Selective Field Spraying Using Geo-Referenced Weed Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling weeds and undesirable vegetation in fields, particularly in low or no-till farming practices, are inefficient due to the need for blanket spraying, high costs, and the inability to determine treatment areas until after passage, leading to excess agrochemical use and environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using uncoupled image capture devices to generate geo-referenced image data, classify target vegetation, and provide treatment instruction data to a treatment apparatus for precise application, allowing dynamic route planning and reduced chemical usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If blanket spraying is used to control weeds, then all undesirable vegetation can be controlled, but 100% of the land area must be sprayed even when weeds are only present in a certain percentage of the total area, leading to excessive agrochemical use and increased costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by transitioning from uniform blanket spraying to variable rate application based on spatially distributed weed detection. Image capture devices identify weed locations and the system adjusts treatment intensity locally to match actual weed presence, ensuring reliable control where needed while avoiding unnecessary application in weed-free areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by capturing images of the field before treatment to map weed locations in advance. This allows the system to plan the treatment route and calculate exact agrochemical requirements beforehand, enabling precise application only where weeds are detected rather than spraying the entire field.
2Loss of substance
If camera-based detection and selected spraying is used, then agrochemical cost is reduced, but the apparatus must travel at reduced speed to allow sufficient time for weed detection, processing, and treatment execution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by performing all detection, classification, and route planning operations before the treatment apparatus begins movement. Image capture devices and processors identify weeds and generate treatment instructions in advance, allowing the apparatus to travel at optimal speeds without real-time processing delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the detection function from the treatment function. Image capture devices mounted on the apparatus continuously capture images during movement, and processed images are used to generate treatment instructions that are executed by the spraying system, allowing independent optimization of detection speed and treatment precision.
3Measurement precision
If camera-based detection is used, then treatment areas can be identified, but the distance between detection and treatment mechanisms (1-2 metres) prevents determination of treatment area until after camera passage over the entire land area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by processing images captured during apparatus movement to generate complete treatment instruction sets before treatment begins. The system calculates total treatment area, determines agrochemical quantities required, and plans the entire treatment route in advance, eliminating delays associated with post-detection analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing system that bridges detection and treatment functions. Image data captured by cameras is processed to generate treatment instructions that are stored and then executed by the spraying system, allowing the detection mechanism to operate independently during movement while treatment planning occurs in parallel.
4Reliability
If the treatment apparatus carries sufficient agrochemical to cover the entire field, then complete treatment capability is ensured, but unused agrochemical requires disposal resulting in further economic cost and environmental impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by calculating the exact quantity of agrochemical required based on pre-scan weed detection data before treatment begins. The system determines treatment area from processed images and generates purchase and carrying requirements accordingly, ensuring the apparatus carries only the necessary amount rather than excess chemical for potential disposal.
5Measurement precision
If the apparatus traverses the entire field to detect all weeds, then complete weed mapping is achieved, but unnecessary traversal of non-infested areas causes ground compaction and increases operational time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by using image capture devices to map weed distribution across the entire field before the treatment apparatus begins traversal. The processed image data identifies infested and non-infested areas, allowing the system to generate an optimized treatment route that traverses only weed-containing areas, thereby avoiding ground compaction in non-infested zones while maintaining complete weed mapping capability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method of selectively treating vegetation in a field with a treatment apparatus that is configured to move in the field and to treat vegetation in the field. In particular, the method includes determining a location of target vegetation in the field and having the treatment apparatus, such as a sprayer, move to the target vegetation in the field and treat the tart vegetation in the field with a treatment applicator disposed on the treatment apparatus.