Remote Chlorophyll Sensing Using Water Index Biomass Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining chlorophyll concentration in crops using remote imagery are affected by weather and atmospheric conditions, and struggle to accurately assess chlorophyll levels independent of biomass variations, leading to inaccurate fertilizer recommendations.
Innovation Solution
A method combining remote spectral data analysis with local measurements, using chlorophyll and water vegetation indices to determine chlorophyll concentration independently of biomass, and identifying specific measurement regions for precise local measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If remote imagery is used to determine chlorophyll concentration, then the coverage area is large and in-field inspection is unnecessary, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to weather and atmospheric conditions affecting the readings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces water content as an intermediary parameter to mediate between remote imagery data and chlorophyll concentration determination. By using water content (obtained from remote sensing) as a correction factor, the system compensates for atmospheric and weather effects, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining large coverage area capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the approach by changing from direct chlorophyll concentration measurement to a two-parameter system (chlorophyll content and water content). This parameter change allows the system to account for environmental variations and improve the accuracy of chlorophyll determination in remote sensing applications
2Device complexity
If remote imagery measures total chlorophyll per ground area, then the measurement process is simplified, but the measurement precision deteriorates because the reading is influenced by both chlorophyll concentration and dry-matter amount
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the total chlorophyll signal into two distinct components: chlorophyll concentration (per unit dry matter) and dry matter amount (biomass). By separating these factors and measuring water content as a proxy for biomass variation, the system can isolate and determine chlorophyll concentration independently, improving measurement precision without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Water content serves as an intermediary parameter that correlates with dry matter amount. By measuring water content remotely and using it to estimate biomass variations, the system can correct the total chlorophyll signal to obtain accurate chlorophyll concentration, resolving the trade-off between simplicity and precision
3Measurement precision
If handheld devices are used for direct chlorophyll measurement, then the measurement precision is high, but the productivity deteriorates because only a single plant can be measured each time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the advantages of both remote sensing and handheld devices by combining remote imagery (large coverage) with water content-based correction (precision improvement). This hybrid approach enables rapid measurement of multiple plants across large areas while maintaining high measurement precision, effectively resolving the productivity-precision trade-off
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
This approach provides accurate chlorophyll concentration measurements and improves fertilizer recommendations by accounting for crop-specific properties and reducing the influence of biomass variations, enhancing crop yield and quality.
Implementation Method 1
receiving remote spectral data from a plurality of wavelengths of the agricultural field, wherein the plurality of wavelengths comprises at least one wavelength from a water absorption band and at least one from a chlorophyll absorption band
Implementation Method 2
generating a first index, wherein the first index is a chlorophyll related vegetation index based on the at least one leaf pigment absorption band of said spectral data; generating a second index, wherein the second index is a water related vegetation index based on the at least one water absorption band
Data Source
AI summary
System and method for remotely determining a chlorophyll concentration in crops present in agricultural fields, wherein a chlorophyll related vegetation index is combined with a water related vegetation index to determine a chlorophyll concentration. Further embodiments for the combination of remote and local sensing are included as well as the determination of measurement regions for that goal are disclosed.