Patent Description:
For some insects, the male and female pupae vary in size, and groups thereof may be sorted based on size or on at least some of the characteristics described above but with limited purity as many of these traits vary widely within sexes. Small females and large males, for example, can be misclassified in mechanical processes without time-consuming human inspection. Isolating and observing the pupae to differentiate males and females that overlap in body size or other sexually dimorphic traits, however, may prove difficult and time-consuming for human selection and sorting. <CIT> discloses apparatus for segregating mosquito pupae based on gender, comprising a container into which pupae are introduced and an imaging capturing device which scans through the container to obtain a distribution profile of the sizes of the pupae. <CIT> discloses a device and method for selectively eliminating aquatic pupae of insects having sexual dimorphism. <CIT> discloses a method of controlling nematode response in a microfluidic environment.

A system of one or more computers that can be configured to perform particular operations including sorting insect pupae by virtue of having software, firmware, hardware, or a combination of them installed on the system that in operation causes or cause the system to perform the actions. One general aspect of the insect pupae sorting system, includes an isolation device having a first channel with an inlet and an outlet to deliver a first flow of liquid including insect pupae and a second channel that intersects the first channel between the inlet and the outlet to deliver a second flow of liquid into the first channel. The second flow of fluid intersecting the first flow generates a third flow of liquid and separates adjacent insect pupae being transported through the first channel. The insect pupae sorting system also includes a sensor positioned proximate to the outlet of the isolation device to detect pupae from the third flow of liquid. Downstream of the sensor, the system also includes a storage unit system coupled to the outlet that includes a container into which insect pupae of a first type are directed based at least in part on a sensor signal from the sensor.

In another general aspect a method of sorting insect pupae is described, including providing a flow of fluid with insect pupae into a first channel of an insect isolation device. The isolation device has a first channel along which the insect pupae travel in a first direction, the first channel having a dimension corresponding to a size of a representative pupa of the insect pupae. The method also includes providing a second flow of fluid, through a second channel, into the first channel. The method further includes determining that an individual pupa has passed the second channel and detecting the individual pupa.

The method also includes determining a pupa type of the individual pupa based on a sensor signal from a sensor and sorting the individual pupa based on the pupa type.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more certain examples and, together with the description of the example, serve to explain the principles and implementations of the certain examples.

Examples are described herein in the context of insect isolation and classification at the pupa stage. Those of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the following description is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. For example, isolation systems and techniques described herein can be used with a variety of identification and classification systems and techniques. Examples described herein relate to classifying mosquitoes in the pupa stage, though the techniques described herein can be used to classify other insects or mosquitoes in other stages. Reference will now be made in detail to implementations of examples as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The same reference indicators will be used throughout the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or like items.

In the interest of clarity, not all of the routine features of the examples described herein are shown and described. It will, of course, be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made in order to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with application- and business-related constraints, and that these specific goals will vary from one implementation to another and from one developer to another.

Current methods of sorting mosquitoes typically involve waiting for mosquitoes to mature to the adult stage and visually sex sorting by singulating the adults down a lane. Sorting mosquitoes at the pupal stage has been limited to sorting large groups of pupae using a sieve or using a laboratory tool referred to a Hock's separator (e.g., Larval-Pupal Separator). Use of the sieve may be automated, but is limited to sorting by size. The Hock's separator can sort based on different characteristics, but requires a human to manually operate the tool and is not designed for high throughput. The devices, systems, and methods described herein provide a fast and efficient method for sex sorting insects at a pupal stage based on any suitable characteristic. The insects are sorted while in an aqueous solution. Because the insects are in the pupal stage, they can be carried in the aqueous solution to isolate and sort into separate containers. At the pupal stage, the insects may be manipulated or transported with less effort and potential damage to insects than with adult insects.

It is difficult, using current methods and systems, to isolate individual insects from a large population for classifying and sorting. Current methods typically involve waiting passively for adult insects to travel along a certain path. The methods and systems described herein provide the ability to isolate an individual insect pupa out of a population of pupae and actively transport that individual insect rather than waiting for the insect to move along a desired path on its own. This improves the efficiency and throughput of systems for classifying and sorting insects. The isolation and sorting systems herein may be automated and performed or operated by a computing device to quickly identify and sort insects.

In an illustrative example, an insect sorting system includes an isolation device, an optical sensor, and a storage unit system. The isolation device is used to isolate an individual pupa out of a flow of solution or fluid having many pupae therein. The isolation device relies on the introduction of additional fluid flow into the flow of solution having pupae therein to increase a distance between adjacent pupae within the flow. Once an individual pupa is isolated and singulated in the isolation device, an image may be captured or the pupa may be viewed for certain characteristics to identify and classify the pupa. Once the pupa is identified or classified, it is routed within the storage unit system to a container, an additional processing step is performed (e.g., maturing the pupa into an adult for distribution in SIT programs), or the pupa is disposed of.

In some examples, the isolation device includes a primary channel or passage defined by a groove in a solid material. The primary channel has an inlet and an outlet and transports a flow of fluid including pupae while the outlet is open from the inlet to the outlet. A secondary channel, also defined by a groove in the solid material, intersects the primary channel. The secondary channel has a separate inlet and delivers an additional fluid flow into the primary channel between the inlet and the outlet. As an individual pupa passes the location where the secondary channel intersects the primary channel, the fluid delivered by the secondary channel will cause the individual pupa to accelerate through the primary channel, or increase a gap or distance between the individual pupa and an adjacent pupa traveling down the primary channel. Once the individual pupa has passed the intersection of the primary channel and the secondary channel, as detected by a sensor such as an optical sensor, optical gate, or light curtain, a computer may shut the outlet to cease the flow of liquid comprising pupae out of the outlet. Once the outlet is closed, the fluid introduced by the secondary channel will backflush or push fluid and pupae upstream of the intersection of the primary channel and the secondary channel out of the isolation device, thereby isolating the individual pupa for imaging, classification, or sorting.

Once isolated, the individual pupa are imaged for determining a characteristic such as size or sex by which the pupa are later sorted. Insect pupa sex can be identified by visual inspection of their sex organs. Male pupa have different genitalia at the tail of the pupa. It may also be possible to identify the sex of the pupa by the antennae as male and female adult mosquitoes have different size and shaped antennae. Another important characteristic is size, the male pupae and female pupae are of different sizes so imaging or other determination of the size of the pupae can be used to determine the sex of the pupae. In some cases, multispectral imaging of the individual pupa, once isolated using the systems and method described herein, may assist in determining a sex and thereby sorting insect pupae according to sex or some other characteristic.

The techniques described herein are described with reference to mosquito pupae but are applicable to other insects and other stages, such as larval stages of insects. For example, some larvae exhibit physical sexual differences which may be observed using the methods described herein. For instance, with some insects, at larval stage <NUM> the males and females begin to develop visually different antennae which may be observed.

This illustrative example is given to introduce the reader to the general subject matter discussed herein and the disclosure is not limited to this example. The following sections describe additional non-limiting examples and techniques relating to using a pupa isolation device for classifying insects.

Turning now to the figures, <FIG> illustrates an isolation device <NUM> for isolating a single pupa from a flow of fluid including many pupae for classification and sorting, according to at least one example. An upper surface <NUM> of the base <NUM> includes a recessed portion <NUM> and recessed corners <NUM> to receive a plate of clear material (not shown) such as a piece of glass. The clear plate may be secured to the base <NUM> and sealed such that fluid does not escape from the primary channel <NUM> or secondary channels <NUM>. Additionally, the clear plate may be sealed in such a manner that it can withstand pressure applied by the fluids. This allows pupae within the isolation device <NUM> to be viewed through the plate. In this example, the recessed corners <NUM> help ensure that the plate such as a rectangular piece of glass will fit into the corner without reshaping or requiring additional work to achieve a square corner in the recessed portion; however, while this particular configuration for the base <NUM> is used in this example, any suitable shape to accept a plate may be employed. Further, the base <NUM> may not require a recess to secure the plate. Instead, the plate may in affixed to an upper surface of the base <NUM> and sealed as described above, e.g., using a silicone, rubber (buna rubber), plastic welding, caulking, rubber cement, glazing compounds, epoxy, or other non-toxic material. The upper surface <NUM> of the base <NUM> in this example also includes holes <NUM> which may be threaded for securing the plate to the base <NUM>, though any suitable coupling means may be employed, including screws, rivets, adhesives, clamps, etc..

The base <NUM> defines a primary channel <NUM> through which a flow of fluid, such as an aqueous solution, and pupae or other stages of insects (e.g., larvae) may be introduced. The primary channel <NUM> enters the base <NUM> at an inlet <NUM>. The inlet <NUM> may include a threaded or barbed connection to connect to a pipe or tube through which the flow of fluid and pupae may travel. At the inlet <NUM>, the primary channel <NUM> includes a funnel <NUM> which reduces the size of the primary channel <NUM> from the size of the inlet <NUM>. After the funnel <NUM>, the primary channel <NUM> may have a width or height corresponding to a size of insect pupae (or other juvenile insects) intended to be isolated by the isolation device <NUM>. The estimated size of the insect pupae may be a dimension such as a maximum expected width or height of a representative insect pupa or an average expected size. In some examples, the size may be based on a maximum expected cross-sectional area or a cross-sectional dimension based on a width and height of the insect pupa. The size may also refer to a width of the cephalothorax or length of the pupa. In some examples, the primary channel <NUM> may have a cross-sectional dimension corresponding to a size of the pupae including a width and height, each sized according to an anticipated size or diameter of the pupae. For example, in the case of mosquitoes, the primary channel <NUM> may have a width or height of around <NUM> to <NUM>. In some examples, the primary channel <NUM> may have a width of around <NUM>. For other insects or objects to be isolated by the isolation device <NUM>, the size of the primary channel <NUM> may be selected based on the expected sizes of such other insects or objects. The primary channel <NUM> should be sized, meaning have a width, a height, a cross-section, etc., such that only a single insect pupae can be at any location along the primary channel <NUM> at any one point in time, e.g. two such insect pupae cannot fit side-by-side in the primary channel <NUM> after the funnel <NUM>. Thus, the primary channel <NUM> should have a width, height, cross-section near the expected or anticipated size of insect pupae to be isolated.

The primary channel <NUM> has a constant width and height and therefore, as additional fluid is added by the secondary channels <NUM>, the flow rate within the primary channel <NUM> downstream of each intersection <NUM> is higher than the flow rate of the section previous to it. In some examples, this difference in speed may be used to isolate or separate individual pupae. In other examples, the primary channel <NUM> may have a variable size, such as a diameter or width that increases further downstream nearer the outlet <NUM>, which may then reduce the speed of the fluid within the primary channel <NUM>. The primary channel <NUM> may be narrowed, or widened at different stages, for example near the outlet <NUM> to adjust the flow velocity within primary channel <NUM>.

Downstream of the inlet <NUM> and the funnel <NUM>, the primary channel <NUM> is intersected by a secondary channel 122a at an intersection 124a. As shown in the figures, the intersection includes the primary channel <NUM> and secondary channel 122a meeting at a perpendicular angle. In some examples, the intersection may be angled such that secondary channel 120a and the downstream portion of primary channel <NUM> form an obtuse angle. In other words, secondary channel 122a is angled or directed toward outlet <NUM>. In some cases, the intersection may be formed by secondary channel 120a and primary channel <NUM> forming an acute angle. Further, additional secondary channels may be employed in some examples. In the example shown in <FIG>, there are seven secondary channels 122a-g that intersect the primary channel <NUM> along the length of the primary channel <NUM>. Each secondary channel 122a-g is fed by an inlet 120a-g. The inlets 120a-g connect to one or more fluid sources which provide a fluid flow into the primary channel <NUM> via the secondary channels 122a-g. Each of the secondary channels 122a-g is sized smaller than the expected pupae size. For example, the secondary channel 122a-g may have a height or width of less than <NUM>. This ensures that the insects are not able to enter the secondary channels 122a-g because they are larger than the opening or at least one dimension of the secondary channels 122a-g. In some examples, the secondary channel 122a-g may have similar dimensions to the primary channel <NUM>. Downstream of the last secondary channel <NUM>, the primary channel <NUM> exits the isolation device <NUM> at the outlet <NUM>.

In use, the isolation device <NUM> includes a first fluid flow traveling into the isolation device <NUM> at the inlet <NUM> and one or more second fluid flows traveling or entering the isolation device <NUM> at each respective inlet 120a-g of the secondary channels 122a-g. The second fluid flows intersect the first fluid flow and the combined flow exits the isolation device <NUM> at the outlet <NUM>. As one or more pupae enter the isolation device <NUM>, the funnel <NUM> guides the pupae from the inlet <NUM> into the primary channel <NUM>. As a first pupae passes each of the secondary channels 122a-g, the respective second fluid flow introduces additional fluid into the first fluid flow, resulting in additional spacing or distance between adjacent pupae. For example, when two pupae enter the primary channel <NUM> adjacent each other, potentially even in contact with each other, the second fluid flow coming from the secondary channel 122a-g adds fluid into the primary channel <NUM> and this added fluid, thereby increasing the speed of the first pupa, but the second, thereby separating the first pupa and the second pupa within the primary channel <NUM>.

When a first pupa enters the isolation device <NUM> at the inlet <NUM>, the funnel <NUM> ensures that the first pupa, as well as any additional pupae, enter the primary channel <NUM> one at a time. The first pupa advances downstream along the primary channel <NUM> passing the intersections 124a-g. At each intersection 124a-g, fluid added by the secondary channels 122a-g increases a gap or space in between the first pupa and additional pupae as discussed above. In some examples, after a pupa passes a last intersection <NUM>, a sensor such as a light curtain or optical sensor detects the pupa passing the intersection and in response, a processor causes the outlet <NUM> to close. With the outlet <NUM> shut, the first pupa remains stagnant while the additional fluid entering through the secondary channels 122a-g reverses course and flows upstream towards the inlet <NUM>, carrying the additional insect pupae upstream as well. Meanwhile, the first insect pupae may be observed or imaged through the clear glass plate for classification and sorting.

In some examples, the space created between the first pupa and additional pupae may be sufficient to capture an image or observe the first pupa to determine a characteristic by which the pupae are being sorted without closing the outlet <NUM> and stopping the fluid flow through the outlet. In some other examples, the outlet <NUM> may be partially closed to slow the progress of the pupae along the primary channel <NUM> sufficiently to observe or capture an image or other data concerning the pupae for sorting before returning to normal speed. Such a system would use a pupae detection system, as described herein, to detect when a pupa enters a data gathering zone (as shown in <FIG> located underneath optical sensor <NUM>), such as an area within or underneath a viewport or clear viewing plate. When a pupa is in the data gathering zone, the outlet <NUM> may be partially closed to slow the pupa until the data is gathered, at which point the outlet <NUM> may be opened until a new pupa enters the data gathering zone.

As the insect pupae advance along the primary channel <NUM>, they may separate from each other due to differences in speed between different regions of the isolation device <NUM>. In at least one additional example, a first insect pupa enters the isolation device <NUM> at the inlet <NUM> and advances along the primary channel <NUM>. Additional insect pupae may also enter the isolation device <NUM> following or at around the same time as the first insect pupa and also enter the primary channel <NUM>. The funnel <NUM>, as well as the size of the primary channel <NUM> (which is only large enough for a single insect pupa to fit at any location along the length in this example) ensures that the insect pupae enter the primary channel <NUM> one after another. The first insect pupa may pass the first four intersections 124a-d and corresponding secondary channels 122a-d. The outlet <NUM> may be shut, either as a result of a pupae detection system positioned along the primary channel <NUM> or based on observation of the pupa in the primary channel <NUM>. At around or at the same time the outlet <NUM> is shut, the inlets 120e-g corresponding to the secondary channels 122e-g may also be shut such that fluid flow beyond intersection 124d ceases and the fluid, with the first insect pupa, remains stagnant. The additional insect pupae, which are positioned along the length of the primary channel <NUM>, but have not yet reached intersection 124d, are then pushed back upstream towards the inlet <NUM> by the fluid flows from the secondary channels 122a-d, which are still active. The first pupa is thereby isolated and prepared for imaging, identification, or any other process which requires singulation or isolation of the insect pupa.

The isolation device <NUM> may also be configured to prevent clogs from obstructing flow along the primary channel <NUM>. The funnel <NUM> helps ensure that insect pupae enter the primary channel <NUM> one at a time, but in some instances, material, foreign objects, or oversized pupae may enter the inlet <NUM> and block or partially block the primary channel <NUM>. Closing the outlet <NUM> results in the flow from the secondary channels 122a-g flowing in the opposite direction of the first flow, heading from the outlet <NUM> towards the inlet <NUM>. As a result, when a blockage is observed or detected by an optical sensor, technician, or pressure sensor in the system, the outlet <NUM> may be temporarily shut to backflush the clog or blockage before re-opening to resume normal operation. For example, an optical sensor may observe that insect pupae have ceased advancing along primary channel <NUM> and a technician or computing device may be alerted to either manually or automatically shut outlet <NUM> to backflush primary channel <NUM>.

In some examples, the isolation device <NUM> may include only one secondary channel intersecting the primary channel <NUM> between the inlet <NUM> and the outlet <NUM>. In some other examples, additional secondary channels may be included to introduce additional second fluid flows and thereby provide greater or additional separation or distance between adjacent pupae, such as described above with respect to <FIG>.

When the outlet <NUM> is closed, the first fluid flow ceases to advance within the primary channel <NUM> along from the inlet <NUM> to the outlet <NUM> because the outlet <NUM> is closed and there is not alternative exit for the first fluid flow. The second fluid flow entering through the secondary channels 122a-g continues to flow but after intersecting the primary channel <NUM>, the second fluid flow backflows along the primary channel <NUM> towards the inlet <NUM>. The backflow flushes any object, insect pupae or otherwise, which had been carried into the primary channel <NUM> by the first fluid flow and pushes them back towards or out the inlet <NUM>. Any insect pupae or objects which have traversed the intersection <NUM> of the last, or furthest downstream, secondary channel <NUM>, is not pushed back towards the inlet <NUM>, but instead remains within the primary channel <NUM> near the outlet <NUM>. This provides an opportunity to observe, image, view, or perform operations on the pupa which is stationary near the outlet <NUM>.

The flow rate of the first fluid flow may vary, depending on the intended use of the isolation device <NUM>, however, as described below, some automated uses of the isolation device <NUM> may enable flow rates in a range of between ten mL/min and one thousand mL/min. In some instances, the flow rates may be in a range of <NUM>/min to <NUM>/min. The flow rate of water through inlet <NUM> may differ from the flow rate through secondary channels 122a-g. Having a higher ratio of water flowing through the secondary channels 122a-g compared to water flowing through inlet <NUM> helps ensure that pupae are adequately separated in the isolation device <NUM>. The first fluid flow rate may vary during operation or be set during an setup stage. Likewise, the flow rate of the second fluid flows may be variable and adjusted either during setup or vary during operation.

<FIG> illustrates an example sorting system <NUM> for implementing the isolation device <NUM> of <FIG> in a system for sorting insects in a fluid or aqueous solution, according to at least one example. The system includes a computer system <NUM>, such as described in <FIG> below which may be used to perform operations or processes described herein using system <NUM>. The computer system <NUM> is shown in communication with optical sensor <NUM>, pupae detection system <NUM>, and valve <NUM>, though it may also be in communication with other elements of the system such as other valves, manifold <NUM>, diaphragm <NUM>, or other system elements. The aqueous solution enters the system through a delivery tube <NUM> from a storage container, holding tank, or other storage or solution transport device. The delivery tube <NUM> is in fluid communication with the inlet <NUM> of the isolation device <NUM>. A second delivery tube (not shown) provides the second fluid flow to the secondary channels 122a-g through inlets 120a-g. As a flow of fluid and pupae enter the primary channel <NUM>, the funnel <NUM> helps ensure that the pupae enter the primary channel <NUM> one at a time. As the pupae pass the secondary channels 122a-g, the second fluid flow is added into the first fluid flow to separate adjacent pupae in the primary channel <NUM> as they travel downstream from the inlet <NUM> to the outlet <NUM>.

Each of the inlets 120a-g is fed a flow of fluid separate and distinct from the first flow of fluid. The inlets 120a-g may include valves to selectively open, close, or reduce a flow of fluid through each inlet 120a-g. In some examples, a manifold <NUM> may receive a flow of fluid from tube <NUM> and provide fluid connections <NUM> to each inlet 120a-g. The manifold <NUM> may be capable of selectively shutting off fluid flow to any or all of the inlets 120a-g. In use, when a first insect pupa is within the isolation device <NUM>, when the outlet <NUM> is shut, stopping the forward primary fluid flow, the additional flow to any of the inlets 120a-g may be simultaneously shut off as described above with respect to <FIG>.

Downstream or at the intersection <NUM> of the last or most downstream secondary channel <NUM> with the primary channel <NUM> is a pupae detection system <NUM>. In <FIG>, the pupae detection system <NUM> is shown as including an optical detection device, such as a laser gate or light curtain which projects a light beam <NUM> onto a light sensor, e.g., a photodetector. The pupae detection system <NUM> detects a pupa traversing the intersection <NUM> when the light beam <NUM> is blocked by the pupa. Other pupa detection devices <NUM> are contemplated including optical eyes, cameras, laser gates, light curtains, and other such detection devices capable of detecting a presence of a physical object within the primary channel <NUM>. In some instances, the pupa may be detected by visual observation by an individual operating the system <NUM>.

When the pupa detection device <NUM> detects or determines that a single pupa has passed the last or furthest downstream intersection <NUM> of the primary channel <NUM> and the secondary channel <NUM>, the computing device <NUM> may output a signal to close a valve <NUM>, and the outlet <NUM> of the isolation device <NUM> may be shut. Closing the outlet <NUM> causes the second flow to backflush additional pupae from the primary channel <NUM> as described above, e.g., toward the inlet <NUM>. This process positions the single pupa for viewing or for classifying the pupa by insect type. Determining the insect type may include a sex determination, such as male or female, it may also include pupal or larval stage determination or identification of foreign non-insect objects. In some examples, the object viewed while in the isolation device <NUM> may be identified using object recognition techniques or image recognition techniques. The insect type may also be determined based on size or other identifying factors as described above, including antennae, sex organs, tail shape or size, or other characteristics.

As shown in <FIG>, an optical sensor <NUM>, such as a camera, may be positioned above the isolation device <NUM> and aimed to observe the insect pupae through a cover <NUM> which is transparent. In some examples, the cover <NUM> may have a transparent viewport or transparent portion through which the optical sensor may be directed. Further, in some examples, an underside of the separation device <NUM> may be transparent and allow the sensor to be positioned beneath the separation device <NUM>.

The optical sensor <NUM> may include any suitable combination of image sensors, lenses, computer hardware, or software, may be in network communication with a computing system (not shown). In some other examples, the optical sensor <NUM> may be positioned at or adjacent to the outlet <NUM> of the isolation device <NUM> or positioned after the outlet <NUM>, for example at the exit tube <NUM>. The exit tube <NUM> in the particular example shown in <FIG> may be formed of a clear or transparent material or include a viewing window to view the pupa. The outlet <NUM> may be closed by a closing device such as a valve, stopper, deflection plate, or other shutoff device. The valve <NUM> may control the opening and closing action of the outlet <NUM>. In some instances, the valve <NUM> may be positioned at or adjacent to the isolation device <NUM>, while in other examples, the valve <NUM> may be removed or separated from the isolation device <NUM> by any suitable distance.

The pupa/insect may be sorted by a system of valves and tubes or delivery conduits. For example, a pupa may pass the optical sensor <NUM> in conduit <NUM> and be delivered into one of several containment systems <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> when computer <NUM> sends a signal to selectively open and close valves <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>, based on the insect type determination made earlier. In at least one example, the containment systems <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may include containers for male pupae, female pupae, larvae, adult insects, or waste, among other possible identifiers. In some examples, particularly for a SIT program, only male mosquitoes may be desired, so the system <NUM> may include a container system <NUM> for male pupae with the remainder of the objects coming through the isolation device routed into a waste container or disposal. Corresponding valves, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be opened or closed based on a location a particular insect/pupae/object is to be routed. And while five containment systems <NUM>-<NUM> are depicted, any suitable number may be employed, along with a corresponding system of valves and tubing.

The system <NUM> includes an inlet <NUM> and control valve <NUM> for providing fluid to flush the sorting system <NUM> and drive a pupa or object into a desired branch or container system <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. After an individual insect or pupa is isolated by the isolation device <NUM>, the system <NUM> may include elements to adjust the position and or location of the insect/pupa through the use of a diaphragm <NUM> in concert with the inlet <NUM>. Diaphragm <NUM> may include a fluid line <NUM> and valve <NUM> to control flow of fluid through fluid line <NUM>. Increasing fluid or pressure on one side of diaphragm <NUM> pushes diaphragm <NUM> or flexes a deformable portion of diaphragm <NUM> to displace liquid within sorting system <NUM>. The diaphragm <NUM> may be used to add or release pressure from the system <NUM> to finely position or adjust a position of an object, particularly around the optical sensor <NUM>. In some examples, the diaphragm <NUM> may be replaced by a fluid inlet and control valve.

Each of the elements of the system <NUM>, including the valves <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, manifold <NUM>, the pupa detection device <NUM>, the optical sensor <NUM>, and the diaphragm <NUM>, may be in communication with a computer system <NUM>. In this example, each valve <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be actuated by an appropriate signal sent by the computer system, e.g., a logical '<NUM>' or '<NUM>' to fully open or close the corresponding valve, by sending an analog voltage to set any desired position between (and including) fully open and fully closed, etc. The computer system <NUM>, as described herein, is any suitable electronic device (e.g., personal computer, hand-held device, server computer, server cluster, virtual computer, etc.) configured to execute computer-executable instructions to perform operations such as those described herein. As described in additional detail with respect to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the computer system can include a processor configured to operate one or more sorting modules, among other modules/components, and includes the functionality to perform the processes described herein.

<FIG> illustrates an imaging and sorting system <NUM> for insect pupae, according to at least one example. The imaging and sorting system <NUM> includes an isolation device <NUM>, base <NUM>, optical sensor <NUM>, optical sensor mount <NUM>, sensor mount <NUM>, and sensor <NUM>. The system may also include a computer system, such as computer system <NUM>, as well as actuatable valves and storage containers, as described with respect to <FIG>. The computer system is in communication with valves, such as valves connected to inlets and outlets of the isolation device <NUM> to enable isolation of insect pupae in the isolation device as well as with the optical sensor <NUM> to enable image capture of the insect pupae. The imaging and sorting system <NUM> may be incorporated with other system elements of sorting system <NUM> such as the manifold <NUM>, and containment systems <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. In some examples, the imaging and sorting system <NUM> may be an example of the isolation device <NUM> and optical sensor <NUM>.

The isolation device <NUM> may be isolation device <NUM> described above with respect to <FIG> or may have a different structure that enables isolation of insect pupae from a liquid flow and sorting into various storage containers. The example of isolation device <NUM> of <FIG> is described with respect to <FIG> below. The isolation device <NUM> is maintained in position by the base <NUM> and may be removable or interchangeable, for example to replace with isolation device <NUM>.

Base <NUM> additionally supports optical sensor mount <NUM> and sensor mount <NUM>. Optical sensor mount <NUM> maintains optical sensor <NUM> in position over the isolation device <NUM> to capture images of insect pupae isolated within the isolation device <NUM>. The optical sensor <NUM> is positioned above an isolation or imaging portion of the isolation device <NUM>, where insect pupae can be maintained, temporarily, in position for imaging before being directed, using liquid flows, through an outlet of the isolation device <NUM> for storage in a storage system. The optical sensor <NUM> may include any suitable combination of image sensors, lenses, computer hardware, or software, may be in network communication with a computing system (not shown). In some examples, the isolation device <NUM> may be formed of a transparent material such that images may be captures of an insect pupae from multiple angles, in such examples, optical sensor mount <NUM> may support more than one optical sensor, such as with a first optical sensor above the isolation device with a second optical sensor below the isolation device. In some examples additional optical sensors may be positioned at an angle other than perpendicular with respect to the surface of the isolation device <NUM>.

The sensor mount <NUM> supports a sensor <NUM> that may gather additional data regarding the presence of insects within the isolation device <NUM>. For example, the sensor may include an optical sensor that detects when an insect pupae is within an imaging section of the isolation device <NUM> or may be associated with a counter to maintain a count of insect pupae sorted through each outlet of the isolation device <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> may include any number of physical or optical sensors including laser gates, optical sensors, contact sensors, deflection sensors, or other such sensors capable of detecting the presence or passage of insect pupae through a channel of the isolation device <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an isolation device <NUM> of the imaging and sorting system <NUM> of <FIG>, according to at least one example. The isolation device <NUM> illustrates a second example of a configuration of the isolation device <NUM> and may be interchangeable with the isolation device <NUM> in various systems.

The isolation device <NUM> includes an insect pupae inlet <NUM>, first channel <NUM>, second channel <NUM>, third channel <NUM>, liquid inlets <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, and liquid outlets <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. Additional features of the isolation device <NUM> enable introduction of insect pupae, isolation of the insect pupae from a plurality of insect pupae, imaging of the insect pupae, and sorting of the insect pupae through different outlets based on different characteristics of the insect pupae determined based on the imaging of the insect pupae.

Insect pupae inlet <NUM> enables a flow of liquid and insect pupae to enter the isolation device <NUM> from a storage unit including liquid and a plurality of insect pupae. A funnel <NUM> guides insect pupae from the insect pupae inlet <NUM> into a first channel <NUM>. The first channel is intersected by a second channel <NUM> and a fourth channel <NUM> and includes a liquid inlet <NUM> and a liquid outlet <NUM> at an end of the first channel <NUM> opposite the insect pupae inlet <NUM>. The fourth channel <NUM> and liquid inlet <NUM> enable introduction of a second flow of liquid into the first channel <NUM> to isolate an insect pupae from a plurality of insect pupae as described with respect to the primary channel <NUM> and secondary channel <NUM> of <FIG>. Further, the liquid inlet <NUM> and liquid outlet <NUM> enable selective introduction and removal of liquid from the first channel <NUM> to enable fine positioning of an insect pupae that has passed the fourth channel <NUM>. The fourth channel <NUM> may have a dimension smaller than a width of a representative insect pupae to prevent insect pupae from entering the fourth channel <NUM>.

At the end of the first channel <NUM> opposite the insect pupae inlet <NUM>, are a first constriction <NUM>, a second constriction, liquid inlet <NUM>, and liquid outlet <NUM>. The liquid inlet <NUM> and liquid outlet are useful for introducing and removing liquid from the first channel <NUM> to position the insect pupae within the first channel <NUM> at a position suitable for imaging with the optical device <NUM>. The liquid inlet <NUM> is connected to the first channel through shallow passage <NUM>. The shallow passage <NUM> enables liquid to flow from liquid inlet <NUM> to the first channel <NUM> to push or displace insect pupae away from first constriction <NUM>, back towards insect pupae inlet <NUM>. The shallow passage <NUM> has a width greater than the width of the first channel <NUM> such that the volumetric flow rate of liquid is not restricted through a narrow and shallow channel. The shallow passage <NUM> enables liquid from liquid inlet <NUM> to cause insect pupae to move upstream from the first constriction <NUM> for redirection into second channel <NUM> for sorting. The first constriction <NUM> and the second constriction <NUM> narrow the depth and width of the first channel <NUM> to aid in positioning insect pupae as well as to prevent insect pupae from passing beyond the second constriction <NUM> to the liquid inlet <NUM> and liquid outlet <NUM>. The first constriction <NUM> and second constriction <NUM> are shown and described with further detail with respect to <FIG>.

The second channel <NUM> intersects the first channel <NUM> downstream of the fourth channel <NUM>. This positioning enables the isolation device <NUM> to isolate an individual insect pupae downstream of the fourth channel <NUM> and subsequently image the insect pupae and direct the insect pupae through the second channel <NUM> for sorting through outlet <NUM> or <NUM>. The second channel <NUM> has a cross sectional area and dimensions similar to, or in some cases identical to, the dimensions and cross sectional area of the first channel <NUM>. In some examples, the second channel <NUM> may have a smaller width or depth than the first channel such that flow through the second channel <NUM> is faster than flow through the first channel <NUM>.

At the end of the second channel <NUM> opposite the first channel <NUM>, the second channel <NUM> intersects a third channel <NUM>. The third channel <NUM> has the same width and depth as the second channel <NUM>. In some examples, the width and depth of the third channel <NUM> may be greater than or less than the width of the first channel <NUM> or the second channel <NUM>. At opposite ends of the third channel <NUM> are inlets <NUM>, <NUM> and outlets <NUM>, <NUM>. The dimensions of third channel <NUM> may be adjusted to bias the flow of liquid through the channel, for example by ensuring that unintended objects that flow through the third channel <NUM> proceed to outlet <NUM>, which may be a reject outlet that goes to a disposal system. The bias within the third channel may be accomplished by varying a distance between the second channel <NUM> and the outlets <NUM>, <NUM>, such that a distance between outlet <NUM> and the second channel <NUM> is greater than a distance between outlet <NUM> and the second channel <NUM>. Additionally, constrictions may be positioned within the third channel <NUM>, for example between wide shallow channel <NUM> and outlet <NUM> to reduce a fluid flow in the direction of outlet <NUM>. The inlets <NUM>, <NUM> are connected to the third channel <NUM> via wide shallow channels <NUM>, <NUM> similar to the shallow channel <NUM>. In some examples, the wide shallow channels <NUM>, <NUM> may have different dimensions from the shallow channel <NUM>. The shallow channel prevents insect pupae from traveling up the liquid inlets <NUM>, <NUM>. Liquid inlets <NUM>, <NUM> enable liquid to be introduced into the third channel to drive or carry an insect pupae through the third channel <NUM> to an outlet <NUM>, <NUM> based on the type of insect pupae or a desired destination. The outlets <NUM>, <NUM> each connect, via a valve and conduit, to a storage system for insect pupae. The storage system may include a first storage unit for a first type of insect pupae and a second storage unit for a second type of insect pupae, such as a male insect pupae and a female insect pupae. As described herein, the various inlets and outlets of the isolation device <NUM> are each coupled to closeable valves that selectively enable or restrict flow through the various inlets and outlets as controlled to route insect pupae for imaging and subsequent sorting.

In some examples, the isolation device <NUM> may include one or more physical actuators that actuate to block one or more portions of the channels of the isolation device <NUM>. For example, mechanical actuators may be positioned in or adjacent the fourth channel <NUM> to selectively actuate and enable or restrict flow through the fourth channel based on the position of the actuator. Similar actuators may be positioned within the first channel <NUM> adjacent the inlet <NUM> or at the intersection of the first channel <NUM> and the fourth channel <NUM>. In some examples the second channel <NUM> and third channel <NUM> may likewise include similar actuators to alter or change flow directions within the isolation device <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a section view of the isolation device of <FIG> showing the first channel <NUM> of the isolation device <NUM>, according to at least one example. In particular, the first constriction <NUM> and the second constriction <NUM> are shown in the section view. The first constriction <NUM> results in a second depth for the first channel <NUM>, the second depth less than a first depth upstream of the first constriction <NUM>. The second constriction <NUM> results in a second width, the second width less than a first width of the first channel <NUM>. The second depth is has a dimension less than a widest portion of a representative insect pupa such that the tails of the insect pupae can pass the first constriction <NUM> however the second constriction <NUM> is sized such that the insect pupa cannot flow past. The first constriction <NUM> ensures the insect pupae are positioned at or near an upper surface of the isolation device <NUM> for imaging by the optical device <NUM>. The second constriction <NUM> ensures the insect pupae is aligned along a length of the first channel <NUM> such that the tail of an insect pupae is parallel with an axis of the first channel <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. Additionally, the first constriction <NUM> ensures that insect pupae cannot flow past the constrictions towards the inlet <NUM> or outlet <NUM> as only the insect pupae tail can pass the first constriction <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an example image <NUM> of a portion of an insect pupae captured using the imaging and sorting system of <FIG>, according to at least one example. The insect pupae is positioned within the first channel <NUM>, which is the first channel <NUM> of <FIG>. The insect pupae tail <NUM> is aligned with the first channel <NUM>. The insect pupae tail <NUM> may fit between the walls of the first channel <NUM> downstream of the second constriction <NUM>, which may be the same as second constriction <NUM>. In some examples, the second constriction <NUM> may enable only a portion of the insect pupae tail <NUM> to pass the second constriction <NUM>, while a thorax or other portion of the insect pupae has a width greater than the width of the second constriction <NUM>. In such examples, the insect pupae tail <NUM> may be sufficiently stable and still for proper imaging by the optical device <NUM>. The image is captured by the optical device <NUM> for use in classifying the insect pupae and the insect pupae is subsequently directed through the channels of the isolation device based on the classification of the insect pupae.

<FIG> illustrates an example process <NUM> for isolating a single insect within a flow of aqueous solution including insect pupae, according to at least one example. The process <NUM> for sorting is described with respect to the system shown in <FIG>, though it should be appreciated that any suitable system according to this disclosure may be employed. In the process <NUM>, at block <NUM>, a first fluid is introduced at an inlet <NUM> of a primary channel <NUM> of an isolation device <NUM>. The first fluid flows from the inlet <NUM> to an outlet <NUM> of the primary channel <NUM>. Additionally, at block <NUM>, a second fluid is introduced into the isolation device <NUM> through a secondary channel <NUM>. Each secondary channel 122a-g intersects the primary channel <NUM> and delivers the second fluid into the primary channel <NUM>. In some examples, the process <NUM> may further include introducing additional fluid flows through additional secondary channels <NUM>. Outlet <NUM> is opened at block <NUM>, allowing fluid to flow through primary channel <NUM> and through the system <NUM>.

As the insects are introduced into the first fluid and the isolation device <NUM> at block <NUM>, they are guided into the primary channel <NUM> by a funnel <NUM> and or shaped walls to transition from the inlet <NUM> into the primary channel <NUM>, traveling in a first direction towards the outlet <NUM> of the primary channel <NUM>. As the insects pass the intersections 124a-g of the primary channel <NUM> and the secondary channels 122a-g, the second fluid flows from the secondary channels 122a-g increases the flow volume within the primary channel <NUM> which results in the pupae traveling faster down the primary channel <NUM> once they pass through the intersections 124a-g with the secondary channels 122a-g. The result of the increase in speed is a distance or space created between a first insect and a second insect.

At block <NUM> of the process <NUM>, the computer <NUM> receives a sensor signal from the sensor <NUM> and determines, based on the sensor signal, that a first insect pupa has passed the intersection <NUM> of the furthest downstream secondary channel <NUM> and the primary channel <NUM>. For example, the sensor <NUM> may include a light emitter and a corresponding light detector. When the light detector outputs a signal indicating that it is not receiving light from the light emitter, the computer <NUM> may determine that a first insect pupa has passed the intersection <NUM>.

In response to detecting the first insect pupa has passed the intersection <NUM> in block <NUM>, at block <NUM> of the process <NUM>, the computing device <NUM> outputs a signal to close the outlet <NUM> of the isolation device <NUM>. In this example the computing device outputs a signal to close valve <NUM> to close the outlet <NUM>. When the outlet <NUM> is shut, the first fluid flow will cease advancing in the first direction. The second fluid flow will continue to enter at the respective secondary channel 122a-g but upon entering the primary channel <NUM>, the second fluid flow will proceed in a second direction, different from the first direction, i.e., toward the inlet <NUM>. Thus, the second fluid flow will proceed from the intersection <NUM> of the primary channel <NUM> and the secondary channel <NUM> upstream towards the inlet <NUM>. The second fluid flow will push other material, insects, and objects towards the inlet <NUM> while the outlet <NUM> is shut. Any objects, fluid, or insect pupae that have passed the intersection <NUM> of the secondary channel <NUM> and the primary channel <NUM> will remain in place and unaffected by the changing direction of flow. In some examples, these insect pupae, fluid, or objects are held suspended and stationary at a location near the outlet <NUM>. While stationary, the insects or objects may be viewed, analyzed, classified, or otherwise observed as described above with respect to <FIG>. The outlet <NUM> may be used to hold the insect pupae in place for imaging, and releasing a small amount of liquid through outlet <NUM> to isolate the pupa in a known, repeatable location each time for imaging.

<FIG> illustrates an example process <NUM> for sorting insect pupae in an aqueous solution using an isolation device <NUM>, according to at least one example. The process <NUM> may incorporate or use structures or devices described herein including the isolation device <NUM> described above as well as the sorting system <NUM>. The process <NUM> for sorting may be implemented by a processor or a computer system as described above, in some examples the processes may also be performed by a human operator. Examples of the methods disclosed herein may be performed in the operation of such computer systems. The order of the blocks presented in the examples above can be varied-for example, blocks can be re-ordered, combined, or broken into sub-blocks. Certain blocks or processes can be performed in parallel.

In the process <NUM>, at block <NUM>, a first fluid is introduced at an inlet of a primary channel <NUM> of an isolation device <NUM>, the fluid including insect pupae substantially as discussed above with respect to <FIG>. The first fluid flows from an inlet <NUM> to an outlet <NUM> of the primary channel <NUM>. At block <NUM>, a second fluid flow is introduced into the isolation device <NUM> through one or more secondary channels 122a-g. Each secondary channel 122a-g intersects the primary channel <NUM> and delivers the second fluid into the primary channel <NUM> and the first fluid as discussed above. In some examples, the process <NUM> may further include providing additional secondary channels to deliver additional fluid flows into the primary channel <NUM> and therefore into the first fluid flow as well.

As the insects within the first fluid flow are introduced into the isolation device <NUM> at block <NUM>, they are guided into the primary channel <NUM> by a funnel <NUM> generally as discussed above. As the singulated insects pass the first intersection 124a of the primary channel <NUM> and the first secondary channel 122a, the second fluid flow from the secondary channel 122a increases the flow volume within the primary channel <NUM> which results in the insect pupae traveling faster down the primary channel <NUM> once they pass through the intersection with the first secondary channel 122a. The result of the increase in speed is a distance or space created between a first insect and a second insect.

At block <NUM> of the process, a first insect pupa is determined to have passed the intersection <NUM> of the furthest downstream secondary channel <NUM> and the primary channel <NUM> generally as discussed above, such as with respect to block <NUM> of <FIG>.

In response to detecting the first insect pupa has passed the intersection in block <NUM>, at block <NUM> of the process <NUM>, the outlet <NUM> of the isolation device <NUM> is shut generally as discussed above. Block <NUM> is the same as block <NUM> described above with respect to <FIG>.

At block <NUM>, the first insect pupae may be positioned for viewing or imaging. For example, when using an optical sensor <NUM> such as a camera, the insect may need to be positioned within a particular window for imaging. Using the diaphragm <NUM> or inlet <NUM> in concert with the valves <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, the position of the insect may be finely adjusted for imaging. In particular, the diaphragm <NUM> may release or displace a portion of water within the system <NUM> to transport the insect downstream, by removing fluid or allowing the fluid to flow downstream through the system <NUM>. In other instances, the diaphragm <NUM> may force fluid upstream within the system <NUM> to translate the insect upstream or backwards through the system <NUM>. However, it should be appreciated that a diaphragm may not be employed in some examples. Instead, the pupae may be imaged as it moves through a region of the first channel, or the computing device <NUM> may receive a signal from the optical sensor <NUM> indicating that a pupa is in view and the computing device <NUM> may shut the outlet, or a corresponding valve, in response to such an indication. The outlet may be shut and alternately opened to release small amounts of liquid to finely adjust the location of the insect pupa for imaging as described above. In some examples, secondary channel <NUM> may be configured to allow liquid to flow towards or away from first channel <NUM> in order to adjust a position an insect pupae for imaging while outlet <NUM> is closed. For example, allowing liquid to flow from first channel <NUM> through secondary channel <NUM> and out inlet <NUM> moves an insect pupae upstream in channel <NUM>, counter to the normal flow direction within channel <NUM>.

At block <NUM>, an image of the insect may be captured using an optical sensor <NUM> when imaging is used to classify the insects. In other examples, other classification methods may be used which require other data or information to be gathered from the isolated, positioned insect. Following the data gathering block <NUM>, a computer system may identify an insect type at block <NUM> using any number of identifying techniques based on size or imaging. For example, a size or characteristic of a mosquito pupa may indicate whether the pupa is male or female.

After identifying an insect type, a valve associated with a sorting tank or destination corresponding to a trait by which the insect pupa is sorted is opened within the system <NUM> at block <NUM>. For example, a first container system <NUM> may be provided for capturing male mosquito pupae, and a second container system <NUM> may be provided to capture anything else that travels through the system, e.g., female pupae, debris, etc. After a single pupa is isolated by the isolation device through blocks <NUM> through <NUM>, the pupa may be identified as a male pupae, through characteristics identified in the image gathered of the pupae. Consequently, valve <NUM> is opened based on a signal output by computer <NUM> to allow the male pupa to travel to the container system <NUM>. In some instances, the inlet <NUM> and valve <NUM> may be opened at block <NUM> to provide a fluid flow to enable the male pupae to travel to the container system <NUM>, carried through the system <NUM> by the fluid flow.

<FIG> illustrates an example process <NUM> for imaging and sorting insect pupae, according to at least one example. The example process <NUM> may include the imaging and sorting system <NUM>, system <NUM>, isolation device <NUM>, or other systems described herein. The example process <NUM> for sorting insect pupae may include the process described above with respect to system <NUM> and imaging and sorting system <NUM>, though it should be appreciated that any suitable system according to this disclosure may be employed.

In the process <NUM>, at block <NUM>, a flow of liquid is provided, the flow of liquid comprising pupae, into a first channel of an insect isolation unit. The flow of liquid is directed through the first channel in a first direction, the first channel having a dimension corresponding to a size of a representative pupa of the pupae. With reference to the isolation device <NUM>, the first channel may be the first channel <NUM>, with the flow of liquid introduced at the insect pupae inlet <NUM> and the first direction directed along the length of the first channel <NUM> away from the insect pupae inlet <NUM>.

At block <NUM>, the process <NUM> includes adjusting the flow of liquid to position an individual pupa in an imaging portion of the first channel. The flow of liquid may be adjusted by varying a flow rate through the insect pupae inlet <NUM>, introducing a second flow through an additional channel, such as through fourth channel <NUM>, introducing an additional flow through inlet <NUM>, or varying an outlet rate through outlet <NUM> or any other outlet of the isolation device <NUM>. The outlet rate may be varied by adjusting an open amount of a valve coupled to the outlet, for example with a variable valve that may be positioned at varying positions with varying percentages of open, such as fifty percent open. This may also include isolating the insect pupae within the first channel <NUM> as described with respect to process <NUM>.

At block <NUM>, the process <NUM> includes capturing an image of the individual pupa. The image is captured using the optical device <NUM> positioned over the isolation device <NUM>. The image may include a portion of a tail of the insect pupa that is useful for identifying whether the insect pupa is male or female.

At block <NUM>, the process <NUM> includes determining a pupa type of individual pupa based on the image captured by the optical device <NUM>. The image may be processed by various algorithms including machine learning algorithms operated by a computing device to identify the characteristics of the insect pupa. The pupa type may be a male pupa, a female pupa, debris, or other such categories.

At block <NUM>, the process <NUM> includes providing a second flow of fluid to sort the individual pupa into a first pupae outlet or a second pupae outlet based on the pupa type. The second flow of fluid directs the insect pupa through the outlets <NUM>, <NUM> as described above. The second flow of fluid may be fluid that flows into the isolation device <NUM> through the insect pupae inlet <NUM> or any of inlets <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. As described above with respect to block <NUM>, the pupa may be directed through the outlet by selectively opening and closing valves to direct the insect pupa into an appropriate storage container based on the insect pupa characteristic.

<FIG> illustrates examples of components of a computer system <NUM>, according to at least one example. The computer system <NUM> may be a single computer such as a user computing device or can represent a distributed computing system such as one or more server computing devices. The computer system <NUM> is an example of the computing device <NUM>.

The computer system <NUM> may include at least a processor <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, a storage device <NUM>, input/output peripherals (I/O) <NUM>, communication peripherals <NUM>, and an interface bus <NUM>. The interface bus <NUM> is configured to communicate, transmit, and transfer data, controls, and commands among the various components of the computer system <NUM>. The memory <NUM> and the storage device <NUM> include computer-readable storage media, such as Radom Access Memory (RAM), Read ROM, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), hard drives, CD-ROMs, optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, electronic non-volatile computer storage, for example Flash® memory, and other tangible storage media. Any of such computer-readable storage media can be configured to store instructions or program codes embodying aspects of the disclosure. The memory <NUM> and the storage device <NUM> also include computer-readable signal media. A computer-readable signal medium includes a propagated data signal with computer-readable program code embodied therein. Such a propagated signal takes any of a variety of forms including, but not limited to, electromagnetic, optical, or any combination thereof. A computer-readable signal medium includes any computer-readable medium that is not a computer-readable storage medium and that can communicate, propagate, or transport a program for use in connection with the computer system <NUM>.

Further, the memory <NUM> includes an operating system, programs, and applications. The processor <NUM> is configured to execute the stored instructions and includes, for example, a logical processing unit, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor, and other processors. The memory <NUM> or the processor <NUM> can be virtualized and can be hosted within another computing system of, for example, a cloud network or a data center. The I/O peripherals <NUM> include user interfaces, such as a keyboard, screen (e.g., a touch screen), microphone, speaker, other input/output devices, and computing components, such as graphical processing units, serial ports, parallel ports, universal serial buses, and other input/output peripherals. The I/O peripherals <NUM> are connected to the processor <NUM> through any of the ports coupled to the interface bus <NUM>. The communication peripherals <NUM> are configured to facilitate communication between the computer system <NUM> and other computing devices over a communications network and include, for example, a network interface controller, modem, wireless and wired interface cards, antenna, and other communication peripherals.

Claim 1:
An insect pupae sorting system (<NUM>), comprising:
an isolation device (<NUM>) comprising:
a first channel (<NUM>) to deliver a first flow of liquid including insect pupae, the first channel comprising an inlet (<NUM>) and an outlet (<NUM>); and
a second channel (122c) that intersects the first channel at a first intersection (124c) between the inlet and the outlet to deliver a second flow of liquid into the first channel to generate a third flow of liquid and to separate adjacent insect pupae being transported through the first channel;
a sensor (<NUM>) positioned proximate the outlet of the isolation device to detect pupae from the third flow of liquid, wherein the sensor is positioned after the first intersection at or adjacent to the outlet; and
a storage unit system (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) coupled to the outlet that includes a container, wherein the storage unit system is configured to direct insect pupae of a first type into the container based at least in part on a sensor signal from the sensor.