Presentation + Paper
19 May 2017 A custom multi-modal sensor suite and data analysis pipeline for aerial field phenotyping
Paul W. Bartlett, Lauren Coblenz, Gary Sherwin, Adam Stambler, Andries van der Meer
Author Affiliations +
Abstract
Our group has developed a custom, multi-modal sensor suite and data analysis pipeline to phenotype crops in the field using unpiloted aircraft systems (UAS). This approach to high-throughput field phenotyping is part of a research initiative intending to markedly accelerate the breeding process for refined energy sorghum varieties. To date, single rotor and multirotor helicopters, roughly 14 kg in total weight, are being employed to provide sensor coverage over multiple hectaresized fields in tens of minutes. The quick, autonomous operations allow for complete field coverage at consistent plant and lighting conditions, with low operating costs.

The sensor suite collects data simultaneously from six sensors and registers it for fusion and analysis. High resolution color imagery targets color and geometric phenotypes, along with lidar measurements. Long-wave infrared imagery targets temperature phenomena and plant stress. Hyperspectral visible and near-infrared imagery targets phenotypes such as biomass and chlorophyll content, as well as novel, predictive spectral signatures. Onboard spectrometers and careful laboratory and in-field calibration techniques aim to increase the physical validity of the sensor data throughout and across growing seasons. Off-line processing of data creates basic products such as image maps and digital elevation models. Derived data products include phenotype charts, statistics, and trends.

The outcome of this work is a set of commercially available phenotyping technologies, including sensor suites, a fully integrated phenotyping UAS, and data analysis software. Effort is also underway to transition these technologies to farm management users by way of streamlined, lower cost sensor packages and intuitive software interfaces.
Conference Presentation
© (2017) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Paul W. Bartlett, Lauren Coblenz, Gary Sherwin, Adam Stambler, and Andries van der Meer "A custom multi-modal sensor suite and data analysis pipeline for aerial field phenotyping", Proc. SPIE 10218, Autonomous Air and Ground Sensing Systems for Agricultural Optimization and Phenotyping II, 1021804 (19 May 2017); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2262858
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CITATIONS
Cited by 1 scholarly publication.
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KEYWORDS
Sensors

Data analysis

Image fusion

Data modeling

Data fusion

Fusion energy

Image resolution

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