Insects remote detection in pheromones traps

This paper reports the result of test on a prototype of a simple device using ICT technology to monitor pests in vineyards and orchards using a trap with specific pheromones lure. The device acquires set of images of the surface of the trap at fixed time intervals and record the environmental temperature and humidity. The data and the captured images are stored on a server that offer a free file hosting and sharing service, making possible the remote access to the information. The system is based on an industrial IP camera with wide-angle lens appropriate to the capture field dimensions (260x200 mm) and a LED illuminator that ensure a correct and uniform illumination. Illuminator and environmental sensor (temperature and humidity) are governed by an I/O card which can be programmed according to the needs. The entire system is controlled by a dedicated software running on a embedded mini-ITX PC. The software is designed to fully automate the acquisition of images and environmental parameters. The recorded files are stored on a local disk and are automatically synchronized with a free file hosting service that makes them available on the internet. In this way, authorized users, can access to images from any device with internet connectivity (e.g. smartphone, tablet, pc). The system is completely autonomous with power supplied by a solar panel and allows a complete remote visual check.