Optical Pasture Sensor for Surface Profile Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring pasture height and dry matter in agricultural settings are time-consuming and inefficient, requiring manual sampling and processing, which hinders optimal pasture management for dairy farmers.
Innovation Solution
A device with a sensor member and support member that transmits light to the pasture canopy and detects reflections to calculate surface profile, enabling measurements of height, density, and dry mass content, potentially using a Time-of-Flight sensor and processing means for data analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual sampling and processing methods are used to measure pasture height and dry matter, then measurement accuracy can be achieved, but the measurement process becomes time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical sampling and measurement processes with an automated optical sensing system. The sensor member emits light and detects reflections from the pasture canopy, automatically calculating surface profile, height, and density without requiring physical sampling, drying, or manual weighing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary medium to measure pasture characteristics. The light transmission member emits light that penetrates the pasture canopy, and the light detection sensor detects reflected light, using the light interaction with pasture to derive measurement data without direct physical contact or sampling.
2Productivity
If automated light-based sensing is used to measure pasture surface profile, then measurement speed and efficiency are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor member is designed to perform multiple measurement functions simultaneously - measuring pasture height, surface profile, and density using the same light emission and detection mechanism. The support member provides both positioning and spacing functions, reducing the need for separate calibration devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical copying principles where light creates a virtual representation of the pasture canopy surface profile. The detected light patterns are processed to generate measurement data that represents the physical pasture characteristics without requiring physical contact or complex mechanical scanning systems.
3Measurement precision
If the sensor member is positioned close to the substrate for accurate surface profile measurement, then measurement precision improves, but the device may interfere with pasture growth and accessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent measures surface profile by detecting light reflections at different angles and intensities rather than by physical contact. The sensor captures two-dimensional light pattern data that represents three-dimensional pasture surface characteristics, allowing measurement without vertical proximity to the pasture.
Solution Approach 2:
Light serves as an intermediary that can penetrate and interact with the pasture canopy without physical contact. The light transmission member emits light through the canopy and the detection sensor receives reflected light, enabling measurement of surface profile while maintaining a non-intrusive position that does not interfere with pasture growth.
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 solution provides a faster and more accurate method for determining pasture metrics, reducing the time spent on measurements and improving pasture management decisions.
Implementation Method 1
transmit light which is reflected by the canopy of the crop or pasture
Implementation Method 2
transmit light radially outward from the sensor member at a known angle to the vertical, horizontal, average slope of the substrate and/or average slope of the canopy of the crop or pasture
Data Source
AI summary
Products and processes for measuring crop and pasture surface profile which may be used to measure the average surface profile of crop and pasture foliage around stationary measurement devices.