Spectral and Thermal Image Synchronization for Aerial Plant Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in effectively synchronizing and processing image streams from thermal and spectral image sensors to generate accurate digital surface models and identify conditions such as distressed plants or irrigation leaks.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising thermal imaging circuitry, spectral imaging circuitry, and control circuitry that synchronizes the execution of spectral image capture cycles with thermal image capture cycles, generating a digital surface model and identifying distressed plants or irrigation leaks based on the composite pixel map.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If thermal and spectral image capture cycles are executed independently, then each sensor can operate at its own optimal capture rate, but the image streams become desynchronized making it difficult to generate accurate digital surface models and identify conditions such as distressed plants or irrigation leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuitry uses feedback from the capture cycle execution to dynamically adjust and synchronize the timing of spectral and thermal image captures. By monitoring the actual capture cycles and adjusting synchronization accordingly, the system maintains accurate temporal alignment between different image streams without requiring overly complex predetermined scheduling mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuitry serves multiple functions: it manages thermal image capture cycles, spectral image capture cycles, and the synchronization between them. This multi-functional approach consolidates control logic into a single component, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the ability to coordinate multiple sensors operating at different rates
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple spectral imaging circuits are used to capture spectral images at different wavelengths, then more comprehensive spectral data can be collected for better plant condition analysis, but the complexity of synchronizing multiple capture cycles increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple spectral imaging circuits with different wavelength sensitivities into a unified system controlled by a single control circuitry. This control circuitry manages the capture cycles of all spectral circuits simultaneously, coordinating them with thermal image captures. The merging of control functions reduces the complexity that would arise from independently managing multiple spectral capture systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic capture cycles for each spectral imaging circuit, with the control circuitry coordinating these periodic actions to align with thermal image captures. By establishing regular, predictable capture patterns for each wavelength channel, the system achieves comprehensive spectral data collection while maintaining synchronization through rhythmic, manageable cycles rather than complex ad-hoc coordination
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to devices and methods for synchronizing capturing of spectral images with the capturing of thermal images. A thermal imaging device of an aerial vehicle captures a sequence of thermal image of thermal images. Capturing of spectral images by a spectral imaging device of the aerial vehicle is synchronized with the capturing of the thermal images. Irradiance data indicative of a background temperature is sensed. A digital surface model of an area of interest is generated based on the sequence of spectral images. An emissivity of a target is estimated and a temperature of a pixel of the digital surface model of the target is estimated based on the sequence of thermal images, the irradiance data indicative of the background temperature and the estimated emissivity of the target.