Sensor-Guided Plant Treatment for Targeted Chemical Application

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current agricultural techniques for producing and harvesting crops face challenges in land, chemical, time, and labor costs, necessitating a more efficient and sustainable system for managing agricultural activities.

Innovation Solution

A machine learning-based agricultural treatment system mounted on a vehicle that uses image processing and sensors to identify and treat agricultural objects, applying targeted treatments based on growth stage and history, utilizing stereoscopic cameras and chemical deposition mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional agricultural techniques are used for producing and harvesting crops, then current practices can be maintained, but land, chemical, time, and labor costs remain high and sustainability is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecrop production efficiencyVSAvoidchemical usage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical and chemical agricultural systems with a bio-acoustic field-based system. Specifically, it uses sound waves and acoustic fields to stimulate plant growth, replace chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and control weeds through resonant frequencies. This substitution of mechanical/chemical systems with acoustic field systems directly addresses the contradiction by improving productivity while reducing chemical substance usage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing specific acoustic frequencies and intensities to achieve different agricultural outcomes. By adjusting sound wave parameters (frequency, amplitude, duration), the system can promote plant growth, eliminate weeds, and enhance crop yield without adding chemical substances. This parameter-based control enables improved productivity while maintaining low chemical usage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If traditional agricultural techniques are used, then current methods can be maintained, but time and labor costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveharvest efficiencyVSAvoidagricultural operation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces time-consuming manual and mechanical agricultural operations with automated acoustic field applications. The system can treat large areas simultaneously using sound waves, eliminating the need for sequential manual labor or mechanical processes. This substitution dramatically reduces the time required for agricultural operations while maintaining or improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables continuous agricultural treatment through acoustic field applications that can operate without interruption. Unlike mechanical systems that require stopping, starting, and repositioning, the acoustic system can continuously emit treatment frequencies across the agricultural area, maximizing productivity while minimizing operational time losses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If conventional agricultural methods are employed, then established practices can be maintained, but sustainability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecrop yield consistencyVSAvoidenvironmental harm from chemicals

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes harmful chemical substances with benign acoustic field energy for agricultural treatments. By using sound waves to promote plant growth, control pests, and manage weeds, the system maintains reliable crop yields while eliminating the environmental harm associated with chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides. This substitution directly resolves the contradiction between reliability and harmful factors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potential harm of acoustic energy (which could damage plants if misapplied) into benefit by using specific frequencies that promote growth and health. Similarly, it converts the harmful effects of traditional chemical agriculture into benefit by replacing them with a non-toxic acoustic alternative that maintains crop reliability while eliminating environmental contamination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentUS20260000065A1Multiaction treatment of plants in an agricultural environment

Publication Date: 2026.01.01 VERDANT ROBOTICS INC

AI summary

A method includes traversing, by the treatment system, along a path in an agricultural environment, receiving, by the treatment system, one or more sensor readings comprising one or more agricultural objects, identifying one or more objects of interest from the one or more agricultural objects by analyzing the one or more sensor readings, determining a first target object of the one or more objects of interest for treatment, selecting a treatment policy to treat the first target object, and activating the treatment mechanism to treat the first target object with the treatment policy.