3D Plant Canopy Photosynthesis Estimation via Fluorescence

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods struggle to accurately characterize photosynthetic efficiency in complex plant canopies due to dynamic environmental conditions and the complexity of plant structures, leading to inaccurate measurements and missed key biochemical and genetic targets for crop improvement.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for estimating photosynthetic transfer rate using three-dimensional modeling, which involves capturing images of plants with a sensor to generate a 3D model, measuring fluorescence, and deriving photosynthetic characteristics by combining fluorescence data with geometric parameters and light absorption estimates, allowing for more accurate assessment of photosynthetic processes in complex canopies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional imaging methods are used to measure photosynthesis, then the measurement process is simple, but the accuracy is insufficient due to complex plant structures and dynamic environmental conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephotosynthetic efficiency measurement accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from two-dimensional imaging to three-dimensional modeling by capturing images from multiple angles and positions. This dimensional expansion allows the system to account for leaf orientations, canopy structures, and spatial light distribution, thereby improving measurement accuracy without requiring a complete system redesign

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The system divides the plant canopy into multiple segments by capturing images at different positions and angles, then processes each segment separately through image registration and 3D model generation. This segmentation enables accurate characterization of photosynthetic characteristics in specific regions while managing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If dynamic environmental conditions are considered in photosynthesis measurement, then the accuracy reflects real plant status, but the measurement process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereal-time photosynthetic status accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates dynamic environmental factors by capturing images at multiple time points and positions, then integrates this temporal and spatial data into a unified 3D model. This dynamic approach allows the system to account for changing light conditions, plant movements, and environmental variations without requiring complex real-time processing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary image capture and processing at multiple positions and times before final analysis. By pre-processing images from various angles and times, the system builds a comprehensive 3D model that can be analyzed later without repeating complex measurements, thereby reducing real-time processing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If multiple images from different positions are captured to create 3D model, then the photosynthetic characterization accuracy is improved, but the time required for data collection increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephotosynthetic transfer rate estimation accuracyVSAvoiddata collection time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges multiple images captured at different positions and times into a single integrated 3D model through image registration and fusion algorithms. This merging process allows the system to extract comprehensive photosynthetic information from multiple data sources simultaneously, reducing the time required compared to sequential measurement approaches

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The image capture system serves multiple functions by simultaneously collecting data from various angles and positions for 3D modeling, leaf area measurement, and photosynthetic rate estimation. This multi-functionality reduces the total time required compared to separate dedicated measurements for each parameter

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 approach provides a more accurate characterization of photosynthetic efficiency, enabling the identification of phenotypes with improved growth characteristics and crop yield, and simulates natural environmental conditions to account for fluctuating light and other dynamic factors.

Implementation Method 1

capturing a plurality of images of the one or more plants with a sensor... observing red and/or infrared reflectance of the plant leaves

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

Photosynthesis is a complex plant process that can be potentially dangerous to the plant under many circumstances

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotosynthesis: Photosynthesis

Implementation Method 3

fluorescence of the plant parts of the one or more plants is measured... storing a camera image of observed fluorescence

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Data Source

PatentUS10473592B2Methods for estimating photosynthetic characteristics in plant canopies and systems and apparatus related thereto
Publication Date: 2019.11.12 BOARD OF TRUSTEES OPERATING MICHIGAN STATE UNIV
  • US10473592B2 patent drawing
  • US10473592B2 patent drawing
  • US10473592B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods of determining and characterizing photosynthesis in plant parts of one or more plants includes capturing a plurality of images of the plant parts of the one or more plants with a sensor are provided. Fluorescence of the plant parts of the one or more plants can be measured by storing a sensor image of observed fluorescence. Light absorbed by the plant parts of the one or more plants can be estimated by observing red and/or infrared reflectance of the plant parts. A characteristic of photosynthesis such as linear electron flow in plant parts of the one or more plants can be derived using the measured fluorescence of the plant parts, the reflectance and the light absorbed by the plant parts, and/or the three-dimensional model comprising the plant parts of the one or more plants. Related apparatus and systems are also provided.