In-Canopy UAV Weed Imaging Without Propeller Downwash
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for agricultural weed management fail to acquire imagery at the required resolution and quality due to propeller downwash causing leaf movement and entanglement in crop canopies, and the process is time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A small, lightweight UAV with propeller guards that flies within the crop canopy to acquire images, analyze them for weed presence and density, and apply herbicides efficiently, utilizing a base station for coordinated flight paths and image processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the UAV hovers stationary above the crop and lowers a camera into the crop canopy, then image acquisition is possible, but propeller downwash generates significant leaf movement and the camera can get entangled in crowded canopies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical hovering and camera lowering system with an optical imaging system. The UAV flies horizontally at a constant height and uses an optical system with variable focal length to capture images at different magnifications, eliminating propeller downwash and camera entanglement issues entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical system with variable focal length as an intermediary between the UAV and the crop canopy. This allows the UAV to maintain a safe horizontal distance while achieving close-up imaging through focal length adjustment, avoiding direct interaction with the canopy.
2Measurement precision
If the camera is raised and lowered from the UAV to acquire images, then imagery can be obtained, but the process is time-consuming and slows down field scouting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the focal length of the optical system dynamically adjustable during flight. The control unit changes the focal length based on real-time positioning data and imaging requirements, allowing the UAV to capture both wide-area and detailed images without physical camera movement, significantly improving scouting efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The UAV maintains continuous forward flight while performing imaging operations. The optical system continuously adjusts focal length and the control unit continuously processes imaging data, eliminating the stop-start nature of raising and lowering cameras, thereby maintaining continuous productive action throughout the field.
3Measurement precision
If the UAV flies within the crop canopy to acquire high-resolution images, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to navigation and positioning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it controls the variable focal length optical system, processes imaging data, determines positioning information, and controls the spray system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, managing system complexity while achieving precise weed detection and treatment.
4Area of stationary object
If traditional UAVs are used for weed management, then coverage is possible, but time and energy consumption are high
Solution Approach 1:
The UAV maintains continuous forward flight while performing imaging and spray operations simultaneously. The optical system continuously captures images and the control unit continuously processes data and controls spraying, eliminating the need to stop for imaging or navigation, thereby reducing time consumption while maintaining field coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the imaging function and spray application function into a single integrated system. The control unit coordinates the optical system and spray system to operate simultaneously during continuous flight, combining multiple operations into one continuous action to reduce overall time and energy consumption.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for agricultural weed management. The UAV comprises a control and processing unit (20), and a camera (30). The control and processing unit is configured to control the UAV to fly to a location inside the canopy of a crop and below the vertical height of the crop and/or between a row of a plurality of crops and below the vertical height of the plurality of crops. The control and processing unit is configured to control the camera to acquire at least one image relating to the ground at the location inside the canopy of a crop and below the vertical height of the crop and/or between a row of a plurality of crops and below the vertical height of the plurality of crops. The control and processing unit is configured to analyse the at least one image to determine the presence of at least one weed and its location on the ground.