Variable-Rate Plantation Spraying Using Image-Based Weed Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current agricultural sprayers apply a single, pre-defined application rate for herbicides, which is inefficient and wasteful, as it does not account for varying weed species, growth stages, density, and environmental conditions, leading to potential overuse or underuse of treatment products.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize real-time image recognition and application rate decision logic to adjust treatment rates based on offline and online field data, including object recognition, environmental conditions, and expected efficacy loss, allowing for variable application rates to optimize treatment efficiency and efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If a single pre-defined application rate is used for herbicide application, then the operation is simple and device complexity is low, but the loss of substance increases due to overuse or underuse of treatment products
Solution Approach 1:
The sprayer system transitions from a static, single application rate to a dynamic system that continuously adjusts the application rate in real-time based on detected weed biomass. The spray rate is dynamically modified by controlling the opening degree of nozzle valves according to the detected weed coverage percentage, enabling adaptive herbicide application that matches actual field conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a closed-loop feedback mechanism where camera sensors detect weed biomass in real-time, the control unit processes this information to determine the appropriate application rate, and the spray system adjusts accordingly. This feedback loop continues throughout the spraying operation, allowing continuous optimization of herbicide application based on actual weed presence.
2Reliability
If the application rate is increased to control difficult weeds, then the weed control efficacy is improved, but the loss of substance increases due to unnecessary overapplication in low-weed areas
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different application rates to different locations within the field based on local weed conditions. Instead of using a uniform high application rate across the entire field, the sprayer adjusts the herbicide dosage locally according to the detected weed biomass at each specific position, ensuring adequate treatment where needed while minimizing application where weed pressure is low.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the application rate parameter dynamically based on detected weed conditions. The control unit modifies the spray parameter (opening degree of nozzle valves) in real-time according to the detected weed coverage, allowing the application rate to be optimized for each local condition rather than maintaining a fixed high rate throughout.
3Loss of substance
If the application rate is decreased to reduce chemical use, then the loss of substance is reduced, but the reliability decreases as weed control efficacy may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic adjustment of the application rate rather than a static low rate. The spray system continuously adapts the herbicide dosage based on real-time detection of weed biomass, ensuring that the application rate is low only when weed coverage is low and increases automatically when difficult-to-control weeds are detected, maintaining efficacy while reducing overall chemical use.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback mechanism ensures that the application rate is continuously optimized based on actual weed conditions. When the system detects low weed biomass, it reduces the application rate to minimize chemical use. When difficult weeds are detected, the feedback loop triggers an increase in application rate to ensure adequate control, thus maintaining reliability while reducing unnecessary application.
4Manufacturing precision
If real-time image recognition and variable application rate control are implemented, then the precision of treatment is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical variable rate control mechanisms with an electronic and optical-based solution. Camera sensors detect weed biomass, and electronic control units process the images and control the nozzle valves electronically, substituting mechanical complexity with sensor-based detection and electronic actuation for more precise and reliable control.
Solution Approach 2:
The sprayer system is designed with multi-functionality, combining weed detection, image processing, and variable rate control in a single integrated platform. The same sensor and control systems that manage variable rate application can potentially be used for other monitoring and control functions, reducing overall system complexity through shared components and processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for plantation treatment of a plantation field, the method comprising: determining (S10) an application rate decision logic (10) based on offline field data (Doff) relating to expected conditions on the plantation field (300); taking (S20) an image (20) of a plantation of a plantation field (300); recognizing (S30) objects (30) on the taken image (20); determining (S40) an application rate based on the determined application rate decision logic (10) and the recognized objects (30); and determining (S50) a control signal (S) for controlling a treatment arrangement (50) of a treatment device (200) based on the determined application rate.