Balloon Positioning System Using Ground Reference Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional aerial platforms, such as boom lifts and satellites, face challenges in achieving high spatial, temporal, and spectral resolution for plant performance monitoring, with conventional balloon systems being ineffective in moderate altitudes and unstable in windy conditions, making it difficult to collect high-quality, high-resolution images of fields.
Innovation Solution
A helium balloon-based aerial platform with a GPS-guided positioning system, ground-based reference panels, and a multispectral imaging system that uses gimbals to orient cameras and determine precise balloon positions, enabling high-throughput crop sensing with high spatial, temporal, and spectral resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional balloon systems are used for aerial imaging, then the system can operate at moderate altitudes (50-500 feet), but the system becomes unstable in windy conditions and difficult to position and hold steady
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces ground-based reference panels as intermediary objects that serve multiple functions: they provide visual reference points for the imaging system to track and stabilize the balloon position, enable GPS-guided positioning by providing known reference locations, and allow for image processing calibration. These panels mediate between the unstable balloon platform and the requirement for stable, positionable imaging.
2Speed
If traditional aerial platforms (fixed-wing aircrafts and satellites) are used, then high-speed coverage is achieved, but the spatial resolution is insufficient for phenotype screening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic balloon platform that can move vertically to adjust altitude and horizontally to position itself over different field areas. The balloon's ability to dynamically change position allows it to maintain optimal imaging distance for high spatial resolution while covering large areas over time, unlike fixed-altitude platforms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic imaging cycles where the balloon returns to predetermined positions above the field to capture images at consistent intervals. This periodic action ensures high spatial resolution is maintained across multiple images while achieving temporal coverage of the entire field area.
3Loss of time
If high-temporal frequency imaging is performed to capture large amounts of images, then temporal resolution is improved, but the difficulty of isolating regions of interest in large numbers of images increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-positioning ground-based reference panels at known locations within the field before imaging begins. These panels are captured in each image, providing predetermined reference points that enable automated image processing algorithms to quickly locate, align, and isolate regions of interest without manual intervention, thus reducing processing complexity despite high temporal frequency imaging.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively captures high-resolution images of fields, allowing for accurate data processing and decision-making by isolating regions of interest with precision, overcoming the limitations of traditional platforms in altitudinal and wind stability.
Implementation Method 1
a location system which determines a balloon elevation, a balloon latitude, and a balloon longitude
Implementation Method 2
at least one gimbal configured to orient the at least one camera
Implementation Method 3
a helium balloon-based aerial platform
Data Source
AI summary
A system for high temporal and high spatial resolution monitoring of a field of plants is disclosed. Illustratively, the system includes a plurality of ground based reference objects, a balloon adapted to be positioned above the field of plants, and a balloon positioning system coupled to the balloon and configured to position the balloon relative to the field of plants. An imaging system is supported by the balloon and includes a locations system, at least one camera, and at least one gimbal configured to orient the at least one camera. The imaging system captures at least one image of the field of plants including the plurality of ground based reference objects in the at least one image.