Stereoscopic Multispectral Imaging for Full-Width Field Element Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural systems struggle to accurately detect, identify, and localize field elements and morphology across the entire working width of agricultural equipment, leading to inefficiencies and high costs due to the need for multiple sensing devices and complex installations.
Innovation Solution
A stereoscopic multispectral imaging system mounted on agricultural vehicles captures real-time images using wide-angle lenses, integrating IMU sensors to determine field element characteristics, morphology, and location, enabling precise application of chemicals based on vegetation index and sensor data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensing devices are used to detect field elements across the entire working width, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from using multiple separate sensing devices distributed across the working width to a single stereoscopic imaging system that captures three-dimensional spatial information and spectral data in one integrated unit. This dimensional approach allows one device to perform what previously required multiple devices, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple sensing devices are deployed to cover the entire working width, then detection coverage is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sensing functions (stereoscopic imaging, multispectral detection, IMU sensors) into a single integrated imaging system mounted on the agricultural vehicle. This consolidation provides comprehensive working width coverage while significantly simplifying installation and operation compared to deploying multiple separate sensing devices, thus resolving the contradiction between coverage area and ease of operation.
3Device complexity
If traditional imaging systems are used without stereoscopic and multispectral capabilities, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of field element characteristics deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal imaging system that simultaneously performs multiple functions: stereoscopic 3D imaging for spatial structure, multispectral imaging for vegetation health assessment, and integration with IMU sensors for precise localization. This multi-functional system achieves high measurement precision for field element characteristics while maintaining relative system simplicity through integrated design, resolving the contradiction between device complexity and measurement precision.
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
The system reduces chemical usage by optimizing application rates in real-time, improving accuracy and reducing installation complexity and cost, while maintaining effective agricultural operations.
Implementation Method 1
a stereoscopic multispectral imaging sensor configured to capture images of the field in real-time
Implementation Method 2
each pixel of the captured images is assigned a pixel value representing a light intensity measurement in a light spectrum space
Implementation Method 3
an Inertial Measurements Unit sensor (IMU) configured to capture acceleration and/or gyro measurements as the agricultural vehicle moves through the field
Implementation Method 4
The stereoscopic multispectral imaging sensor may acquire images containing an entire operational working width of the agricultural vehicle using wide-angle lenses
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system usable with an agricultural operations vehicle as the agricultural operations vehicle moves through a field includes a stereoscopic multispectral imaging sensor configured to capture images of the field in real time; a processor; and a memory. The memory includes instructions, stored thereon, which when executed by the processor cause the imaging system to: capture a real-time image by the stereoscopic multispectral imaging sensor; determine characteristics of field elements within the field based on the real-time image, wherein one of the determined characteristics of the field elements is a vegetation index; determine a morphology of the field in which the agricultural operations vehicle is moving based on the captured real-time image; combine as data the real-time image, the determined characteristics of the detected field elements, and the determined field morphology; and determine a location of the detected field elements based on the combined data.