Bee Pollen Identification Using Deep Learning Trajectory Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional technologies for managing bumble bee pollination are limited in identifying the quantity of pollen, suitability of pollination activities, and providing necessary information for beehive and greenhouse management, lacking comprehensive analysis of bee trajectories and pollen conditions.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method utilizing a deep learning model to track bee trajectories, analyze pollen amount, and assess pollination suitability by image processing and contour detection, employing a control unit to identify bees and pollen through trained data and IoU values, with a camera for capturing video and a display for visualization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If conventional sensor-based detection is used to monitor bee activity, then the system is simple and easy to implement, but it cannot identify pollen quantity or analyze bee trajectories

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepollen quantity informationVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical/sensor-based detection systems with a vision-based deep learning system. A camera captures video of bees, and a deep learning model processes the visual data to identify pollen quantity, bee trajectories, and pollination suitability, substituting physical sensors with optical detection and computational analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a deep learning model as an intermediary between the camera capture and the final analysis. The model acts as a computational mediator that processes raw video data, extracts features like pollen presence and bee movement patterns, and generates meaningful insights that bridge the gap between simple video capture and complex biological analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If deep learning model is used to analyze pollen and bee trajectories, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepollen identification accuracyVSAvoiddeep learning system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-training the deep learning model with extensive training data containing images of bees with various pollen loads. The model is prepared in advance with learned features and patterns, enabling it to quickly and accurately identify pollen quantity and characteristics during actual monitoring without requiring complex real-time processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses copying by creating a virtual model of pollen and bee characteristics through training data. Instead of directly measuring physical pollen properties, the system creates digital representations and patterns from training images, then uses these copied patterns to identify and quantify pollen in new videos through pattern matching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Productivity

If manual observation is used to assess pollination suitability, then the method is simple, but productivity and time efficiency are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepollination monitoring efficiencyVSAvoidanalysis time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous monitoring by having the deep learning model process video data in real-time as it is captured. The system continuously analyzes bee activity, pollen presence, and trajectory patterns without interruption, providing ongoing assessments of pollination suitability rather than periodic manual checks, thereby maintaining constant productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies self-service by automatically performing the entire analysis workflow without human intervention. The deep learning model autonomously processes video data, identifies pollen, tracks bee movements, calculates pollination suitability metrics, and generates results, eliminating the need for manual observation and analysis while significantly improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12511920B2Apparatus and method for identifying pollen through learning
Publication Date: 2025.12.30 FARMCONNECT CO LTD
  • US12511920B2 patent drawing
  • US12511920B2 patent drawing
  • US12511920B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An apparatus and a method for identifying pollen are proposed. Particularly, the apparatus and method accurately identify the presence and quantity of pollen on bees by utilizing a deep learning model trained on the characteristics of the morphology and color of bees and pollen.