Abstract: A surveillance system for traffic on a road includes a number of surveillance units. Each of the surveillance units is mounted at height, and includes at least one road traffic detection sensor. The surveillance units are placed along the road alternately on a first side and on a second side of the road. The surveillance system can be used in an associated surveillance method for traffic on a road.

Abstract: In some examples, a sensor node mounted to a wood item inside a wall of a building using two metal fasteners measures a resistance of the wood item and determines a difference between: the resistance of the wood item and a previous resistance of the wood item to determine a moisture content of the wood item. The sensor node measures, using a hygrometer, an ambient humidity inside the wall of the building. The sensor node sends a notification indicating a possible leak inside the wall of the building based at least in part on determining that: the moisture content of the wood item satisfies a moisture threshold, the ambient humidity inside the wall of the building satisfies an ambient humidity threshold, and the difference between the resistance of the wood item and the previous resistance satisfies a resistance threshold.

Abstract: In some examples, a central hub receives, from a sensor node that is mounted to a wood item inside a wall of a building, a notification including sensor data. The sensor data includes: an ambient temperature inside the wall of the building, an ambient humidity inside the wall of the building, a resistance of the wood item between two metal fasteners used to fasten the sensor node to the wood item, and audio data captured by a microphone of the sensor node that is coupled to the wood item. The hub performs an analysis of the sensor data using an artificial intelligence algorithm. After determining, based on the analysis, a presence of a pest in the wood item, the hub sends a message indicating the presence of the pest to a computing device.

Abstract: In some examples, a sensor node is mounted, using two metal fasteners, to a wood item located indoors. The sensor node measures, using a thermometer, an ambient temperature of a location in which the wood item is located, measures, using a hygrometer, an ambient humidity of the location, measures, by an ohmmeter, a resistance of the wood item between the two metal fasteners, determines, based on the resistance, a moisture content of the wood item, and determines, based on the ambient temperature, the ambient humidity, and the moisture content, that conditions are conducive to pest activity. The sensor node captures audio data. using a microphone coupled to the wood item, determines that the audio data indicates pest activity, and sends a notification of pest activity. The notification includes the ambient temperature, the ambient humidity, the moisture content, and the audio data.

Abstract: In some examples, a sensor node mounted to a wood item inside a wall of a building uses a thermometer to measure an ambient temperature and uses a hygrometer to measure an ambient humidity inside the wall of the building. The sensor node uses an ohmmeter to measure a resistance of the wood item between two metal fasteners used to mount the sensor node to the wood item. The sensor node determines a moisture content of the wood item based on the resistance. If the sensor node determines, based on the ambient temperature, the ambient humidity, and the moisture content, that conditions inside the wall of the building are conducive to pest activity, then the sensor node captures, using a microphone that is coupled to the wood item, audio data. The sensor node sends a notification of pest activity to a central bub for analysis using artificial intelligence.

Abstract: A termite detection and mitigation system can gather data describing conditions at a location, including the location's elevation, soil type, topography, weather conditions, and season. The termite detection and mitigation system can additionally obtain sensor data describing environmental conditions within a structure (e.g., a home or other building) at the location. Sensor data may be obtained using a termite sensing device placed within the structure. The termite detection and mitigation system can develop models that characterize how likely it is that termites are present within a structure based on its sensor data and associated location data. Using the models, the termite detection and mitigation system can alert users when there is a likelihood that termites are present. The termite detection and mitigation system can also deploy mitigation responses, such as poisons or sealants, to mitigate the termite intrusion.

Abstract: A geofenced autonomous aquatic drone for repelling sharks from a shoreline. The drone employs a buoyant housing resembling a portion of a predator such as an orca whale. A battery positioned within the drone is recharged through a floating inductive charging station. A transmitter unit coupled to at least one under water transducer introduces certain sounds, such as reproduction of orca whale or dolphin calling sounds. A propulsion system controlled a microprocessor receives location information via DGPS for providing a geofence around an area to be patrolled. The drone travels within the geofence area, monitored by the DGPS receiver, while said transducer produces certain sounds and or a solution of shark repellant is dispensed.

Abstract: One nonlimiting variation of a detection arrangement includes one or more sensors each structured to detect at least one biochemical substance indicative of biochemistry of one or more target insect species and provide a corresponding sensor signal, a controller responsive to the sensor signal of each of the one or more sensors to determine if the one or more insect species are present and generate a corresponding output signal, and an indicator responsive to the output signal to indicate the presence of the one or more insect species.

Abstract: Pest control systems and methods are described. The systems comprise a portable electronic device which is configured to identify one or more of multiple PCDs within a range of a portable electric device which have been activated, and to provide an indication to a user corresponding to at least one of the identified activated PCDs.

Abstract: A pest monitoring system generally includes a circuit, wherein the circuit is initially in a first impedance state that is configured to change to a second impedance state due to pest activity, wherein the second impedance state is lower than the first impedance state.

Abstract: A method for facilitating on-time delivery of temperature and time sensitive (TTS) shipments. The method includes receiving, by a processor of a computing device, entry of TTS shipping data. The method includes receiving an entry providing an identification of a location tracker that is collocated with the TTS package, the location tracker enabling the TTS package to be geographically tracked during shipping. Method includes receiving a total time limit for package delivery from a current time, and assigning at least one threshold time that precedes the total time limit; receiving, via a network connection to the location tracker, an update of a real-time location of the TTS package relative to an intended destination; in response to the total elapsed time surpassing one threshold, generating and forwarding a notification to an output device that includes a pre-configured notification message related to the time and/or temperature sensitivity of the TTS package.

Abstract: An apparatus for sorting aquatic organisms having different characteristics in accordance with the characteristics, the apparatus including a container configured to contain the aquatic organisms and water, a plurality of electrodes provided in the container, a controller for controlling electric pulses applied to one or more electrodes of the plurality of electrodes, and a driving-out unit for driving out the aquatic organisms having been sorted, wherein the electric pulses controlled by the controller are applied to the one or more electrodes to form an electric field so as to selectively move the aquatic organisms in the container to different portions in the container according to the characteristics, and the driving-out unit drives out the aquatic organisms to an outside of the container from the portion according to the characteristics, after the aquatic organisms are moved.

Abstract: Apparatus for rearing livestock comprising a livestock enclosure, a plurality of sensors, and a plurality of output devices, and methods of operating the same. Methods of determining measurements of animal welfare by processing vocalisations by chicks, especially by detecting the spectral entropy of animal vocalisations. The relationship between chick distress calling in early life and outcome.

Abstract: A pest sensor and a detector for use in a pest sensing system are described. The pest sensor comprises a processor configured to: receive a first signal indicative of a first impedance across a first sensing circuit; receive a second signal indicative of a second impedance across a second sensing circuit; and in response to detecting that one of the first or second signals differs from the other by more than a predefined difference threshold, output an indication of pest activity.

Abstract: A system may include a trap and a consumable. The trap may include a data capture mechanism configured to capture data and send the data to a system operator. The consumable may include a device having an associated electronic identification code. A status-determining mechanism may be configured to determine a status of the consumable, which status may be readable via the data capture mechanism. The consumable may include a sensor configured to detect flying insects via mutual capacitance sensing. The sensor may be configured to provide a directional fringe field responsive to a flying insect. The sensor may include a plurality of sensor triplets arranged in a grid array. Each sensor triplet may include a sensor conductor and two electrically conductive un-grounded conductors. The two un-grounded conductors may be disposed one on either side of the sensor conductor to form the sensor triplet.

Abstract: A pest deterrent system is provided. The pest deterrent system includes a sensor module and an actuator module. The sensor module includes a first housing, a sensor, and a controller. The sensor is positioned within the first housing and proximate to the view window such that the sensor is in visual communication with the view window and configured to detect objects outside of the first housing. The controller is positioned within the first housing and is operatively coupled to the sensor. The controller is configured to receive a signal from the sensor, such as an alert that an object is near the sensor module. The actuator module includes a second housing separate from the first housing, an actuator, and a second controller. The second controller configured to receive a signal from the first controller to actuate the actuator in response to the sensor being triggered.

Abstract: A device, system, and method of controlling pests are disclosed. A pest control device includes a sensor having a sensor cell and a controller. A surface of the sensor cell is coated with an agent that reacts with a targeted biochemical analyte secreted by pests. The controller is coupled to the sensor and is configured to receive sensor data from the sensor cell indicative of a rate of change in sensor mass detected on the surface of the sensor cell, determine whether the rate of change in the sensor mass based on the received sensor data exceeds a predefined threshold rate, and transmit a pest detection alert notification to a server in response to a determination that the rate of change exceeds the predetermined threshold rate.

Abstract: A scarecrow includes a scarecrow body corresponding generally in shape to a body of a live animal and an assembled hollow scarecrow head of molded plastic construction corresponding in shape to a head of the live animal. The assembled head includes a front face portion and a separate rear head portion fixed together to form the head, the front face portion having a front receiver and the rear head portion having a rear receiver. The scarecrow includes a motor having a rotatable motor shaft; a mounting insert fixed to the motor with the motor shaft extending below the mounting insert, the mounting insert received by the front receiver and the rear receiver to fix the mounting insert to the head; and a mounting bracket fixed to the scarecrow body and having a motor shaft receiver into which the rotatable motor shaft is received. Rotation of the motor shaft rotates the assembled scarecrow head relative to the scarecrow body.

Abstract: An optical pest repeller includes at least two first light sources, at least two first photosensitive members, at least one second light source, and a processing unit. The second light source is located between the first photosensitive members in a second direction. By comparing a light-shading area with a threshold value, no matter which side of the second direction a human body enters by mistake, the second light source can be turned off in time. The safety of use of the optical pest repeller is improved greatly.

Abstract: A system and method for driving geese away from an area employs predetermined random illuminations of particular wavelength light directed in a fashion that repels geese while avoiding annoying humans. Embodiments include systems associated with golf course pins and other structures and animal decoys that hide undesired aesthetic appearances of prior art industrial lighting elements. Other embodiments employ adjustable/movable mirror elements used in conjunction with systems powered by solar energy panels positioned below the light source, which can be adjusted in terms of direction, shielding, color, duration, wavelength and pulsation, providing a variety of random patterns so as to avoid habituation by geese.

Abstract: A scarecrow includes a scarecrow body corresponding generally in shape to a body of a live animal; and an assembled and balanced hollow head of molded plastic construction corresponding in shape to a head of the live animal. The assembled and balanced head includes a front face portion and a rear head portion fixed together to form the head. The front face portion has a first thickness and the rear head portion has a second thickness, the front face portion and the rear head portion being unequal in weight, with the rear head portion having selected areas on an interior surface thereof that are thicker than the first thickness and define an offset weight so that the assembled head is substantially balanced as assembled. An unstable mount is disposed between the body and the head onto which the head is rotatably mounted for 360-degree movement of the head to the body without interfering with free movement of the head, the head being balanced on the unstable mount.

Abstract: A pest monitoring system generally includes a circuit, wherein the circuit is initially in a first impedance state that is configured to change to a second impedance state due to pest activity, wherein the second impedance state is lower than the first impedance state.

Abstract: An angling system is disclosed. The system may include at least one fish bite detector and a fish bite sensor connected to a transmitter or transceiver. The fish bite detector may be configured to transmit a fish bite signal upon the fish bite sensor detecting a fish bite. The system may include at least one camera or at least one shutter actuator. The camera or shutter actuator may include a receiver or transceiver pairable with the transmitter or transceiver of the fish bite detector so as to receive fish bite signals transmitted by each paired fish bite detector. The camera or shutter may be configured to record/actuate upon receiving a fish bite signal.

Abstract: A method for detecting an arthropod, the method being performed using an apparatus including a detection surface, an electrode grid including electrodes arranged relative to the detection surface, and an electronic processing device, wherein the method includes, in the electronic processing device: measuring changes in electrical properties of the electrode grid in response to at least one of movement and positioning of one or more body parts of an arthropod in proximity to the detection surface; and, determining whether the arthropod is of a particular arthropod type by analysing the changes to determine whether the changes are indicative of a characteristic behaviour of the particular arthropod type.

Abstract: A tag configured to detect loosening of a fastening member fastened to a fastened part of an apparatus includes: a base sheet including a fastening member attached portion and a fastened part attached portion, the fastening member attached portion being attached to the fastening member, the fastened part attached portion being attached to the fastened part; a RFID chip mounted on the base sheet; an antenna circuit mounted on the base sheet while being connected to the RFID chip; and an electric conductor mounted on the base sheet while being connected to the RFID chip, the electric conductor being configured such that an electric property of the electric conductor changes when the fastening member is displaced relative to the fastened part attached portion.

Abstract: A snap type rodent trap with remote notification capability is provided. The trap includes a non-conductive base, conductive bail and trigger components, and an electronic PCB assembly mounted on the trap base. According to a first embodiment, the base is wood and the PCB assembly is selectively coated or printed with a layer of a flexible conductive material that contacts bail and trigger wire components mounted on the upper surface of the trap base as well as a conductive strip positioned to be contacted by the bail when the trap is tripped and empty. According to a second embodiment, the base is molded plastic. The PCB assembly in both embodiments is configured to detect and provide remote notification of trap states using the bail as an antenna. A method of retrofitting a snap type trap with an electronics monitoring system is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a computer-implemented system or an online platform to allow pest control company and inspector to access, manage and inspect plants or facilities. Specifically, the present invention provides a computer-implemented system or an online platform that provides tools for the pest control inspector to take one or more images of the bait station being inspected, incorporate notes pertaining to the bait station and save the images and notes on a secure webpage for future retrieval. The present invention also provides a computer-implemented system or an online platform for customers of the pest control company to monitor the tasks performed by the company and inspector by retrieving the images and notes saved by the inspector on a secure webpage.

Abstract: A mobile phone connected to a fleet of radio transceiver chips that can be individually identified by the mobile station, which automatically are associated with a photo when the phone camera is used in proximity. The transceiver chips have a small loudspeaker, vibrator and/or light emitter for producing an alarm, and the transceiver chip also can determine and send back its location to the mobile phone. The mobile phone deduces its location by GPS or triangulation, and has an application which can be programmed to check the location of items given predetermined criteria are met, or upon user request. For example the mobile phone can be used to program luggage lists, and check whether everything is with the user at a time. The best mode involves typically a smartphone with relevant application software and RFID tags enhanced by light emitter, loudspeaker and/or vibrator and adhesive.

Abstract: A position determination device comprises data input circuitry configured to obtain magnetic field sensor data sensed by a magnetic field sensor, detection circuitry configured to detect temporal variations of the magnetic field and to generate temporal variation information indicating the detected temporal variation of the magnetic field, and magnetic fingerprinting circuitry configured to determine a first position estimate of the sensor position by comparing the obtained magnetic field sensor data with a magnetic map comprising magnetic fingerprints of a region around the magnetic field sensor and using the generated temporal variation information.

Abstract: In each of delineator streetlights of a low-altitude, low-power installable smart streetlight system, a lighting unit is formed on a roadside, and a reflection panel is formed on an opposite-side of a direction of traffic. A low-power Bluetooth antenna relays control signals between nearby the delineator streetlights, and an alert panel is equipped on the reflection panel. A first sensor detects vehicles on roads and outputs a detection signal, and second sensors detect a wild animal and output a detection signal. A control unit controls the lighting unit to turn on when a car detection signal is inputted from the sensor unit, successively transmits the control signal to nearby the delineator streetlights, controls the alert panel to flash when a wild animal detection signal is inputted from the sensor unit, and transmits a control signal of flashing the alert panel to nearby the delineator streetlights.

Abstract: A moisture management apparatus monitors an area for moisture events and wirelessly transmits moisture-related information to one or more notification devices. An embodiment of the moisture management apparatus includes a substrate and one or more sensors supported by the substrate. The sensor(s) emit wireless signals indicative of the moisture-related information. A sensor event communication system forwards the sensor signals to another device, such as a notification device. The sensor event communication system may monitor other types of patient events. Portions of the moisture management apparatus and/or the moisture event communication system may be embodied in a patient support apparatus, such as a bed.

Abstract: A device for subjecting a flying insect to lethal radiation. The device has a measurement beam source for producing a measurement beam, a deflection unit for deflecting the measurement beam, a lethal radiation source for producing a lethal beam and a measurement beam detector. The measurement detector has a photodetector element, the deflection unit and the measurement beam detector are arranged and cooperate such that the measurement beam sweeps the detector surface of the measurement beam detector. The device includes an evaluation unit connected to the measurement detector and the lethal light source to determine an attenuation time period of an attenuation of the measurement beam between the deflection unit and the detector surface and to control the lethal light source depending on said attenuation time to emit a lethal beam impulse. A method for subjecting a flying insect to lethal radiation is also provided.

Abstract: A selective access system, and methods of making and using such a system, whereby the selective access system includes a container having an interior space defined by a side wall disposed between opposing top and bottom walls; an opening disposed within the side wall, the opening communicating with the interior space; and a cover slidably engaged with the container, the cover configured to slide upward and downward between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the cover overlays the opening; in the second position, the cover disposes away from at least a portion of the opening to permit access to the interior space. The selective access system can further include an electrical conductor coupled to the container, whereby the electrical conductor can deliver a nonlethal electrical shock to an animal which comes into contact therewith to deter the animal from the selective access system.

Abstract: Distance notification systems are described herein which, in some embodiments, are wearable by a user to maintain proper social distancing in any environment. Additionally, distance notification systems described herein can be applied to motorized equipment and/or other machinery in efforts to maintain a safe workplace, such as in factories, construction sites, warehouses, and/or other logistics operations. In one aspect, a distance notification system comprises a signal component, and a receiving component for processing encoded signal generated by the signal component into system user notifications. The encoded signal has power in excess of a predetermined threshold within a set distance between the signal component and the receiving component, wherein less than 10 percent of system user notifications are produced by encoded signal reflected from one or more surfaces.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention determine a presence of insects at a location of a first device that comprises a computer processor, and in response to determining the presence of the insects at the location of the first device, apply a screen overlay that changes colors displayed by a display of the first device.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for a trap monitor. The trap monitor can detect when a trap is triggered using a magnetic interlock attached to the trap and a magnetic flux sensor. The trap monitors may forward trap events and other information to a central hub for communication to a server. The trap monitors and hub can be configured using infrared transmissions from a mobile device.

Abstract: A road sensor has a housing, at least one sensor inside the housing, a processor inside the housing, the processor configured to execute instructions to cause the processor to: receive data from the at least one sensor; use machine learning to recognize conditions local to the sensor from the sensor data; and provide an output signal of the conditions. A method of providing road conditions includes receiving, at a road sensor, input detectable by at least one sensor, using a processor in the road sensor to execute code that will cause the processor to: receive sensor data from the at least one sensor; apply machine learning to the sensor data to recognize at least one road condition associated with the sensor data; and transmit an output signal identifying the road conditions.

Abstract: A termite detection device, system, and method. The device includes a housing and bait strip. A first circuit board and detection switch are on the bait strip. A deep hole with a non-through bottom is in the bait strip. A supporting body capable of ascending/descending is in the deep hole for supporting a detected body. The first circuit board is electrically connected to the switch, to determine on/off of the switch. The system includes the termite detection device, a detector, and a database. The device sends a signal of the switch to the database via the detector. In the method, the detector triggers the termite detection device or the termite detection device is automatically triggered. The first circuit board determines on/off of the switch, and sends to the database via the detector for processing/storage. The switch is in a power-off state when no detection is performed.

Abstract: A pest control system for tracking and locating the nest of the pest to improve the efficiency of pest control. The pest control system comprising a detector for detecting pests which have consumed a conducting tracking material; the detector comprising a sensing head comprising an electrical conductance loop; and a pest sensing circuit configured to sense the electrical continuity of the presence of the conducting tracking material to generate a first pest signal and comprising at least one indicator configured to indicate the first pest signal received from the sensing head. The pest control system also comprises a sensor probe comprising a body configured for inserting into a substrate to indicate the presence of a pest colony; and at least one sensor electrically connected to the pest sensing circuit and configured to generate a second pest signal to be indicated on the at least one indicator.

Abstract: Pest control systems and methods are described. The systems comprise a portable electronic device which is configured to identify one or more of multiple PCDs within a range of a portable electric device which have been activated, and to provide an indication to a user corresponding to at least one of the identified activated PCDs.

Abstract: Object detection systems are provided herein. An example system includes an enclosure formed by a sidewall to define an interaction volume, at least one light source for illuminating the interaction volume with a light, at least one light sensor that senses disturbances in light intensity due to scattering, reflection, or absorption of the light by objects within the interaction volume, and a controller that is configured to detect an object or object behavior within interaction volume based on the disturbances in the light intensity. The objection detection system may also include a trigger volume and/or a sorting volume.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system, method, and apparatus for monitoring food products. The system includes an integrated modular sensing device for monitoring food and environmentally sensitive industrial products, including a processor, at least two interfaces in communication with the processor and adapted to receive an electronic connection of at least two temperature sensor probes, at least one sensor in communication with the processor, the at least one sensor including at least one of the following: a motion sensor, a proximity sensor, a light sensor, or any combination thereof, and a wireless communication device programmed or configured to transmit food and environmentally sensitive industrial product data to at least one of a remote server and a remote device, and act as a gateway to receive sensory data from distributed sensors wirelessly and upload to cloud databases.

Abstract: A remote notification electronic rodent trapping system and method is provided having a plurality of rearming electronic rodent trapping devices configured to wirelessly communicate trap information to a base station that is in communication with a cloud server. When a trap is activated by a rodent trigger it changes from a set state to a kill alert state and initiates a killing cycle. The trap waits a first time period and then sends a notification signal to the base station of trap activation which the base station forwards to the cloud server. The cloud server waits a second predetermined time period before sending a pushed notification to a remote user of the trap's kill alert state. If the trap rearms prior to expiration of the second time period, it alerts the base station which notifies the cloud server. The cloud server updates trap status to the set state and does not send a notification to the user.

Abstract: The invention Animal Alarm AA-100 was designed to meet a required need that is not currently on the market. The unit designates animals approaching through picture motion detection the danger of a roadway when a vehicle is present. It is designed to have a “silent” alarm to be sounded at a high pitch that the animal can hear it to deter the animal from crossing. The unit also through radar detection, noise and motion detection with a micro phone through computer identifies a vehicle approaching the unit. The alarm does not sound in times that no danger is present. The invention does not create a intolerance for those that are near it, but is designed to alleviate carnage from the death of animals hit by a vehicle. This invention the Animal Alarm AA-100 was designed with the idea of multi-tasking for research with data information, for accuracy of unit function, and to alleviate death by animal vehicle collision.

Abstract: In a pest monitoring system (21) and method, a monitoring device (111) is located in proximity to a structure and includes a bait product (113) and a sensor (116) disposed within the bait product. The sensor includes a filament (118) encased within an encasement (119) and reactive to exposure to the environment exterior of the encasement such that at least one electrical characteristic of the sensor changes in response to such exposure. A communication member (121) is connected to the bait product in communication with the sensor to determine the at least one electrical characteristic and send a signal indicative of the at least one electrical characteristic. Based on a plurality of the signals received from of infestation of pests at the at least one monitoring device and a level of degradation of the bait product is determined.

Abstract: Object detection systems are provided herein. An example system includes an enclosure formed by a sidewall to define an interaction volume, at least one light source for illuminating the interaction volume with a light, at least one light sensor that senses disturbances in light intensity due to scattering, reflection, or absorption of the light by objects within the interaction volume, and a controller that is configured to detect an object or object behavior within interaction volume based on the disturbances in the light intensity.

Abstract: Object detection systems are provided herein. An example system includes an enclosure formed by a sidewall to define an interaction volume, at least one light source for illuminating the interaction volume with a light, at least one light sensor that senses disturbances in light intensity due to scattering, reflection, or absorption of the light by objects within the interaction volume, and a controller that is configured to detect an object or object behavior within interaction volume based on the disturbances in the light intensity.

Abstract: A system for monitoring livestock in a ranching environment. The system includes tag sensors attached to animals, and configured to collect monitoring data from the animals, a first access point, configured to receive the collected monitoring data from the tag sensors and to process the collected monitoring data, an Internet of Things (IoT) link established between each of the tag sensors and the access point, and an IoT communication protocol overlay that enables synchronized uplinks from the tag sensors to the first access point via the IoT links. The IoT communication protocol overlay governs transmissions of monitoring data by the tag sensors to the access point. The system further includes a hub/cloud platform configured to receive the processed monitoring data from the first access point, perform data analytics on the processed monitoring data, and provide a user interface that enables a user to monitor the livestock.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus for indicating pest activity that includes an activity indicator and an activity sensor. The activity sensor includes a substrate that is a material attractive to a target pest species, and a sensing element formed on and/or within the substrate. The sensing element is couplable to a power source and the activity indicator, and outputs a signal to the activity indicator. The signal is influenced by pest activity on and/or within the substrate, and the activity indicator indicates a state of the signal received from the sensing element. The state of the signal changes responsive to deposit of a pest excretion on the sensing element. The present disclosure also provides a pest activity reporting system incorporating the apparatus that conveys a state of the signal to a remote location. The present disclosure also provides an activity sensor for use in the apparatus.

Abstract: Object detection systems are provided herein. An example system includes an enclosure formed by a sidewall to define an interaction volume, at least one light source for illuminating the interaction volume with a light, at least one light sensor that senses disturbances in light intensity due to scattering, reflection, or absorption of the light by objects within the interaction volume, and a controller that is configured to detect an object or object behavior within interaction volume based on the disturbances in the light intensity.