Automated Seed Sowing with Optical Recognition and Robot Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current seed sowing machines are inefficient and error-prone when handling small quantities of seeds, typically between 10 to 100, as they are not designed for such low numbers, leading to labor-intensive and error-prone manual sowing processes, especially with the increasing diversity of seeds due to DNA analysis in plant breeding.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a separating device, optical recognition system, and robot arm device controlled by a unit that separates, recognizes, and automatically picks up seeds based on pre-defined seed profiles, allowing for precise sowing of individual seeds on a growth substrate, with the ability to handle seeds of the same taxonomy and adjust for different sowing patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If standard sowing machines are used for large quantities of seeds, then sowing efficiency is high, but they cannot handle small quantities (10-100 seeds) effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sowing process into distinct functional modules: a seed container holding multiple small groups of seeds, a picking device that selectively removes individual seeds or small groups, and a placement device that positions them precisely. This segmentation allows the system to handle small quantities (10-100 seeds) effectively while maintaining automation, resolving the contradiction between productivity and adaptability to small seed quantities.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual sowing is used for small quantities of seeds, then precision can be maintained, but labor intensity increases and errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates an optical detection device that automatically detects seed positions and a control device that guides the picking and placement operations without human intervention. The device serves itself by using optical feedback to ensure precise sowing of small seed quantities, eliminating labor-intensive manual tracking while maintaining high precision. This resolves the contradiction between sowing precision and labor intensity.
3Area of stationary object
If DNA analysis is used to select plants at early stages, then space requirements are reduced, but the quantity and diversity of seeds to be sown increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary sorting and organization of seeds into small groups within the container before the sowing process begins. The control device pre-plans the sowing sequence based on the required quantity (10-100 seeds), allowing the system to efficiently handle increased seed diversity and quantity resulting from DNA-based selection, while the automated precise placement ensures accurate sowing without requiring additional growth space.
4Ease of operation
If automated sowing systems are implemented, then labor is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a multi-functional device where the same picking device, placement device, and optical detection system can handle various seed types and quantities (10-100 seeds). The control device is programmed to accommodate different sowing patterns and seed arrangements. This universality reduces the need for multiple specialized devices, managing complexity while achieving automated operation that eliminates labor-intensive manual sowing.
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 enables efficient and error-reduced sowing of seeds, reducing labor and increasing precision, allowing for the handling of diverse seed quantities and types, thereby optimizing the plant breeding process by automating the seed placement process.
Implementation Method 1
an optical recognition system for recognizing the separated seed
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device and method for sowing seeds. The invention relates more particularly to a device and method for sowing seeds as part of a plant. The system according to the invention comprises a separating device for separating a single seed relative to a remainder of the plurality of seeds, an optical recognition system (9) for recognizing the separated seed, a robot arm device (4) for picking up the separated seed and for sowing the picked-up seed, arid a control unit for controlling the separating device, the optical recognition system (9) and the robot arm device (4). With this system it is possible to sow seeds in a more accurate and less error-prone manner.