Agricultural Machine Nest Detection via Animal Fleeing Trajectory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural machines struggle to accurately detect animal nests in fields, especially in dense crops, leading to potential damage, as animals tend to hide and infrared detection is complicated by high grass and vegetation.
Innovation Solution
The machine employs sensor means with analyzing capabilities to detect animals fleeing from their nests, analyzing their trajectories to determine nest positions, allowing the control system to adjust the machine's path or operations to avoid damaging the nests, using inexpensive and intelligent detection methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If optical or infrared cameras are used to detect animal nests, then detection capability is improved, but detection accuracy deteriorates due to animals hiding and dense vegetation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of animal behavior (fleeing motion) before the machine reaches the nest location. By detecting the fleeing trajectory in advance, the system can predict nest position and prepare avoidance actions, resolving the contradiction between early detection and accurate localization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the animal's fleeing trajectory as an intermediary indicator to indirectly locate the nest. Instead of directly detecting the hidden nest, the system tracks the animal's motion path and extrapolates the nest position, overcoming the limitation of direct detection methods in dense vegetation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the machine stops or modifies path to avoid nests, then nest protection is improved, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the working unit's position or machine path only when and where nests are detected, rather than continuously stopping or deviating. This localized, real-time adaptation protects nests while minimizing impact on overall field working efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies avoidance actions (stopping, path modification, working unit displacement) selectively only at locations where nests are detected, rather than applying them throughout the entire field. This partial action approach protects nests without unnecessarily reducing productivity in nest-free areas.
3Reliability
If expensive detection systems are used, then detection reliability is improved, but cost deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses inexpensive sensor means (such as simple cameras or sensors) rather than expensive specialized detection equipment. By combining multiple low-cost components with intelligent analysis of animal behavior patterns, the system achieves reliable nest detection at lower overall cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The system leverages the animal's own behavior (fleeing response to danger) as the detection signal, rather than requiring expensive active detection systems. The animal's natural reaction to the approaching machine provides the detection data, making the system more cost-effective while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The present invention relates to an agricultural machine for use in a field (7), the machine being provided with propulsion and steering means, a working unit (3) and control means, said control means being connected to sensor means (6) with analyzing means for monitoring the path to be followed by the machine, wherein the sensor means (6) with analyzing means are configured to determine the position (10) of an animal's nest in the field (7) on or near the path to be followed by the machine by means of detecting an animal (9) fleeing from the nest in the field (7) and analyzing its fleeing trajectory, wherein the control means are configured to influence the machine, in response to the position (10) of the animal's nest determined by the sensor means (6) with analyzing means, in such a way that the animal's nest is not damaged. The timely and accurate detection of animal's nests enables an efficient prevention of damage to these nests. In this way, a safe and animal-friendly machine is realized.