Modular Crop Canopy Imaging Platform for Precision Field Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring canopy architecture and photosynthetic capacity are challenging due to high temporal and spatial variation, making it difficult to obtain direct and generalized measurements, especially in variable environments and elevated CO2 conditions, which hampers crop yield improvement and energy-efficient agriculture.
Innovation Solution
A remote field controller and sensor system that integrates environmental and crop sensors, cameras, and actuators to provide real-time data on canopy conditions, allowing for precise management of irrigation and fertilization, and is scalable and modular to accommodate different crops and environments, with data storage and transmission capabilities via IoT platforms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If direct canopy measurements are taken using traditional methods, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to high temporal and spatial variation making measurements challenging and tedious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses imaging devices (cameras) to capture optical copies of the canopy structure, replacing direct physical measurements. The system takes images of the canopy and uses image processing to derive canopy architecture parameters, leaf area indices, and leaf angle distributions, thereby obtaining precise measurement data without the complexity of direct manual measurement methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical measurement tools and manual measurement processes with an optical-based imaging system. Instead of using physical instruments to directly measure canopy parameters, the system uses cameras to capture images and computational algorithms to extract measurement data, eliminating the need for complex mechanical measurement equipment and manual operations
2Ease of operation
If traditional irrigation and fertilization methods are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but loss of energy and loss of substance increase due to lack of precision in resource application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where sensors continuously monitor soil moisture, plant water potential, and environmental conditions. This real-time data feeds back to the irrigation and fertilization controllers, which automatically adjust water and nutrient application rates based on actual plant needs and environmental conditions, optimizing resource use and minimizing energy loss while maintaining ease of operation through automated control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic adjustment of irrigation and fertilization rates based on real-time sensor data. The system continuously adapts water and nutrient application to match changing plant requirements and environmental conditions, replacing static traditional methods with dynamic responsive control that reduces resource waste and energy consumption
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive environmental and crop monitoring is implemented, then measurement precision and information quality are improved, but use of energy and device complexity increase due to multiple sensors and data processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple environmental sensors (temperature, humidity, light, CO2, soil moisture) and crop monitoring devices (imaging cameras, canopy sensors) into an integrated sensor station. This merged system shares common power supply, data processing infrastructure, and communication interfaces, reducing total energy consumption compared to separate monitoring systems while maintaining comprehensive measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the sensor station with multi-functional capabilities where a single platform performs diverse functions: environmental monitoring, crop canopy imaging, soil parameter measurement, and data processing. This universal system replaces multiple specialized devices, reducing overall energy consumption and device complexity while providing comprehensive precise measurements through integrated operation
Data Source
AI summary
A field controller and sensor is presented as an elongate body having a hollow interior and axially opposite first and second ends with a first arm extending outward from the elongate body adjacent to the first axial end and a second arm extending outward from the elongate body adjacent to the second, axially opposite end. Each of the arms has an imaging device. The first arm imaging device is positioned to obtain images in a direction toward the second axial end of the elongate body. The second arm imaging device is positioned to obtain images in a direction toward the first axial end. The first and second arms are spaced apart from one another along a length of the elongate body at a distance sufficient to image a canopy of crop growth in a field in which the field controller and sensor is deployed. The sensor may be formed from modules that allow the operator the ability to vary the height of the sensor by stacking the modules together end to end, which in turn allows users to scale their particular system with varying crop sizes within crop rotations.