Multi-Wavelength Optical Device for Selective Plant Matter Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for controlling weed growth in agriculture often require spraying expensive and toxic chemicals over both valuable plants and weeds, making it difficult to target weeds specifically, and there is a need for an automated system to distinguish between different types of plant matter for tailored treatment.
Innovation Solution
An optical device that emits light with multiple wavelengths, uses an optical element to distribute light evenly and reduce intensity differences, and incorporates a filter to minimize background noise, allowing for the detection and selective treatment of specific plant matter such as weeds or ripening fruit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple wavelengths of light are used to improve detection capability, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple wavelengths of light into a single combined beam using optical elements, allowing simultaneous multi-wavelength detection without requiring separate optical paths for each wavelength, thus improving measurement precision while controlling device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The optical element serves multiple functions: it combines multiple wavelengths into a single beam, distributes the combined beam into multiple component beams, and ensures uniform intensity distribution. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function
2Measurement precision
If light intensity differences between component beams are reduced to improve detection accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent selects specific optical properties (transmissivity, reflectivity) for the optical element surfaces to control light intensity distribution. By adjusting these optical parameters, the system achieves uniform intensity distribution across component beams, improving detection accuracy while providing design flexibility to manage manufacturing tolerances
3Measurement precision
If optical filtering is applied to reduce background noise, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical filter extracts and removes background noise wavelengths from the reflected light, allowing only the relevant wavelengths to reach the detector. This selective extraction improves the signal-to-noise ratio and detection precision by eliminating interfering background signals
4Productivity
If automated detection system is implemented to distinguish plant matter, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual inspection and chemical spraying with an automated optical detection system that uses light reflection characteristics to identify and distinguish different types of plant matter. This automation improves agricultural productivity by enabling rapid, non-contact detection and targeted treatment
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 device improves sensitivity and detection range by reducing light intensity variations caused by factors other than reflectivity, enabling precise identification and targeted treatment of specific plant matter, thereby reducing chemical usage and enhancing agricultural efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a light source for emitting light having at least 3 wavelengths
Implementation Method 2
an optical element for receiving the combined beam of light and directing a plurality of component light beams towards matter
Implementation Method 3
an optical filter for filtering component light beams that were reflected by the matter including the specific matter, the filter being arranged such that an intensity of the reflected light is reduced in a wavelengths range outside one or more wavelengths ranges that include the at least three wavelengths
Implementation Method 4
a detector for detecting the reflected and filtered component light beams
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an optical device for selecting specific matter, such as plant matter. The device comprises a light source for emitting light having at least (3) wavelengths and for generating a combined beam of light having the at least 3 wavelengths. The device further comprises an optical element for directing a plurality of light beams towards matter including the specific matter. The optical element has first surface portions through which in use the plurality of component light beams are directed to the matter including the specific matter. Each component light beam is directed through a respective first surface portion that has an optical property that is selected so that light intensity differences between the component light beams are reduced. The optical device also comprises an optical filter for filtering reflected component light beams such that an intensity of light is reduced in a wavelengths range outside one or more wavelengths ranges that include the at least three wavelengths. Further, the optical device comprises a detector for detecting the reflected component light beams.