Optical Soil Treatment Tool Positioning System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current soil treatment methods lack precise positioning of treatment tools, relying on costly and inaccurate marking processes or distinct operations for stake placement, which are time-consuming and prone to errors, especially in rain or heavy site traffic.
Innovation Solution
A process utilizing an optical acquisition system and display device to determine and display the positioning of a soil treatment tool relative to treatment areas, allowing for precise guidance and elimination of the need for on-site marking, using cameras, LIDAR, or laser systems to acquire and process images for real-time positioning data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ground marking is used to indicate treatment zones, then the operator can locate treatment areas, but the process becomes time-consuming and expensive requiring surveyor intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical surveying and ground marking system with an optical measurement system. The optical acquisition device captures images of the treatment zone, and image processing automatically extracts positioning information, eliminating the need for manual surveyor intervention and ground marking while achieving higher precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the treatment zone through optical imaging. Instead of physically marking the ground, the system captures an optical copy (image) of the treatment area and processes it to extract positioning data, which is then used to guide the treatment tool without requiring physical markers on site.
2Measurement precision
If ground marking is used to indicate treatment zones, then the operator can locate treatment areas, but the marking may be erased by rain or traffic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical ground markings with a digital image-based positioning system. The optical acquisition device captures images that are processed to extract treatment zone coordinates, which are then displayed on a screen for the operator. This digital approach eliminates the problem of physical markings being erased by rain or traffic while maintaining or improving positioning accuracy.
3Reliability
If stakes or flags are used to materialize treatment zones, then the marking is more durable, but additional costs are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical stakes and flags with an optical imaging and digital processing system. The treatment zones are identified through image capture and processing, eliminating the need for additional physical materials like stakes and flags while achieving the same or better reliability in treatment zone identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical copies (images) of the treatment zones instead of physical markers. The digital representation of treatment areas extracted from images replaces the need for physical stakes and flags, reducing material consumption while maintaining durability and reliability.
4Loss of information
If layout plans are used to identify treatment areas, then the operator can see treatment zones, but the operator cannot precisely position the treatment tool without visual indicators on site
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances the traditional layout plan approach by adding an optical acquisition system. The device captures images of the treatment zones, processes them to extract precise coordinates, and displays this information on a screen. This provides the operator with both the layout plan information and precise positioning data, eliminating the gap between seeing the treatment zones on paper and accurately positioning the tool on site.
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
Enables accurate and efficient positioning of soil treatment tools, reducing errors and costs by providing real-time, precise guidance for operators without the need for extensive site marking or surveyor intervention, improving treatment area accuracy and reducing operational time.
Implementation Method 1
The optical acquisition device may comprise one or more cameras or a laser remote sensing device (LIDAR) configured to acquire images of the soil treatment tool. It may implement image processing or photogrammetry techniques in order to determine the positioning data of the soil treatment tool.
Implementation Method 2
The optical acquisition device may comprise one or more cameras or a laser remote sensing device (LIDAR) configured to acquire images of the soil treatment tool.
Implementation Method 3
Alternatively, the optical acquisition device may comprise a laser and a reflective target arranged on the soil treatment tool. By pointing the laser at the target, positioning data for said target and therefore for the soil treatment tool are then determined.
Implementation Method 4
Alternatively, the optical acquisition device may comprise a laser and a reflective target arranged on the soil treatment tool. By pointing the laser at the target, positioning data for said target and therefore for the soil treatment tool are then determined.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
Disclosed is a ground treatment assistance method comprising the following steps: providing a machine comprising a ground treatment tool (12); providing geographical coordinates of at least one treatment zone (Zt1); determining data for positioning the ground treatment tool using an optical acquisition device (14); displaying at least one first object representing the ground treatment tool or the at least one treatment zone on a display device; and, positioning the first object on the display device using previously determined data for positioning the ground treatment tool and geographical coordinates of the treatment zone.