Reconfigurable Crop Scanning Mounts for Multi-Height Tree Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing crop scanning systems are inadequate for efficiently scanning diverse tree-crops with varying geometries and features of interest at different heights and times of year, requiring multiple specialized devices and suboptimal decision-making based on uniform crop assumptions.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable scanning system mounted on a vehicle with adjustable mountings and interchangeable arm portions, equipped with various scanning equipment, and a control system that adapts operations based on crop type, time, and geographic location, enabling efficient scanning of multiple crop types with minimal reconfiguration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fixed arrangement of scanning hardware is used for one crop type, then scanning accuracy for that specific crop is improved, but the system becomes unsuitable for other crop types or seasons, requiring multiple specialized devices
Solution Approach 1:
The scanning system employs dynamically adjustable mountings that allow the scanning equipment to be repositioned and reoriented during operation. This enables the same hardware to adapt to different crop geometries, heights, and configurations, resolving the contradiction between fixed scanning accuracy and crop type versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed as a universal platform capable of scanning multiple crop types through reconfigurable mountings and interchangeable scanning equipment. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace multiple specialized devices, maintaining measurement precision across diverse applications
2Measurement precision
If multiple specialized scanning devices are constructed for different crop types, then scanning accuracy for each crop type is improved, but device complexity and the number of required devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system consolidates multiple specialized scanning devices into a single universal platform. By incorporating adjustable mountings and the capability to interchange scanning equipment, one device can perform the functions of multiple crop-specific devices, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining scanning accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic reconfiguration capability allows a single device to adapt its scanning parameters and hardware arrangement to match the requirements of different crop types, eliminating the need for multiple static specialized devices
3Productivity
If sampling techniques based on uniform crop assumption are used, then inspection efficiency is improved, but decision accuracy for the entire crop area deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts scanning parameters such as equipment positioning, orientation, and scanning patterns based on detected crop characteristics. This adaptability allows comprehensive data collection across variable crop areas while maintaining inspection efficiency, improving decision accuracy without sacrificing productivity
Data Source
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AI summary
A scanning system for scanning crops is described, the system being arranged to be mounted to a vehicle and to be traversed along rows of crops, the system including: a carrier which is arranged to be mounted to a vehicle; a number of mountings for attaching items of scanning equipment to the carrier; and wherein at least some of the mountings may be adjusted to allow the scanning system to be reconfigured for use in different scanning scenarios.