Autonomous Farming Machine With Dynamic Spot and Broadcast Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional farming machines are limited to a single mode of operation, unable to adapt to changing farming conditions or treatment requirements, leading to inefficiencies as they perform tasks suboptimally when a different mode would be more effective.
Innovation Solution
A multimode autonomous farming machine that can switch between different treatment configurations based on plant characteristics and environmental conditions, using an image acquisition system, processors, and treatment mechanisms to apply spot or variable treatments autonomously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional farming machines use a single treatment mode configuration, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the adaptability to different farming conditions and treatment requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The farming machine is designed with multiple treatment mechanisms (spot treatment mechanism and broadcast treatment mechanism) that can be selectively activated based on farming conditions. The system includes an image acquisition system, processor, and multiple treatment mechanisms that work together to provide universal functionality across different treatment scenarios, allowing the same machine to perform both spot and broadcast treatments.
2Productivity
If traditional farming machines are limited to one operation mode, then the ease of operation is improved, but the productivity deteriorates due to inability to switch modes for optimal results
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between spot treatment mode and broadcast treatment mode based on real-time farming conditions and plant characteristics. The processor automatically determines the appropriate treatment mode by analyzing images from the image acquisition system and controlling the corresponding treatment mechanism, enabling the machine to adapt its operation dynamically without requiring manual intervention.
3Loss of time
If traditional farming machines use a single treatment configuration, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the loss of time increases due to inefficient task performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple treatment mechanisms (spot treatment and broadcast treatment) into a single integrated farming machine platform. This merging allows the machine to perform both spot and broadcast treatments without requiring separate machines, thereby reducing time loss by eliminating the need to switch between different equipment while the increased device complexity is managed through automated control systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
A multimode autonomous farming machine capable of performing uniform and variable plant treatments including defoliation is described. This farming machine is capable of operating in various operational modes and treatment configurations, such as broadcast or spot mode, and uniform or variable treatment mode. In addition, the machine adjusts its mode and treatment configuration based on various factors such as present conditions in the operating environment, conditions of the farming machine itself, the treatment plan, and farming objectives. The autonomous machine uses a control system to input various data measurements to inform the appropriate mode(s) and treatment. Dynamic treatment mode selection increases efficiency and resource production in an agricultural field.