Field Spraying Control Using Plant Row Segmentation for Weed Targeting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural spraying systems face a conflict between plant row detection and weed detection, where high-resolution images for weed detection limit working speed due to increased processing time and geometric distance, making precise location-correct application challenging.
Innovation Solution
The method involves detecting a field section with optical/infrared units, identifying plant rows, defining plant and weed areas, determining a plant identification number, and applying a spray agent to the weed area using a control unit and spray nozzles, optimizing image processing by dividing it into parallel paths with different image sizes and positioning the evaluation section for maximum reaction path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high-resolution images are captured for weed detection, then detection precision is improved, but processing time increases and working speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detected field section into a predetermined evaluation section and other sections. Image processing is performed only on the evaluation section at high resolution for weed detection, while other sections are processed differently or not at all. This segmentation allows high detection precision in the critical area without requiring full-field high-resolution processing, thus maintaining working speed.
2Measurement precision
If the image section length is increased for plant row detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but processing time increases and response time decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different processing qualities to different sections of the field. The predetermined evaluation section receives full high-resolution processing for accurate weed detection, while other sections have reduced processing requirements. This local quality approach ensures accurate plant row detection where needed without uniformly increasing processing time across the entire field section.
3Loss of time
If the geometric distance between camera and spray nozzle is increased, then reaction time is improved, but image resolution for weed detection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary identification of plant rows and definition of the evaluation section at a distance, allowing the system to prepare processing parameters in advance. This preliminary action enables the camera to be positioned at an optimal distance that provides sufficient reaction time while maintaining adequate image resolution for the critical evaluation section through targeted processing.
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 increases working speed by reducing processing time and reaction path, allowing for precise and efficient application of crop protection products without the need for plant classification, while maintaining high image quality and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
Detecting a section of the field with plants using an optical and/or infrared detection unit
Implementation Method 2
Detecting a section of the field with plants using an optical and/or infrared detection unit
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for applying a spray (20), in particular a pesticide (20), to a field (24) by means of an agricultural spraying apparatus (10), comprising the steps of: detecting a field portion (32) of the field (24) having plants (26) by means an optical and/or infrared detection unit (18); identifying at least one row of plants in the detected field portion (32) by means of a computer unit (30); defining, by means of the computer unit (30), a plant region that comprises the at least one identified row of plants using at least one identified row of plants and a weed region, which is different from the plant region, in a predefined evaluation portion (42) of the detected field portion (32); determining a plant code of the weed region in the predefined evaluation portion (42) of the detected field portion (32) by means of the computer unit (30); and applying the spray (20) to the weed region of the predefined evaluation portion (42) on the basis of the determined plant code by means of spray nozzles (16) of the agricultural spraying apparatus (10).