Digital Pest Maps for Targeted, Rotating Treatments

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pest control methods face challenges in effectively managing pests while minimizing the development of resistance and ensuring efficient use of pesticides, particularly due to the formation of stable pest nests and the need for targeted application strategies.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the creation of a digital pest distribution map to identify pest locations, followed by a digital application map that specifies multiple treatments with different modes of action, reducing the number of applications over time, and using a system with a positioning system and application device to implement these treatments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If repeated applications of herbicides with the same or similar mechanisms of action are used to control pests, then pest control effectiveness is improved, but pesticide resistance development accelerates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepest control effectivenessVSAvoidpesticide resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by varying the mode of action of control agents across multiple applications. Instead of using the same herbicide repeatedly, the system changes chemical parameters (different active ingredients with different mechanisms) to maintain effectiveness while preventing resistance development in pest populations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic action through multiple treatment applications over time with alternating control agents. The system schedules repeated treatments but varies the specific agent used each time, creating a periodic pattern that prevents pests from adapting to a single mode of action while maintaining continuous control pressure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Quantity of substance

If site-specific pest control is implemented using digital maps, then pesticide use efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepesticide use efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the field into distinct zones based on digital pest distribution maps. Each zone is identified and treated independently with appropriate control agents, allowing precise targeting of pest-infested areas while leaving non-infested areas untreated, thus improving pesticide efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses digital copies and representations of the field (digital maps, GPS coordinates, application maps) to guide physical treatment operations. These digital replicas allow planning and optimization of pesticide application before actual field operations, reducing the need for complex real-time decision-making equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If multiple treatments are applied to the same partial areas, then pest control reliability is improved, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepest control reliabilityVSAvoidtreatment time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by creating digital pest distribution maps and treatment plans before field operations begin. The application map is generated in advance with all treatment locations and parameters predetermined, allowing operators to efficiently execute multiple treatments without repeated decision-making or replanning during field operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by using the digital application map to track treatment progress and update the system after each application. The map records which areas have been treated and adjusts subsequent treatment plans based on this feedback, optimizing the sequence and timing of multiple applications to minimize total treatment time while ensuring complete coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3474663B1Method for combating pests
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 BASF DIGITAL FARMING GMBH
  • EP3474663B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to the technical field of controlling pests in crop cultivation. The invention discloses a method for pest control, a system for pest control, and the use of a digital application map for applying one or more pest control agents.