Multispectral Imaging for Environmental and Agricultural Monitoring

This inventive concept applies hyperspectral fluorescence and reflectance imaging technology to various environmental and agricultural monitoring applications, enabling accurate and depth-resolved detection of contaminants, crop stress, and nutrient deficiencies.

The original patent focused on surgical guidance, but its hyperspectral imaging technology has broader applications. Environmental and agricultural monitoring currently rely on limited, non-quantitative methods, resulting in inaccurate assessments and inadequate decision-making. This new concept addresses these limitations by providing a quantitative, depth-resolved imaging solution.

The inventive concept involves adapting the hyperspectral fluorescence and reflectance imaging technology to capture images of crops, water, food, and atmospheric gases at multiple wavelengths. The images are then processed to provide quantitative and depth-resolved information on crop stress, nutrient deficiencies, contaminants, and pollutant concentrations. This enables accurate monitoring and detection of issues, facilitating informed decision-making and improved outcomes.

The new claims introduce novel applications of the hyperspectral imaging technology, shifting from surgical guidance to environmental and agricultural monitoring. The inventive step lies in the adaptation of the technology to these new fields, enabling quantitative and depth-resolved assessments where previously only limited, non-quantitative methods existed.

Alternative embodiments may include handheld devices for in-field crop monitoring, drone-mounted systems for large-scale environmental monitoring, or laboratory-based instruments for food quality control. Variations could involve integrating additional sensors or data sources to enhance the accuracy and scope of the monitoring capabilities.

This inventive concept has significant commercial potential in the environmental and agricultural monitoring markets, with applications in precision agriculture, water quality monitoring, food safety, and air quality control. The technology could be licensed to companies in these industries or developed into products and services by startups or established players.