Structured Light Calibration for Furrow Vision Depth
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural machines lack a reliable method for real-time estimation of furrow depth, requiring manual confirmation and lacking accurate calibration of furrow cameras and light units for consistent depth measurement.
Innovation Solution
A calibration system and method using a work machine with a chassis, row unit, imaging unit, structured light unit, and control and image processing unit to capture and process images, calibrate the structured light unit with the imaging unit, and calculate furrow depth by converting structured light points to a plane, employing a calibration target and validation target for precise calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a camera and light unit are used to estimate furrow depth in real-time, then real-time depth estimation capability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to lack of accurate calibration between camera and light unit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing calibration before actual furrow depth measurement. A calibration target with known dimensions is positioned, and the system captures images of the target to calculate calibration parameters that define the geometric relationship between the camera and light unit. These pre-calculated parameters are then stored and used for accurate furrow depth measurements during operation, resolving the contradiction by establishing measurement precision through advance preparation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a calibration target as an intermediary object with known dimensions and properties. This intermediary serves as a reference standard that mediates between the camera and light unit, allowing the system to determine their relative positioning and optical characteristics. By measuring the calibration target's known features through the camera and comparing with the projected light pattern, the system calculates transformation parameters that enable accurate furrow depth measurements, thus resolving the calibration issue.
2Measurement precision
If manual digging is used to confirm furrow depth, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual digging method with an optical measurement system. Instead of physically digging to inspect furrow depth, the system uses a camera to capture images of the furrow and a light unit to project structured light patterns. The control unit processes these optical measurements to calculate furrow depth automatically, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining measurement precision and significantly improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service by enabling automatic self-measurement of furrow depth without human intervention. The calibration system is configured to automatically capture calibration target images, calculate calibration parameters, and store them for use during operation. During furrow depth measurement, the system automatically captures images, processes the data through the control unit, and outputs depth measurements, making the entire measurement process autonomous and eliminating manual digging requirements.
3Device complexity
If calibration is performed without a standardized target, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inconsistent calibration results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs color changes as part of the calibration target design to enhance measurement precision. The calibration target incorporates specific color patterns or color-coded features that provide distinct visual signatures for the camera. These color elements help the system accurately identify and track specific features on the calibration target, improving the consistency and reliability of calibration results. The color information serves as an additional dimension for feature recognition and measurement, ensuring precise and repeatable calibration without significantly increasing system complexity.
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
Enables accurate and consistent real-time estimation of furrow depth, improving uniform crop emergence by ensuring precise calibration of imaging and structured light units, reducing manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a structured light unit configured to project structured light on the trench or furrow
Implementation Method 2
an imaging unit configured to capture an image including at least part of the trench or furrow
Data Source
AI summary
A calibration system comprising a calibration target, an imaging unit, and a structured light unit. The imaging unit is at least partially directed towards the calibration target and configured to capture an image, and the structured light unit projects structured light at least partially towards the calibration target when the structured light unit is operable. The calibration system also includes a control and image processing unit communicatively coupled to the imaging unit and structured light unit, and the control and image processing unit calibrates the structured light unit with the imaging unit.