Robotic Plant Embryo Pickup With Two-Step Imaging Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for picking up and collecting plant embryos are labor-intensive and lack precision, requiring significant time and risking empty compartments, especially when processing larger quantities.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a robotic arm with a pick-up unit that captures optical images to detect and pick up plant embryos, with two imaging steps to confirm successful pickup, allowing for efficient and precise placement into compartments, and includes a blowing unit to isolate clustered embryos.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual picking up of plant embryos is performed, then labor intensity is high, but processing speed is slow and precision is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical picking with an automated robotic arm system equipped with image-guided positioning. The robotic arm uses optical imaging to locate embryos and automatically transfers them to compartments, eliminating manual labor and significantly increasing processing speed while reducing time requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical imaging to create a visual copy or representation of the embryo's position and characteristics. This image data is then used to guide the robotic arm's movements, allowing precise location and handling of embryos without direct manual intervention, thereby improving both speed and accuracy.
2Productivity
If automated picking up is implemented, then productivity increases, but risk of empty compartments increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a feedback mechanism where optical images are captured to verify embryo presence and position. The system uses this visual feedback to confirm successful pickup and placement, allowing real-time monitoring and correction to ensure each compartment receives an embryo, thereby maintaining high compliance rates alongside increased throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary imaging and verification steps before final placement. The system captures images to identify suitable embryos, plans the transfer path, and confirms successful deposition before proceeding to the next compartment, ensuring reliability is maintained throughout the automated high-speed process.
3Measurement precision
If single imaging is used, then system complexity is low, but detection precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging process into multiple sequential or simultaneous stages: initial scanning to locate embryos, verification imaging to confirm pickup, and final placement verification. This segmentation of the imaging function into distinct steps improves detection precision without requiring a single overly complex imaging system.
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
This approach significantly reduces the time required for embryo collection, ensures each compartment contains a single embryo, and increases throughput by using optical imaging and robotic precision, while also handling clustered embryos effectively.
Implementation Method 1
capturing a first optical image, being an image of at least one piece of plant matter, such as a plant embryo, arranged in a receptacle
Implementation Method 2
directing a pressurized gaseous medium, such as air, toward the receptacle
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and system for picking up and collecting plant matter, in particular plant embryos. To pick up the plant matter, a pick-up unit is used that is mounted to a robotic arm. According to the invention, two separate imaging steps are performed at two different positions of the pick-up unit. The first imaging step is performed to identify an isolated piece of plant matter. The second imaging step is performed when the pick-up unit is at a confirming position and enables a verification of whether a piece of plant matter has been picked up or not. The confirming position is in between the position of the pick-up unit for picking up plant matter and the position for depositing plant matter in suitable receptacles.