On-Board Satellite Crop Analysis for Low-Latency Farm Decisions
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for accurate, precise, and timely intervention to alter crop growing conditions in agriculture.
Innovation Solution
An iteratively updated, multivariate/multi-dimensional, and spatially resolved agriculture aid apparatus and method that utilizes orbiting satellites to process crop image data on-board, reducing data size through atmospheric correction, geo-rectification, image segmentation, and data analysis, and relaying actionable information to farmers within 24 hours.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If ground-based or traditional aerial monitoring methods are used, then data collection is possible, but the data is not timely enough for accurate and precise crop management intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by processing satellite image data through atmospheric correction, geo-rectification, and crop condition analysis before the data leaves the satellite. This preliminary processing ensures that actionable crop condition information is prepared in advance and can be delivered to farmers within 24 hours, eliminating time delays while maintaining high measurement precision through advanced algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing system on-board the satellite that acts as a mediator between raw satellite imagery and farmer decision-making. This intermediary performs multivariate analysis and generates crop condition reports, transforming raw data into actionable intelligence without requiring ground-based processing, thus reducing time loss while preserving accuracy.
2Productivity
If complete raw satellite data is transmitted to ground for processing, then comprehensive analysis is possible, but transmission time and data volume increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by removing the data processing function from the ground station and placing it directly on-board the satellite. Only the essential crop condition information results are transmitted to farmers, not the complete raw satellite data. This extraction of processing capability to the data source dramatically reduces transmission data volume while maintaining comprehensive analysis through on-satellite multivariate algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the processing dimension from ground-based to space-based by implementing data analysis capabilities on-board the satellite. This dimensional shift allows comprehensive crop condition analysis to be performed in the satellite's computational environment, reducing ground transmission requirements to only essential results while maintaining analytical completeness.
3Measurement precision
If detailed visual inspection of crops is performed manually, then precise crop condition assessment is possible, but it is time-consuming and cannot cover large areas efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of manual visual inspection with satellite-based remote sensing and automated image processing algorithms. This substitution enables precise crop condition detection across large areas simultaneously, maintaining the precision of detailed inspection while achieving productivity levels impossible through manual methods alone through on-board satellite data analysis.
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
Enables timely and precise crop management decisions by providing actionable intelligence on crop health, water needs, and pest infestation, reducing the need for visual inspection and enhancing farm efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
measuring, each of a set of spatially resolved locations, level zero data with an orbiting satellite, the level zero data comprising, spectral responses in ranges of 400 to 1,100; 700 to 2,500; and 2,500 to 12,000 nm
Implementation Method 2
measuring, on-board the orbiting satellite, crop transpiration with the near-infrared radiation to determine drought locations of the set of spatially resolved locations
Data Source
AI summary
The invention comprises a method for managing cropland, comprising the steps of: (1) measuring, each of a set of spatially resolved locations, level zero data with an orbiting satellite, the level zero data comprising, spectral responses in ranges of 400 to 1,100; 700 to 2,500; and 2,500 to 12,000 nm; (2) processing, on-board the orbiting satellite, the level zero data comprising a first data storage size, to yield crop condition information comprising a second data storage size of less than one percent of the first data storage size; (3) measuring, on-board the orbiting satellite, crop transpiration with the near-infrared radiation to determine drought locations of the set of spatially resolved locations; (4) receiving from the orbiting satellite to a ground based communication system the crop condition information including the drought locations; and (5) relaying at least a portion of the crop condition information to a farmer within twenty-four hours.