Vehicle-Mounted Crop Imaging for Plant-Level Weed Mapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for capturing crop and weed images in agricultural fields are costly, lack sufficient resolution for plant-level analysis, and are labor-intensive, especially when using drones or stationary cameras, which are limited by battery power, installation costs, and spatial resolution.

Innovation Solution

An image capture system mounted on farm vehicles, equipped with cameras, GPS, data storage, and machine learning processes, autonomously captures high-resolution images and analyzes crop and weed data, providing real-time feedback on crop growth trends and weed density, using RGB, NIR, or IR cameras, and generating variable rate prescriptions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If satellite cameras are used to capture crop images, then the cost is reduced, but the resolution is insufficient for plant-level analysis

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage resolutionVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a mobile imaging platform (vehicle-mounted or drone-based camera system) as an intermediary between satellite imaging and ground-level observation. This intermediary system captures high-resolution images at specific locations within fields, providing plant-level detail without the prohibitive cost of continuous ground-based monitoring across entire fields.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of capturing images across the entire field continuously (excessive action), the system selectively captures images at specific management zones and locations where variable rate applications are needed (partial action). This reduces cost while maintaining sufficient resolution for plant-level analysis where required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Measurement precision

If drones are used to capture plant-level images, then the resolution is sufficient, but the operation requires trained personnel and battery changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage resolutionVSAvoidoperational complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging system is designed to be self-operating through automation. The vehicle-mounted camera system automatically captures images based on GPS location and pre-programmed routes, eliminating the need for trained drone operators. The system self-manages image capture timing and location without human intervention during field operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical drone system (requiring manual operation and battery changes) with an automated vehicle-mounted imaging system. The vehicle's existing power and navigation systems substitute for drone batteries and manual control mechanisms, simplifying operation while maintaining high-resolution imaging capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If stationary cameras are installed to capture plant-level images, then the resolution is sufficient, but multiple cameras are needed for large fields

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage resolutionVSAvoidnumber of camera systems

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from static stationary cameras to a dynamic mobile imaging system. The vehicle-mounted camera moves throughout the field, capturing high-resolution images at multiple locations sequentially. This dynamic approach provides comprehensive field coverage with a single camera system, eliminating the need for multiple stationary installations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The single vehicle-mounted camera system serves multiple functions: it can capture images across different management zones, adjust capture frequency based on location, and provide both high-resolution plant-level detail and broader field context. This universal system replaces the need for multiple specialized stationary cameras.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Productivity

If variable rate applications are implemented, then profitability increases, but accurate zone-based data is required

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveprofitabilityVSAvoiddata accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging system provides continuous feedback on crop and weed conditions across different management zones. By capturing and analyzing images at specific locations, the system generates data that feeds back into variable rate application planning, ensuring accurate zone-based decisions that maximize profitability while maintaining data integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12567262B2Method and system for automatically capturing and extracting data from images of agricultural field crops and weeds using machine learning processes

Publication Date: 2026.03.03 CROPTIMISTIC TECH INC

AI summary

A method and system for automatically capturing and extracting data from images of agricultural field crops, weeds, and soil within management zones representing soil, water, and topography (SWAT) features of a field wherein the camera system is mounted onto and powered by any vehicle that may pass over agricultural fields. Images and data extracted from the images are automatically uploaded to a processing server for viewing and analysis by farmers and agricultural service providers. The images are analyzed by machine learning processes to document critical weed and crop data by SWAT management zone and entire fields.