Seed Transfer and Distribution for Identity-Preserved Germination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plant breeding processes face challenges in maintaining single seed identity from sampling through harvest, leading to errors and high resource demands due to manual handling and re-arraying of seeds, especially when dealing with partially filled O-Plates and different germination tray configurations.
Innovation Solution
A high throughput seed handling system comprising an individual seed transfer subsystem, bulk seed transfer subsystem, and seed distribution subsystem, along with a central control system, to automate the transfer and deposition of seeds into germination wells while maintaining seed identity, using RFID tags and imaging for tracking and coordination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional seedling identification methods are used, then the identification process is simple, but the reliability of identification is low due to fraud and errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-registering seedling images and extracting their identity features before the actual identification process. The seedling identity database is built in advance with reference images and extracted features, enabling reliable comparison during identification without requiring complex real-time processing
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary mechanism - the seedling identity database containing extracted features and reference images - that mediates between the simple image capture process and the reliable identification outcome. This database serves as a trusted reference that enables accurate comparison and verification
2Productivity
If manual seedling identification is performed, then the system complexity is low, but the time consumption increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical identification processes with automated image processing and feature extraction algorithms. The computer automatically captures images, extracts features, compares them with the database, and identifies seedlings, eliminating time-consuming manual inspection while maintaining system accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates copies of seedling identity information by extracting features from reference images and storing them in the seedling identity database. These extracted feature copies enable rapid comparison and identification without requiring repeated manual analysis of original images
3Measurement precision
If seedling images are captured for identification, then the identification accuracy can be improved, but the process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the essential identity features from complete seedling images and stores these extracted features in the database. During identification, only the extracted features need to be compared, not entire images, reducing processing complexity while maintaining identification accuracy
Data Source
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AI summary
A high throughput system for depositing seed into germination wells of a germination tray. The system comprises a seed distribution subsystem, and an individual seed transfer subsystem structured and operable to transfer individual seeds from wells in a seed storage tray to the seed deposition subsystem. The system additionally comprises a bulk seed transfer subsystem structured and operable to singulate a plurality of bulk seeds and transfer each singulated seed to the seed deposition subsystem, wherein the seed distribution subsystem structured and operable to receive seeds from the individual seed transfer subsystem and the bulk seed transfer subsystem, and deposit the seeds into wells of the seed germination tray.