Stereo Camera Soil Clod Detection via Shadow Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for determining soil clod parameters in agricultural fields are limited in assessing the effectiveness of tillage operations and cannot accurately account for the portion of soil clods buried in the soil, leading to suboptimal tillage and agricultural performance.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using three-dimensional image data captured by stereo cameras positioned at different angles, which identify shadows to determine soil clod parameters, including the buried portion, allowing for more accurate control of tillage implement tools and improved agricultural performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional two-dimensional imaging systems are used to determine soil clod parameters, then the system complexity is low, but the measurement precision is insufficient because buried soil clods cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional imaging to three-dimensional imaging by introducing stereo cameras positioned at different angles. This dimensional change enables the system to detect buried soil clods by analyzing shadow patterns and depth information, thereby improving measurement precision without excessive complexity increase
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces shadow analysis as an intermediary mechanism to indirectly detect buried soil clods. By capturing shadow information from multiple angles and processing it through computational algorithms, the system can infer the presence and characteristics of subsurface clods without direct visual contact
2Measurement precision
If multiple imaging devices are positioned at different angles to capture three-dimensional data, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses stereo cameras positioned at different spatial angles to capture three-dimensional image data. This multi-angle approach provides depth information and shadow patterns that enable accurate detection of soil clod parameters, including buried clods, while maintaining a relatively simple dual-camera configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system is designed to perform multiple functions: capturing visible light images, detecting shadow patterns, and generating three-dimensional depth maps. By making the imaging system multi-functional, the patent achieves comprehensive soil clod detection without adding separate specialized devices for each function
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides more accurate determination of soil clod parameters, enabling better control of tillage operations and enhancing agricultural performance by accounting for buried soil clods, thus improving the effectiveness of tillage and field conditions.
Implementation Method 1
An imaging device is configured to capture an image of the surface feature and the adjacent shadow created by the surface feature
Implementation Method 2
A light source is configured to illuminate at least a portion of the shielded surface area which creates a shadow adjacent a surface feature positioned within the shielded surface area
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for determining soil clod parameters within a field includes receiving, with a computing system, three-dimensional image data depicting an imaged portion of the field. The three-dimensional image data, in turn, includes a first two-dimensional image depicting the imaged portion of the field relative to a first position and a second two-dimensional image depicting the imaged portion of the field relative to a second position, with the first position being spaced apart from the second position. Furthermore, the method includes identifying, with the computing system, a soil clod depicted with the received three-dimensional image data. Additionally, the method includes comparing, with the computing system, the first and second two-dimensional images to identify a shadow surrounding at least a portion of the identified soil clod. Moreover, the method includes determining, with the computing system, a soil clod parameter associated with the identified soil clod based on the identified shadow.