Selective Crop Harvesting via Image and Motion Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current crop harvesting methods, both manual and automated, are inefficient and costly due to the need for selective harvesting, high labor costs, and the inclusion of unwanted matter, which increases expenses and reduces crop quality.
Innovation Solution
A system using a carriage with a harvesting device that determines crop location and suitability through motion and image data, allowing for precise harvesting in a single pass, incorporating a ground motion sensor and image capture means to assess crop conditions and adjust the harvesting path accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated harvesting methods are used, then harvesting efficiency and productivity are improved, but selectivity deteriorates and unwanted matter is harvested along with crops
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary identification and assessment of crops before harvesting. Image capture means detect and assess crop location, size, and condition in advance, allowing the control system to plan the harvesting path and activate the harvesting device only at appropriate locations, ensuring selective harvesting before the actual cutting action occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses image capture means to continuously monitor and assess crop conditions, providing feedback to the control system. This feedback loop enables real-time adjustments to the harvesting process, allowing the system to selectively harvest only crops that meet predetermined criteria while avoiding unwanted matter.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual harvesting is used, then selectivity and crop quality are improved, but labor costs and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical assessment and cutting with an automated system comprising image capture means for assessment and a controlled harvesting device for cutting. The control system processes image data to identify suitable crops and activates the harvesting device automatically, substituting human labor with automated sensing and actuation while maintaining selectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The harvesting system performs its own assessment and decision-making process. The image capture means and control system work together to automatically identify, assess, and harvest suitable crops without human intervention, enabling the system to serve itself in making harvesting decisions while maintaining high selectivity and efficiency.
3Productivity
If crops are harvested below minimum threshold size or ripeness, then productivity is improved by harvesting all crops, but crop quality deteriorates and waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessment of crop size and ripeness using image capture means before harvesting. By evaluating crops in advance and comparing them against predetermined quality criteria, the system identifies only suitable crops for harvesting, ensuring that all harvested crops meet minimum quality standards while maintaining high productivity through automated processing.
4Manufacturing precision
If sorting is performed after harvesting, then crop quality standards are met, but time consumption and expense increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs the quality assessment and sorting function preliminarily during the harvesting process itself. Image capture means evaluate crop characteristics before the harvesting device activates, effectively sorting crops in real-time and harvesting only suitable crops. This eliminates the need for separate post-harvest sorting operations, saving significant time and reducing expenses.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus (1) for harvesting crops, the apparatus (1) comprises a carriage (2), sensing means (3), a ground motion sensor (6) and a harvesting device (4), where the sensing means (3) is configured or configurable to determine the location of a first crop, the ground motion sensor (6) is operated or operable to determine the motion of the carriage (2) relative to the ground, the location data and the motion data being utilized to cause the harvesting device (4) to move to and harvest the first crop.