Mobile Application for Bed Bug Detection

Abstract

The present invention identifies bed bugs using a specially designed probing device paired with a mobile application designed to inspect the small, dark spaces of furnishings and accommodations where bed bugs may hide. The present invention captures an image of the inspected space with a camera, mirror and light component at the end of a probing unit, transmits the image wirelessly to a computing device for closer inspection or verification of the presence of a bed bug and transmits the information to a remote server.

Claims

1. A mobile device comprising: a memory, and a processor configured for: pairing with an apparatus for inspecting for bed bugs, the apparatus comprising an endoscope, with a computing device; capturing images of bed bug infestations; and transmitting images of infestations to a remote server, and storing data related to locations with bed bug infestations.

2. The mobile device disclosed in claim 1, further comprising a processor for guiding bed bug inspection.

3. The mobile device disclosed in claim 1, further comprising a processor for transmitting data related to locations with infestations.

4. The mobile device disclosed in claim 1, further comprising transmitting messages related to an infestation between computing devices.

5. A method comprising: downloading a mobile application onto a mobile device; linking the mobile device to a wand for bed bug inspection; and inspecting a space for the presence of a bed bug.

6. The method disclosed in claim 5, further comprising capturing images of a bed bug.

7. The method disclosed in claim 5, further comprising transmitting an image of a bed bug to a remote server.

8. The method disclosed in claim 5, further comprising transmitting messages related to an infestation to a remote server or computing device.

9. The method disclosed in claim 5, further comprising purchasing a bed bug inspection wand.

10. The method disclosed in claim 5, further comprising contacting an exterminator to contain an infestation.

11. A method comprising: downloading a mobile application onto a mobile device; and searching for locations with beg bug infestations.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0016] FIG. 1 discloses a diagram of a system, according to an example embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 2 discloses a flow diagram of a method, according to an example embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 3 discloses a flow diagram of a method, according to an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] As used herein, the words or terms used herein have the following definitions:

[0020] A bed bug is a member of the Cimex lectularius species of insects that feed on human blood. It is a wingless hemipterous bug that is known to infest human dwellings.

[0021] An endoscope is an illuminated, ridged tubular instrument for inspection of bed bugs in a specified area.

[0022] A computing device is a smart phone, tablet, PC or other device that can receive image transmissions from a camera for inspection of bed bugs in a specified area.

[0023] A camera is a device that consists of a lightproof chamber with an aperture fitted with a lens and a shutter through which the image of an object is projected onto a surface for recording or for translation into electrical impulses.

[0024] A mirror is a polished, smooth surface that forms images by reflection.

[0025] A shark fin is a removable attachment for placement at the camera end of the present invention. It is designed to capture images on the mirror component of the invention for reflection onto the camera component of the invention so that images are not too far from or close to the camera and clear images may be captured. A light component allows the image to be viewed on the mirror component and reflected on to the camera component.

[0026] An examiner is the person using the disclosed invention.

[0027] A wand is the apparatus used for inspection.

[0028] In one embodiment of the present invention, the device comprises an endoscope for capturing images of bed bugs in an inspected space. In another embodiment of the present invention, the device further comprises a light component that is used to illuminate dark spaces for better inspection. In a preferred embodiment, the light is an LED light.

[0029] In another embodiment of the present invention, the device further comprises a mirror component. The mirror component is used to reflect images from an inspected surface for capture by the camera component.

[0030] In another embodiment of the present invention, the mirror and/or light components of the device may comprise a removable shark fin component. The shark fin component attaches to the camera end of the endoscope for capturing clear images of a bed bug in an inspected space. The image is captured at the optimal distance from the camera lens for viewing and transmission.

[0031] The endoscope includes a telescoping feature, which allows the user to access spaces that are difficult to reach by the examiner. For example, it may be difficult for an examiner to crawl under a bed to inspect the middle of a box spring. Using the telescoping feature of the present invention, the camera end of the endoscope can reach the middle of a box spring for inspection and images of the space can be captured by the camera for transmission to a computing device.

[0032] The endoscope may also be used in a retracted position for inspection of small spaces near the examiner.

[0033] Images captured by the camera are transmitted to a receiving device. A smart phone is a device commonly used by consumers; it is a preferred embodiment of the present invention that the computing device be a smart phone.

[0034] It is contemplated that a receiving device can be a smart phone, a tablet, a computer or other device that can be used to receive images transmitted by the camera.

[0035] In one embodiment of the present invention, bed bugs are detected using sensors designed to detect the presence of a bed bug, in lieu of visual confirmation of the presence of an infestation. Types of sensors include, but are not limited to, sniffer, thermal and light sensors. A sniffer, or olfactory sensor, detects the presence of aldehyde pheromones. Bed bugs emit aldehyde pheromones, thus where this pheromone is present, it is an indication that an infestation exists. A thermal, or heat signature detector, sensor detects the presence of heat emitted by bed bugs. Thus, where a thermal sensor detects the presence of body heat, it is an indication that bed bugs are present in the inspected area, despite the lack of visual confirmation. A light sensor, or photo sensor, can also be used to detect evidence of a bed bug infestation. A light sensor can include infrared or ultraviolet wavelengths sensors.

[0036] The present invention also discloses a method for detecting bed bugs using the apparatus disclosed herein. In one embodiment of the present invention, the endoscope is connected to a smartphone using a wireless connection, a process known by those of ordinary skill in the art. The smartphone contains a mobile application that allows an examiner to connect a wand to the mobile application, another process known by those of ordinary skill in the art. The mobile application may be either an end user version that is designed for use directly by consumers, as well as an enterprise version that is designed for use by hotels to ensure cleanliness of rooms prior to each use by hotel guests.

[0037] The mobile device is connected to a remote server, which stores and transmits data, using a wireless network, a process known by those of ordinary skill in the art. A wireless network includes a cellular network or a WiFi network. The process of which is evident to a person of ordinary skill in the art.

[0038] The mobile application allows a user to purchase a wand for bed bug inspection directly through the application.

[0039] The application also allows the examiner to easily connect the wand to the computing device. An examiner simply clicks on the connect link to attach a wand to the computing device.

[0040] The mobile application may guide the examiner on an effective strategy for inspecting furnishing prior to use. For example, the mobile application may direct the examiner to begin an inspection by examining the top of the bed, under the sheets, between the mattress and the box spring, under the box spring, in front of the headboard, behind the headboard, adjacent furniture and adjacent walls.

[0041] The mobile application may then guide the examiner in capturing images of an infestation. For example the mobile application may notify the user when an image is unclear and how the examiner can capture clearer images of an infestation. Once images are captured, the examiner may submit the image and report an incident onto the application database.

[0042] In the consumer version of the mobile application, a database consisting of locations and furnishings with known and suspected bed bug infestations is maintained to warn perspective guests about known infestations. The user may conduct a search based on the user's geo location or latitude and longitude coordinates. The database allows users to search for locations with a history of infestation as well as locations currently experiencing infestations. The database also maintains a list of locations that are suspected of infestations on a separate list. A user may also designate a particular location, for example a frequently used hotel, as a watch list location. When a location that is identified on a user's watch list is flagged as a site where an infestation is discovered, the user will be notified.

[0043] In the enterprise version, specific rooms or furnishings with known infestations may be quarantined using the mobile application to prevent use of the room by hotel guests.

[0044] The enterprise version allows a member of an organization, like a business, to send and receive alerts and messages related to an infestation to other members of an organization. In response to an infestation, a business's management may send an internal report to document the incident. Management may also contact an exterminator to eliminate the infestation.

[0045] The enterprise version also has a setting for use by inspection staff, for example, housekeeping staff for inspecting a room or furnishing, capturing images of an infestation or lack thereof, and alerting or messaging management of the presence of an infestation.

[0046] In another embodiment of the present invention, a software program or mobile application on the computing device is used to guide inspection, instruct the examiner, capture images, save images, and/or transmit images to another device.

[0047] In one embodiment of the present invention, where an infestation is discovered, a user is provided with a list of exterminators or a preferred exterminator to contain and eradicate the infestation. The user may contact the pest control provider and arrange for extermination services.

[0048] It is contemplated that the present invention may be used to inspect hotels, motels, Air BnBs, apartments, cruise ships, airplanes, schools, day care, theaters, spas, camps, storage facilities, hospitals, medical offices, urgent care facilities, convalescent homes, hospice care, retirement homes and communities, work places, homeless shelters, women shelters, health clubs, second hand stores, retail furniture both used and new, colleges, dormitories, libraries, court houses, government buildings, public transportation, busses, trains, ferry's, rental cars, furniture rental and amusement parks. This list is meant to illustrate examples of places the present invention is designed to inspect, it is not an exhaustive list of all locations that could be inspected by the present invention.