Duplex Optical Element for LIDAR Crop Yield Counting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for forecasting crop yields are often inaccurate and labor-intensive, relying on manual estimation or limited by the scalability and speed of existing LIDAR sensing technologies.
Innovation Solution
A remote sensing device equipped with a LIDAR transceiver that includes a duplex optical element with a reflective layer and optical flat, configured to accurately direct laser beams to targets and receive return signals, enhancing precision and scalability in crop analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual estimation methods are used for crop yield forecasting, then labor intensity is high and accuracy is low, but the complexity of the system remains simple
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual estimation with an automated LIDAR-based optical sensing system that uses laser beams to detect and count fruits. The system substitutes mechanical/manual counting with optical detection principles, achieving higher accuracy while managing complexity through specialized optical components rather than complex mechanical structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a LIDAR transceiver as an intermediary device between the observer and the fruit targets. This intermediary uses laser light to carry information about the fruit locations and counts, enabling accurate remote sensing without direct manual intervention and simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Productivity
If traditional LIDAR sensing is used for crop analysis, then scalability and speed are improved, but measurement precision for fruit counting may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using a duplex optical element with a reflective layer positioned at specific locations to optimize both transmission and reception paths. The reflective layer is strategically placed to enhance the interaction between laser beams and fruit targets, improving detection precision while maintaining the speed advantages of LIDAR technology.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes optical parameters by adjusting the properties of the duplex optical element, including the reflective layer's position and characteristics. These parameter modifications enable the system to optimize both the speed of data collection and the precision of fruit counting, resolving the trade-off between productivity and measurement precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If a duplex optical element with reflective layer is used, then optical path control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of beam transmission and signal reception into a single duplex optical element. By combining the transmissive and reflective properties in one component, the system achieves precise optical path control while reducing the overall number of separate components, thereby managing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The duplex optical element serves multiple functions: it transmits laser beams to targets and simultaneously receives reflected signals. This multi-functionality is achieved within a single component structure, improving optical path control precision while avoiding the need for separate transmit and receive optical elements, thus managing system complexity.
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
The remote sensing device provides accurate and timely counting of fruits on trees or vines, improving crop yield forecasting, reducing labor costs, and enhancing market timing optimization.
Implementation Method 1
The duplex optical element may be configured to reflect an output of the optical source via the reflective layer and directly to a target
Implementation Method 2
The return optical signal may pass through the optical flat between the peripheral edges and the reflective layer
Data Source
AI summary
A remote sensing device may include a mobile platform, and a LIDAR transceiver carried by the mobile platform. The LIDAR transceiver may include an optical source, a detector, and a duplex optical element coupled downstream from the optical source and upstream from the detector. The duplex optical element may have an optical flat, and a reflective layer on the optical flat. The reflective layer may be spaced apart from peripheral edges of the optical flat. The duplex optical element may be configured to reflect an output of the optical source via the reflective layer and directly to a target, and the duplex optical element may also be configured to pass through a return optical signal reflected from the target to the detector. The return optical signal may pass through the optical flat between the peripheral edges and the reflective layer.