3D Plant Parameterization Using X-Ray CT for Complete Structure Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical methods for plant phenotyping are limited in detecting three-dimensional plant structures as they can only capture optically accessible parts, leading to incomplete measurements due to overlapping leaves, which hinders the detection of changes in plant growth influenced by the genome.
Innovation Solution
The use of computer tomographic methods like X-ray CT or magnetic resonance tomography allows for complete detection of plant structures, including covered areas, converting the data into a point cloud and segmenting it into individual plant elements for accurate parameterization, using either general or specific leaf models for precise feature extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical imaging methods are used for three-dimensional detection, then high spatial resolution is achieved, but only optically accessible parts of the plant can be detected, leading to incomplete measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional optical surface imaging to three-dimensional volumetric detection using X-ray computed tomography. This dimensional change enables penetration through plant tissues and detection of covered structures, resolving the limitation of optical methods that can only detect surface features.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces optical detection systems with X-ray tomographic systems. This substitution uses electromagnetic radiation in a different spectrum (X-rays) that can penetrate plant materials, enabling detection of internal and covered structures that are invisible to optical methods.
2Measurement precision
If X-ray CT methods are used to detect covered plant parts, then complete three-dimensional data is obtained, but radiation dose to the plant increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses coarse pixel resolution (lower than maximum possible) to reduce the total number of X-ray measurements required. This partial action approach achieves sufficient detection quality while minimizing radiation exposure, balancing measurement completeness with plant safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital three-dimensional copy of the plant structure through tomographic reconstruction. This virtual model allows repeated analysis and parameter extraction without requiring additional physical measurements or radiation exposure to the actual plant.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If coarse pixel resolution is used to reduce radiation dose, then measurement detail decreases, but radiation exposure is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different resolution levels to different regions of the plant based on their importance for parameter extraction. Critical regions such as leaf veins and structural elements are measured with higher precision, while less critical areas use coarser resolution, optimizing the balance between detail and radiation dose.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary detection with coarse resolution to identify regions of interest, then applies higher resolution measurements only to those specific areas. This staged approach minimizes overall radiation exposure while ensuring sufficient detail is captured where needed for accurate parameterization.
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 enables comprehensive and accurate parameterization of plant structures, including covered parts, allowing for reliable description of plant growth habits and reducing radiation dose through coarse pixel resolution and binning techniques, while maintaining high detail and precision in feature extraction.
Implementation Method 1
The use of computer tomographic methods like X-ray CT or magnetic resonance tomography allows for complete detection of plant structures
Implementation Method 2
The use of computer tomographic methods like X-ray CT or magnetic resonance tomography allows for complete detection of plant structures
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for parameterizing a plant includes a recorder for recording a three-dimensional data set of the plant including not only volume elements of non-covered elements of the plant, but also volume elements of elements of the plants that are covered by other elements, and a parameterizer for parameterizing the three-dimensional data set for obtaining plant parameters.