Fertilizer Spreading Support Using Field Height Difference Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining fertilizer application amounts based on leaf color and stem number are inaccurate and do not account for geographic features of agricultural fields, leading to inconsistent crop growth.
Innovation Solution
A spreading support system and server that utilize height difference data from unmanned air vehicles or agricultural machines to correct planned spread amounts based on geographic features, dividing fields into sections and applying correction values to ensure accurate fertilizer application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fertilizer application amount is determined based on leaf color and stem count, then the fertilizer application process can be simplified, but the accuracy of determining actual nitrogen absorption and appropriate fertilizer amounts deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual estimation methods (leaf color and stem count observation) with precise measurement technology (3D imaging to measure plant height). This substitution enables accurate determination of plant growth status and nitrogen absorption without complex manual measurements, thus maintaining ease of operation while improving measurement precision.
2Ease of operation
If uniform fertilizer application is applied across the entire field, then the operation is simple, but the crop growth consistency deteriorates due to geographical variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements variable rate fertilizer application by dividing the field into multiple regions based on 3D height data and applying different fertilizer amounts to each region. This ensures that each local area receives the appropriate fertilizer quantity according to its specific geographical characteristics and plant growth status, thereby improving crop growth consistency while maintaining operational simplicity through automated system control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the agricultural field into multiple regions based on height difference data obtained from 3D imaging. By dividing the field into zones with similar geographical characteristics and applying uniform fertilizer rates within each zone, the system achieves precise fertilizer management that accounts for local variations while simplifying the overall application process through standardized zone-based treatment.
3Measurement precision
If fertilizer application is adjusted according to height difference data, then the fertilizer application accuracy is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a spreading support system that acts as an intermediary between the 3D imaging device and the fertilizer spreader. This intermediate system processes height difference data, determines appropriate fertilizer amounts, and controls the spreader accordingly. By centralizing the control logic in this intermediary system, the patent achieves high fertilizer application accuracy while keeping individual device components relatively simple and modular.
Data Source
AI summary
A spreading support system includes a height difference acquisition unit to acquire a height difference in an agricultural field, a spread amount acquisition unit to acquire a planned spread amount which is an amount of an object to be spread on the agricultural field, a spread amount correction unit to correct, on the basis of the height difference acquired by the height difference acquisition unit, the planned spread amount acquired by the spread amount acquisition unit to obtain a corrected spread amount, and a spread amount output unit to output the corrected spread amount.