Multi-sensor platform for crop health monitoring
Inventors
Miresmailli, Saber • ISMAN, Murray B. • ANTIKCHI, Maryam
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11874265-B2
Publication Date
2024-01-16
Expiration Date
Abstract
A multi-sensor device includes a housing having multiple cavities and one or more sensor modules. Each sensor module is configured to occupy one of the cavities, and each sensor module is configured to sense at least one plant-related parameter when the multi-sensor device is positioned proximate to a plant. The multi-sensor device also includes a control unit configured to control operation of the one or more sensor modules and a location tracking system configured to track a location of the multi-sensor device. The multi-sensor device further includes a communications interface configured to transmit information including data from the one or more sensor modules. In addition, the multi-sensor device includes an electrical power connector configured to connect the multi-sensor device to a power source.
Core Innovation
A multi-sensor device is described that includes a mobile platform with a base and a propulsion system, and a housing coupled to the mobile platform. The housing comprises multiple cavities spaced apart at different heights relative to the base, and multiple sensor modules occupy respective cavities to sense plant-related parameters when the device is positioned proximate to a plant, with different sensor modules configured to sense the plant-related parameters at different heights of the plant.
The multi-sensor device further includes a controller to control operation of the sensor modules, a location tracking system to track a location of the device, and a communications interface configured to transmit information comprising data from one or more of the sensor modules. An electrical power connector is configured to connect the device to a power source, and the sensor modules and housing support non-contact sensing and adjustable sensing positions proximate to the plant.
A mobile sensory platform is also described that includes a propulsion system, multiple sensors configured to capture data pertaining to at least one plant-related parameter when positioned proximate to a plant, a communications interface providing two-way communication over a wireless network, an electrical power supply, and a control system configured to control movement of the mobile sensory platform. A position of at least one sensor is adjustable during operation, and the control system controls the position of the at least one sensor based on input from one or more of the sensors.
Claims Coverage
The document provides two independent claims. The inventive features focus on multi-height sensing using modular sensor modules, mobility with location tracking and wireless two-way communications, and closed-loop adjustment of sensor position based on sensor inputs.
Mobile plant-proximate sensing multi-cavity housing at different heights
A housing coupled to the mobile platform comprising multiple cavities spaced apart from the base at different heights, with multiple sensor modules configured to occupy the cavities and sense plant-related parameters at different heights of the plant when positioned proximate to the plant.
Sensor module control with location tracking and communications
A controller configured to control operation of the sensor modules, a location tracking system configured to track a location of the multi-sensor device, and a communications interface configured to transmit information comprising data from one or more of the sensor modules.
Mobile platform power connectivity
An electrical power connector configured to connect the multi-sensor device to a power source.
Propulsion-controlled mobile sensory platform with two-way wireless communication
A propulsion system, multiple sensors configured to capture data pertaining to at least one plant-related parameter when positioned proximate to a plant, a communications interface configured to provide two-way communication over a wireless network, an electrical power supply, and a control system configured to control movement of the mobile sensory platform.
Adjustable sensor position controlled from sensor inputs
A position of at least one of the sensors adjustable during operation of the mobile sensory platform, where the control system is configured to control the position of the at least one sensor based on input from one or more of the sensors.
Claim coverage centers on a mobile multi-sensor arrangement that senses plant-related parameters at different plant heights using modular sensor modules in a multi-cavity housing, together with controller operation, location tracking, wireless communications, and power connectivity. In parallel, a mobile sensory platform is covered that moves with a propulsion system, uses wireless two-way communication to transmit and receive information, and adjusts sensor position during operation under control based on inputs from the sensors.
Stated Advantages
Speed of operation for monitoring.
Reduced labor.
Non-invasive monitoring.
Nighttime operation.
Predictive/prophylactic detection.
Documented Applications
Crop monitoring using a modular multi-sensor device with mobile sensory platforms (handheld, rover/cart, or aerial drone) for sensing plant-related parameters proximate to plants.
Real-time classification and alerts based on sensed data, with optional intervention/remediation.
Predictive monitoring based on historical spatiotemporal correlation for predictive models.
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