Autonomous Tree Stand Scanning with Multi-Altitude Image Interpolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring tree population and health in forestry are inefficient and lack comprehensive, accurate, and automated techniques for constructing detailed representations of tree stands.
Innovation Solution
A method involving an aerial vehicle that autonomously scans and constructs a three-dimensional representation of a tree stand by capturing images from multiple altitudes and interpolating tree characteristics, using computer vision techniques to detect and extract features, and generating a virtual representation of tree characteristics across the stand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional ground-based methods are used to measure tree population and health, then measurement accuracy can be maintained for individual trees, but productivity is low and the process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from ground-based two-dimensional measurement to aerial three-dimensional imaging, capturing tree stands from multiple altitudes and angles to enable comprehensive assessment without ground-level time constraints
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates virtual three-dimensional representations and digital models of tree stands, replacing physical ground-based measurement with automated image-based copying and analysis of tree characteristics
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive tree stand representation is constructed using detailed scanning of all trees, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and processing requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the tree stand into multiple scan zones captured at different altitudes and positions, processing images in segments rather than attempting to capture and process the entire stand in a single complex operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system captures images at multiple altitudes including some redundant overlapping coverage to ensure complete tree stand representation, accepting excessive action in data collection to achieve comprehensive precision
3Measurement precision
If multiple images from different altitudes are captured to create three-dimensional representation, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy and data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The aerial vehicle performs multiple functions including image capture at various altitudes, GPS location tracking, and three-dimensional model construction in a single integrated operation, reducing total energy consumption compared to multiple separate operations
Data Source
AI summary
One variation of a method includes: accessing a boundary of a stand of trees; defining an array of scan zones within the boundary; accessing a first sequence of images representing treetops in a first scan zone; accessing a second sequence of images representing bases of trees in the first scan zone; accessing a third sequence of images representing bases of trees in a second scan zone; accessing a fourth sequence of images representing treetops in the second scan zone; interpolating canopy characteristics of trees between the first scan zone and the second scan zone based on the first and fourth sequences of images; interpolating lower tree characteristics of trees between the first scan zone and the second scan zone based on the second and third sequences of images; and compiling canopy and lower tree characteristics into a virtual representation of tree characteristics across the stand of trees.