Satellite Crop Sensing With On-Board Spectral Data Reduction
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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 uses orbiting satellites to optically measure cropland radiation across various electromagnetic ranges, processes data on-board to reduce data size, and relays crop condition information to farmers within 24 hours for timely intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ground-based or aerial measurements are used to monitor crop conditions, then measurement capability is provided, but measurement precision and timeliness are insufficient for accurate intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces ground-based and aerial mechanical measurement systems with satellite-based remote sensing. The satellite system uses electromagnetic radiation detection across multiple spectral ranges (visible, near-infrared, shortwave infrared, thermal infrared) to measure crop conditions from space, achieving both high measurement precision and timely data delivery without the limitations of mechanical field inspection or aerial vehicle operations.
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive crop monitoring data is collected to improve decision accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but data processing complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electromagnetic spectrum into distinct measurement ranges (visible: 400-700nm, near-infrared: 700-1300nm, shortwave infrared: 1300-3000nm, thermal infrared: 3000-12000nm), with each range detecting specific crop parameters. This segmentation allows complex spectral data to be processed through dedicated algorithms for each band, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms raw spectral radiation measurements into meaningful crop condition parameters by detecting changes in reflectance and emission characteristics across different wavelengths. This parameter transformation converts complex spectral data into actionable agricultural intelligence regarding crop health, water status, and pest infestation.
3Measurement precision
If multiple spectral ranges are measured to enhance crop monitoring capability, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional satellite sensor system that simultaneously measures across four spectral ranges using integrated detectors. This universal system performs multiple monitoring functions (crop health, water content, temperature, pest detection) through a single satellite platform, reducing the need for multiple separate systems while achieving comprehensive spatially resolved crop condition assessment.
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 precise and timely agricultural management decisions by providing actionable intelligence on crop health, water, fertilizer, and pest infestation, reducing the need for visual inspection and enhancing farm productivity.
Implementation Method 1
first reflected cropland radiation, in a first range of 400 to 1,000 nm; second reflected cropland radiation in a second range of 1,000 to 2,500 nm
Implementation Method 2
emitted radiation, in a third range of 2,500 to 12,000 nm
Data Source
AI summary
The invention comprises a method and apparatus for managing cropland, comprising the steps of: (1) optically measuring, each of a set of spatially resolved locations, level zero data with an orbiting satellite, the level zero data comprising: first reflected cropland radiation; (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) receiving from the orbiting satellite to a ground-based communication system the crop condition information; and (4) relaying at least a portion of the crop condition information and an actionable prescription to a farmer within twenty-four hours.