Stereo-spatial-temporal crop condition measurements for plant growth and health optimization
Inventors
Humpston, Stephen P. • Stewart, Gregory E. • Schneider, Gavin • Fuxman, Adrian M. • Wspanialy, Patrick O. • Miresmailli, Saber
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11925151-B2
Publication Date
2024-03-12
Expiration Date
Abstract
A mobile platform includes at least one first sensor mounted at a first position on the mobile platform and at least one second sensor mounted at a second position on the mobile platform, where the first position is offset from the second position. The at least one first sensor is configured to capture first data measurements of plants in the growing area. The at least one second sensor is configured to capture second data measurements of the plants in the growing area. Each of the first and second data measurements is associated with a three-dimensional position within the growing area and a time. The first and second sensors are configured to generate at least one common type of data measurement such that at least some of the first and second data measurements represent stereo-spatio-temporal data measurements of the plants in the growing area.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a mobile platform configured to move in a growing area and to capture plant data measurements using at least one first sensor mounted at a first position and at least one second sensor mounted at a second position, where the first position is offset from the second position. The first and second data measurements are associated with a three-dimensional position within the growing area and a time, so that the generated measurements represent stereo-spatio-temporal data measurements of the plants in the growing area.
A key aspect is that the second sensor is positioned above the first sensor and is movable up and down relative to the first sensor. The second sensor is configured to capture the second data measurements at different heights of the plants in the growing area, enabling stereo-spatio-temporal measurements across plant heights and over time within the growing area.
In addition, the invention enables a mobile platform data handling approach in which at least some of the measurements include plant-related characteristics captured at multiple heights while the platform is moved through the growing area. The disclosed system includes associating both sensor-generated measurements and, in some embodiments, manual human observation data measurements with a three-dimensional position and a time, supporting stereo-spatio-temporal analysis of plants.
Claims Coverage
The disclosed subject matter includes three independent claims. The independent claims share inventive features centered on offset first and second sensors, stereo-spatio-temporal data measurements, and associating each measurement with a three-dimensional position and time, with the second sensors positioned above and movable relative to the first sensors to capture measurements at different plant heights.
Offset first and second sensors on a moving mobile platform
A mobile platform configured to move in a growing area with at least one first sensor mounted at a first position and at least one second sensor mounted at a second position, where the first position is offset from the second position, and where the first sensor and second sensor capture first and second data measurements of plants in the growing area.
Three-dimensional position and time association for stereo-spatio-temporal measurements
Each of the first and second data measurements is associated with a three-dimensional position within the growing area and a time, and the first and second sensors are configured to generate the data measurements such that at least some of the first and second data measurements represent stereo-spatio-temporal data measurements of the plants in the growing area.
Second sensor positioned above and movable up and down for different plant heights
The at least one second sensor is positioned above the at least one first sensor, is movable up and down relative to the at least one first sensor, and is configured to capture the second data measurements at different heights of the plants in the growing area.
Lift-based movable sensor portion with first and second sensor groups
A mobile platform having a first portion with a base, a second portion movable up and down relative to the first portion, and a lift configured to raise and lower the second portion relative to the first portion, where a first sensor group is mounted to the first portion and a second sensor group is mounted to the second portion, with the first sensor group offset in space from the second sensor group.
Stereo-spatio-temporal data from sensor groups with 3D position and time association
The first sensor group comprises one or more first sensors and the second sensor group comprises one or more second sensors configured to capture first and second data measurements of plants in the growing area, where each data measurement is associated with a three-dimensional position within the growing area and a time, and where the sensor groups are configured to generate data measurements such that at least some of the first and second data measurements represent stereo-spatio-temporal data measurements.
Second sensor group above first sensor group and movable for different heights
The one or more second sensors are positioned above the one or more first sensors, are movable up and down relative to the one or more first sensors, and are configured to capture the second data measurements at different heights of the plants in the growing area.
Method of moving and collecting stereo-spatio-temporal measurements with movable upper sensors
A method comprising moving a mobile platform in a growing area; using one or more first sensors to capture first data measurements of plants in the growing area; and using one or more second sensors to capture second data measurements of the plants in the growing area, where the one or more first sensors are offset from the one or more second sensors; associating each data measurement with a three-dimensional position within the growing area and a time; generating data measurements such that at least some represent stereo-spatio-temporal data measurements; and capturing second data measurements at different heights because the one or more second sensors are positioned above the one or more first sensors, movable up and down relative to the one or more first sensors.
Across the independent claims, the core claim coverage is directed to an offset dual-sensing mobile platform and a corresponding method that generate stereo-spatio-temporal plant data measurements associated with a three-dimensional position and time, where the second sensors or upper sensor group are positioned above and movable to capture measurements at different plant heights.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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