Field Data UAV Landing for High-Fidelity Agricultural Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for acquiring agricultural data using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are labor-intensive and limited in fidelity due to the need for manual data collection and the challenges of capturing reliable data during flight, which can lead to reduced efficacy in precision farming.
Innovation Solution
A system and method where a UAV is controlled to land at predetermined data collection points within a field, allowing non-contact and contact sensors to capture field condition data, including soil samples, while maintaining a stable platform for reliable data acquisition using anchoring devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If data is collected while the UAV is in flight, then data collection speed is improved, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The UAV flies to predetermined data collection points and hovers or lands before actual data collection begins. This preliminary positioning action separates the transit phase from the measurement phase, allowing high-speed navigation to be combined with stationary, high-precision data collection at each point.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the measurement function from the flight path by having the UAV pause or land at specific predetermined points. This separates the data collection action from continuous flight, allowing the use of stable platform sensors that require minimal movement for accurate measurements.
2Measurement precision
If manual data collection methods are used, then measurement precision is improved, but labor intensity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses predetermined data collection points that are automatically determined based on field characteristics, eliminating the need for manual selection of sampling locations. The UAV autonomously navigates to these points and collects data without continuous human intervention, maintaining precision while reducing labor intensity.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical soil sampling and data collection methods are replaced with an automated UAV system equipped with sensors. The UAV autonomously performs navigation, positioning, and data collection, substituting human labor with automated mechanical and electronic systems that maintain measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If expensive high-resolution equipment is used for in-flight data collection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs simpler, less expensive sensors that are sufficient for the stationary measurement task. By eliminating the requirement for high-resolution cameras and complex processing equipment needed for in-flight capture, the system uses more affordable sensor technology that can be mounted on the UAV for stationary data collection at predetermined points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the demanding requirements for high-resolution imaging equipment by removing the in-flight capture requirement. Since the UAV is stationary at each data collection point, simpler sensors can be used, eliminating the need for expensive high-resolution cameras, powerful computers, and high-bandwidth communication channels that would be required for aerial photography.
4Productivity
If the number of data collection locations is reduced to decrease labor intensity, then operational efficiency is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines optimal data collection points based on field characteristics and predetermined criteria, eliminating the need for manual selection and reducing labor intensity. This automated point selection ensures sufficient spatial coverage and data fidelity without requiring manual intervention at each location.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for acquiring agricultural data includes a UAV with a controller and a sensing device is provided. In several embodiments, the controller is configured to receive data associated with a data collection point located within the field and control the operation of the UAV such that the UAV is flown over the field and lands in the field at the data collection point. The sensing device, in several embodiments, is configured to capture field condition data associated with the field while the UAV is maintained in a landed condition at the data collection point.