Top-Down Image Analysis for Repeatable Carbon Capture Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing carbon capture in coastal or marine environments rely heavily on human expertise, leading to unreliable, inconsistent, and non-repeatable results due to the limitations of on-site observations and measurements, which are often restricted to accessible areas.
Innovation Solution
Implementing image analysis algorithms on top-down images to determine environmental data, such as normalized difference vegetation and water indices, and computing a carbon capture indicator based on these data, along with habitat and on-site measurements, to provide a reliable and repeatable assessment of carbon capture potential.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If on-site observations and measurements are performed to obtain data for determining carbon capture, then data can be obtained for areas that can be reached, but the method lacks reliability, consistency and repeatability and is heavily based on human expertise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual on-site measurement methods with an automated image analysis system. Top-down images are processed through algorithms that automatically identify primary producers and biotopes, eliminating the need for human experts to physically access and manually assess the area. This substitution of mechanical/automated systems for human expertise directly improves reliability while reducing dependence on human operators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses top-down images as copies or representations of the actual area being assessed. Instead of requiring human experts to physically presence in the area, the system creates and analyzes visual copies (images) of the environment. This allows remote assessment while maintaining consistency and repeatability, as the same imaging and analysis procedures can be repeatedly applied to the same or different areas without human variability.
2Area of stationary object
If on-site measurements are performed to assess carbon capture potential, then local data can be collected, but the method is limited to areas that can actually be reached by a human expert
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from ground-level on-site measurements to aerial or satellite top-down imaging, adding a vertical dimension to the assessment approach. This dimensional change allows the system to access and assess remote, hard-to-reach areas that are inaccessible to human experts on foot or by vehicle, thereby dramatically expanding the coverage area while improving accessibility.
3Extent of automation
If image analysis algorithms are implemented on top-down images to determine environmental data, then remote monitoring is achieved, but additional processing steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent develops a universal image analysis system that can assess multiple types of environmental features (primary producers, biotopes, and by extension carbon capture potential) using the same top-down images and analysis framework. This multi-functional approach increases automation extent while managing complexity, as a single system performs multiple assessment functions rather than requiring separate specialized systems for each measurement type.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a computer-implemented method (20) for assessing carbon capture in an area of interest, the method comprising: - implementing (22) at least one image analysis algorithm on at least one top-down image of at least part of the area of interest, to determine environmental data representative of at least one primary producer and/or at least one biotope of the area of interest; - based on the determined environmental data, computing (24) a carbon capture indicator representative of an estimated carbon capture potential of the area of interest.