I.

TITLE: Design and Development of Signal Processing Device for Detection of Rice

Weevils

II. PROPONENTS: Bacang, Edmund Jay D.

Vergara, Harold Mark

III. ADVISER: Rose Ann E. Sumadsad

TECHNICAL CRITIC: Sheryl D. Fenol

IV. RATIONALE

Grain production in any country varies from year to year hence grain should be

stored strategically from years of over-production for use in years of under-production.

Also, grains must be stored for several other reasons such as point of production is not the

point of consumption and time of production is not the time of consumption. Stored grain

can have losses in both quantity and quality. Losses occur when the grain is attacked by

insects, mites, rodents, birds, and microorganisms (Neethirajan et al., 2007).

These infestations lower crop values. Insects do not only consume grain. With their

metabolic byproducts and body parts, they contaminate the grain as well. Some produce

heat and moisture leading to growth of microflora and the development of hotspots in grain.

When the grains are heavily infested, they are not suitable for seed purposes making them

unfit for human consumption. Grain infestation starts right before the crops are harvested

in grain-growing regions (Burks et al., 2015).

Rice holds a central place in Filipino life, surpassing just being a staple food. It

carries deep historical and cultural significance, embedded in various rituals and traditions

across the Philippines. Known locally as "Palay" (un-milled rice), "Bigas" (milled rice), and

"Kanin" (cooked rice), it is integral to every meal, contributing significantly to the daily diet

by providing essential nutrients such as carbohydrates, protein, fiber, calcium, and iron.

Beyond its nutritional and cultural importance, rice is vital for the livelihood of Filipino

farmers, who work tirelessly to meet the country’s rice needs. The piece emphasizes the

importance of valuing rice and supporting local farmers to ensure the sustenance and
prosperity of the Filipino community, highlighting the message that rice is synonymous with

nourishment and life in the Philippines (Calayag, 2013).

Weevil is one of the major insect pests that is capable of extensive damage not only

to rice but also to other grain-based products. An adult weevil can grow 2.3-5mm long.

This dull red-brown to black small snout weevil is characterized with four red to yellow

spots on its back. The larval stage which feeds on the interior of the grain is white, small,

leshy, legless body with brown head (Sanchez, 2007).

In August 2018, over 330,000 sacks of imported milled rice in the Philippines were

found to be infested with weevils. The National Food Authority (NFA) and the Bureau of

Plant Industry-Plant Quarantine Services responded by deciding to fumigate the rice with

phosphine and methyl bromide, registered fumigants approved by the Fertilizer and

Pesticide Authority (FPA), assuring the public that the rice would be safe for consumption

after washing. This situation underscores the importance of rice in the Filipino diet, as

highlighted by a 2015-2016 survey from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), which

found that the average Filipino consumes nearly 110 kilos of rice annually. Rice is not only

a staple food providing essential energy but also supplies important nutrients like protein,

fats, and various vitamins and minerals to the Filipino population (Cambe, 2019).

Although weevils are medically harmless both to human and animals, these small

snout weevils feed directly and lays egg inside rice grains which causes holes and a

subsequent decrease in the weight of grain and market value of rice. Fumigants such as

phosphine and methyl bromide are registered pest control for rice under the Fertilizer and

Pesticide Authority (FPA). Health risks associated with methyl bromide and phosphine are

inhalation and exposure at high concentrations during fumigation activities (Sanchez,

2007).

Developing rice weevil detection systems offers a beneficial alternative to relying on

chemical treatments for pest management. This approach provides early detection,

reduces chemical usage, enhances sustainability, and may be more cost-effective in the

long run. It also aligns with consumer preferences for healthier food options and helps
preserve ecosystem health by minimizing the impact on non-target organisms.

Implementing detection technologies as part of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

strategy can effectively manage rice weevil infestations while addressing environmental,

health, and economic concerns (Rabano et al., 2018).

The construction of the Signal Processing Device for detection of Rice weevils will

take place at Cavite State University – Main Campus, Indang, Cavite, from February to

August 2024. The equipment will undergo pilot testing for evaluation, which is expected to

last for 2 to 4 weeks.

V. OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

The study “Design and Development of Signal Processing Device for Detection of

Rice weevils” aims to achieve several objectives.

a. to develop the Signal Processing Device for detection of Rice weevils

b. to sustain agricultural practices through development of a signal processing

device

c. to evaluate the performance of the developed device in terms of accuracy,

reliability, and processing speed under various environmental.

d. to conduct a cost computation

VI. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The study of creating a device for signal processing to detect rice weevils signifies

progress in safeguarding consumers, preserving the environment, and promoting

agriculture. Its goal is to minimize rice losses, improve productivity, and lessen dependency

on pesticides. Apart from decreasing substances and endorsing agriculture globally, the

device also guarantees the quality of rice. Addressing health and economic issues, this

inventive approach strengthens the durability and efficiency of the industry.

VII. SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS

This study will cover the detection only of weevils in the sack of rice using signal

processing to identify the frequency by the sound and vibration of the weevils.
 The researcher will design and develop signal processing device for detection of

weevils, which will be comprised with resonator, microcontroller, power supply, lcd display,

and enclosure.

VIII. MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY

Materials

Listed below are the materials needed for the project

1. Microcontroller

2. LCD Display

3. Power Sources

4. Buzzer

5. Resonator

6. Data Storage

7. Programming Tools and Libraries

8. Miscellaneous Materials

Methodology

a. Design and Development of Signal Processing Device for Detection of Rice

Weevils

b. Sustainable agricultural practices through development of a signal

processing device

c. Construction of Prototype Device

d. Evaluation of Device Performance

e. Cost-Computation Analysis
IX. EXPECTED OUTPUT

System

Figure 1. Flowchart of the System

Figure 1 illustrates the step-by-step process for automating the detection of rice

weevils. It begins with taking the frequency of rice weevils. The acoustic resonator will

be placed on the sack of rice and will start to detect the vibration, or the sound of the

weevil will make. To ensure accuracy, a critical judgment point determines if the

frequency of weevil will satisfy clarity requirements. If successful, the device detected

the weevils. The device will be alerted, and the buzzer will be activated.
 Device

Figure 2. Development and Construction of Signal Processing Device

X. SYSTEM DIAGRAM

Figure 3. System Diagram of Signal Processing Device for Detection of Rice Weevils

The figure above illustrates how the whole system works. Upon detection, the

signal information will be directed to the LCD Microcontroller (RaspberryPi). The process of

generating specific waves of frequency will take place. There will be a process of frequency

detection of the obtained signal. Based on the features that will be extracted using the

system, the system will be able to identify if weevils are detected or not detected. Lastly,

the result will be directed to the microcontroller, and will display the resulting output.
XI. BUDGETARY ESTIMATE

Table 1 shows the list of estimated prices that will be used for this study.

Table 1. Estimated Cost

Quantity Description Unit Total

Cost Cost

(Php) (Php)

1 LCD Display 800.00 800.00

1 Microcontroller 3,000.00 3,000.00

(Raspberry Pi)

1 Resonator 2,000.00 2,000.00

1 Buzzer 50.00 50.00

1 Power Sources 300.00 300.00

1 Data Storage 1,000.00 1,000.00

1 Miscellaneous 2,000.00 2,000.00

Total Cost 9,150.00

XII. REFERENCES

A.Y. Abdelghany, S. A.-B.-S. (2010). Stored-product insects in botanical warehouses.

Journal of Stored Products Research, 93-97.
Calayag, O. A. (2013). grains. The National Food Authority, 5-50.
Cambe, J. L. (2019). BUKBOK-INFESTED RICE. Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries
Standards , 1-2.
F. Fleurat-Lessard. B. Tomasini, L. K. (2010). Acoustic detection and automatic identification
of insect stages activity in grain bulks by noise spectra processing through
classification algorithms. 9th International Working Conference on Stored Product
Protection, 476-486.
https://bafs.da.gov.ph/bafs_admin/admin_page/publications_pdf/TB_Bukbok
%20Rice_rev0310.pdf. (2021). Knee deep in the Hoopla: Analyzing reportage of the
weevil-infested rice issue in the Philippines. ASIA, 108-122.
Ivan F. Rodriguez, R. M.-R. (2022, January 13). SpringerLink. Retrieved from SpringerLink:
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-93420-0_21?
fbclid=IwAR1UpxECce_Grfs06n09jOEDgsn0ocJvRUKJbh87-
ozmGT8hX9u80C5TXv4
Mankin, R. W. (2011). Proceedings of Meetings on Acoustics. Acoustical Society of
America, 1-6.
S. Neethirajan, C. K. (2007). Detection techniques for stored-product insects in grain. Food
Control, 157-162.
Sanchez, F. F. (2007). Insect Pest Management in Rice in the Philippines. National Crop
Protection Center, 35-38.
Stephen Rabano, M. K. (2018). Deep Transfer Learning based Acoustic Detection of Rice
Weevils, Sitophilus Orzae (L.) in Stored Grains. SPC, 1-5.
XIII. GANTT CHART

March April May June

Feb.
Scope of Work Week Week Week Week
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
Project Planning
Topic Research and
Proposal
Literature Review
Title Capsule
Development
Request for Thesis
Adviser and Technical
Critic
Request for Title Capsule
Defense
Title Capsule Defense
Title Outline
Development
Request for Title Outline
Defense
Title Outline Defense
Development of Dataset
Design and
Implementation of Signal
Processing Device
Optimization of Signal
Processing Device
Component Procurement

Construction of Prototype
Device
Evaluation Trials
Data Analysis
Cost Computation
Analysis
Documentation and
Reporting
Finalization of Manuscript

Request for Final Thesis

Defense
Final Thesis Defense
Table 2. Gantt Chart of Activities