Quadcopter Georeferenced Optical Recording for Agricultural Data Acquisition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for data acquisition in agricultural areas are complex, outdated, and limited in precision, especially for detecting early weeds and optimizing soil cultivation, due to the limitations of sensor arrangements on agricultural machines and the accuracy of GPS navigation in small aircraft.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a quadcopter with dynamic stabilization and radially symmetric propellers for precise navigation, integrating sensors for nitrogen, humidity, and temperature data, and employing georeferenced optical recording and video transmission to create high-resolution application maps for controlling agricultural machines and documenting field conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a small aircraft with GPS navigation is used for data acquisition, then the coverage area and speed are improved, but the navigation accuracy and precision in maintaining distance from target objects deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of ground control stations with differential GPS and real-time communication links between the aircraft and ground station. This intermediary layer corrects GPS position errors and enables precise navigation despite the inherent limitations of standalone GPS in small aircraft.
2Measurement precision
If the flight altitude is reduced to detect early weeds with diameter less than 1 mm, then the detection precision is improved, but the energy consumption increases and flight time decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the field into sectors and implements a two-level flight strategy: high-altitude overview flights for most areas and low-altitude detailed recordings only at predetermined points or areas of interest. This segmentation allows precise weed detection where needed while minimizing energy consumption across the entire field.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of maintaining low altitude throughout the entire flight, the patent applies partial action by reducing altitude only to the extent and duration necessary for detecting early weeds at specific locations, thereby optimizing the balance between detection precision and energy consumption.
3Loss of information
If multiple sensors are integrated in the small aircraft for comprehensive data collection, then the information quality and variety are improved, but the device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple sensors (optical cameras, nitrogen sensors, humidity sensors, temperature sensors) into a single multi-functional platform that simultaneously collects diverse agricultural data. This universal approach allows comprehensive information gathering while managing system complexity through integrated design and centralized data processing.
4Loss of information
If detailed recordings are made at all points in the field, then the data completeness is improved, but the flight time and energy consumption increase beyond available capacities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the recording detail based on location: high-resolution detailed recordings at predetermined points and areas of interest, versus lower-resolution or no recordings in other areas. This ensures data completeness for critical locations while keeping flight time within available aircraft capacities.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for acquiring data for subarea-specific treatment or processing of agricultural areas by flying an unmanned small aircraft, in particular a mini helicopter. According to the invention, an air route is first of all planned using available lot data, wherein the particular lot is subdivided into sectors. Autonomous flying of the planned route with georeferenced optical recording and video data transmission is then carried out, wherein the altitude is reduced and detailed images are produced at predetermined points.