An analysis of a radio frequency sensor as a means to remotely sense selected surface topographies in an agriculture environment.

摘要

Remote sensing is the science and art of obtaining information about an object, area or phenomenon through the analysis of data acquired by a device that is not in contact with the object, area, or phenomenon under investigation. The remotely sensed data can be of many forms, including variations in force distribution, acoustic wave distribution, or electromagnetic energy distribution. Information thus acquired can be used for observing, monitoring, and studying planetary surfaces and environments.; Because there are many ways to acquire data about targets of interest, there are many types of remote sensors that can be used, including visible, infrared, and active and passive microwave radio frequency (RF) sensors. This research specifically addresses active RF remote sensing.; When one investigates RF sensors for agriculture (Ag) applications, the investigator finds very limited production use of RF technology. The limited use stems from the fact that RF applications for Ag equipment are usually driven by automotive desires and not by Ag needs.; The hypotheses of this exploratory study was to determine the signal return profile (radiated return output power) or Radar Cross Section (RCS) are within the FCC Article 47 guidelines of three surface topographies. The three surfaces are tilled soil, grass, and concrete. Additionally, to a certain extent, this study tried to identify the capability of the radio frequency sensor as a means to measure ground speed of an Ag vehicle.; The purpose of this exploratory study was to provide technical data (i.e., RCS) on the three surface topographies of tilled soil, grass, and concrete. Additionally, the purpose of the study was to investigate and provide information on four radio frequency radar principles that could be used in Ag applications, and to determine which of the four radar principles provide the optimum RCS over the selected surface topographies.; Based upon the analyses of data, it was concluded that the correlation between multiple faceted surface topographies (e.g., tilled soil and grasses) was more statistically significant as to true ground speed than that of a smooth surface (i.e., concrete). Further, it was concluded that the correlation or feasibility of use between radio frequency technology and agriculture applications was again statistically significant.