Columbia Technology Ventures

Automated pest detection and monitoring using cell phone cameras

Lead Inventor: Szabolcs Marka PhD Tech Ventures Reference: CU12129 Software system for detecting and tracking pests using cell phone cameras, enabling more efficient extermination Pests such as roaches, bed bugs, and mice are detected though the post-processing of images acquired from inexpensive cell phone cameras. Cell phone cameras are now sensitive enough to detect the movements of small animals. Software analysis of images from these cameras can identify the presence of pests and can also provide information on the type of pest and its behavior patterns. Automated pest detection allows for real-time notification of potential hazards, and more efficient selection and placement of traps Current pest control solutions are passive traps that are selected and placed based on random sightings of pests or feces. This approach is inefficient at eradicating pests and does not provide the user with any real-time information on the presence of pests that may be health hazards. This technology automates pest detection through software analysis of images, and allows for the transmission of pest-related data to a central location for further analysis and monitoring. This system makes it possible to alert users in real-time when there is a potential pest hazard (e.g. bed bugs), rather than having to wait until an animal is found. It also enables a form of pest control analogous to a home security service, where the presence of insects and rodents can be tracked remotely as a service. Applications: • Tracking household pests such as insects and rodents for better trap placement and eradication • Used by researchers to track the movement and habits of insects or rodents • Optical real-time identification of pests that may be health hazards • Camera monitoring could be used to analyze motor coordination of laboratory animals in study of neurodegenerative disease (e.g. Alzheimer's) Advantages: • Images are analyzed to determine the source and density of the pests to help target the problem more quickly • Automates the task of counting and classifying pests by transmitting data from a mobile device to an automated server to speed up analysis • Real-time identification of hazardous pests allows users to be quickly alerted if they are in danger Licensing Status: Available for licensing and sponsored research support