Boom Vision Perspective Correction for Accurate Field Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural machine vision systems on booms traversing fields face challenges due to perspective variations caused by rocking or angular movements, leading to inaccurate identification and treatment of specific areas, as the boom's angle and distance from the field surface change, affecting the quality and precision of image data.
Innovation Solution
The method involves ascertaining the boom angle and correcting base image data from image sensors by remapping it into corrected data, using a perspective map library to account for changes in perspective and size, ensuring a region of interest is consistently represented with size-invariant and bird's eye view images, thereby improving the accuracy of feature detection and treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If machine vision systems are used on booms traversing fields, then treatment precision is improved through targeted application, but measurement precision deteriorates due to perspective variations caused by boom rocking and angular movements
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the remapping parameters based on the detected boom angle. A perspective map library stores pre-calculated remapping data for different boom angles, and the system selects and applies the appropriate remapping parameters corresponding to the current boom angle, thereby compensating for perspective distortions in real-time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical stabilization of the boom with a computational image processing solution. Instead of physically stabilizing the boom to maintain consistent imaging conditions, the system uses digital remapping algorithms to correct perspective variations caused by boom movement, substituting mechanical rigidity with software-based adaptation
2Ease of operation
If boom angle and height are allowed to vary naturally, then ease of operation is improved and the boom can adapt to field irregularities, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to perspective changes in image data
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback loop where the boom angle is continuously detected, and this detected angle is used to select appropriate remapping parameters from the perspective map library. This closed-loop feedback mechanism allows the boom to move freely while maintaining accurate image interpretation through real-time parameter adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static imaging assumption into a dynamic adaptation system. The remapping parameters are not fixed but dynamically adjusted based on the current boom angle, allowing the system to maintain precision despite continuous changes in operating conditions
Data Source
AI summary
In an agricultural machine vision system for the selective treatment of a field employing a boom deployed sensor and treatment device, the system utilizes at least one image sensor mounted on the boom to produce base image data. A boom angle detector detects boom height which is used to correct the base image data into remapped image data including a region of interest to produce corrected image data producing a regularized image of the region of interests for treatment, independent of boom tilt.