DEVICE WITH A SYSTEM FOR SEMI-AUTOMATIC AND / OR AUTOMATIC WEED REMOVAL

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device with a system for semi-automatic and / or automatic weed removal according to claim 1.

[0002] In the field of agriculture, but also in the field of botany and training related to agricultural and forestry professions, as well as in the field of biology and botany, it is necessary to be able to reliably identify weeds and, if necessary, remove them.

[0003] DE 43 29 343 A1 already discloses a field-capable image analysis method for the automatic detection and control of weed species. A computer with a camera is installed on-site to detect weeds. However, only a certain number of weeds can be detected, and the system known from DE 43 29 343 A1 is comparatively large and therefore difficult to manage.

[0004] Furthermore, DE 196 40 641 A1 discloses a method and device for detecting potential and actual weed locations, as well as for weed control or weed prevention on paths and squares in a single operation. Sensors or the like are used to detect or recognize the potential growth locations of weeds, and the potentially expected or current growth of the weeds is then completely or temporarily prevented by treating or manipulating the weeds or the growth locations.

[0005] In addition, DE 10 2013 222 776 A1 shows a device for damaging a weed with a stamp for applying pressure to the weed and a guide device for guiding the stamp, wherein the guide device is movably mounted in a guide element.

[0006] Due to the lack of comparison of the recorded weed image data with weed image data stored in a database or server unit, state-of-the-art weed removal systems can result in inaccurate and erroneous weed identification. In particular, such inaccurate identification can also lead to the inadvertent removal of crops (e.g., grain) that should not be removed, thus reducing the harvest yield.

[0007] Further systems are known, for example, from US 9 737 068 B1, US 2015 / 027041 A1, WO 2016 / 191825 A1, WO 2017 / 002093 A1, DE 10 2015 209879 A1 and EP 3 165 089 A1. 9I

[0008] It is therefore the object of the present invention to advantageously further develop a system for semi-automatic and / or automatic weed removal of the type mentioned at the outset, in particular to the effect that weed plants can be identified more precisely and removed more efficiently and reliably.

[0009] This object is achieved according to the invention by a device with a system for semi-automatic and / or automatic weed removal with the features of claim 1. According to this, a system for semi-automatic and / or automatic weed removal is provided with at least one system for the automatic detection of weeds, which has at least one optical sensor and a central server unit, is provided with at least one communication network, with at least one control and / or regulating device and with at least one weed removal device, wherein the optical sensor, the server unit and the control and / or regulating device are in data communication via the communication network, wherein image data of at least one weed can be generated by means of the optical sensor and transmitted via the communication network to the server unit, which evaluates the transmitted image data tothat the weeds can be identified, and wherein, in the event of a clear identification of the weeds, weed confirmation data can be transmitted via the communication network to the control and / or regulating device by means of the server unit, which, in response to these weed confirmation data, controls and / or regulates the weed removal device so that the weeds detected by the optical sensor can be removed.

[0010] The invention is based on the fundamental idea that through successful server-based comparison of weed image data, which have been recorded by the system of one or more weed plants at the growth location, the weed removal device can be controlled and / or regulated accordingly and the selected weed can be removed as a result. This allows weed removal to be carried out much more efficiently and precisely. On the other hand, a further major advantage of server-based comparison of the weed image data is that the identification of the weed at any growth stage or at any time of year, as well as the subsequent weed removal by the weed removal device, can be carried out automatically and in real time. The system as described above further aims at pesticide-free weed removal and is intended to provide an effective aid for agriculture.In particular, there is a strong motivation to reduce the volume of herbicides such as glyphosate, and ideally to completely ban them.

[0011] The use of a semi-automatic or automatic plant detection system is intended to enable online detection of weeds, followed by (semi-)automatic weed removal using mechanical or thermal means, but not using pesticides. In principle, however, the additional use of pesticides is of course still possible in conjunction with the system presented. The present invention further provides a solution which, on the one hand, enables (semi-)automatic plant detection and, at the same time, control of the weed removal device in real time (i.e., with a minimal time delay after online plant detection). This ensures rapid response and, at the same time, reliable mechanical removal of the detected weed. This is possible, in particular, even during ongoing operation and at a corresponding driving speed of the agricultural vehicle.

[0012] Furthermore, it can be provided that the central server unit of the system for automatic plant recognition comprises at least one automatic image processing unit, at least one weed database unit in which weed data is stored, and at least one weed image database unit in which image data relating to weed plants is stored. The automatic image processing unit evaluates the transmitted image data of the weed by comparing it with the weed database unit and the weed image database unit to ensure that the weed can be clearly identified.

[0013] Furthermore, it can be provided that the weed removal device can be positioned within a grid relative to a reference position, in particular a reference position of the optical sensor. The grid allows even more precise positioning of the weed removal device with respect to the weed(s) detected by the camera, so that these can be removed even more efficiently. Due to the position of the camera, which serves as a reference for the weed removal device, calibration of the weed removal device (e.g. in the event of changing ambient conditions) can also be carried out very quickly and easily. The camera is arranged at a position on the system for semi-automatic and / or automatic weed removal which, in its direction of movement, lies in front of the spatially variable position of the weed removal device.

[0014] It is also conceivable for the weed removal device to have at least one dispensing nozzle for at least one weed killer for chemical weed removal. Since highly effective or highly specialized chemical weed killers are already available, depending on the weed species present, these can be removed in a targeted and thus particularly efficient manner. Furthermore, multiple weed killers can be used or combined with each other to remove certain weed species even more effectively.

[0015] In this context, it can further be provided that a herbicide database unit is provided which is data-linked to the server unit and in which herbicide data is stored. Furthermore, it is conceivable that linking data is stored in the herbicide database unit, by means of which linking data the herbicide data can be linked to the image data of the weeds by a data evaluation module. Particularly in the agricultural and forestry sectors, it can be of interest to be able to easily identify weeds at any growth stage and at any time of year using image data and, based on this identification, to also immediately receive a suggestion as to which herbicide, in particular pesticide, can or should be used to remove the undesirable plants.Furthermore, it can be provided that the herbicide data include active ingredient group data and / or manufacturer data relating to the manufacturer of a herbicide. By specifying active ingredient group data, the system can specifically specify suitable active ingredient groups with regard to the weedkillers to be used, in order to facilitate the selection of the appropriate weedkiller. In particular, it is conceivable that preferences with regard to a specific manufacturer of a weedkiller can be taken into account. This can make it easier for the user of the system to make a pre-selection so that available weedkillers are suggested directly to them and they do not have to select from a confusingly large number of possible options.

[0016] It is also conceivable for the weed removal device to have at least one mechanical weed removal device in the form of a gripping device, separating device, pushing device, cutting device, crushing device and / or pressing device for mechanical weed removal. Particularly in already heavily polluted environmental conditions as a result of over-fertilization or excessive use of herbicides, purely mechanical weed removal is particularly environmentally friendly and advantageous. Furthermore, mechanical weed removal is very efficient and quick, as the weeds can be removed with their roots. Furthermore, a mechanical weed removal device can be quite simple, lightweight and space-saving in design, which further increases the efficiency of the system for semi-automatic and / or automatic weed removal.It is also conceivable that the mechanical weed removal device is a soil cultivation device or is integrated into it. This allows the weeds to be used as fertilizer by being at least partially introduced into the soil by the soil cultivation device, where they die.

[0017] It is also possible for the weed removal device to have at least one heat generating device and / or an optical device (such as a light source or the like), in particular a gas burner and / or a laser, for thermal weed removal. Since certain weed species (e.g., grasses) die particularly in view of excessively high ambient temperatures, this form of weed removal is also very efficient and advantageous. Furthermore, because it is a purely thermal process, it is also particularly advantageous in an already heavily polluted environment (e.g., soil) as a result of over-fertilization or excessive use of herbicides. Finally, it does not create any further deposits in the soil and is therefore particularly environmentally friendly. In addition, the ash produced by thermal removal can be used to fertilize the crops that are not to be removed.For example, weed removal can be achieved using a laser (optical-thermal). The energy applied by the laser allows weeds to be removed precisely and quickly. It is particularly conceivable to use a laser to at least partially vaporize the weed plant or to cause such (optical-)thermal damage that it dies.

[0018] Furthermore, the weed removal device can be provided with at least one compressed air outlet nozzle for pneumatic weed removal. This type of pneumatic weed removal can be used particularly efficiently and advantageously in very loose, i.e., uncompacted, soils in which the weed roots find little traction. Since pneumatic weed removal operates solely with pressurized ambient air, it also enables highly environmentally friendly weed removal.

[0019] It is also conceivable for the weed removal device to have at least one fluid outlet nozzle for at least one pressurized fluid, in particular water, for hydraulic weed removal. Like pneumatic weed removal, hydraulic weed removal can be used particularly efficiently and advantageously in very loose, i.e., uncompacted, soils in which weed roots find little hold. Since hydraulic weed removal only uses pressurized water, it enables very environmentally friendly weed removal. A further advantageous effect of hydraulic weed removal with water is additional and efficient, near-ground irrigation of agricultural crops.

[0020] Furthermore, it is conceivable for the weed removal device to include at least one electric heat generator for electrothermal weed removal. By appropriately designing the electric heat generator, the amount of heat required to remove the weed can be introduced into the weed in question in a very targeted and thus particularly efficient manner. In contrast to a gas burner, whose heat generation is based on a CO2-emitting combustion process, electrothermal weed removal is therefore also more environmentally friendly and sustainable.

[0021] According to the invention, the optical sensor is a CCD camera. The generation of weed image data using the digital camera with a CCD chip is particularly advantageous for digital image processing by the automatic image processing unit and the subsequent comparison together with the weed database unit and the weed image database unit in terms of fast processing time and efficiency. Furthermore, the digital camera can be used in a wide variety of optical applications, as it is applicable for visible wavelengths as well as for infrared, UV, and X-ray ranges. This allows the spectrum for optical applications to be expanded particularly advantageously (approximately 0.1 pm wavelength to approximately 1100 nm wavelength). Further advantages of the digital CCD camera are its broad spectral sensitivity and its high dynamic range (ability to simultaneously capture very faint and very bright areas of a weed).

[0022] It is not possible according to the invention for the system for semi-automatic and / or automatic weed removal to be integrated into a vehicle, in particular an agricultural vehicle. Furthermore, it is conceivable for the system for semi-automatic and / or automatic weed removal to be integrated into at least one attachment in addition to or alternatively to the agricultural vehicle. In an agricultural environment, the use of the system for semi-automatic and / or automatic weed removal is particularly advantageous because it can be easily integrated into existing vehicles and / or attachments without disproportionately high expenditure. This allows harvest yields to be increased for users efficiently and without disproportionately high additional expenditure, thereby further improving the user's competitive position.

[0023] According to the invention, the system for semi-automatic and / or automatic weed removal is integrated into a weed removal device that can be worn and operated by humans. Use in a weed removal device that can be worn and operated by humans is particularly advantageous because it allows the system to assist in identifying weeds in addition to human identification. This further increases the proportion of correctly identified weeds and, in particular, further reduces the undesirable misidentification of crop plants, for example, as weeds, thus providing additional protection for plants that are not to be removed.

[0024] It is also conceivable for the image data and weed confirmation data to include additional location data, such as GPS data. The additional location data in the form of GPS data is particularly advantageous for highly automated agricultural vehicles, since repeated travel to the same location allows for a much better, more accurate, and location-specific assessment of the temporal growth development of a particular weed plant or the effectiveness of various weed removal methods. This allows for the collection of important statistical data that can play a decisive role in future improvements to the efficiency of the semi-automatic and / or automatic weed removal system.

[0025] Further details and advantages of the invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings.

[0026] They show: Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a semi-automatic or automatic weed removal system according to the invention; Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a semi-automatic weed removal system according to the invention; Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a third embodiment of a semi-automatic or automatic weed removal system according to the invention; Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of a fourth embodiment of a semi-automatic or automatic weed removal system according to the invention; Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of a fifth embodiment of a semi-automatic or automatic weed removal system according to the invention; Fig. 6 is a schematic representation of a sixth embodiment of a semi-automatic or automatic weed removal system according to the invention;Fig. 7 is a schematic representation of a seventh embodiment of a semi-automatic or automatic weed removal system according to the invention; and Fig. 8 is a schematic representation of an eighth embodiment of a semi-automatic or automatic weed removal system according to the invention.

[0027] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a semi-automatic or automatic weed removal system 10 according to the invention.

[0028] The Fig. 1 The system 10 shown for semi-automatic or automatic weed removal has a system 12 for automatic weed detection.

[0029] The system 12 for automatic weed detection in turn comprises an optical sensor 14 and a central server unit 16.

[0030] The optical sensor 14 is a digital camera 14a, which is designed as a digital CCD camera.

[0031] Furthermore, the system 10 for semi-automatic or automatic weed removal comprises a communication network 18 (in particular the Internet), a control or regulating device 20 and a weed removal device 22.

[0032] The weed removal device 22 can also be positioned within a grid with respect to a reference position of the optical sensor 14.

[0033] The weed removal device 22 can be used according to the Figuren 3 bis 8 The weed removal devices 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d, 22e, 22f shown can be designed as chemical, mechanical, thermal, pneumatic, hydraulic, or electrothermal weed removal devices 22, 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d, 22e, 22f. The optical sensor 14, the server unit 16, and the control or regulating device 20 are also connected via the communication network 18.

[0034] Furthermore, image data of a weed are generated by means of the optical sensor 14 or the digital CCD camera 14a and transmitted to the server unit 16 via the communication network 18.

[0035] The image data also includes GPS data.

[0036] The server unit 16 further comprises an automatic image processing unit 28, a weed database unit 30, a weed image database unit 32 and a herbicide database 34.

[0037] In addition to a data evaluation module 36, the server unit 12 also has a plant disease database unit 38 and a plant pest database unit 40.

[0038] All units 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40 of the central server unit 16 are also interconnected according to Fig. 1 in data connection.

[0039] The system 10 for semi-automatic or automatic weed removal is designed according to Fig. 1 Integrated into an agricultural vehicle 24.

[0040] The long-haulage vehicle 24 can be, for example, a tractor or a tractor trailer.

[0041] The tractor combination consists of, for example, the tractor and an attached or fixed implement (not in Fig. 1 shown in more detail).

[0042] The function of the semi-automatic or automatic weed removal system 10 can now be described as follows: First, image data of one or more weeds are generated by means of the optical sensor 14 or the digital CCD camera 14a and transmitted to the server unit 16 via the communication network 18.

[0043] The server unit 16 then evaluates the transmitted image data of the weeds so that the respective weed can be identified.

[0044] Within the central server unit 16, an evaluation of the transmitted image data is therefore carried out by means of the automatic image processing unit 28.

[0045] The automatic image recognition, which is carried out by means of the automatic image processing unit 28, can be oriented on the basis of reference points or reference pattern structures of the image information contained in the transmitted images concerning the recorded weed plants.

[0046] This evaluation serves to compare the information contained in the image data about a weed plant with the image data contained in the weed image database unit 32 and to automatically determine the corresponding weed plant in conjunction with the weed database unit 30.

[0047] After the weed plant has been identified, the data evaluation module 36 can automatically provide a suggestion based on the weed killer data contained in the weed killer database unit 34 as to which suitable weed killer can be used against the previously identified or identified weed.

[0048] It is also conceivable, for example, that once correctly identified image data of weed plants are also used, for example that based on the images transmitted to the central server unit 16, this image information can also be stored in the weed database unit 30.

[0049] It is also conceivable that this can only be done after appropriate confirmation has been given by a qualified user.

[0050] Such a user can be a so-called power user or an employee of the operator who has appropriate knowledge of the weeds.

[0051] Based on the transmitted image data of the weeds, the data evaluation module 36 and the plant disease database unit 38 can additionally determine whether and which diseases of the weeds are present.

[0052] Here, the presence of weed disease is determined based primarily on color and / or structure, or the corresponding changes. This process also occurs automatically.

[0053] Based on the transmitted image data of the weeds, which are compared, it is also possible to determine the extent to which plant pests are present.

[0054] For this purpose, the data evaluation module 36 accesses the data stored in the plant pest database unit 40, which are then linked accordingly with the other available data.

[0055] For example, the weed killer or pesticide data contained in the weed killer database unit 34 can be accessed accordingly in order to automatically select a corresponding suggestion as to which pesticide can be used.

[0056] The evaluation is based on whether, for example, aphids, beetles, fleas, insects or corresponding grazing patterns can be seen in the transmitted images.

[0057] In connection with the occurrence of weed diseases or their infestation by plant pests, it may be possible to link the corresponding location data or GPS data with the information concerning the weed diseases or the occurrence of plant pests.

[0058] From the information regarding the location and occurrence of weed diseases and pests, the system 10, 100 can identify where these occur and pass on this information.

[0059] Furthermore, the system 10 can thus automatically decide whether removal of the weeds by the weed removal device 22 is still necessary due to disease or pest infestation, or whether the weeds would die anyway due to this natural weakening and their removal would thus become unnecessary.

[0060] This also makes it possible to significantly reduce the use of pesticides and to significantly increase the service life of the weed removal device 22.

[0061] However, if the weeds clearly identified by the central server unit 16 are healthy or do not exhibit any pest infestation and should therefore be removed by the weed removal device 22, the server unit 16 proceeds automatically as follows: In the case of a clear identification of the weeds, weed confirmation data are transmitted by the server unit 16 via the communication network 18 to the control or regulating device 20.

[0062] The weed confirmation data may also include GPS data, thereby making the control or regulation of the weed removal device 22 more precise.

[0063] The control or regulation device 20 then controls or regulates the weed removal device 22 in response to this weed confirmation data so that the weeds detected by the optical sensor 14 can be removed.

[0064] This case occurs in particular if the system 10 is an automatic weed removal system 10, since the weed removal device 22 can then automatically remove the correspondingly determined weeds.

[0065] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a semi-automatic weed removal system 100 according to the invention.

[0066] The Fig. 2 The second embodiment of this system 100 according to the invention shown in FIG. 1 has essentially the same structural and functional features as the system 100 shown in FIG. Fig. 1 illustrated first embodiment of the semi-automatic or automatic weed removal system 10.

[0067] Only the following structural feature differences are to be pointed out: The system 100 is a semi-automatic weed removal system 100 and is integrated into a human-portable and operable weed removal device 26.

[0068] Such a device 26 can be, for example, a brush cutter, a brush cutter, a gas burner or a pressure sprayer for weed killers.

[0069] Furthermore, the following functional feature differences with regard to the Fig. 1 illustrated first embodiment of the semi-automatic or automatic weed removal system 10: In the case of integration of this system 100 into the human-portable and operable weed removal device 26, the control or regulating device 20 controls or regulates, in response to the weed confirmation data, for example, a graphic display device on which the weed confirmation data is visible to a user.

[0070] As a result of this supporting visual weed confirmation data, the user can then remove the corresponding weed automatically determined by the server unit 16 by means of the weed removal device 22.

[0071] In addition, it is conceivable that upon approval of the weed confirmation data by the user (e.g. by actuating an electrical switch), a corresponding approval signal is sent to the control or regulating device 20, whereupon the weed removal device 22 carries out the weed removal automatically.

[0072] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a third embodiment of a semi-automatic or automatic weed removal system 200 according to the invention.

[0073] The Fig. 3 The third embodiment of this system 200 according to the invention shown in FIG. 1 has essentially the same structural and functional features as the system shown in FIG. Fig. 1 or Fig. 2 illustrated first or second embodiment of the semi-automatic or automatic system 10, 100 for weed removal.

[0074] Only the following structural and functional feature differences are to be highlighted: The weed removal device 22 has, according to Fig. 3 a dispensing nozzle 22a of a weed killer for chemical weed removal.

[0075] The necessary components such as pump, container, valves and lines for dispensing the pressurized weed killer by means of the dispensing nozzle 22a are also integrated into the system 200.

[0076] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of a fourth embodiment of a semi-automatic or automatic weed removal system 300 according to the invention.

[0077] The Fig. 4 The fourth embodiment of this system 300 according to the invention shown in FIG. 1 has essentially the same structural and functional features as the system shown in FIG. Fig. 1 or Fig. 2 illustrated first or second embodiment of the semi-automatic or automatic system 10, 100 for weed removal.

[0078] Only the following structural and functional feature differences are to be pointed out: The weed removal device 22 comprises a mechanical weed removal device 22b.

[0079] The mechanical weed removal device 22b is designed in the form of a gripping device, separating device, pushing device, cutting device, squeezing device or pressing device for mechanical weed removal.

[0080] Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of a fifth embodiment of a semi-automatic or automatic weed removal system 400 according to the invention.

[0081] The Fig. 5 The fifth embodiment of this system 400 according to the invention shown in FIG. 1 has essentially the same structural and functional features as the system shown in FIG. Fig. 1 or Fig. 2 illustrated first or second embodiment of the semi-automatic or automatic system 10, 100 for weed removal.

[0082] Only the following structural and functional feature differences are to be pointed out: The weed removal device 22 has a gas burner 22c for thermal weed removal.

[0083] In this context, it is also conceivable to use (at least) a laser instead of a gas burner. The laser can also be used in addition to other methods.

[0084] The necessary components such as gas cylinder, valves and lines for dispensing the pressurized gas via the gas burner 22c are also integrated into the system 400.

[0085] Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation of a sixth embodiment of a semi-automatic or automatic weed removal system 500 according to the invention.

[0086] The Fig. 6 The sixth embodiment of this system 500 according to the invention shown in FIG. 1 has essentially the same structural and functional features as the system shown in FIG. Fig. 1 or Fig. 2 illustrated first or second embodiment of the semi-automatic or automatic system 10, 100 for weed removal.

[0087] Only the following structural and functional feature differences are to be pointed out: The weed removal device 22 has a compressed air outlet nozzle 22d for pneumatic weed removal.

[0088] The necessary components such as the air compressor, compressed air tank, valves and lines for discharging the compressed air via the compressed air outlet nozzle 22d are also integrated into the system 500.

[0089] Fig. 7 shows a schematic representation of a seventh embodiment of a semi-automatic or automatic weed removal system 600 according to the invention.

[0090] The Fig. 7 The seventh embodiment of this system 600 according to the invention shown in FIG. 1 has essentially the same structural and functional features as the system shown in FIG. Fig. 1 or Fig. 2 illustrated first or second embodiment of the semi-automatic or automatic system 10, 100 for weed removal.

[0091] Only the following structural and functional feature differences are to be pointed out: The weed removal device 22 has a fluid outlet nozzle 22e for pressurized water for hydraulic weed removal.

[0092] The necessary components such as water pump, water tank, valves and lines for dispensing the pressurized water via the fluid outlet nozzle 22e are also integrated into the System 600.

[0093] Fig. 8 shows a schematic representation of an eighth embodiment of a semi-automatic or automatic weed removal system 700 according to the invention.

[0094] The Fig. 8 The eighth embodiment of this system 700 according to the invention shown in FIG. 1 has essentially the same structural and functional features as the system shown in FIG. Fig. 1 or Fig. 2 illustrated first or second embodiment of the semi-automatic or automatic system 10, 100 for weed removal.

[0095] Only the following structural and functional feature differences are to be pointed out: The weed removal device 22 further comprises an electrical heat generating device 22f for electro-thermal weed removal.

[0096] The necessary electrical components such as power supply, transformer, switching and control devices and electrical lines for heating the electrical heat generating device 22f are also integrated into the system 700. Bezugszeichenliste

[0097] 10 System for semi-automatic or automatic weed removal 12 System for automatic weed detection 14 Optical sensor 14a Digital CCD camera 16 Central server unit 18 Communications network 20 Control or regulating device 22 Weed removal device 22a Discharge nozzle of a weed killer 22b Mechanical weed removal device 22c Heat generation device 22d Compressed air discharge nozzle 22e Fluid discharge nozzle 22f Electric heat generation device 24 Agricultural vehicle 26 Human-portable and operable weed removal device 28 Image processing unit 30 Weed database unit 32 Weed image database unit 34 Weed killer database 36 Data evaluation module 38 Plant disease database unit 40 Plant pest database unit 100 Semi-automatic or automatic weed removal system 200 Semi-automatic or automatic weed removal system 300 Semi-automatic or automatic weed removal system 400 Semi-automatic or automatic weed removal system 500 Semi-automatic or automatic weed removal system 600 Semi-automatic or automatic weed removal system 700 Semi-automatic or automatic weed removal system

Claims

1. A device (26) that can be carried and operated by a person, into which a system (10, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600) for semi-automatic and / or automatic weed removal is integrated, wherein the system (10, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600) comprises the following features: at least one system (12) for automatic weed detection, which comprises at least one optical sensor (14) and a central server unit (16), at least one communication network (18), at least one control and / or regulating apparatus (20) and at least one weed removal apparatus (22), wherein the optical sensor (14), the server unit (16) and the control and / or regulating apparatus (20) are connected for data transfer by means of the communication network (18), wherein image data of at least one weed can be generated by means of the optical sensor (14), the optical sensor (14) being a CCD camera, and can be transmitted via the communication network (18) to the server unit (16), which evaluates the transmitted image data to the effect that the weed can be determined by the server unit (16), and wherein, in the event of clear determination of the weed, weed confirmation data can be transmitted by means of the server unit (16) via the communication network (18) to the control and / or regulating apparatus (20), which in response to the weed confirmation data controls and / or regulates the weed removal apparatus (22) such that the weed detected by the optical sensor (14) can be removed by mechanical or thermal means.

2. The device (26) according to claim 1, characterized in that the weed removal apparatus (22) can be positioned within a grid with respect to a reference position, in particular a reference position of the optical sensor (14).

3. The device (26) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the weed removal apparatus (22) comprises at least one dispensing nozzle (22a) for at least one weed-killing agent for chemical weed removal.

4. The device (26) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the weed removal apparatus (22) comprises at least one mechanical weed removal apparatus (22b) in the form of a gripping device, severing device, disturbing device, cutting device, crushing device and / or pressing device for mechanical weed removal.

5. The device (26) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the weed removal apparatus (22) comprises at least one heat-generating device (22c) and / or optical device, in particular a gas burner and / or a laser, for thermal weed removal.

6. The device (26) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the weed removal apparatus (22) comprises at least one compressed air outlet nozzle (22d) for pneumatic weed removal.

7. The device (26) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the weed removal apparatus (22) comprises at least one fluid outlet nozzle (22e) for at least one pressurized fluid, in particular water, for hydraulic weed removal.

8. The device (26) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the weed removal apparatus (22) comprises at least one electric heat-generating apparatus (22f) for electrothermal weed removal.

9. The device (26) according to claim 1, characterized in that the image data and weed confirmation data additionally comprise location data, for example GPS data.