Soil Clod Size Determination Using Sphere Approximation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for determining soil clod size in agricultural fields are unable to accurately assess the size of clods that are partially buried in the soil, limiting the effectiveness of tillage operations and subsequent agricultural performance.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing a computing system with an imaging device to capture images of the field, identify soil clods, determine their maximum height and length, and calculate their size by approximating the clod with a sphere that accounts for both above- and below-ground portions, allowing for more accurate volume determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional imaging systems are used to determine soil clod size, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but it cannot accurately detect buried clod portions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D image analysis to 3D spatial analysis by determining maximum height above soil surface and maximum length of clods, then calculating the radius of a sphere that accounts for both visible and buried portions. This dimensional expansion enables accurate measurement of buried clod portions that conventional 2D systems miss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing images at multiple positions and angles before final analysis, determining maximum height and length parameters in advance, and using these pre-determined values to calculate the sphere radius that represents the complete clod size including buried portions.
2Measurement precision
If operators visually assess tillage effectiveness, then the method is simple and requires no equipment, but the assessment accuracy is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual visual assessment mechanism with an automated imaging and computing system. The computing system automatically processes images, identifies soil clods, determines their dimensions, and calculates size metrics, eliminating the limitations of human visual assessment while providing objective, quantifiable measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically capturing images, identifying clods, determining maximum height and length, calculating sphere radius, and assessing tillage effectiveness without requiring operator intervention for measurement. The automated process eliminates subjectivity and increases assessment accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If only visible clod portions are measured, then the measurement process is simple and quick, but the results are incomplete and inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent overcomes the limitation of detecting only visible portions by introducing height measurement above the soil surface and using this vertical dimension to infer the extent of buried portions. By determining maximum height and maximum length, the system calculates a sphere radius that represents the complete clod volume, including buried sections that are invisible from above.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining soil clod size within a field includes receiving an image depicting an imaged portion of the field. Furthermore, the method includes identifying a soil clod present within the imaged portion of the field. Additionally, the method includes determining a maximum height of the identified soil clod above a soil surface of the field. Moreover, the method includes determining a maximum length of the identified soil clod. In addition, the method includes determining a radius of a sphere based on the determined maximum height and the determined maximum length, with the sphere including a first portion approximating a portion of the identified soil clod positioned above the soil surface and a second portion approximating a portion of the identified soil clod positioned below the soil surface. Furthermore, the method includes determining a size of the identified soil clod based on the determined radius.