Automated Corn Ear Imaging System for High Throughput Evaluation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for evaluating ears of corn in research plots are inefficient, providing a uni-dimensional view of yield and requiring significant manual labor, which can lead to human error and misidentification of seed varieties due to the similarity of samples.
Innovation Solution
An automated system for high throughput presentation and image acquisition of ears of corn, including an image acquisition system, ear staging system, sensory system, ear husking system, and post-processing system, which coordinates the timing and movement of ears, orients them for imaging, and applies image processing algorithms to extract morphological information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual evaluation methods are used to evaluate ears of corn, then researchers can evaluate morphological traits and yield components, but significant manual labor and time are required, leading to low productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical evaluation with an automated imaging system that uses cameras and image processing algorithms to capture and analyze ear morphology, kernel characteristics, and yield components. The system automatically processes images through computer vision algorithms to extract quantitative data, eliminating the need for manual measurement while maintaining evaluation accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates digital copies (images) of the corn ears and uses image processing to analyze characteristics without physically handling or manipulating the actual ears. The system captures visual data and extracts morphological information from the image copies, allowing rapid evaluation of multiple ears without manual intervention.
2Reliability
If manual data recording is used, then researchers can record evaluation data, but human error and misidentification occur due to similarity of samples
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual data recording with automated image capture and digital data extraction. The system uses cameras to capture ear characteristics and computer vision algorithms to automatically measure and record data, eliminating human error in data collection and ensuring consistent, accurate recording of morphological traits and yield components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates image processing feedback loops that automatically verify and validate recorded data. The image analysis provides continuous feedback to ensure accurate identification and measurement, reducing errors through automated verification of ear characteristics and yield data.
3Productivity
If automated harvesting systems are used, then yield can be measured, but only a single bulked weight is obtained with no information on variation within the plot
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the evaluation process by individually imaging and analyzing each ear of corn rather than measuring bulk yield. The system captures separate images of individual ears at multiple locations within the plot, allowing quantitative analysis of spatial variation in ear morphology, kernel characteristics, and distribution patterns while maintaining harvesting efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for automated high throughput presentation of an ear of corn for image acquisition and evaluation is provided. The ear evaluation system may include an image acquisition system for acquiring an image of the ear of corn. An ear staging system may be configured for coordinating timing and movement of the ear of corn through the image acquisition system. The ear evaluation system may define a mobile structure. Thereby the mobile structure may be driven or towed over rows of corn in order to acquire images of the corn substantially simultaneously with picking the ears of corn. Accordingly, image data relating to ears of corn may be obtained in a rapid manner. A method for high throughput presentation of a plurality of ears of corn for image acquisition and evaluation is also provided.