Automated Weed Removal Using Sector Scanning and Path Planning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current weed control processes are inaccurate, resource-intensive, and environmentally impactful, lacking flexibility and efficiency in identifying and removing undesirable vegetation.

Innovation Solution

An automated method and system that divides a geographical area into sectors, directs vehicles to areas of undesirable vegetation, determines an optimal travel path, and executes vegetation removal processes using GPS and sensor data, enabling precise and efficient weed control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional weed control processes are used, then vegetation removal can be achieved, but the process is inaccurate and resource-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of vegetation identificationVSAvoidresource consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the geographical area into multiple sectors, allowing systematic coverage and precise tracking of vegetation locations. This segmentation enables targeted resource allocation to specific areas with undesirable vegetation, reducing overall resource consumption while maintaining high accuracy in identification and treatment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual/mechanical weed control methods with an automated system using GPS coordinates, satellite imagery, and computerized vehicle control. This substitution enables precise identification of vegetation locations through digital mapping and automated navigation, significantly improving measurement precision while reducing human labor and resource requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If traditional weed control processes are used, then vegetation removal can be achieved, but the process is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of vegetation removalVSAvoidtime consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary scanning and mapping of the geographical area to identify and record GPS coordinates of undesirable vegetation before actual removal operations. This advance preparation creates a detailed digital map that guides subsequent treatment operations, enabling efficient resource deployment and reducing on-site decision-making time, thereby improving productivity while minimizing time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

By replacing manual surveying and vegetation assessment with automated satellite imaging and GPS-based detection systems, the patent dramatically accelerates the identification and location process. This mechanical-to-digital substitution eliminates time-consuming manual inspections and enables rapid deployment of removal operations, directly improving productivity and reducing overall time consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional weed control processes are used, then vegetation removal can be achieved, but environmental negative impacts are enhanced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental impactVSAvoidherbicide usage

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies treatment resources specifically at the precise GPS coordinates where undesirable vegetation is detected, rather than blanket treatment of entire areas. This localized approach ensures that herbicides or removal resources are applied only where necessary, minimizing environmental impact by preventing unnecessary chemical exposure to non-target areas while maintaining effective vegetation control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces imprecise traditional spraying methods with GPS-guided precision application systems. This substitution enables exact targeting of vegetation locations, reducing herbicide quantity required and minimizing environmental contamination. The digital mapping and coordinate-based delivery system ensures that substances are applied only to intended targets, directly reducing harmful environmental factors associated with over-spraying and drift.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11464168B2Automated vegetation removal

Publication Date: 2022.10.11 KYNDRYL INC

AI summary

A method and system for automatically removing undesirable vegetation is provided. The method includes receiving by a first vehicle, data describing a specified geographical area for scanning. The specified geographical area is divided into a plurality of sectors and a second vehicle is directed to a first sector of the plurality of sectors. First geographical coordinates associated with areas of undesirable vegetation growth located within the first sector are receiving from the second vehicle and an optimal travel path from a current location of the first vehicle to the areas of undesirable vegetation growth located within first sector are determined based on analysis of the first geographical coordinates. The first vehicle is directed to the areas of undesirable vegetation growth via the optimal travel path and a process for eliminating the areas of undesirable vegetation growth is executed.