Robotic Plant Embryo Pickup With Optical Confirmation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for picking up and collecting plant embryos are labor-intensive and lack precision, particularly when handling large quantities, with a risk of embryos being misinterpreted as picked up when they are still in the receptacle.
Innovation Solution
A method involving two optical imaging steps to detect and confirm the pickup of plant embryos using a robotic arm with a pick-up unit, where the first image detects the embryo's presence and position, and the second image confirms successful pickup by ensuring the embryo is separate from the receptacle, allowing for efficient and precise placement into compartments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated picking up methods are used to reduce labor intensity, then productivity is improved, but the risk of misinterpreting embryo status increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses optical imaging to capture images of the receptacle before and after the picking up action. The controller compares these images to detect whether an embryo has been successfully picked up by checking for changes in the receptacle content, providing feedback to confirm the action was successful.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection and mechanical picking with an automated optical imaging system and image processing algorithm. The controller uses image analysis to detect embryo presence and pickup status, substituting human judgment with automated vision-based detection.
2Measurement precision
If manual picking up methods are used, then accuracy of embryo selection is maintained, but labor intensity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection and mechanical picking with an automated optical imaging system and image processing algorithm. The controller uses image analysis to detect embryo presence and pickup status, substituting human judgment with automated vision-based detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-detection and self-correction by automatically analyzing images to determine if an embryo was successfully picked up. If the image shows the embryo is still in the receptacle, the system automatically triggers another picking up action without human intervention.
3Device complexity
If single-image detection is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of pickup confirmation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses optical imaging to capture images of the receptacle before and after the picking up action. The controller compares these images to detect whether an embryo has been successfully picked up by checking for changes in the receptacle content, providing feedback to confirm the action was successful.
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
This approach significantly reduces the time and effort required for embryo collection, increases throughput, and ensures each compartment contains a single plant embryo, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of the process.
Implementation Method 1
capturing a first optical image, being an image of at least one plant embryo, arranged in a receptacle
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method and system for picking up and collecting plant matter, in particular plant embryos. To pick up the plant matter, a pick-up unit is used that is mounted to a robotic arm. According to the invention, two separate imaging steps are performed at two different positions of the pick-up unit. The first imaging step is performed to identify an isolated piece of plant matter. The second imaging step is performed when the pick-up unit is at a confirming position and enables a verification of whether a piece of plant matter has been picked up or not. The confirming position is in between the position of the pick-up unit for picking up plant matter and the position for depositing plant matter in suitable receptacles.