Phased Antenna Array Radar for Crop Sensing Through Occlusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural sensing technologies, such as vision-based systems, single-point radar, and multispectral imaging, are inaccurate for measuring crop, plant, and soil characteristics due to obstructions, illumination issues, and environmental variations, leading to unreliable yield estimation and machinery operation.
Innovation Solution
A phased antenna array radar system is used to collect data, combined with other sensors, for precise measurement and modeling of crop, plant, and soil attributes, employing beamforming techniques to enhance accuracy and penetration through vegetation, allowing for real-time adjustments in agricultural machinery operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If vision-based systems are used for plant detection, then image capture is possible, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to occlusions, illumination issues, and environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces radar as an intermediary sensing modality that operates independently of visible light and optical occlusions. The radar system penetrates through leaves, weeds, and other obstructions to directly detect plant features, bypassing the harmful factors that affect vision-based systems. This mediator approach allows accurate measurement of plant characteristics without being blocked by environmental interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces vision-based optical systems with radar-based electromagnetic wave systems. This substitution transitions from optical detection (which is blocked by occlusions) to radio wave detection (which penetrates obstructions). The radar system uses electromagnetic waves at frequencies that can pass through vegetation, eliminating the fundamental limitation of camera-based systems in agricultural environments.
2Measurement precision
If single-point radar is used for yield estimation, then distance measurement is possible, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to inability to account for plant characteristic variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the radar system into multiple antenna elements arranged in arrays, allowing the measurement space to be segmented into multiple resolution cells or range bins. Each cell can independently measure characteristics of different plant portions, enabling the system to capture variations in moisture content, leaf area, and other characteristics across different locations. This segmentation transforms a single-point measurement system into a distributed sensing system that preserves spatial and characteristic information.
3Area of stationary object
If multispectral satellite sensors are used for crop monitoring, then large area coverage is possible, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to inability to isolate specific plant characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using radar backscatter characteristics at different frequencies and polarizations to detect specific local plant properties. Different frequency bands and polarization states provide sensitivity to different plant characteristics (moisture, structure, density), allowing the system to isolate and measure specific features even over large areas. This enables precise characterization of crop conditions while maintaining broad spatial coverage.
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
The phased antenna array radar system provides high-resolution, accurate measurements of crop, plant, and soil characteristics, enabling improved yield estimation and automated machinery adjustments, optimizing processes like tilling and harvesting.
Implementation Method 1
a radar system comprised of a phased antenna array for taking sensor readings
Implementation Method 2
employing beamforming techniques to enhance accuracy and penetration through vegetation
Implementation Method 3
enhance accuracy and penetration through vegetation
Data Source
AI summary
A phased antenna array radar enables particular data capture for determining attributes of agricultural features, properties, and other items of interest, from detected crop, plant and soil characteristics. This information is processed to produce estimated or actual crop yield and other agricultural outputs, and to enable automatic position, control, operation, and adjustment of agricultural machinery and associated implements. Data captured by the phased antenna arrays may also be combined with other data detection systems such as image, sonic, Lidar, frequency modulated continuous wave radar, or other sensors for additional accuracy.