Weed Removal System Using Optical Sensor and Server
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing weed removal systems in agriculture are prone to inaccurate identification of weeds, leading to the unintended removal of crops and reduced harvest yields, and are often large and difficult to handle.
Innovation Solution
A semi-automatic or automatic weed removal system utilizing an optical sensor, central server unit, and communication network for precise weed detection and removal, incorporating various weed removal devices such as mechanical, thermal, pneumatic, hydraulic, or electro-thermal methods, with data comparison for accurate weed identification and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If server-based image data comparison is implemented for accurate weed identification, then identification precision is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A server unit is introduced as an intermediary component that receives image data from the optical sensor, compares it with stored weed images, and transmits identification results back to the control device. This mediator handles the complex data comparison process externally, allowing the main system to maintain simplicity while achieving high identification precision through the server's processing capabilities.
2Productivity
If automatic real-time weed detection and removal is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service automation where the optical sensor continuously captures images, the server unit automatically compares and identifies weeds in real-time, and the control device autonomously activates the weed removal device without human intervention. This self-service mechanism enables high productivity by eliminating manual operations while the modular architecture keeps complexity manageable through automated routines.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback loops where image data is continuously transmitted to the server unit for comparison, identification results are fed back to the control device, and the weed removal device is activated based on this feedback. This continuous feedback mechanism enables real-time automatic weed removal, improving productivity by responding immediately to detected weeds while maintaining system manageability through structured information flow.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple weed removal methods (mechanical, thermal, pneumatic, hydraulic, electro-thermal) are integrated, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The weed removal device is designed with multi-functionality, incorporating multiple removal methods (mechanical, thermal, pneumatic, hydraulic, electro-thermal) within a single integrated system. This universal design allows the same device to handle various weed types and growth stages through different removal mechanisms, improving versatility while the centralized control architecture manages complexity by coordinating all methods through a single control unit.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system (10, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 800) for semi-automatic and/or automatic weed removal, comprising at least one system (12) for automatically detecting weeds, said system having at least one optical sensor (14) and a central server unit (16), at least one communication network (18), at least one control and/or regulating device (20) and at least one weed removal device (22), wherein the optical sensor (14), the server unit (16) and the control and/or regulating device (20) are in data connection with each other by means of the communication network (18), wherein image data of at least one weed can be generated by means of the optical sensor (14) and can be transmitted to the server unit (16) via the communication network (18). The server unit evaluates the transmitted image data to the extent that the weeds are determinable, wherein, in the event of a clear determination of the weeds, weed confirmation data can be transmitted by means of the server unit (16) via the communication network (18) to the control and/or regulating device (20) which, in response to said weed confirmation data, controls and/or regulates the weed removal device (22) such that the weeds detected by the optical sensor (14) can be removed.