Multispectral Plant Status Sensing Under Dew and Dust Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining plant status, such as chlorophyll content, are affected by environmental factors like dew, haze, and dust, which interfere with accurate measurements of biophysical parameters like biomass and nitrogen uptake.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using a light receiver with multiple channels to receive light in different wavelength bands, allowing for signal subtraction and ratio determination to suppress the effects of dew and dust, with correction factors applied to improve accuracy, and a processing unit to control variable rate applicator systems based on plant status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical reflectance measurements are used to determine plant status, then plant nutritional status can be assessed, but measurement accuracy is degraded by environmental factors like dew, haze, and dust
Solution Approach 1:
The optical spectrum is segmented into multiple wavelength bands (first, second, and third wavelength bands). By dividing the measurement into spectral segments, the system can identify and subtract the contribution of interfering substances (dew, haze, dust) that affect specific wavelength regions differently than plant tissue, thereby isolating the plant status signal from environmental interference
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces reference measurements at third wavelength bands that are sensitive to environmental interferents but less sensitive to plant properties. These reference measurements act as intermediaries that capture the interference signal, which is then subtracted from the primary measurements at first and second wavelength bands to eliminate the harmful effects of dew, haze, and dust
2Measurement precision
If multiple wavelength bands are measured to suppress environmental effects, then measurement accuracy improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical receiver is designed to simultaneously measure multiple wavelength bands using a multi-channel detector system. This universal receiver can process first, second, and third wavelength bands through a single device, avoiding the need for separate measurement systems for each wavelength band and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the ability to suppress environmental interference
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple wavelength measurements and reference measurements into a unified computational framework. By merging the data from different wavelength bands and applying signal processing algorithms that integrate all measurements, the system achieves accurate plant status determination while using a consolidated measurement approach rather than separate independent systems
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 system effectively suppresses the impact of dew, haze, and dust, enabling precise determination of plant status and controlling fertilizer or irrigation systems for optimized crop management.
Implementation Method 1
The chlorophyll content is usually determined by means of optical reflectance measurements, wherein light reflectance may be caused by artificial light sources or natural light
Implementation Method 2
receiving light at a first wavelength of a known reflection or absorption band of interest
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a system and method for determining a status of plants. The system includes a light transmitter arranged for providing broad band illumination to one or more plants. The system includes a light receiver including a plurality of receiver channels, the receiver channels arranged for receiving light from said one or more plants in mutually different wavelength bands. The system includes a processing unit arranged for determining a status of said one or more plants on the basis of light received by the plurality of receiver channels. The transmitter may be arranged for transmitting bursts of modulated light.