GPS Polygon Mapping for Automated Plant-Row Coordinates
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Mapping plant rows in agricultural regions, such as crop fields, vineyards, and orchards, is labor-intensive and time-consuming, requiring manual identification and traversal of each row.
Innovation Solution
An automated mapping system that uses GPS and optical analysis to generate precise maps of plant rows and geological/non-geological elements, allowing for accurate geographic coordinates to be determined without manual traversal, and includes an operator interface for customization and area indicators to denote various characteristics of the agricultural regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual identification and traversal of plant rows is used, then mapping accuracy can be maintained, but labor intensity and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical traversal and identification with an automated optical system. Sensors capture images of the agricultural region, and image processing algorithms automatically identify plant rows, replacing the need for manual walking and visual inspection. This substitution dramatically increases mapping speed while reducing labor intensity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates optical copies (images) of the physical agricultural region using sensors. These image copies are then processed to extract mapping information, allowing multiple analyses to be performed on the copied data without requiring additional physical traversal of the field, thereby increasing productivity.
2Loss of time
If automated mapping systems are implemented, then labor intensity and time consumption decrease, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mapping system is designed to perform multiple functions: capturing images, processing images, identifying plant rows, determining geographic coordinates, and generating maps. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems into a single integrated platform, making the complexity worthwhile by dramatically reducing mapping time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces image processing algorithms as an intermediary between the physical agricultural region and the final map product. These algorithms process sensor images to extract mapping information, serving as a mediator that translates raw visual data into actionable geographic information without requiring direct human intervention in the field.
3Loss of information
If comprehensive area indicators are added to denote various characteristics, then information completeness improves, but data processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the agricultural region into discrete areas, each characterized by specific indicators such as plant row density, soil type, or moisture levels. This segmentation allows comprehensive information to be organized into manageable units, making it easier to process and analyze large datasets by breaking them down into smaller, characteristic-based segments.
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
Facilitates the generation of accurate and efficient maps at a lower cost and in less time, enabling automated vehicle operations and improved management of agricultural activities.
Implementation Method 1
obtain an image of the agricultural region and perform optical analysis to identify and classify geological and/or non-geological elements
Data Source
AI summary
A mapping system may include a display, a global positioning satellite (GPS) system to be carried by a vehicle and a controller. The controller is configured to determine a polygon representing a geographic boundary of a first region based on signals received from the GPS system of the vehicle as the vehicle travels to enclose the first region, to estimate geographic coordinates of a first number of consecutive rows within the polygon based on signals from the GPS system of the vehicle as the vehicle travels between a second number of consecutive rows less than the first number of consecutive rows and to output control signals causing the display to present a map comprising the polygon and lines within the polygon, the lines being based on the estimated geographic coordinates of the first number of consecutive rows.