Camera-Guided Weeding Injection Unit for Crop-Safe Plant Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural machinery lacks the capability to accurately distinguish between crops and weeds and simultaneously perform targeted weeding and substance application, such as fertilization, without damaging the crops.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous agricultural vehicle equipped with a weeding-injection unit featuring adjustable weeding knives and injection nozzles, controlled by a computer system that identifies plants using cameras and maps, allowing precise weeding and targeted substance application based on plant type and growth stage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional agricultural machinery performs weeding and substance application, then field treatment is achieved, but it cannot distinguish between crops and weeds leading to crop damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the field treatment process by individually identifying and treating each plant based on its type. The camera captures images of individual plants, the control unit processes each plant separately to determine if it is a crop or weed, and the treatment is applied selectively to each detected plant rather than treating the entire field uniformly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies local quality by providing different treatments to different locations based on plant type. Crops receive protective treatment while weeds receive herbicide application, with the treatment type and amount customized for each specific plant location. The injection system delivers substances locally to the root zone of identified weeds while avoiding crops.
2Manufacturing precision
If targeted weeding and substance application is implemented, then treatment precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple functions into a single integrated platform combining camera-based plant identification, control unit processing, mechanical weeding knives, and substance injection capabilities. This unified system performs detection, decision-making, and treatment delivery through one coordinated mechanism rather than separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The treatment mechanism serves multiple functions: it can mechanically cut weeds with knives, inject herbicides into weed roots, or apply fertilizers to crop roots. The same physical apparatus adapts its function based on plant identification results, eliminating the need for separate dedicated systems for each treatment type.
3Productivity
If integrated weeding and injection tools are used, then operational efficiency is improved, but the system must handle multiple substances requiring complex valve regulation
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system is dynamic and adaptive, automatically switching between different substances and flow rates based on real-time plant identification. The control unit adjusts valve positions and opening degrees dynamically according to whether a crop or weed is detected, the plant's growth stage, and the required treatment type, optimizing substance delivery without manual intervention.
4Extent of automation
If autonomous vehicle with camera and control system is deployed, then automated plant identification is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is self-sufficient in performing the complete treatment process autonomously. The camera independently captures plant images, the control unit independently processes images and makes treatment decisions, and the treatment mechanism independently executes the appropriate action without human intervention, enabling the vehicle to service itself through automated operation.
Data Source
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Figure 5A~5E
AI summary
A vehicle (101) for treating an agricultural field includes a weeding-injection unit (106) and a control unit (124). The weeding-injection unit includes a valve (108), at least one weeding knife (110, 122), at least one actuator (133, 134) configured to move the at least one weeding knife, an injection line (111) carried by the at least one weeding knife, and a valve (108) configured to regulate flow of a substance through the injection line. The control unit is configured to identify a plant (129, 130) and control the at least one actuator and the valve to treat the identified plant. Related methods are also disclosed.