Worksite Mapping With Multispectral Sensing for Precise Field Geolocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile agricultural machines face challenges in accurately geolocating plants of interest and non-plant objects, leading to inefficient operations, overlap, and potential damage, as existing systems fail to provide precise location data for non-plant objects and changing plant information over time.
Innovation Solution
Equipping mobile machines with a position sensor system and a multi-spectral observation sensor system to detect and geolocate boundaries, plant locations, and non-plant objects, generating a worksite map that indicates these features, allowing for optimized route planning and operation parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mobile machines use existing location data systems, then operation parameters can be established, but location precision of non-plant objects and changing plant information deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary mapping of the worksite by traveling along boundaries and collecting sensor data about plant locations, non-plant objects, and field characteristics before actual agricultural operations begin. This preliminary action establishes accurate baseline location information that accounts for changing conditions throughout the season.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously updates location data by comparing new sensor readings against the established worksite map, providing feedback that corrects for changing plant positions and growth patterns. This feedback mechanism maintains measurement precision despite temporal changes in the field.
2Loss of information
If mobile machines travel through the field to collect data, then comprehensive location information is obtained, but operational time and fuel consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system collects comprehensive location information during preliminary boundary-traveling operations before main agricultural work begins. By gathering all necessary spatial data during this initial pass, the system avoids needing to re-traverse the field multiple times during actual planting, spraying, or harvesting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from collecting data point-by-point during operations to mapping the entire worksite boundary and characteristics in advance. This dimensional approach to data collection during boundary travel creates a comprehensive reference framework that eliminates the need for continuous data gathering during productive operations.
3Ease of operation
If mobile machines use traditional navigation methods, then simple route planning is possible, but navigation accuracy and overlap avoidance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses real-time feedback from position sensors and worksite maps to continuously adjust navigation routes. This feedback loop ensures high navigation accuracy by comparing actual machine position against the pre-established boundary and feature locations, automatically correcting deviations and preventing overlap.
Solution Approach 2:
The route planning system dynamically adjusts navigation paths based on real-time position data and the established worksite map. Rather than following fixed predetermined routes, the system adapts its path planning to maintain optimal accuracy while avoiding overlap, balancing ease of operation with precision navigation.
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 solution enables precise navigation and operation of mobile machines, minimizing passes, avoiding overlap and damage, and ensuring accurate application of materials by providing real-time location data of plants and non-plant objects, thereby improving operational efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
a multi-spectral observation sensor system to detect and geolocate boundaries, plant locations, and non-plant objects
Implementation Method 2
a position sensor system and a multi-spectral observation sensor system to detect and geolocate
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for generating a worksite map that indicates locations of characteristics and items in the field includes operating a mobile machine outfitted with a position sensor system and a multi-spectral observation sensor system in a non-plants of interest area, such as a headland or a road. Determining the locations of characteristics and items in the worksite, and external to the mobile machine, based on the sensor data generated by the multi-spectral observation sensor system and the position sensor system while the mobile machine is in the non-plants of interest area. Generating the map of the worksite that indicates the characteristics and items at their respective locations in the worksite. In some examples, the method can further include generating a control output based on the map of the worksite.