Ground-Penetrating Crop Scanning for Underground Yield Prediction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing crop analysis methods for underground crops, such as potatoes, are inaccurate and require harvesting samples for analysis, lacking the ability to assess the entire crop before harvesting.
Innovation Solution
A crop scanning system using ground penetrating radar and imaging to generate scan and image data, determining parameters like harvestable item size and number without harvesting, utilizing a scanning head assembly with scanning devices and imaging systems mounted on a vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If sample-based analysis is used for underground crops, then analysis can be performed without harvesting, but measurement precision deteriorates because samples may not be representative of the entire crop
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical sampling and visual inspection methods with ground penetrating radar technology. The radar system emits electromagnetic waves that penetrate the ground and detect underground crops non-contactedly, eliminating the need to harvest samples while providing accurate measurements of crop size, shape, and position beneath the soil surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces ground penetrating radar as an intermediary between the observer and the underground crop. This intermediary technology allows detection and measurement of crops without direct contact or harvesting, solving the contradiction by enabling both non-invasive analysis and accurate measurement through electromagnetic wave interaction with the crop and soil.
2Ease of operation
If visual inspection of above-ground crops is used, then analysis can be performed easily, but it cannot accurately analyze underground crops that are hidden from view
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual inspection with ground penetrating radar technology. While visual inspection relies on light reflection and human observation, the radar system uses electromagnetic waves that can penetrate soil and detect underground crops, thereby solving the difficulty of detecting hidden crops without requiring physical access or harvesting.
3Measurement precision
If entire crop analysis is performed without harvesting, then crop parameters can be determined accurately, but device complexity increases due to need for multiple scanning and imaging systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines ground penetrating radar systems with imaging systems into an integrated crop analysis platform. By merging these technologies, the system achieves comprehensive crop parameter measurement (including size, shape, and position) while managing device complexity through coordinated operation of complementary technologies rather than separate independent systems.
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 accurate in-situ analysis of underground crops, providing precise data on harvestable items' size and quantity, facilitating better harvesting strategies and crop management.
Implementation Method 1
the scanning device being configured to emit a ground penetrating radar signal or pulse and to generate scan data including a representation of the harvestable items
Data Source
AI summary
A crop scanning system for determining a parameter associated with a plurality of harvestable items of a crop, the harvestable items being beneath a ground surface, the crop scanning system including: a scanning head assembly including at least one scanning device configured to perform a scanning operation in relation to the harvestable items, the scanning device being configured to emit a ground penetrating radar signal or pulse and to generate scan data including a representation of the harvestable items; an imaging system configured to capture an image of a part of the crop which is above the ground surface and to generate image data including a representation of one or more stems associated with the harvestable items; and an analysis system configured to use the scan data and the image data to determine the parameter associated with the harvestable items, wherein the at least one parameter includes a predicted size of the harvestable items.