The BEECAM concept relies on the implementation of new image processing techniques to create a biodiversity inventory for any given region. This major innovation is based around a smart camera and a variety of software that record and identify flying and crawling insects as well as their interactions with flora and fauna nearby. The scope of this device, which was first developed for exploratory research by CTIFL, looking at innovative biocontrol strategies and integrated pest management, has been expanded to researching insect/plant interactions. In particular, it is now possible to study a region's pollination capacity, using precise information about insect visits to plants, setting figures against existing numbers of insect colonies or the effects of competition between crops and natural vegetation nearby. Other parameters, such as the number of visits needed for effective pollination and, therefore, controlled crop yields, are now quantifiable. In the past, reduced sample size and erratic, destructive collection methods (sweep netting) hindered information gathering, something that has now become possible on a wide scale, carried out in several sites simultaneously.
This innovative approach, which uses images as the main source of information, represents a significant step forward. Advansee has developed different image processing software, essential for obtaining useful information, that varies according to use. This software can be run, either from the camera, or a remote computer, if computational requirements exceed the camera's available resources. This option also ensures compatibility with one of farming's key characteristics: seasonality. This ability to store raw information (images or videos) which can then be processed at a later date, is ideal during periods of intense agricultural activity.
The equipment, which is easy to use, requires very little on-site calibration. Photos can be taken outdoors or from a shelter. To make it easier to set up, the camera has a Wifi "hotspot" which means you can view the target scene and set the camera from a smartphone or any other device with wifi and a web browser (no special software to install). The camera has been designed so that it can evolve, both in terms of its measurement capacity (new sensors are added and information combined), and the human-machine and communication interface. A screen can be added, providing immediate results; An Internet of Things type communication will allow pre-processed measurement results and alerts to be transferred over distances of approximately 10 km, at reduced costs. All this new technology, when used wisely, will lead to new developments in cultivation methods and help to reduce the constraints on certain producers.

The first results available from the 2015 season are already very promising.
For example, thanks to this innovative technology, the CTIFL has highlighted some very interesting results about the attractiveness of certain plant varieties to insects, paving the way for the development of new agro-ecological infrastructures in areas around crops.

The BEECAM concept relies on the implementation of new image processing techniques to create a biodiversity inventory for any given region. This major innovation is based around a smart camera and a variety of software that record and identify flying and crawling insects as well as their interactions with flora and fauna nearby. The scope of this device, which was first developed for exploratory research by CTIFL, looking at innovative biocontrol strategies and integrated pest management, has been expanded to researching insect/plant interactions. In particular, it is now possible to study a region’s pollination capacity, using precise information about insect visits to plants, setting figures against existing numbers of insect colonies or the effects of competition between crops and natural vegetation nearby. Other parameters, such as the number of visits needed for effective pollination and, therefore, controlled crop yields, are now quantifiable. In the past, reduced sample size and erratic, destructive collection methods (sweep netting) hindered information gathering, something that has now become possible on a wide scale, carried out in several sites simultaneously.
This innovative approach, which uses images as the main source of information, represents a significant step forward. Advansee has developed different image processing software, essential for obtaining useful information, that varies according to use. This software can be run, either from the camera, or a remote computer, if computational requirements exceed the camera’s available resources. This option also ensures compatibility with one of farming’s key characteristics: seasonality. This ability to store raw information (images or videos) which can then be processed at a later date, is ideal during periods of intense agricultural activity.
The equipment, which is easy to use, requires very little on-site calibration. Photos can be taken outdoors or from a shelter. To make it easier to set up, the camera has a Wifi “hotspot” which means you can view the target scene and set the camera from a smartphone or any other device with wifi and a web browser (no special software to install). The camera has been designed so that it can evolve, both in terms of its measurement capacity (new sensors are added and information combined), and the human-machine and communication interface. A screen can be added, providing immediate results; An Internet of Things type communication will allow pre-processed measurement results and alerts to be transferred over distances of approximately 10 km, at reduced costs. All this new technology, when used wisely, will lead to new developments in cultivation methods and help to reduce the constraints on certain producers.

The first results available from the 2015 season are already very promising.
For example, thanks to this innovative technology, the CTIFL has highlighted some very interesting results about the attractiveness of certain plant varieties to insects, paving the way for the development of new agro-ecological infrastructures in areas around crops.