Mobile Single-Leaf Scanner With Encoder-Triggered Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plant phenotyping systems face challenges in consistently processing leaves for high-precision imaging due to inconsistent leaf handling, leading to repeated imaging procedures and loss of image quality.
Innovation Solution
A leaf imaging system with a leaf-handling subsystem featuring first and second leaf contactors, an encoder, and a controller that triggers a camera based on leaf movement, combined with a lightbox for consistent illumination, ensuring precise and automated image capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automatic leaf-handling mechanisms are used to improve imaging efficiency, then productivity increases, but leaf handling consistency deteriorates leading to image quality loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex automatic mechanical leaf-handling mechanisms with a simplified system using gentle vacuum suction through the lightbox to secure leaves, and a manual or semi-automatic triggering mechanism based on leaf detection. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity and inconsistency while maintaining high imaging throughput, resolving the contradiction between productivity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows leaves to be naturally placed on the lightbox surface where they are automatically held in position by vacuum suction, eliminating the need for complex mechanical handling devices. The encoder detects leaf presence and automatically triggers imaging, making the system self-regulating and consistent without requiring sophisticated mechanical intervention.
2Measurement precision
If leaves are placed in a flat and repeatable manner to improve image quality, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical devices for flattening and positioning leaves with a simple vacuum suction system integrated into the lightbox. The vacuum gently holds the leaf flat against the imaging surface without requiring complex clamps, presses, or positioning mechanisms, thereby achieving high measurement precision with minimal device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lightbox serves multiple functions: it provides illumination for imaging, acts as a flat surface for leaf placement, and incorporates vacuum suction for leaf securing. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mechanical devices for each function, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining image quality.
3Measurement precision
If repeated imaging procedures are performed to compensate for inconsistent leaf handling, then measurement precision is maintained, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum suction system automatically and consistently secures each leaf in the correct position upon placement, eliminating the variability that previously required repeated imaging attempts. The encoder-based automatic triggering ensures imaging occurs only when a leaf is properly positioned, preventing wasted time on unsuccessful attempts and maintaining high precision in a single pass.
Solution Approach 2:
The encoder provides real-time feedback on leaf presence and position, allowing the system to automatically determine when imaging conditions are optimal. This feedback mechanism prevents premature or mistimed imaging attempts, ensuring that each imaging operation is successful and eliminating the need for repeated procedures, thereby reducing time loss while maintaining precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A leaf imaging system is disclosed which includes a leaf-handling subsystem which includes a first leaf contactor and a second leaf contactor and configured to receive a leaf in therebetween, and an encoder coupled to one of the first or second leaf contactors, the encoder configured to selectively trigger a camera corresponding to motion of the leaf. The leaf imaging system further includes a lightbox in communication with the leaf-handling subsystem and configured to provide light to the leaf as the leaf passes between the first and the second leaf contactors; and a controller in communication with the encoder, the camera, and the lightbox and configured to operate the camera based on output of the encoder.