Geospatial Pest Pressure Prediction Using Machine Learning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pest pressure prediction systems are inaccurate due to reliance on static logic and limited data visualization, leading to inefficiencies in monitoring and predicting future pest pressures, particularly at an individual farm level.

Innovation Solution

A pest pressure prediction computing device that integrates trap data, weather data, image data, and geospatial features, utilizing machine learning algorithms to identify correlations and generate accurate predictions of future pest pressures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If static logic models (fixed phenology models and decision trees) are used for pest pressure prediction, then the system is simple to implement, but the prediction accuracy is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprediction accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from static logic models to dynamic machine learning models that can adapt and learn from data. The system uses machine learning algorithms that continuously improve prediction accuracy by learning patterns from historical and real-time data, while maintaining manageable complexity through modular architecture and cloud-based processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes from fixed parameter models to adaptive parameter models. Machine learning algorithms dynamically adjust parameters based on learned patterns from multiple data sources including weather data, trap data, and geospatial features, enabling accurate predictions without requiring complex manual model configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If multiple data sources (trap data, weather data, image data, geospatial features) are integrated using machine learning, then prediction accuracy improves, but data processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprediction accuracyVSAvoiddata processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a cloud-based machine learning platform as an intermediary that handles complex data processing. This intermediary receives diverse data sources (trap data, weather data, image data, geospatial features), processes them through machine learning algorithms, and returns simplified prediction results. This approach improves accuracy while keeping the complexity isolated in the cloud service rather than in the field deployment system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of information

If individual farm-level monitoring is implemented, then localized pest pressure data is obtained, but visualization capabilities are limited and data collection time lag increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata visualization qualityVSAvoiddata collection time lag
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a multi-functional system that serves both individual farm-level monitoring and regional aggregation needs. The platform can visualize data at multiple scales (individual field, multiple fields, regional views) and performs multiple functions including real-time monitoring, historical analysis, and predictive modeling. This universal approach eliminates visualization limitations and reduces time lags by enabling parallel data collection and processing across multiple locations simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4115366B1Systems and methods for predicting pest pressure using geospatial features and machine learning
Publication Date: 2025.09.17 FMC CORP
  • EP4115366B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4115366B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4115366B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

System and methods for predicting future pest pressures are provided. A pest pressure prediction computing device includes a memory and a processor communicatively coupled to the memory. The processor is programmed to receive trap data for a plurality of pest traps in a geographic location, receive weather data for the geographic location, receive image data for the geographic location, identify at least one geospatial feature within or proximate to the geographic location, apply a machine learning algorithm to the trap data, the weather data, the image data, and the at least one identified geospatial feature to identify a correlation between pest pressure and the at least one geospatial feature, and generate predicted future pest pressures for the geographic location based at least on the identified correlation between pest pressure and the at least one geospatial feature.