Unwanted plant removal system
AssigneePalo Alto Research Center Incorporated
InventorsTimothy David Stowe, Patrick Yasuo Maeda, Tim Curley
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Embodiments include an apparatus and methods for removing unwanted plants or weeds from an area such as an agricultural plot or lawn. The apparatus includes a three-dimensional imager configured to capture plant images and locate plants; an image processor configured to distinguish between wanted and unwanted plants based upon the captured plant images; at least one laser device configured to emit a laser beam having power sufficient to damage the unwanted plants; a laser beam controller configured to direct at least one laser beam toward the unwanted plant; and a chassis configured to support the three-dimensional imager, the laser device, and the laser beam controller. The chassis is configured to be moved across the area.
Claims23
An apparatus comprising:
- a three-dimensional imager configured to capture plant images and locate plants, the three dimensional imager comprising a multispectral imager having at least a first channel associated with a first spectral range and a second channel associated with a second spectral range;
- an image processor configured to:
- compare information obtained from the first channel to information obtained from the second channel, and
- distinguish between a wanted plant and an unwanted plant based on the captured plant images and the comparison;
- at least one laser device configured to emit a laser beam having power sufficient to damage the unwanted plant;
- a laser beam controller configured to direct at least one laser beam toward the unwanted plant;
- and
- a chassis configured to support the three-dimensional imager, the laser device, and the laser beam controller, and configured to be moved across an area.
A method of removing unwanted plants comprising:
- capturing plant images using a three-dimensional imager the three dimensional imager comprising a multispectral imager having at least a first channel associated with a first spectral range and a second channel associated with a second spectral range;
- comparing information obtained from the first channel to information obtained from and the second channel;
- distinguishing between a wanted plant and an unwanted plant based on the plant images and the comparison;
- directing a laser beam from at least one laser device towards the unwanted plant;
- and
- damaging the unwanted plant with the laser beam.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.