Plant root exit point search algorithm for weed control applications in organic farming

Abstract

In machine vision applications, Time-of-Flight (TOF) sensors like the Photonic Mixer Devices (PMD) became considerable alternatives to common 3D sensing devices. Because of the enormous progress in TOF-vision systems, nowadays 3D matrix cameras can be used for many applications such as robotic, automotive, industrial, medical and multimedia applications. This paper focuses on the use of ToF cameras for agricultural applications in organic farming. In this paper a plant root exit point search algorithm for weed control applications is proposed. The plant root exit point of weeds must be known to allow a proper elimination. The performance of the proposed algorithm is illustrated by simulation and experimental results.