Detecting motion of insects in varied environments using digital image analysis

Abstract

Motion detection is the process of locating moving object(s) in time, using a camera, for providing artificial intelligence to the machines. Inexpensive camera equipment was used and statistical analysis of optical flow patterns computed to analyse the behaviour of larva and parasitoid when parasitoid is interacting. The optical flow measures described here did not track individual insect, but characterized the overall movement of whole interaction between insect and parasitoid. This could be important in the development of new ways of assessing and managing insect pest and potentially has wide application to the study of an alternative to other more intrusive or invasive methods. The developed optical flow digital image processing tool helps in understanding the dynamics of insect motion in an image sequence at different environments. This approach of motion analysis provides clear results to demonstrate the interaction of insects and behavior in different conditions and behaviour can be quantified prior to the field trails. This will greatly help in understanding and formulating biological pest control programs and developing an Integrated Pest Control Strategy for different environmental conditions.