Red/near-infrared reflectance sensor system for detecting plants

Kenneth Von Bargen; George E. Meyer; David A. Mortensen; Steven J. Merritt; David M. Woebbecke

doi:10.1117/12.144032

12 May 1993 Red/near-infrared reflectance sensor system for detecting plants

Kenneth Von Bargen, George E. Meyer, David A. Mortensen, Steven J. Merritt, David M. Woebbecke

Proceedings Volume 1836, Optics in Agriculture and Forestry; (1993) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.144032
Event: Applications in Optical Science and Engineering, 1992, Boston, MA, United States

Abstract

Growing plants, soil types, and surfaces and residues on a soil surface have distinct natural light reflectances. These reflectance characteristics have been determined using current spectroradiometry technology. Detection of plants is possible based upon the distinct reflectance characteristics of plants, soil, and residues. An optical plant reflectance sensor was developed which utilizes a pair of red and near infrared sensitive photodetectors to measure the radiancy from the plant and soil. Another pair of sensors measures radiancy from a highly radiant reference surface to accommodate varying intensities of the natural light. The ratio of the target and reference radiancies is the target reflectance. Optical filters were used to select the spectral bandwidth sensitivities for the red and NIR photodetectors. The reflectance values were digitized for incorporation into a normalized difference index in order to provide a stronger indication that a live plant is present within the field of view of the sensor. This sensor system was combined with a microcontroller for activating a solenoid controlled spray nozzle on a single unit prototype spot agricultural sprayer.

Citation Download Citation

Kenneth Von Bargen, George E. Meyer, David A. Mortensen, Steven J. Merritt, and David M. Woebbecke "Red/near-infrared reflectance sensor system for detecting plants", Proc. SPIE 1836, Optics in Agriculture and Forestry, (12 May 1993); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.144032

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