Corn Ear Free-Fall Imaging Module for High-Throughput Phenotyping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated or semi-automated methods for phenotyping corn ears have limited throughput and only capture partial images of the outer surface, leading to inaccurate and unreliable data processing.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that allow for the free-fall imaging of corn ears within a field of view, using a cylindrical imaging module with multiple cameras and lighting devices to capture the entire outer surface, enabling high-throughput and accurate image acquisition and processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conveyor system is used to transport corn ears for imaging, then the imaging process can be automated, but the throughput is limited to the conveyor speed and only partial surface images can be acquired
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is divided into multiple imaging devices arranged around a vertical axis, with each device capturing images of specific portions of the corn ear outer surface. This segmentation allows simultaneous capture of multiple surface regions, achieving complete imaging without constraining throughput to a single conveyor speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from linear conveyor-based imaging to a three-dimensional arrangement of imaging devices surrounding the vertical axis. This dimensional change enables comprehensive coverage of the corn ear outer surface from multiple angles simultaneously, resolving the limitation of partial surface imaging.
2Measurement precision
If a single imaging device is used to capture corn ear images, then the device complexity is low, but only partial surface images can be acquired leading to unreliable processing
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging function is segmented across multiple devices distributed around the vertical axis, with each device responsible for capturing images of specific portions of the corn ear. This segmentation enables complete surface coverage and accurate 3D reconstruction while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple imaging devices perform the same basic function of capturing light reflected from the corn ear surface, but their collective arrangement provides universal coverage of the entire outer surface. This multi-functionality approach achieves comprehensive imaging capability without requiring a single complex device.
3Productivity
If corn ears are imaged while moving on a conveyor, then imaging can be performed continuously, but the corn ear contact with apparatus may restrict field of view and complete imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The system captures images dynamically during the corn ear's natural falling motion through the imaging module, rather than requiring controlled movement on a conveyor. The corn ear's downward motion through the field of view enables complete surface imaging from multiple angles, achieving both high throughput and comprehensive coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The corn ear's own falling motion through the imaging module serves the imaging purpose, eliminating the need for external conveyor mechanisms. The natural downward movement provides the relative motion needed for comprehensive surface imaging while maintaining high processing throughput.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the acquisition of complete and accurate images of corn ears, facilitating reliable phenotyping and yield prediction with improved efficiency and precision.
Implementation Method 1
acquiring an image of the outer surface of the corn ear
Implementation Method 2
at least one lightening device adapted to lighten the outer surface of the corn ear with a light
Data Source
AI summary
Method for imaging a corn ear having an outer surface, the method implementing an imaging module having a field of view that enables an image of the outer surface of the corn ear to be acquired, the method comprising the step consisting in dropping the corn ear within the field of view of the imaging module and acquiring an image of the outer surface of the corn ear while the corn ear drops within the field of view of the imaging module.