Per-plant crop sensing resolution using modular row units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current crop harvesting machines lack the sophistication in crop data resolution, providing inadequate information for advanced crop management due to limited sensing capabilities, which restricts precise harvesting and field analysis.
Innovation Solution
A crop sensing system that includes sensors, a processor, and a display unit, capable of sensing crop attributes on a row-by-row or plant-by-plant basis, providing enhanced resolution data and allowing for real-time adjustments and field mapping, enabling more refined crop management and harvesting strategies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional crop sensing systems are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and data resolution are inadequate for advanced crop management
Solution Approach 1:
The harvesting platform is divided into multiple independently controllable row units, each equipped with its own sensors and control systems. This segmentation allows per-row or per-plant crop attribute measurement while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from traditional whole-swath averaging to multi-dimensional data collection by measuring crop attributes at multiple spatial levels (individual plants, rows, and swathes simultaneously), enabling precise localization of crop variations without requiring excessive sensor density
2Measurement precision
If per-plant crop sensing is implemented, then the measurement precision is improved, but the productivity decreases due to increased data processing time
Solution Approach 1:
Crop attribute measurements are collected and processed in advance during the harvesting operation, allowing real-time identification of superior plants before they leave the sensing zone. This preliminary detection enables immediate sorting decisions without post-harvest processing delays
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements real-time feedback loops where sensor data from individual plants is immediately processed and used to control sorting mechanisms, allowing continuous adjustment of harvest composition without interrupting the harvesting flow or reducing overall productivity
3Loss of information
If traditional swath-level sensing is used, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the loss of information occurs due to inadequate data resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing system is designed to operate at multiple levels of detail simultaneously, collecting data for individual plants, rows, and entire swathes with a single integrated sensor array. This multi-functionality preserves detailed crop variation information while maintaining straightforward operation through automated data aggregation and presentation
Solution Approach 2:
A centralized control system acts as an intermediary that automatically processes raw sensor data from multiple sources, aggregates information at appropriate spatial scales, and presents processed results to operators. This intermediary layer preserves detailed information while shielding operators from system complexity through automated data synthesis and visualization
Data Source
AI summary
At least one sensor carried by a mobile machine senses a sensed forage crop attribute value independent of plant population for an individual forage plant. A processing unit derives a derived forage crop attribute value based on the sensed forage crop attribute value.