A system for identifying areas with or without sugarcane stubble using electromagnetic waves, through radar or ultrasound equipment, within a sugarcane furrow.

Description

1 / 13 “SYSTEM FOR IDENTIFICATION BY ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES, THROUGH RADAR OR ULTRASOUND EQUIPMENT, OF SPACES WITH OR WITHOUT THE PRESENCE OF SUGARCANE STUBBLE IN A SUGARCANE FURROW” FIELD OF INVENTION

[001] The present invention belongs to the field of electronic technologies embedded in agricultural machines and implements, more specifically, software operating associated with radar or ultrasound systems implemented in agricultural machines and implements for the maintenance of a cultivation bed of an agricultural crop exclusively, sugar cane.

[002] The invention provides a method for detecting the root structure of a sugarcane crop without the need for soil intervention. The method operates using a magnetic source, such as radar or ultrasound equipment, causing the subsurface structures detected by this magnetic medium to be processed by a computational unit through an algorithm, allowing the root structure present in the subsurface to be measured and the plant's vitality to be determined at a regrowth stage.

[003] The invention allows, during or shortly after harvesting, the detection of points that need repair for replanting root structures that do not have sufficient vitality for regrowth. This significantly reduces differences in crop regrowth time and operational costs, since the method can be incorporated into the harvesting unit itself or an implement, unlike the current state of the art, where the operation Petition 870250015205, dated 25 / 02 / 2025, p. 9 / 30 2 / 13 of failure detection is done through regrowth using drones, which does not allow for a uniform growth pattern in the restored crop areas. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[004] Methods for detecting and replanting failures in a sugarcane cultivation environment are fundamental processes to ensure maximum productivity and efficient use of resources. These procedures involve the use of advanced agronomic techniques, monitoring technologies, data analysis, and corrective actions, all aimed at ensuring that failures in growth or planting density are minimized. The correct execution of these processes allows the producer to identify problematic areas in the field and adopt appropriate measures to correct deficiencies, avoiding significant losses in crop yield.

[005] Detecting failures in a sugarcane planting begins with monitoring plant development. At the start of the growing cycle, young plants can suffer from various problems that impact their growth. Among the most common factors that cause failures are seedling quality, inadequate harvesting management, the occurrence of pests and diseases, and climatic variations.

[006] Sugarcane planting is traditionally carried out with vegetative seedlings, that is, pieces of sugarcane, called setts, which are planted directly in the soil, pre-sprouted seedlings, resulting from in vitro multiplication and other alternative systems. Depending on the quality and vigor of these seedlings, plant death or deficient growth may occur in certain areas of the field. Petition 870250015205, dated 25 / 02 / 2025, page 10 / 30 3 / 13 This process creates gaps where the plant stand does not reach the expected density.

[007] One of the most traditional methods for detecting failures in sugarcane cultivation is visual inspection. Farmers or agronomists walk through the field, usually on foot or using light vehicles, to assess plant development and identify problem areas. However, this practice, although widely used, is limited in terms of accuracy and efficiency, especially in large-scale farming. With the expansion of agricultural technology, new tools have been introduced to facilitate this work and make failure detection faster and more effective.

[008] Drones and UAVs equipped with multispectral cameras or infrared sensors have become popular in agricultural monitoring. These devices fly over fields and capture detailed images of crops, allowing producers to identify variations in plant vigor with high precision. Through image processing and data analysis algorithms, it is possible to automatically detect planting failures. Multispectral images reveal information about the presence and health of plants, such as chlorophyll content, water stress, and vegetative vigor. Areas with lower vegetation density or plants with deficient growth appear clearly in the images, facilitating the identification of failures.

[009] In addition to drones, satellite imagery is also commonly used to monitor large cultivated areas. Although these images have lower spatial resolution compared Petition 870250015205, dated 25 / 02 / 2025, page 11 / 30 4 / 13 with drones, they offer a broad and continuous view of the crop over time. This allows producers to monitor plant development at different growth stages and identify patterns of failure throughout the growing season.

[0010] Another emerging technology in the sector is the use of soil sensors, which measure variables such as moisture, temperature, and soil composition. These sensors provide real-time data, allowing producers to quickly identify areas that may be suffering from water stress or other adverse conditions. Continuous monitoring of these variables makes it possible to anticipate problems that can result in planting failures, such as very dry or waterlogged soils, which compromise seedling growth.

[0011] Once the failures have been identified, the next step can be replanting. Replanting is a complex process that requires care to ensure that the new seedlings are properly inserted into the soil under ideal conditions for their development. The timing of replanting is crucial; planting should be avoided during periods of drought or excessive rainfall, which can hinder the establishment of the seedlings. Furthermore, the soil must be well prepared and well-fertilized to promote root development.

[0012] Before replanting, it is common for the soil in the failed areas to be prepared again, correcting any possible nutrient or structural deficiencies. In many cases, soil analysis is carried out to determine the amounts of available nutrients and define the Petition 870250015205, dated 25 / 02 / 2025, page 12 / 30 5 / 13 The need for correction, whether through the application of fertilizers or soil management practices such as plowing and harrowing. This preparation is essential to ensure that the new seedlings have a suitable environment for growth.

[0013] Although techniques exist that allow for automated replanting of gaps, in many cases these techniques are not employed. Replanting can often be done manually, depending on the extent of the gapped area and the conditions of the crop. In smaller areas or those difficult for machines to access, manual replanting may be the best option. In this technique, workers walk through the field, introducing an upright sugarcane stalk, and using a machete, cut the cane close to the ground. This work requires precision and care so that the seedlings are placed at the correct depth and with the appropriate spacing.

[0014] After replanting, it is essential to continue monitoring the new seedlings to ensure their establishment. Replanted areas generally require special care, including irrigation and protection against pests and diseases. Irrigation, in particular, is crucial to ensure that the new seedlings do not suffer from water stress during their establishment. Depending on climatic conditions and soil type, drip or sprinkler irrigation systems can be used to ensure that water is distributed evenly and efficiently.

[0015] Although methods for detecting failures in sugarcane crops, using technologies such as drones, soil sensors, and satellite imagery, offer many benefits in terms of accuracy and efficiency, they also Petition 870250015205, dated 25 / 02 / 2025, page 13 / 30 6 / 13 brings disadvantages.

[0016] One of the main disadvantages of this method is the need to wait for the crop to regrow, causing a misalignment in the development of the replanted seedlings with those already present in the crop bed.

[0017] Another unfavorable aspect is the high initial cost. Acquiring or leasing drones equipped with multispectral cameras, ground sensors, specialized data processing software, and satellite imagery can require a significant investment. This can be a barrier for small and medium-sized producers who do not have the financial resources to adopt these technologies widely.

[0018] In addition, maintaining this equipment and updating software or hardware over time can generate additional costs, which can further increase expenses for monitoring the agricultural crop.

[0019] Another disadvantage of known state-of-the-art methods is the need for specialized technical knowledge. The effective use of these technologies requires training and skills development, both for operating the equipment and for interpreting the collected data. Although drones can capture detailed images and sensors can measure important variables, the correct interpretation of this data requires an advanced level of agronomic and technical knowledge. If the team is not properly trained, there is a risk of data misinterpretation, resulting in inappropriate field management decisions. This can lead to replanting failures or ineffective corrective measures. Petition 870250015205, dated 25 / 02 / 2025, page 14 / 30 7 / 13

[0020] Thus, the objective of the present invention is to provide a method that, through radar or ultrasound equipment, has the ability to identify a sugarcane root structure and its characteristics, which interoperates with a computational means, in order to detect root structures even before the regrowth stage, providing uniform development of new plants in relation to plants already present in the cultivation bed.

[0021] Finally, the objective of the present invention is to provide a method for detecting a sugarcane root structure in a cultivation bed that is easy to construct, maintain, and cost-competitive.

[0022] These and other advantages and benefits are achieved by providing a method to identify the presence or absence of a sugarcane stubble with root structure, with the possibility of including information about its morphology, using electromagnetic wave technology through radar equipment or ultrasound systems. The system consists of a transmitter unit for electromagnetic signals, using radar equipment with electromagnetic waves or an ultrasound system, and a receiver unit that interoperates with a computational means configured to capture and interpret the waves reflected by the object. The method is capable of determining the characteristics of a furrow, as well as the stubble and root structure of sugarcane and the definition of characteristics, providing precise information for analyses on replanting points for sugarcane cultivation. Petition 870250015205, dated 25 / 02 / 2025, page 15 / 30 8 / 13

[0023] In one idealization, sensors installed on an agricultural machine or implement create a monitoring zone in the crop bed for root structures, in this case sugarcane stubble, just before they sprout again. These sensors emit a timer signal that is received by a magnetic device, such as a ground radar, which interoperates with a computational system that records information about the root structure during the time the implement passes through the monitoring zone.

[0024] Once the root structure is detected, the system evaluates the collected data to determine vitality parameters, as well as the depth of the stubble and its exact positioning in the soil. Similarly, it will detect the absence of sugarcane root structures, which will imply identifying this empty space as a failure. This information is processed in real time by the computing device and can be used to make adjustments to the replanting system if any irregularity is detected.

[0025] In addition, the system allows monitoring the performance of each stubble or root structure, offering a detailed view of the process and enabling the correction of failures. This ensures that the structures deposited in the soil have ideal conditions, avoiding failures in the planting stand and optimizing crop productivity. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0026] The invention will be better described based on the attached drawings, given by way of example in a Petition 870250015205, dated 25 / 02 / 2025, page 16 / 30 9 / 13 possible form of idealization, in which:

[0027] Figure 01 - Represents a schematic diagram of a location system using electromagnetic waves, through radar or ultrasound equipment, of a sugarcane root structure and its characteristics, object of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 02 - Represents a schematic diagram of a possible way of implementing the method for detecting a root structure in a sugarcane cultivation bed, object of the present invention. PREFERRED CONFIGURATION

[0029] Based on the drawings and figures described above, the present invention comprises a method for detecting a root structure in a sugarcane cultivation bed, comprising an agricultural implement (01) or a structure to be mounted on an agricultural machine such as a sugarcane harvester unit, being an agricultural implement that can be towed by a tractor unit in a simple drag system, three-point hitch via hydraulic arms or alternatively a self-guided implement.

[0030] The equipment in question has a series of sensors that can be associated with a georeferencing means (02), such as a harvest map or device where a GPS / RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) type receiver is able to receive signals from global navigation satellites (GNSS). This receiver is responsible for obtaining highly accurate position data, fundamental for the creation of a monitoring zone that causes the root structure detection systems to enter the working stage. Petition 870250015205, dated 25 / 02 / 2025, p. 17 / 30 10 / 13

[0031] Once the work stage is initiated by the sensors that define the monitoring zone, a ground depth radar (GPR) is activated. These radars use radio frequencies, usually between 10 MHz and 2.6 GHz, which are sent into the ground.

[0032] These waves penetrate different layers of soil or structures and are reflected back to the radar when they encounter different materials or densities.

[0033] When these radio waves penetrate the ground, they interact with different materials, such as soil, rocks, water, man-made structures, or even underground cavities surrounding the sugarcane cultivation area.

[0034] Different electromagnetic wave spectra are received, mainly caused by different contrasts in dielectric permittivity between the roots and the surrounding soil, which depends on the density and conductivity of the objects in the subsoil.

[0035] In the method that is the subject of the present invention, the processing of all the readings obtained, including the electrical intensity of the reflected signal and reflection patterns, is interpreted by embedded mathematical computational systems, where the trained algorithm is able to identify the spectrum of the plant's root structure (roots) and also its absence (Soil).

[0036] The computer systems responsible for interpreting the signals have the ability to identify the necessary patterns in order to detect the different root structures and their characteristics present in the soil, size, density, position and moisture levels, their Petition 870250015205, dated 25 / 02 / 2025, page 18 / 30 11 / 13 results are based on computational interpretation during real-time measurement of received signals.

[0037] The radar measures the time it takes for these waves to return, allowing an image of the subterranean layers to be constructed, generating the input data for an algorithm in a computer system.

[0038] When the waves encounter the root structure, they are reflected back to the surface, generating wave patterns specific to the root structure of the stubble.

[0039] In a second embodiment of the present invention, it operates with at least two wave patterns that must be reflected, one pattern for a healthy root structure, and another for a dead or deficient structure or its total absence. In the case of finding other roots, the software will identify whether or not they belong to sugarcane, for example, if the roots belong to weeds.

[0040] In an idealized form, ground-penetrating radar (GPR) operates by emitting radio pulses of a non-specific frequency that are directed into the ground from one or more transmitting antenna(s). The frequency and duration of these pulses are controlled by a control module within the system. When the radio waves penetrate the ground, they interact with different materials, such as rocks, water, and artificial objects, and are reflected back to the surface when they encounter interfaces between materials with different dielectric properties, generating the desired pattern for root profiles, in the case of a healthy, diseased, or dead stubble, as described previously. The time it takes for these waves to return to the radar is Petition 870250015205, dated 25 / 02 / 2025, page 19 / 30 12 / 13 proportional to the distance of the object or layer that caused the reflection. A receiving antenna captures the reflected signals, converting them into electrical signals, which are sent to a data processing system. This data is analyzed in real time or stored for later processing. The software system then processes the signals, calculating the depth and identifying root structures. The results are visualized as subsurface profiles, creating a two- or three-dimensional image of the detected layers.

[0041] The algorithm for processing the data captured by GPR begins with the emission of a radio pulse and the capture of the reflected signal. The return time of this signal, called the reflection time, is measured and stored. The depth of the objects or subsurface layers is calculated using the formula that relates the speed of the waves in the ground and the return time of the signal.This depth is obtained by dividing the product of the wave speed and the reflection time by two. The raw signal captured by the radar is processed to remove noise and improve accuracy. Signal processing techniques, such as filtering and the application of the Fourier transform, or other known and suitable techniques for this purpose, are used to analyze the signal spectrum and identify characteristic patterns of the stubble. After processing, multiple profiles are combined to generate a two-dimensional or three-dimensional image of the subsurface, allowing visualization of the layers and stubble detected underground.

[0042] The computational means to implement this operation must include both hardware and software. In Petition 870250015205, dated 25 / 02 / 2025, page 20 / 30 13 / 13 hardware, a data processor (03), such as a microcontroller or a known and suitable data processor, can be used to control the emission of pulses and the capture of data. A digital signal processor (DSP) can be used to perform real-time processing of the captured signals, especially for filtering and transformation techniques. The software includes a graphical interface that allows control of radar parameters, such as pulse frequency and scan time. The present invention features signal processing algorithms and tools for visualizing the images generated from the captured data on a screen (04) for interface with the operator or remote access.

[0043] Although only one constructive form of the method for detecting a root structure in a sugarcane cultivation bed has been described, changes in forms or arrangements may occur without departing from the scope of one or more of the claims accompanying this descriptive report. Petition 870250015205, dated 25 / 02 / 2025, p. 21 / 30

Claims

1 / 3 CLAIMS 1. ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVE IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM, THROUGH RADAR OR ULTRASOUND EQUIPMENT, OF SPACES WITH OR WITHOUT THE PRESENCE OF A SUGARCANE STUBBLE IN A SUGARCANE FURROW, where an agricultural implement, such as a sugarcane harvester or any other equipment capable of traversing a newly harvested sugarcane furrow, is equipped with sensors and a georeferencing system (GPS / RTK) to obtain precise location data, characterized by comprising the following steps: a. Definition of the Monitoring Zone: Based on the georeferenced data, a monitoring zone is established, activating the root structure detection systems in the cultivation bed; b. Use of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR): Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) emits radio frequency waves that penetrate the ground, detecting different underground materials based on variations in density and conductivity; c.Wave Reflection: Radio waves reflect when they encounter different materials, and in this case, the root structure of the plant. GPR measures the return time of the waves, which allows for the construction of an image of the underground layers; d. Identification of Root Structures: The system detects the presence or absence of a sugarcane stubble and, once detected, differentiates between healthy roots and dead or deficient roots, as well as roots of other crops. Petition 870250015205, dated 02 / 25 / 2025, page 22 / 30. 2 / 3 e. (weeds) using at least two reflection patterns for this differentiation. f. Data Processing: The return time of the waves is used to calculate the depth of the structures; g. A computer system processes the data, removing noise and applying techniques such as the Fourier transform or other known and suitable techniques to create a 2D or 3D image of the roots; h. Visualization: The processed information is displayed in real time or stored for later analysis. The operator can visualize the root profiles through a graphical interface, which also allows adjustment of the radar parameters.

2. “SYSTEM FOR IDENTIFICATION BY ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES, THROUGH RADAR OR ULTRASOUND EQUIPMENT, OF SPACES WITH OR WITHOUT THE PRESENCE OF A SUGARCANE STUBBLE IN A SUGARCANE FURROW according to the previous claim being characterized by step C being performed by ultrasound equipment.

3. “SYSTEM FOR IDENTIFICATION BY ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES, THROUGH RADAR OR ULTRASOUND EQUIPMENT, OF SPACES WITH OR WITHOUT THE PRESENCE OF A SUGARCANE STUBBLE IN A SUGARCANE FURROW according to claim 1 is characterized by a second constructive form where the system operates with at least two wave patterns that must be reflected, one pattern for a healthy root structure, and another for a dead or deficient structure or its total absence. Petition 870250015205, dated 02 / 25 / 2025, page 23 / 30 3 / 3

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