Abstract:
A drone with a high-voltage trap seeks, identifies, pursues and destroys flying insects within a patrolling area. During its passive attracting mode, the drone lands on a designated ground site and attracts insects with light, sound, and scents. Once insects are lured, the high voltage screens trap will immediately electrocute targeted insects. In its active offensive mode, the drone hovers closer to insect nests using its high-velocity propellers, producing strong downdraft jet streams to disturb the nest and force insects, such as mosquitoes and the like, to evacuate their nest. Once insects are airborne, the drone pursues fleeing insects from below or behind, making use of its propellers and vacuuming the fleeing insects. Slow flying insects that come in contact with the high-voltage electrified screens are immediately electrocuted. Insects that are vacuumed into the fast-spinning propellers blades are knocked down and killed. A rectified charging pad recharges the drone batteries.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority to earlier filed U.S. Patent Application 62/392,341 titled ‘Bug Eater’ filed May 28, 2016 by Simon Siu-Chi Yu and claims the benefit of the earlier filing date and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention is directed toward the eradication of harmful flying insects. Flying insects are difficult to eliminate once they are airborne. Flies are particularly agile; it is almost impossible to take them down by swinging a towel. The present invention is concentrated on killing mosquitoes in large quantities since mosquitoes are more harmful to humans than other insects due to the many mosquito-transmitted diseases. 
     There are devices available on the market to deal with mosquitoes such as sticky glue coated tape, bed nets, traps, systems using greenhouse gas CO2 to lure mosquitoes into a death trap and also the controversial DDT chemical spray. The latest innovation still undergoing research is the use of lasers to zap mosquitoes. However, all of these tools are passive devices or systems which are not effective in controlling the mosquito population. There are reports stating that laser equipped systems may be impractical as most mosquito-infested areas are in the poorer counties that do not have electricity and they require trained personnel to operate. Spraying DTT is currently the most effective eradication method at present but comes with negative environmental impact. 
     According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 200 million cases of malaria caused by mosquitoes and an estimated 600,000 malaria-related deaths occurred worldwide in 2012. Governments and aid agencies have set up many programs to distribute anti-malarial drugs, insecticides, and bed nets in endemic areas and these helpful tools have curbed the spread of malaria through the rural parts of the world. However, these existing measures and technology have only held the epidemic at bay. To have a real chance of conquering this disease, a new approach is needed. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A disclosed unmanned aerial vehicle drone (UAVD) includes an insect suction and eradication module  210  comprising at least one suction impeller and one of a constricting electrocution screen and a constricting mechanical trap. The UAVD also includes a control and communications module  220  comprising an electronic central processing unit (CPU), a wireless communication unit, an electronic camera and audio A/V unit and a bus configured to interconnect all drone modules. The UAVD additionally includes a navigation module  230  comprising a set of 360 degree obstacle avoidance sensors and positioning unit (GPS) configured to autonomously direct the drone to avoid obstacles while in flight. The UAVD further includes an insect attraction module  240  comprising scented cartridges, a visible lighting unit, a flashing UV (Ultraviolet) light unit, and a CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) generator. The UAVD yet includes a security module  250  comprising an acoustic sounder to safeguard the drone from being stolen when stationed on the ground via acoustic deterrents and a failsafe in the event the deterrent fails. 
     A method for eradicating flying insects via the disclosed UAVD comprises eradicating flying insects via a drone insect suction and eradication module comprising at least one suction impeller and one of a constricting electrocution screen and a constricting mechanical trap. The method also includes interconnecting all drone modules via a control and communications module comprising an electronic central processing unit (CPU), a wireless communication unit, an electronic camera and audio A/V unit and a bus configured to interconnect all drone modules. The method additionally includes autonomously directing a drone via a drone navigation module comprising a set of 360 degree obstacle avoidance sensors and positioning unit (GPS) configured to avoid obstacles while in flight. 
     The method further includes attracting flying insects via a drone insect attraction module comprising scented cartridges, a visible lighting unit, a flashing UV (Ultraviolet) light unit, and a CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) generator. The method yet includes protecting the drone via a drone security module comprising an acoustic sounder to safeguard the drone from being stolen when stationed on the ground via acoustic deterrents and a failsafe in the event the deterrents fail. 
     Other aspects and advantages of embodiments of the disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrated by way of example of the principles of the disclosure herein. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a cutaway diagrammatic illustration of a UAV Drone with a surrounding high voltage screen for killing flying insects in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a top elevational view of the UAV Drone of  FIG. 1  for killing flying insects in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic view of a high voltage double layer screen for the UAVD in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic view of a high voltage single layer screen for the UAVD in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  is a cutaway diagrammatic illustration of a UAV Drone with a suction screen and impeller for killing flying insects in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  is a top elevational view of the UAV Drone of  FIG. 5  for killing flying insects in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a beacon transponder with hooked antenna for the UAVD in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a base station controller and display for the UAV D in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 9  is a top side perspective view of the UAV Drone of  FIG. 1  in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 10  is a top side perspective view of the UAV Drone of  FIG. 5  in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 11  is a block diagram of a UAVD adapted for eradicating flying insects in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 12A  is a top view of a drone charge pad in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 12B  is a schematic diagram of the drone charge pad including rectifiers in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 13  is a block diagram of a method for eradicating flying insects via the disclosed UAV Drone in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 14  is a block diagram of a method of security for the disclosed UAV Drone in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     Throughout the description, similar and same reference numbers may be used to identify similar and same elements in the several embodiments and drawings. Although specific embodiments of the invention have been illustrated, the invention is not to be limited to the specific forms or arrangements of parts so described and illustrated. The scope of the invention is to be defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made to exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used herein to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein and additional applications of the principles of the inventions as illustrated herein, which would occur to a person of ordinary skill in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention. 
     Throughout the present disclosure, the terms “constrict” and “narrow” refer to a funnel-like structure configured to direct insects, air flow and other things in a certain direction from a wider space into a less wide space. Also the term ‘electrocution’ refers to a mostly lethal electrical event based on the amount of current passed through an insect or other animate thing disposed between two voltage points on an electrocution screen. Also, the term UAVD refers to an unmanned aerial vehicle drone and in the present disclosure is synonymous with drone or UAV Drone etc. 
     The present disclosed invention uses an unmanned base flying vehicle drone fitted with high voltage electrified screens, chemical scents, lights, sound, a suction fan, video camera, global positioning system, Wi-Fi, docking beacon homing and tracking system. It is the most advanced tool to deal with this problem. 
       FIG. 1  is a cutaway diagrammatic illustration of a UAV Drone with a surrounding high voltage screen for killing flying insects in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The unmanned flying vehicle drone (UAV-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) drone  10  is integrated with an insect killing apparatus including a gyroscope assisted, battery  37  powered, multi-propeller  51  driven flying drone. A cylindrical cage  60  surrounding the drone is electrified by a high voltage inverter module  36  configured for eradicating insects. The high voltage cage  60  is protected by a cage guard (not depicted) to prevent accidental touching. A camera with Wi-Fi  34 , live streams video via an antenna  22  to a base station controller  200  (not depicted). A GPS (Global Position System)  35  sets a flight path to reach a destination and guides the drone  10  back to base. 
     A set of 360 degree obstacle avoidance sensors  23  and gyroscopes along with the camera  20  and onboard CPU (Central Processing Unit)  33  directs the drone  10  to avoid obstacles while in flight. The CPU  33  accepts apps (applications) available for download and updates. An attractant module  38  includes an Octenol and Lactic acid scented cartridge, a visible lighting module  32  and a CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) generator configured to attract insects to the UAVD in conjunction with the UV (ultra violet) light module  31 . An acoustic sounder  39  or alarm is included to safeguard the drone  10  from being stolen when stationed on the ground and resting on the support legs  18 . 
     A dedicated drone battery  37  and an accessories battery pack  40  ensure the drone  10  reserves adequate energy to return to base depending on an indicator signal or a timeout of a period of time. The battery packs  37  and  40  are rechargeable with solar panels (not depicted). A remote controller base station manages drone activities by communicating with the drone via WI-FI  34 . Also depicted are a drone housing  52 , a drone structural frame  53 , a drone motor  50  and a drone motor shaft  54  for the drone propeller blades  51 . The drone is integrated with a housing  52  and drone structural frame  53  structurally supports the high voltage cage  60 . 
     A visible lighting module includes color changing LED (light emitting diode)  32  configured to generate a wide spectrum of stationary or flashing visible light, including reds, greens, and blues to mimic human activity to attract insects to fly closer and investigate. A stationary or flashing UV (Ultraviolet) light module  31  is included in an embodiment. The module has a convex reflector  30  that generates between 315 nm to 420 nm wavelength of UV light to attract insects. A CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) generator comprises the surface of the convex reflector  30  that is coated with TiO2 (Titanium Dioxide). The ultraviolet irradiates onto the convex reflector  30 , causing release of CO2 to further attract insects. 
       FIG. 2  is a top elevational view of the UAV Drone of  FIG. 1  for killing flying insects in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Reference numbers may be used for same and similar limitations to other figures contained in the present disclosure. The cage is depicted circular but may also be square, oval and spherical and other geometries depending on the application and design considerations. When an insect lands on a screen, the screens will bridge via the insect and cause a discharge current onto and through the insect, instantly electrocuting the insect. The mesh size of an exterior screen opening is larger than the mesh size of an interior screen opening to facilitate bridging. The top opening of the cylindrical cage is larger than its bottom opening, so the cage is slanted inward to allow deceased insects to quickly fall off the cylindrical cage. 
       FIG. 3  is a schematic view of a high voltage double layer screen for the UAVD in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The cylindrical cage  60  may include two layers of metal screens  62  and  64  that are spaced apart creating an exterior screen  62  and an interior screen  64 . The screens may contain insulation material in between, such as plastic standoffs, to prevent the screens from making physical contact with each other. The exterior screen  62  is energized with positive potential voltage while the interior screen  64  is energized with negative potential voltage or vice versa. 
       FIG. 4  is a schematic view of a high voltage single layer screen for the UAVD in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. An embodiment of the cylindrical cage may include a single layer of metal screen that is formed by winding two separate metal wires, wrapped around an insulation core in an interleaving fashion. The two interleaved wires are spaced apart, creating a parallel and alternating relationship that is energized with a positive and negative voltage placed across the respective wires. Therefore, each wire at any point with respect to its neighboring two wires is oppositely energized. When an insect lands on any wire, it will bridge the screen and cause a discharge current onto the insect, instantly electrocuting the insect. A top opening of the cylindrical cage is larger than its bottom opening, so the cage is slanted inward to allow deceased insects to quickly fall off the cylindrical cage. The cylindrical cage surrounds and encircles the drone body without touching the tips of the propellers spaced apart from the cage. 
     The cage guard is installed to surround the exterior face of the exterior high voltage screen. The guard is perforated with openings which are much larger than the mesh openings of the exterior screen to allow insects to fly there through. The guard is made from non-electrical conducting material to prevent accidental hand touching of the high voltage cylindrical cage. 
     A high voltage inverter module delivers high energy to the cylindrical cage. The positive and negative voltages are high enough to electrocute insects but not high enough to cause arcing between the screens. The high voltage is within a range of 450 to 10,000 volts. 
     A live video streaming camera broadcasts real time video and images back to its remote controller base station  200  via P2P, FPV, RPV formats and the like. The camera stores images on the drone for real time analyze of intended target by using facial and object recognition tracking as well as color histogram software. The camera is able to distinguish which types of insects are being targeted. 
     A set of 360 degree obstacle avoidance sensors include infrared or ultrasound (sonar) with aid from the camera to alert the drone in order to avoid collisions with obstacles. 
     An acoustic sounder announces prerecorded messages or relays real time message sent from remote base operator. The sounder warns intruders who come too close to drone landing site while the camera takes pictures around its vicinity immediately for future recovery if drone is stolen. The drone flies back to base if the warning message fails to deter the intruder. The controller sends a message through sounder and then sends a command to a kill switch to cause the drone to become inoperable if stolen. The sounder frequency ranges from infrasound to ultrasound. The sounder uses infrasound and ultrasound to repel unwanted targets. 
       FIG. 5  is a cutaway diagrammatic illustration of a UAV Drone with a suction screen and impeller for killing flying insects in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The depicted drone  100 , among other things, is a gyroscope assisted, battery powered, multi-propeller driven flying drone. A fan assisted suction trap is integrated into the drone  100  to eradicate insects. A fan shroud  162  routes insects into a one way trap  158  where the insects are trapped in a detachable tray  157 . A camera  120  with Wi-Fi  134  streams live video via an antenna  122  to a base station controller  200  (not depicted). 
     A GPS (Global Position System)  135  sets a flight path to reach a predetermined destination and guides the drone  100  back to base. A set of 360 degree obstacle avoidance sensors  123  and gyroscopes (not depicted) along with the camera  120  and onboard CPU (Central Processing Unit)  133  directs the drone  100  to avoid obstacles while in flight. The CPU  133  accepts apps (applications) at a data port available for download and update. An attractant module  138  includes an Octenol and Lactic acid scented cartridge. A visible lighting module  132 , a UV (Ultraviolet) light module  131 , and a CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) generator are used to attract insects. An acoustic sounder  139  safeguards the drone  100  from being stolen when stationed on the ground. A dedicated drone battery  137  and a separate battery pack  140  for accessories ensures the drone  100  reserves adequate energy to return to base. The battery packs are rechargeable with solar panels (not depicted). 
     A fan  170  assisted suction trap pulls insects  56  into the trap  158  with directional air currents created by the rotating fan  170  when insects  56  fly close to trap for their investigation. The fan  170  runs on battery power. The suction fan  170  can be temporally switched off when drone  100  encounters beneficial insects. A fan shroud  162  directs captured insects to a one way trap  158  and holds them in a detachable tray  157  until they perish. The tray  157  is removable for cleaning. The shroud  162  is coated with TiO2. 
     Also depicted are a drone housing  152 , a drone structural frame  153 , a drone motor  150  and a drone motor shaft  154  for the drone propeller blades  151 . The drone is integrated with the housing  152  and the drone structural frame  153  structurally supports the integrated components thereof. Additionally depicted are the suction grid  155 , the air current direction  156 , the TIO2 coating  160 , the wireless transponder  180  and the hooked antenna  181 . 
     The UAVD may be charged at home. A pad  80  sized to match the support legs  18  of the drone may be provided. When the drone  10 ,  100  lands on the pad  80 , or is otherwise situated on the pad  80 , an electric current starts to conduct through legs  18 ,  118  and rectify module  81  charging the batteries  37 ,  40 ,  137  and  140 . The pad  80  is square and partitioned in two sections: one section for a positive voltage and the other section for a negative or ground voltage. Its surface is electrically conductive. Leg  18 ,  118  has at least a metal tip  19  for conduction. 
       FIG. 6  is a top elevational view of the UAV Drone of  FIG. 5  for killing flying insects in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Reference numbers may be used for same and similar limitations to other figures contained in the present disclosure. 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a beacon transponder with hooked antenna for the UAVD in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The transponder beacon  180  helps precisely guide the drone  100  and  10  to a predetermined site. The transponder beacon  180  emits a radio frequency that is recognizable by the drone  10  and  100 . The drone hovers closely to the beacon and can follow its owner/operator movement, thus providing an insect free pathway. The drone homes in to the beacon which was positioned earlier. The beacon also has a hooked antenna  181  which is extended upwards to conveniently attach to the drone and move to other locations. 
     The remote controller base station  200  manages drone activities. The controller communicates with drone via WI-FI. The transponder beacon helps precisely guide the drone to site; and the drone integrated with a housing that structurally supports the fan assisted suction trap. The housing provides ingress openings  155  large enough for insects being sucked in. The drone can be stationed indoor and outdoor and can fly autonomously or with an operator controller. 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a base station controller  200  and display for the UAVD in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. A remote control base station comprises joysticks, an antenna, a transponder, a radio transceiver, a video monitor, a drone status display, a microphone, a gyroscope, and a set of sensor calibration switches. The remote control station can be substituted with a smart phone. 
       FIG. 9  is a top side perspective view of the UAV Drone of  FIG. 1  in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Reference numbers may be used for same and similar limitations to other figures contained in the present disclosure. 
       FIG. 10  is a top side perspective view of the UAV Drone of  FIG. 5  in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Reference numbers may be used for same and similar limitations to other figures contained in the present disclosure. 
       FIG. 11  is a block diagram of a UAVD adapted for eradicating flying insects in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The disclosed UAVD includes an Insect Suction and Eradication module  210 , a Control and Communications module  220 , a Navigation module  230 , an Insect Attraction Module  240  and a Drone Security module  250  as disclosed herein. All drone modules are electrically interconnected via the Control and Communications module  220 . 
       FIG. 12A  is a top view of a drone charge pad  80  in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The unmanned UAVD system further includes a charge station at home base. A pad sized to match the support legs of the drone may be provided. When the drone lands on the pad, or is otherwise situated on the pad, an electric current starts to conduct through legs charging the batteries. The pad is square and partitioned in two sections: one section for a positive voltage and the other section for a negative or ground voltage. Its surface is electrically conductive. Each leg has at least a metal tip  19  for conduction. 
       FIG. 12B  is a schematic diagram of the drone charge pad  80  including rectifiers in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The rectifiers  81  allow current to flow to the drone but do not allow any backwash current from the drone into the charging power supply. Thus, the drone may land in any orientation across the power supply pads and self-corrects or allows current to charge into the drone batteries. The double tapped diode or thyristor configuration allows a completed charging circuit from a positive terminal to a negative terminal through either a top diode or thyristor to a bottom diode or thyristor as depicted in the schematic. The rectifying circuits may be included in the charging pad circuits or in the drone itself. 
       FIG. 13  is a block diagram of a method for eradicating flying insects via the disclosed UAV Drone in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method includes eradicating  310  flying insects via a drone insect suction and eradication module. The method also includes interconnecting  320  all drone modules via a control and communications module. The method additionally includes autonomously directing  330  the drone via a drone navigation module. The method further includes attracting  340  flying insects via a drone insect attraction module. The method yet includes protecting  350  the drone via a drone security module. 
       FIG. 14  is a block diagram of a method of security for the disclosed UAV Drone in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method embodiment includes announcing  410  a prerecorded warning message or relay a real time message sent from a remote base operator warning intruders who come too close to the drone landing site. The method embodiment also includes immediately  420  taking pictures via the camera around the drone&#39;s vicinity for future recovery in the event the drone is stolen. The method embodiment additionally includes the drone flying  430  back to base if the warning message fails. The method embodiment further includes the controller sending  440  a message through the acoustic sounder and sending a kill switch command to cause the drone to become inoperable if stolen. 
     The drone can be stationed indoor and outdoor and may also fly alone or work as a group to fly in a formation to eradicate mosquitoes from a wide area. The drone may fly autonomously or with the aid of an operator controller. 
     The drone autonomously clears the insects inside the house prior to its owner return home. The live streaming camera can send a viewing of the house and clearing process to the owner. The drone uses its propellers to blast the interior walls and floor with air, forcing all insects to became airborne so the drone can eradicate them. Outdoors, the drone will disturb insect nests with the propeller&#39;s downdraft, forcing insects to evacuate. The drone also eradicates outdoor insects while they are airborne. 
     Although the operations of the method(s) herein are shown and described in a particular order, the order of the operations of each method may be altered so that certain operations may be performed in an inverse order or so that certain operations may be performed, at least in part, concurrently with other operations. In another embodiment, instructions or sub-operations of distinct operations may be implemented in an intermittent and/or alternating manner. 
     Notwithstanding specific embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated, the invention is not to be limited to the specific forms or arrangements of parts so described and illustrated. The scope of the invention is to be defined by the claims and their equivalents included herein or by reference to a related application.