AI-Guided Semiconductor Laser Weed Control for Compact Field Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser-based weed control systems, particularly those using carbon dioxide lasers, are inefficient, require large installation spaces, and cause mechanical stress on soil, while semiconductor lasers vary in effectiveness, efficiency, and reliability, necessitating a more compact and robust solution for effective weed control.
Innovation Solution
A compact semiconductor laser-based weed control module with an image detection unit, laser unit, and data processing and control unit, utilizing a stereo camera for 3D image capture, trained artificial intelligence for plant identification, and a laser diode generating a 955 nm to 995 nm wavelength beam for targeted weed elimination, minimizing soil disturbance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If carbon dioxide lasers are used for laser-based weed control, then the required power density and weed control effectiveness are achieved, but the equipment becomes heavy, requires large installation space, and causes mechanical stress on the soil
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of laser wavelength from carbon dioxide laser (10.6 μm) to semiconductor laser (940 nm), which fundamentally alters the system's weight, size, and efficiency characteristics while maintaining weed control effectiveness through targeted irradiation of survival essential plant parts
2Reliability
If carbon dioxide lasers are used for laser-based weed control, then the required power density and weed control effectiveness are achieved, but the equipment requires large installation space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of laser wavelength from carbon dioxide laser (10.6 μm) to semiconductor laser (940 nm), which fundamentally alters the system's weight, size, and efficiency characteristics while maintaining weed control effectiveness through targeted irradiation of survival essential plant parts
3Reliability
If carbon dioxide lasers are used for laser-based weed control, then the required power density and weed control effectiveness are achieved, but the equipment causes mechanical stress on the soil
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of laser wavelength from carbon dioxide laser (10.6 μm) to semiconductor laser (940 nm), which fundamentally alters the system's weight, size, and efficiency characteristics while maintaining weed control effectiveness through targeted irradiation of survival essential plant parts
4Use of energy by moving object
If semiconductor lasers are used for laser-based weed control, then the equipment costs are reduced and efficiency is improved, but there are major differences in effectiveness, efficiency, and reliability among different semiconductor laser systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by specifically targeting survival essential plant parts (meristems, growing points, root systems) with the laser beam rather than uniformly treating entire plants. This localized approach ensures reliable weed control by attacking critical regeneration zones while improving energy efficiency through concentrated irradiation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical weed control methods with laser-based thermal decomposition, substituting physical contact and mechanical force with optical energy. This substitution achieves reliable and efficient weed control through controlled thermal effects on targeted plant tissues
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution achieves high-effective and efficient weed control with reduced energy consumption and minimal soil disruption, using semiconductor lasers with optimized wavelength penetration and absorption for faster thermal decomposition of weeds.
Implementation Method 1
a laser diode unit (4.2) for generating a laser beam (5) with a light wavelength (λ) in the range from 955 nm to 995 nm
Implementation Method 2
The generated laser beam (5) has a light wavelength (λ) in the range from 955 nm to 995 nm
Implementation Method 3
The laser-irradiation leads to thermal decomposition of the plant substance and, as a result, to its biological elimination
Data Source
AI summary
A laser-based weed control module (1) and a device and a method for laser-based weed control, which permit targeted control of weed plants (17) on agricultural areas (15) with high effectiveness and simultaneously high efficiency. The weed control module (1) comprises an image detection unit for providing three-dimensional image data, a laser unit (4) for generating and orienting a laser beam (5) and a data processing and control unit (6), wherein the data processing and control unit (6) contains a trained artificial intelligence that detects weed plants (17), identifies survival essential plant part of the weed plants (17) and controls the weed plants (17) by targeted laser-irradiation the survival essential plant part of the weed plants (17) in an environmentally friendly and chemical-free manner. The generated laser beam (5) has a light wavelength (λ) in the range from 955 nm to 995 nm.