3D Scanning System for Automatic High-Resolution Plant Phenotyping

Chuong V. Nguyen, Jurgen Fripp, David R. Lovell, Robert Furbank, Peter Kuffner, Helen Daily, Xavier Sirault

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

    33 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Thin leaves, fine stems, self-occlusion, non-rigid and slowly changing structures make plants difficult for three-dimensional (3D) scanning and reconstruction - two critical steps in automated visual phenotyping. Many current solutions such as laser scanning, structured light, and multiview stereo can struggle to acquire usable 3D models because of limitations in scanning resolution and calibration accuracy. In response, we have developed a fast, low-cost, 3D scanning platform to image plants on a rotating stage with two tilting DSLR cameras centred on the plant. This uses new methods of camera calibration and background removal to achieve high-accuracy 3D reconstruction. We assessed the system's accuracy using a 3D visual hull reconstruction algorithm applied on 2 plastic models of dicotyledonous plants, 2 sorghum plants and 2 wheat plants across different sets of tilt angles. Scan times ranged from 3 minutes (to capture 72 images using 2 tilt angles), to 30 minutes (to capture 360 images using 10 tilt angles). The leaf lengths, widths, areas and perimeters of the plastic models were measured manually and compared to measurements from the scanning system: results were within 3-4\% of each other. The 3D reconstructions obtained with the scanning system show excellent geometric agreement with all six plant specimens, even plants with thin leaves and fine stems.

    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publication2016 International Conference on Digital Image Computing
    Subtitle of host publicationTechniques and Applications, DICTA 2016
    EditorsAlan Wee-Chung Liew, Jun Zhou, Yongsheng Gao, Zhiyong Wang, Clinton Fookes, Brian Lovell, Michael Blumenstein
    PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
    ISBN (Electronic)9781509028962
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 22 Dec 2016
    Event2016 International Conference on Digital Image Computing: Techniques and Applications, DICTA 2016 - Gold Coast, Australia
    Duration: 30 Nov 20162 Dec 2016

    Publication series

    Name2016 International Conference on Digital Image Computing: Techniques and Applications, DICTA 2016

    Conference

    Conference2016 International Conference on Digital Image Computing: Techniques and Applications, DICTA 2016
    Country/TerritoryAustralia
    CityGold Coast
    Period30/11/162/12/16

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