WO2016011482A1

WO2016011482A1 - Pest detection method, system and application

Info

Publication number: WO2016011482A1
Application number: PCT/AU2015/000427
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jude Kirk; Keiron LIDDLE
Original assignee: Australian Data Holdings Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2014-07-22
Filing date: 2015-07-21
Publication date: 2016-01-28

Abstract

The invention is directed to a system, method and application for detecting pests such as termites using an electronic device for recording sounds emitted following the generation of a vibrationary disturbance and analysing the recorded sounds to determine a likelihood of pests present in a property. The electronic device in one form is a smartphone having a microphone and recordable memory means.

Description

PEST DETECTION METHOD, SYSTEM AND APPLICATION

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method, system and application for detecting pests. The present invention has particular but not exclusive application in the detection of pests by persons with no professional skill in pest detection. Reference will be made to termites as an example of a detectable pest but this is by way of example only. Further the invention will be described with reference to structures and buildings but the invention is not limited to these applications and has application in other areas such as forestry, timber yards, wooden bridges and any other areas where pests can invade and infest.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The proper inspection of a property for pests such as termites currently requires professional knowledge and skills. The need for a professional pest detector to attend a premise to determine if pests are present can be time consuming, inconvenient, and expensive. Even when no pests are detected after an inspection, further inspections must be made on a regular basis as pest or termite infestations can occur as a result of climate changes, seasonal variations, changes to nearby land use and other environmental factors.

A property owner has an ongoing problem of having regular inspections conducted and incurring the associated expense in order to maintain their property in good condition and avoid possible costly repairs to property when pests such as termites invade a property and cause extensive damage to the property.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is one object of the present invention to provide a method, system and application that enables ordinary persons not skilled in the art of pest detection to detect for themselves with a reasonable degree of certainty the presence of a pest.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method, system and application that allow such persons to conveniently engage the services of a professional to scan the premise if the self-detection concludes with a relatively high degree of certainty that a pest is present. These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent from the following disclosure of the invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The inventors identified a need for a method that enabled an ordinary person not skilled in the art of pest detection and extermination to detect for themselves with a reasonable degree of certainty the presence of a pest. The inventors then developed a method and system based on using a sensor in a device owned by most people. That is, they developed a system around the detection of sounds made by the pests using the microphone in a mobile smartphone and similar devices. The inventors' approach was different to the conventional approach as it enabled an ordinary person to take a first step themselves and whenever and whatever frequency they chose. The inventors then developed a further optional step that should a pest be detected, the ordinary person would then be lead to steps and options of verifying the pest and treatments to exterminate the pests. This is a different approach to the conventional approach where the ordinary person could not do anything themselves and everything was left to the professionals from the outset.

According to a first aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a method for detecting pests in a structure including recording sounds near or from the structure with an electronic device having a microphone, and analysing the sounds to determine the likelihood of the presence of a pest.

The method can include the optional initial step of causing a vibrationary disturbance. Where a vibrationary disturbance is made, sounds produced in the vicinity of the vibrationary disturbance following the disturbance are recorded.

Preferably, the vibrationary disturbance is a tapping, knocking, or banging of a surface of the structure.

In another preferred form, the vibrationary disturbance can be the vibration produced by a smart phone or like device. In yet another preferred form the vibrationary disturbance can be a sound produced by the smart phone or like device. More preferably the sound is a sound recording of a termite headbanging.

The electronic device preferably has a recordable memory means.

Preferably, the electronic device is a smartphone having integrated therein the microphone. The electronic device can also be a tablet, computer, laptop, or other similar devices. In one form, the recorded sound is uploaded to a database.

In one form, the database stores therein a plurality of audible responses and the recorded sound is compared with the plurality of audible responses to determine the likelihood of the presence of pests.

In another form, the database stores therein a plurality of audio fingerprints each corresponding to an audible response, each audio fingerprint being generated from one or more characteristics of the corresponding audible response.

Preferably, each audio fingerprint is generated from one or more of a frequency, magnitude, duration, Fourier transform, harmonic, frequency peaks, histogram, low-pass filter, band-pass filter, high-pass filter, and/or other signal characteristic of the corresponding audible response.

In one form, an audio fingerprint is generated for the recorded sound, and the audio fingerprint of the recorded sound is compared with the plurality of audio fingerprints stored in the database to determine the likelihood of the presence of pests.

In one form, the audio fingerprint of the recorded sound is generated by the database after the database receives the recorded sound.

In another form, the audio fingerprint of the recorded sound is generated by the electronic device, and the audio fingerprint is uploaded to the database for analysis.

Preferably, the likelihood of the presence of pests is determined as a percentage similarity between the recorded sound and the closest matching audible response in the database.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a system for detecting pests in a property is provided. The system includes an electronic device for recording sounds emitted following the generation of a vibrationary disturbance; and a database configured to analyse the recorded sound to determine a likelihood of pests present in the property.

In one form, the database is remote from the electronic device.

In another form, the database is local to the electronic device.

In another form, the database is integrated within the electronic device.

In one form, the database stores a plurality of audible responses. In another form, the database stores therein a plurality of audio fingerprints each corresponding to an audible response, each audio fingerprint being generated from one or more characteristics of a corresponding audible response.

In one form, an audio fingerprint is generated for the recorded sound, and the audio fingerprint of the recorded sound is compared by the database with the plurality of audio fingerprints stored therein to determine the likelihood of the presence of pests.

In one form, the database is configured to generate the audio fingerprint of the recorded sound after the database receives the recorded sound.

In another form, the electronic device is configured to generate the audio fingerprint of the recorded sound, and upload the audio fingerprint to the database for analysis.

Preferably, the system further includes a service hub, the service hub is arranged to receive a request from the electronic device for the engagement of a pest detection professional to scan the property for pests.

Preferably the request includes contact details and address details for the property.

Preferably, the service hub is connected with one or more pest control companies, and adapted to send to the one or more pest control companies the contact details and address details, whereby the one or more pest control companies are made able to contact the property owner to schedule a professional pest scan of the property.

Preferably, the database is updated by one or more of the property owner, pest control company, and service hub to verify if the recorded sound corresponded to a verified positive or verified negative detection of pests.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, an application executable on an electronic device is provided. The application is configured to cause the electronic device to recorded a sound following the generation of a vibrationary disturbance of a surface in a property; arrange for the recorded sound to be analysed; and receive a result of the analysis in the form of a likelihood of the presence of pests.

In one form, the application is configured to cause the electronic device to transmit the recorded sound to a remote database for analysis, and receive from the database a likelihood of the presence of pests.

In another form, the application is configured to cause the electronic device to generate an audio fingerprint from the recorded sound, the audio fingerprint being generated from one or more of a frequency, magnitude, duration, Fourier transform, harmonic, frequency peaks, histogram, low-pass filter, band-pass filter, high-pass filter, and/or other signal characteristic of the recorded sound; and transmit the audio fingerprint to a database for analysis.

In another form, the application is configured to compare the recorded sound with a local database storing a plurality of audible responses, and generate from the comparison the likelihood of the presence of pests.

In another form, the application is configured to compare an audio fingerprint generated from the recorded sound with a local database storing a plurality of audio fingerprints, and generate from the comparison the likelihood of the presence of pests.

Pests include any pests that can be detected by a microphone and more preferably be one or more of termites, cockroaches, ants, caterpillars, bed bugs, fleas, flies, wasps, mice, rats and other rodents.

Preferably the sound segments are recordable for 1 to 20 seconds. More preferably the sound segments are 5 second sound bites.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the present invention can be more readily understood, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate various aspects and preferred embodiments of the invention and wherein:

Figure 1 is a flow chart of a pest detection method according to a first embodiment;

Figure 2 is a flow chart of a pest detection method according to yet another embodiment; Figure 3 illustrates various response analysis methods of the pest detection method;

Figure 4 is a flow chart of a response tuning and refinement process of the pest detection method;

Figure 5 illustrates a pest detection and extermination system according to the present invention; and

Figures 6 to 12 illustrate various interfaces of a pest detection application according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In a first embodiment of the present invention, there is a method for detecting pests. The method according to the first embodiment is described in the following description in relation to the detection of termites. However, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited only to the detection of termites. Rather, the method is applicable to the detection of any pest which emits an audible response when subject to a disturbance. The pest detection method is typically conducted by a person who is not skilled in pest detection, for example a property owner. It is to be understood that the method is not limited in this manner, and pest detection professionals/specialists may also use this method to provide a quick and approximate assessment of the presence of the pest.

Fig. 1 is a flow chart illustrating a pest detection method 10 according to a first embodiment of the pest detection method.

The pest detection method of the first embodiment includes a first step (1 -10) involving the generation of a disturbance in a vicinity of where termites are suspected. The disturbance, in the case of termites, is preferably a vibrationary disturbance such as the tapping, knocking, or banging of a surface.

At 1 -20, a microphone or other sound input device is operated in the same vicinity as the vibrationary disturbance to record sounds across the audible frequency in the vicinity. If termites are present, the vibrationary disturbance invokes a distinctive audible response from the termites, which audible response is picked up and recorded by the sound recorded.

The microphone or sound input device is preferably integrated with a smartphone, the ubiquitous nature of which ensures that the method of the first embodiment is widely and conveniently implementable. However, it is to be understood that the microphone or sound input device is not limited to those integrated with a smartphone only. A separate microphone or other type of sound input device connected directly or indirectly to a recording device may also be used. For example, a microphone connected to a computer or laptop set up to record and store the audible response as a digital sound file may alternatively be used.

At 1 -30, the recorded sounds are analysed for the presence of the distinctive audible response. Analysis of the recorded sounds is effected, directly or indirectly, by way of an appropriate software application running on the smartphone. However, it is to be understood that the analysis of the recorded sounds is not limited to being effected by a smartphone. Analysis may be effected, for example, by a computer or laptop receiving the recorded sounds from a USB storage device. Various methods for effecting analysis are described in greater detail with reference to Fig. 3.

At 1 -40, based on the analysis of the recorded sounds, a likelihood of the presence of termites in the vicinity is generated. The likelihood is generated, directly or indirectly, by the software application based on, for example, how closely any sounds in the recorded sounds match known distinctive audible responses, the strength/magnitude of such sounds, the duration of such sounds, and the like.

The likelihood generated at 1 -40 provides a person with no special skills or knowledge in the detection of pests with a level of certainty as to whether termites are present in the vicinity. If the likelihood generated at 1 -40 is considered low, no further action is required of the person. Conversely, if the likelihood is considered medium to high, the person may engage a professional to conduct a more thorough and conclusive scan (1-50).

Fig. 2 is a flow chart illustrating a pest detection method 20 according to a second embodiment of the method. The pest detection method of the second embodiment is identical to that of the first embodiment up until the step of generating a likelihood of the presence of termites. Accordingly, the same reference numbers (1 -10 to 1 -50) are used in Fig. 2 to refer to these same steps.

The pest detection method of the second embodiment includes a further step (1 -60) of the pest detection professional verifying the presence or absence of termites in the vicinity.

Subsequently, at 1 -70, the verification result provided by the pest detection professional is used to refine, tune and/or add to a set of criteria and algorithms relied upon at 1 -30 to analyse the recorded sounds. In this manner, future analysis steps (1 -30) are provided the potential to return more accurate results

The analysis of the recorded sounds at step 1 -30 in either of the first and second embodiments can be conducted by a plurality of methods. With reference to Fig. 3, the analysis methods are described.

In a first preferred analysis method (3-10), the recorded sounds are uploaded to a server and database for analysis. The server receives the recorded sounds and processes the recorded sounds to obtain an audio fingerprint of the recorded sounds. The audio fingerprint is generated from one or more of a frequency, magnitude, duration, Fourier transform, harmonic, frequency peaks, histogram, low- pass filter, band-pass filter, high-pass filter, and/or other signal characteristic of the recorded sounds. The server compares the audio fingerprint with a database of audio fingerprints known to represent recorded sounds that indicate the presence of termites. A percentage match of the closest audio fingerprint in the database is calculated. The percentage match is sent back to the smartphone as the likelihood of termite presence. The audio fingerprint may also be compared with audio fingerprints known to represent recorded sounds that indicate the absence of termites.

In a second preferred analysis method (3-20), the generation of the audio fingerprint is performed by the smartphone and the audio fingerprint is uploaded to the server for comparison with the database.

In a third preferred analysis method (3-30), the generation of the audio fingerprint is performed by the smartphone and the audio fingerprint is compared with a local database stored on the smartphone.

A combination of the analysis methods (3-10, 3-20, 3-30) may also be implemented. For example, a local database may be used as per 3-30 when access to a remote database is not available. Additionally, or alternatively, the local database may be primarily used, but the local database is periodically updated from the remote database.

Fig. 4 is a flow chart illustrating the process (1 -70) by which the database

(whether locally stored or remotely stored) is updated and refined.

At 4-10, the verification from the pest detection professional is received. The verification may be either a positive indication of the presence of termites, or a negative indication of the absence of termites. The verification may be received directly from the pest detection professional, for example via an appropriate software application running on the professional's smartphone or other electronic device.

At 4-20, the original audible response recorded by the smartphone, and or the audio fingerprint corresponding thereto, is looked up. The look up may be conducted by the pest detection professional via their smartphone, or by any other party including the property owner.

At 4-30, once the original audible response and/or its audio fingerprint has been identified an indication of whether the original audible response corresponds to a verified existence of termites or a verified absence of termites is recorded . In this manner, a collection of similar audible responses/audio fingerprints that have the same verified results can be built up and refined. Trend functions and comparative analysis functions can accordingly be used to more accurately analyse future audible responses.

An optional step (4-40) may also be conducted, whereby further information is received from the property owner and/or pest detection professional. The further information includes but is not limited to:

• Temperature at the time of the scan

• Humidity

• Age of premise

· Material on which the vibrationary disturbance was created

• Predominant material the premise is constructed of

• Location (e.g. suburb, state, GPS coordinate)

• History of pest presence

• Presence of pets

· Type of premise (e.g. house, unit, office building)

• Amount of surrounding vegetation

• Distance from bodies of water (e.g. river, sea, lake, creeks, reservoirs)

• Sewerage and Refuse systems (e.g. compost heaps, organic toilets, etc)

The further information is recorded in the database together with the original audible response and the verified result to allow for further and more accurate future discrimination. In another embodiment there is a system for allowing a property owner to detect the presence of pests, arrange for the presence of pests to be verified by a professional, and update a database used for the detection of pests is provided. The system is described in relation to the detection of termites. However, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited only to the detection of termites. Rather, the system is applicable to the detection of any pest which emits an audible response when a vicinity in which the pest is present is subject to a disturbance.

Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a pest detection system 50 according to a first embodiment.

The pest detection system 50 is made up of an electronic device 100, which is preferably but not limited to being a smartphone having integrated therein or otherwise connected thereto a microphone. The electronic device 100 has installed therein a software application configured to render the electronic device 100 operable to detect and record sound that is sensed by the microphone. Typically, the electronic device 100 is operated by an owner 105 of a property. However, as described above, the electronic device 100 may also be operated by a pest detection professional.

The electronic device 100 executing the software application is used by the property owner 105 to scan a premise 1 10 for termites. The scanning of the premise 110 is conducted in accordance with the methods described above with reference to Figs. 1 to 4.

As part of the scanning process, a recorded sound is obtained. The recorded sound is processed, analysed and compared against a database 1 15 of audible responses within the system 50 to determine a likelihood of the presence of termites. The processing, analysing and comparing of the recorded sound may be conducted using any one or a combination of the methods described above with reference to Fig. 3. For the purposes of simplifying description, however, it is assumed that the system 50 uploads the recorded sound as a sound file to the database 1 15.

The database 1 15 stores a plurality of audible responses, and an indication of whether each audible response correlates with the presence or absence of termites. In an alternative variation, the database 1 15 stores a plurality of audio fingerprints derived from respective audible responses.

The database 115 determines a similarity between the recorded sound/recorded sound audio fingerprint and the stored audible responses/audible response audio fingerprints. The similarity is returned to the electronic device 100 as a likelihood of the presence of termites in the premise 1 10.

As previously described, the database 1 15 may be local to the electronic device 100, remote from the electronic device 100, or include both a local and remote database. If the database 1 15 is remote from the electronic device 100, connection with the database 1 15 is effected by mobile cellular networks, the Internet, and/or local area networks.

The likelihood of the presence of termites is presented to the property owner 105, who may then decide whether to engage the services of a pest detection professional.

The engagement of a pest detection professional is effected through the software application installed on the electronic device 100. Specifically, the software application prompts the property owner 105 for their contact details, address, and the like, and provides this information to a service hub 120.

The service hub 120 identifies one or more appropriate pest detection companies 125 using the information provided. In one form, the service hub 120 identifies pest detection companies 125 based on their distance to the premise 110. The service hub 120 provides the one or more pest detection companies 125 with the contact details of the property owner 105, thereby allowing the pest detection companies 125 to schedule an appointment with the property owner 105.

At the appointed time, a pest professional 130 attends the premise 1 10 and scans the premise 110 for the presence of termites. On completion of the scan, the pest professional 130 provides the property owner 105 with a verification of whether termites are present. Additionally, the pest professional 130 informs the service hub 120 of the same verification.

The service hub 120 then updates the database 1 15 with the verification from the pest professional 130. Specifically, the service hub 120 identifies the original recorded sounds sent thereto by the electronic device 100, and updates the database to record the original recorded sounds as an audible response corresponding to the result as verified by the pest professional 130.

The update of the database 1 15 may alternatively be effected directly by the pest professional 130 via a software application executing on an electronic device belonging to the pest professional 130. For example, when the service hub 120 identifies the one or more companies 125, the service hub 120 further provides the one or more companies 125 with a service identifier that identifies the original recorded sounds sent by the electronic device 100. Using the service identifier, the pest professional 130 can later identify the original recorded sounds and update the database directly.

As a further alternative, the property owner 105 may update the database directly using the software application executing on the electronic device 100.

By updating the database 115 with the verification, more accurate analysis of future recorded sounds can be made. The database 1 15 is provided with the ability to self-learn, where false positives, false negatives, true positives, and true negatives are identified and compared against each other to refine future analysis.

Another aspect of the invention is a software application for detecting pests is provided. The software application is configured for execution on the electronic device 100. Specifically, the software application is configured to control the electronic device 100 to cause the electronic device 100 to record sounds in the vicinity of vibrationary disturbance. The software application is further configured to cause the electronic device to perform, or arrange to have performed, one or more of the analysis methods illustrated in Fig. 3.

If the analysis method according to 3-10 is implemented, the software application instructs the electronic device 100 to upload the recorded sound to the database 115. The uploading of the recorded sound is effected by way of connection to a computer network such as the Internet, a cellular network, wired or wireless network, Bluetooth™ network, and the like. The software application is configured to establish one or more such connections for the electronic device 100. Following the establishment of a connection, the software application is configured to authenticate the electronic device 100 and/or property owner 105 with the database 115 and effect/control the upload of the recorded sound to the database. Additionally, the software application is configured to effect/control a subsequent download of a result from the database.

If the analysis method according to 3-20 is implemented, the software application is further configured to control the electronic device 100 to generate an audio fingerprint from the recorded sound, and subsequently effect/control the upload of the audio fingerprint to the database 1 15. The software application 600 in one form instructs a central processing unit (CPU) of the electronic device 100 in accordance with a fingerprint generation algorithm. If the analysis method according to 3-30 is implemented, the software application is further configured to search the database and perform an algorithmic comparison of the recorded sound and/or recorded sound's audio fingerprint with the audible responses and/or audible responses' audio fingerprints stored in the database.

The software application further generates an interface to facilitate interaction with the property owner 105. Figs. 6 to 12 illustrate various interface screens 600 of the software application 600. As previously described, the electronic device is preferably a smartphone having integrated therein or otherwise having connected thereto a microphone, and has a touchscreen input.

Fig. 6 illustrates a start screen 610 of the software application 600. The start screen 610 provides an overview to the property owner 105 of how the application 600 works, and the steps involved. In particular, the start screen 610 identifies the steps 620 of scanning, detecting, and reporting that will be conducted by the application 600.

Fig. 7 illustrates an instructional screen 710 providing the property owner 105 with specific instructions on how to use the application 600 and the electronic device 100 to effect the pest detection method 10, 20. The instructional screen 710 is displayed after the start screen 610. Upon reading and understanding the instructions, and commencing the method by causing a vibrationary disturbance, the property owner 105 presses the scan button 720 to begin scanning.

Fig. 8 illustrates a scanning screen 810. The scanning screen 810 indicates the remaining duration 820 for holding the electronic device in the vicinity of the vibrationary disturbance.

Fig. 9 illustrates a completion screen 910 informing the property owner 105 of the completion of the scan. At this point, the property owner 105 may choose to scan another wall by pressing on a first button 920, or finish the scan to as to obtain results by pressing on a second button 930. Upon pressing of the second button 930, the software application 600 uploads the recorded sound and/or audio fingerprint to the database 115 for analysis and subsequently retrieves a corresponding result from the database. One or more walls can be scanned and results entered. Additional information such as room type, that is bedroom, dining room, bathroom, laundry etc. can be entered or be associated with the scan results. Fig. 10 illustrates a results screen 1010 informing the property owner 105 of the results of the analysis. A result 1020 is displayed informing the property owner of the likelihood of the presence of termites. A request button 1030 is provided to allow the property owner 105 to request an inspection by a pest detection professional.

Pressing of the request button 1030 brings up a request screen 1 1 10 as illustrated in Fig. 1 1 . The request screen 11 10 prompts the property owner 105 for their contact details 1 130. A submit button 1 120 is provided, which upon pressing transmits the contact details to the service hub 120. In particular, the pressing of the request button 1030 causes the electronic device 100 to request the service hub 120 to inform the pest detection companies 125 of the need for a pest detection professional.

Fig. 12 illustrates a confirmation screen 1210 confirming the receipt of the property owner 's request for a pest professional.

In a preferred form of detecting termites, the recorded sound segments are analysed to identify specific head bangs and patterns of head bangs in the recording while ignoring or overcoming any background noise or other sounds.

When a recording is available to analyse, it will first convert into frequency domain using fourier analysis which creates a map of the audio which contains the amplitude of each frequency within the sound over a particular time. The difficult of this step is determining the right size window and the right type of windowing function that is best at picking up the particular head bang sound. The right size window needs to make the head bang sound more noticeable above any other types of sounds.

To achieve this, the method includes scanning the frequency data of the entire recording looking for the head bang sound which has a particular frequency response and duration. With each likely head bang sound it notes the time then it looks at all the possible head bangs in the recording and sees if they fit the typical pattern of a termite doing the head banging. There are patterns made by termites that can be recognised and detected as they repeat and are distinctive. For example, one pattern includes 5-7 head bangs in succession in 0.5 to 0.7 seconds then pause then repeat. However the patterns can vary between species and interference caused by other factors. While it is checking on the first run it gathers statistics about the recording across frequencies and time. It then goes through a series of steps to reduce the effect of background noise using the statistics of the recording while looking for head bangs and the head bang patterns, this includes ignoring ambient white noise, reducing effects of other constant noises across particular frequencies, looking for quick changes to the frequency pattern that may indicate termite head banging . If at any point the pattern is detected with a high probability then it will give a result of termites detected, otherwise it will indicate no termites sound was detected. Via the script running this analysis, it will update the database with the result from the analysis.

As each recording is made with the application, the recording and information is stored in a database, this also becomes a potential source of positive and negative test recordings. There can also be other recordings that are made of termites or other sounds that can be potentially used. All these recordings are made available as un-verified recording samples. These recordings can then be checking manually and marked to determine if there are termite sounds or not and categorised. This creates a set of testing and analysis verification of recordings that either have or don't have termite head banging sounds. Then the entire set (or subset) of samples can be analysed to determine what result the analysis actual gets, this will give a set of four catagories: termites detected (positive); termites not detected (false negative); no termite sound detected (false positive); and no termites detected (negative).

This will give a statistical result of the detected process compared to what was manually marked on each recording. There will always be some amount that is incorrect as it is impossible to be 100% accurate with total certainty.

At the end of the sample audio analysis, a breakdown of the results is generated which compares previous runs and may change as more recordings are added to the samples and the analysis program is adjusted for better detection or different head bang patterns. This gives us a confidence level of the detection process based on our known samples and detection process.

ADVANTAGES

The present invention provides a method and system allowing people who may not be professionally skilled at pest detection to determine to a reasonable degree of certainty whether pests are present in their property. Additionally, the present invention provides a method and system which allows the determination of the presence of pest to continually improve in accuracy.

An advantage provided by the present invention lies in allowing property owners to obtain an initial determination of the likelihood of pest before engaging a professional.

A further advantage provided by the present invention lies in allowing pest control companies to more easily connect with potential clients, and to do so in a more targeted manner.

VARIATIONS

It will of course be realised that while the foregoing has been given by way of illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as is herein set forth.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification the word "comprise" and variations of that word such as "comprises" and "comprising", are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

Claims

1. A method for detecting pests in a structure including causing a vibrationary disturbance wherein the vibrationary disturbance is a tapping, knocking or banging of a surface of the structure; recording sounds produced in the vicinity of the vibrationary disturbance following the disturbance near or from the structure with an electronic device having a microphone, said electronic device has a recordable memory means; and analysing the sounds to determine the likelihood of the presence of a pest.

2. A method for detecting pests in a structure as claimed in claim 1 wherein the recorded sound is uploaded to a database and the recorded sound is compared with the plurality of audible responses to determine the likelihood of the presence of pests.

3. A method for detecting pests in a structure as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the database stores therein a plurality of audio fingerprints each corresponding to an audible response, each audio fingerprint being generated from one or more characteristics of the corresponding audible response; and wherein

4. A method for detecting pests in a structure as claimed in claim 3, wherein each audio fingerprint is generated from one or more of a frequency, magnitude, duration, Fourier transform, harmonic, frequency peaks, histogram, low-pass filter, band-pass filter, high-pass filter, and/or other signal characteristic of the corresponding audible response.

5. A method for detecting pests in a structure as claimed in claim 3 or 4, wherein an audio fingerprint is generated for the recorded sound, and the audio fingerprint of the recorded sound is compared with the plurality of audio fingerprints stored in the database to determine the likelihood of the presence of pests.

6. A method for detecting pests in a structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the likelihood of the presence of pests is determined as a percentage similarity between the recorded sound and the closest matching audible response in the database.

7. A system for detecting pests in a structure including an electronic device for recording sounds emitted following the generation of a vibrationary disturbance; and a database configured to analyse the recorded sound to determine a likelihood of pests present in the property; said electronic device has a microphone and recordable memory means.

8. A system as claimed in claim 7 wherein the database is remote from the electronic device, is local to the electronic device, and or is integrated within the electronic device.

9. A system as claimed in claim 7 or 8, wherein the database stores therein a plurality of audio fingerprints each corresponding to an audible response, each audio fingerprint being generated from one or more characteristics of a corresponding audible response.

10. A system as claimed in any one or claims 7 to 9, wherein the system includes a service hub, the service hub is arranged to receive a request from the electronic device for the engagement of a pest detection professional to scan the structure for pests, the request includes contact details and address details of the location of the structure.

11 . A system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the service hub is connected with one or more pest control companies, and adapted to send to the one or more pest control companies the contact details and address details, whereby the one or more pest control companies are made able to contact the structure owner to schedule a professional pest scan of the structure.

12. An application executable on an electronic device which has electronic device having a microphone and a recordable memory means, said application is configured to cause the electronic device to recorded a sound following the generation of a vibrationary disturbance of a surface in a structure; arrange for the recorded sound to be analysed; and receive a result of the analysis in the form of a likelihood of the presence of pests.

13. An application as claimed in claim 12, wherein it is configured to cause the electronic device to generate an audio fingerprint from the recorded sound, the audio fingerprint being generated from one or more of a frequency, magnitude, duration, Fourier transform, harmonic, frequency peaks, histogram, low-pass filter, band-pass filter, high-pass filter, and/or other signal characteristic of the recorded sound; and transmit the audio fingerprint to a database for analysis.

14. An application as claimed in claim 12 or 13 wherein the application is configured to cause the electronic device to transmit the recorded sound to a remote database for analysis, and receive from the database a likelihood of the presence of pests.

15. An application as claimed in claim 12 or 13 wherein the application is configured to cause the electronic device to generate an audio fingerprint from the recorded sound, the audio fingerprint being generated from one or more of a frequency, magnitude, duration, Fourier transform, harmonic, frequency peaks, histogram, low-pass filter, band-pass filter, high-pass filter, and/or other signal characteristic of the recorded sound; and transmit the audio fingerprint to a database for analysis.