Multi-sensor platform for crop health monitoring
Inventors
Miresmailli, Saber • ISMAN, Murray B. • ANTIKCHI, Maryam
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12038426-B2
Publication Date
2024-07-16
Expiration Date
Abstract
A mobile sensory platform includes a propulsion system configured to move the mobile sensory platform along a surface of a growing area. The mobile sensory platform also includes multiple sensors configured to capture measurement data associated with multiple plants in the growing area. The mobile sensory platform further includes a communication interface configured to support two-way communication over a wireless network. In addition, the mobile sensory platform also includes a power supply and a control system configured to control movement of the mobile sensory platform and operation of the sensors. The multiple sensors include one or more microclimate sensors configured to generate microclimate sensor data based on changes in a microclimate around individual ones of the multiple plants.
Core Innovation
The disclosed invention provides an automated crop monitoring system centered on a mobile sensory platform that moves within a growing area. The mobile sensory platform includes a housing and multiple sensors positioned at different vertical heights in or on the housing, and the sensors capture measurement data associated with multiple plants while the platform is controlled to move and operate the sensors.
A key aspect is that the multiple sensors comprise one or more microclimate sensors configured to sense a microclimate around individual ones of the multiple plants. The platform includes a communication interface configured to support two-way communication over a wireless network, along with a power supply and a control system.
The disclosure further supports a screening workflow and model building using expert knowledge. A pre-screening phase and a secondary screening phase are described, together with trained data generated by supervised learning in which expert assessments are correlated with sensor data to create trained models.
Information is disseminated to experts, non-experts, and growers, and an optional intervention module is described in connection with applying interventions. The system is implemented using representative modular multi-sensor configurations, including removable sensor modules and a universal adapter, with location tracking and modular hardware architecture described.
Claims Coverage
Three independent claims are identified: a mobile sensory platform, a system with a movable platform, and a method of moving and using the platform. Across these claims, the inventive focus includes vertically distributed multi-sensor sensing for multiple plants, two-way wireless communication, coordinated movement and sensor operation, and microclimate sensing around individual plants.
Propulsion-driven mobile sensory platform within a growing area
A propulsion system configured to move the mobile sensory platform within a growing area, with a control system configured to control movement of the mobile sensory platform and operation of the sensors.
Multiple vertically distributed sensors in or on a housing
Multiple sensors in or on the housing, wherein different sensors are positioned at different vertical heights in or on the housing, the sensors configured to capture measurement data associated with multiple plants in the growing area.
Wireless two-way communication interface
A communication interface configured to support two-way communication over a wireless network.
Microclimate sensing around individual plants
The multiple sensors comprise one or more microclimate sensors configured to sense a microclimate around individual ones of the multiple plants.
Movable platform system integrating housing, propulsion, sensors, communication, and control
A movable platform with a housing on the movable platform; a propulsion system configured to move the movable platform within a growing area; multiple sensors mounted in or on the housing at different vertical heights to capture measurement data associated with multiple plants; a communication interface configured to support two-way communication over a wireless network; a power supply; and a control system configured to control movement of the movable platform and operation of the sensors.
Method for moving and sensing with wireless transmission and coordinated control
A method comprising moving a mobile sensory platform within a growing area using a propulsion system; using multiple sensors of the mobile sensory platform to capture measurement data associated with multiple plants with sensors positioned at different vertical heights; using a communication interface to transmit at least some of the measurement data over a wireless network; and using a control system to control movement of the mobile sensory platform and operation of the sensors.
Microclimate sensor data generated from changes around individual plants
The multiple sensors comprise one or more microclimate sensors that generate microclimate sensor data based on changes in a microclimate around individual ones of the multiple plants.
The independent claims cover a mobile or movable platform that traverses a growing area and carries multiple sensors located at different vertical heights in a housing to capture measurement data for multiple plants. The claims require wireless two-way communication and control-coordinated movement and sensor operation, with microclimate sensing and generation of microclimate sensor data based on changes around individual plants.
Stated Advantages
Documented Applications
No documented applications found
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