Plant Image Edge Reclassification for Precision Weed Spraying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural classification methods struggle with misclassifying plant objects on image edges due to partial visibility, often incorrectly identifying cultivated plants as weeds, especially in systems with independent cameras and limited computing power.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize an optical detection unit to classify plants into first and second classes, with a reclassification algorithm to correct misclassifications by reclassifying plants extending to a defined boundary from the image edge, and an agricultural spray device applying a medium based on these classifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If plants on image edges are classified using standard algorithms, then classification is performed quickly with low computing power, but misclassification occurs where cultivated plants are wrongly identified as weeds
Solution Approach 1:
The image is divided into multiple zones based on distance from the lateral image edge. A first zone extends from the edge to a first boundary line where simplified classification is applied, while a second zone extends from the first boundary line to a second boundary line where full classification algorithms are applied. This segmentation allows the system to balance accuracy and computing power by applying different classification strategies to different regions of the image.
2Device complexity
If cameras function independently without data flow between them, then system complexity is reduced and computing power requirements are lowered, but plant objects on image edges are misclassified due to lack of contextual information from adjacent images
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary classification of plants in the first zone (near image edges) using a simplified algorithm that does not require data from adjacent cameras. This preliminary action allows independent camera operation while maintaining acceptable classification accuracy for edge plants, avoiding the need for complex inter-camera data communication.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for classifying plants for agricultural purposes. The method includes: detecting a field section having plants using an optical detection unit inclined toward the field section to obtain image information having a rear image edge having an image width and a front image edge having a larger image width; classifying the plants in the image information into first and second plant classes using an algorithm to treat the plants of the second plant class with a liquid spray agent, in accordance with the classification. The step of classifying comprises a step of reclassifying, in which classified plants are reclassified from the second plant class to the first plant class using the algorithm if they extend in a rear image section of the image information defined by a defined image separation line from a lateral image edge of the image information maximally up to a defined reclassification boundary line.