Video Analytics for Vegetation Watering Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing irrigation systems lack the ability to accurately determine the water needs of vegetation based on visual cues, often resulting in overwatering or underwatering, which can be detrimental to plant health.
Innovation Solution
A monitoring system that utilizes video analytics to identify vegetation areas and determine their water needs by analyzing images from outdoor cameras, comparing color changes and shapes to reference data, and adjusting watering schedules based on weather and soil moisture levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional irrigation systems are used, then vegetation can be watered, but the watering accuracy is poor resulting in overwatering or underwatering
Solution Approach 1:
The system captures images of vegetation, analyzes color changes to determine water needs, and adjusts irrigation accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables precise control of watering based on actual vegetation condition rather than fixed schedules, directly resolving the contradiction between watering accuracy and plant health reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical irrigation control with optical sensing (camera-based image analysis) and automated electronic control. By substituting manual or timer-based mechanical systems with vision-based detection and automated response, the system achieves superior measurement precision in assessing vegetation water needs
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual irrigation control is used, then operation is simple, but the system cannot adapt to changing vegetation water needs
Solution Approach 1:
The system autonomously monitors vegetation condition through image capture, automatically analyzes color changes to determine water needs, and self-adjusts irrigation schedules without human intervention. This self-service capability provides high adaptability to changing vegetation needs while maintaining relatively simple operation for the user
Solution Approach 2:
The system integrates multiple functions including vegetation monitoring, image analysis, water need assessment, and irrigation control into a single unified platform. This multi-functionality enables the system to adapt to various vegetation types and conditions while presenting a cohesive user interface that masks the underlying complexity
3Loss of substance
If fixed irrigation schedules are used, then system operation is straightforward, but water waste occurs through overwatering
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static, fixed irrigation schedules to dynamic, condition-based scheduling. By continuously monitoring vegetation color changes and adjusting watering decisions in real-time based on actual plant condition, the system eliminates water waste from overwatering while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control
Solution Approach 2:
The closed-loop feedback system continuously assesses vegetation water status through image analysis and adjusts irrigation accordingly. This prevents water waste by ensuring water is applied only when vegetation actually needs it, rather than following predetermined schedules that may result in overwatering
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method includes receiving a reference image of an outdoor area, identifying that a portion of the outdoor area shown in the reference image corresponds to living vegetation, determining, from multiple images of the outdoor area, a reference color that corresponds to a dry condition in the portion of the outdoor area, receiving a sample image of the portion of the outdoor area, determining that a sample color of the portion of the outdoor area shown in the sample image corresponds to the reference color, and based on a determination that the sample color of the portion of the outdoor area shown in the sample image corresponds to the reference color, triggering a watering device to provide water to the portion of the outdoor area.