provided inside the imaging device 2.

In addition, the determination processing unit 3 has been described as performing a determination process on the insects trapped on the insect trapping surface 91a based on the processed image data D generated by image processing, but the configuration is not limited to this, and the device may be configured not to include a determination processing unit 3, or, even if the determination processing unit 3 is included, it may be configured to perform only a part of the determination process exemplified (for example, counting and outputting the total number of insects).

Furthermore, the imaging device 2 can be configured as part of the insect trap, and the insect trapping sheet 9 fixed to the holding part 4 can be configured to trap insects, while the imaging means 5 can capture an image of the insect trapping surface 91a at predetermined time intervals. With this configuration, the status of the insect trapping sheet 9 that is trapping insects can be monitored, making it easy to grasp the emergence and increase of insects. In the above case, the insect trapping sheet 9 can also be provided with an attraction means for attracting insects (for example, a mechanism that emits a smell or light to attract insects).

1...imaging system, 2...imaging device, 21...housing, 22...door, 23...control unit, 3...determination processing unit, 4...holding unit, 41...holding frame unit, 41a...connecting hole, 42...frame main body unit, 43...first fixing means, 431...first fixing base unit, 432...hook unit, 44...second fixing means, 441...second fixing base unit, 442...stopping unit, 443...fixed main body unit, 444...positioning unit, 45...tensioning unit, 451...guide unit, 452...biasing unit, 453...guide main body unit, 454...biasing connecting unit, 455...slide regulating unit, 46...holding base unit, 461...frame receiving section, 462...shaft section, 463...holding operation section, 464...reversal assist section, 464a...first magnetic body, 465...operation shaft section, 466...handle section, 5...imaging means, 51...imaging section, 52...travel section, 53...rail, 54...moving section, 6...illumination device, 61...illumination section, 7...operation section, 8...image processing section, 9...insect trapping sheet, 91...insect trapping section, 91a...insect trapping surface, 92...sheet end, 921...first sheet end, 921a...hanging hole, 921b...writing section, 922...second sheet end, 922a...inner part, 922b...outer part

Claims (8)

An imaging system for imaging an insect trapping surface of an insect trapping sheet having at least one surface provided with an insect trapping surface capable of trapping insects, comprising:
A holding portion for holding the insect trapping sheet;
an imaging means for imaging the insect trapping surface of the insect trapping sheet held by the holding portion;
A box-shaped housing having an openable and closable door ,
The imaging means images the insect trapping surface with the door closed,
The holding portion includes a rotation mechanism for turning over the insect trapping sheet held by the holding portion ,
the rotation mechanism includes a holding operation unit located outside the housing,
The holding and operating unit is an imaging system that flips the insect trapping sheet over by operation from outside the housing . An imaging system for imaging an insect trapping surface of an insect trapping sheet having at least one surface provided with an insect trapping surface capable of trapping insects, comprising:
A holding portion for holding the insect trapping sheet;
an imaging means for imaging the insect trapping surface of the insect trapping sheet held by the holding portion;
The holding section is an imaging system including a frame-shaped holding frame section that supports the insect trapping sheet, and a rotation mechanism that rotates the holding frame section to flip the insect trapping sheet over. An imaging system for imaging an insect trapping surface of an insect trapping sheet having at least one surface provided with an insect trapping surface capable of trapping insects, comprising:
A holding portion for holding the insect trapping sheet;
an imaging means for imaging the insect trapping surface of the insect trapping sheet held by the holding portion;
A box-shaped housing having an openable and closable door ,
The imaging means images the insect trapping surface with the door closed,
Equipped with
The holding portion includes a frame-shaped holding frame portion that supports the insect trapping sheet, and a rotation mechanism that rotates the holding frame portion to invert the insect trapping sheet,
the rotation mechanism includes a holding operation unit located outside the housing,
The holding and operating unit is an imaging system that flips the insect trapping sheet over by operation from outside the housing . 4. The imaging system according to claim 1, wherein the holding portion holds the insect trapping sheet under tension in a tensile direction along a planar direction of the insect trapping surface. 4. The imaging system according to claim 1 , wherein the imaging means comprises a traveling section that moves an imaging section that images the insect trapping surface along a surface direction of the insect trapping surface. The insect trapping sheet includes an insect trapping portion having the insect trapping surface, and a sheet end portion provided at an end portion of the insect trapping portion,
The sheet end portion has a writing section in which information regarding insect trapping can be written,
The imaging means includes an imaging unit that images the insect trapping surface,
The imaging system according to claim 1 , wherein the imaging section images the edge of the sheet so as to include the written portion. An illumination device is provided for illuminating the insect trapping surface with light,
The imaging system described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the illumination device is configured to irradiate light onto the insect trapping surface from at least one side of the insect trapping surface in a width direction along the surface direction of the insect trapping surface and perpendicular to the tensile direction. An image processing unit is provided,
The imaging means includes an imaging unit that images the insect trapping surface,
The imaging unit images the insect trapping surface at a plurality of positions spaced apart in the pulling direction,
The imaging system according to claim 1 , wherein the image processing unit is configured to execute image processing for generating processed image data based on a plurality of images captured by the imaging unit.