Paul D Colaizzi

Title: Paul D Colaizzi: Innovator in Precision Agriculture

Introduction

Paul D Colaizzi is a noteworthy inventor based in Amarillo, TX, whose contributions to the field of precision agriculture have garnered attention through his innovative patents. With a total of two patents to his name, Colaizzi has developed advanced technologies that enhance the understanding and management of plant health and irrigation.

Latest Patents

Colaizzi's latest patents showcase his expertise in utilizing computer vision and sensor technology to address critical issues in agriculture. His first patent involves a **Computer Vision Qualified Infrared Temperature Sensor**. This instrument is designed to acquire plant canopy images and temperature data wirelessly, classifying pixels within the images to qualify temperature readings. The innovative design includes sensors that measure plant radiation resulting from canopy temperature, combined with an imaging sensor that operates across four bands. Additionally, the microprocessor processes and stores the data gathered, while the wireless transmitter ensures the data is sent to a remote receiver. This sophisticated setup is crucial for detecting plant stress, assessing canopy cover percentage, and guiding automatic irrigation scheduling based on crop conditions.

The second patent is for a **Multi-Band Photodiode Sensor**. This device measures plant canopy temperature and multi-spectral reflectance through a wireless multi-band sensor that classifies and qualifies temperature data as well. Enclosed in a single housing, it comprises various sensors for monitoring temperature radiation and spectral reflectance over five bands. The data collected is instrumental in identifying variations in spectral signatures associated with plant stress, including disease and water stress, as well as soil background influences. This innovation further aids in automated decision support systems for irrigation management, ensuring optimal crop health and yield potential.

Career Highlights

Paul D Colaizzi has had a distinguished career with significant contributions to agricultural research and technology development. His professional background includes working for the United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture and Southern Illinois University, where he collaborated on numerous projects aimed at enhancing agricultural practices through technology.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Colaizzi has had the opportunity to collaborate with fellow researchers and professionals in his field, including Susan A O'Shaughnessy and Steven R Evett. These collaborations have contributed to the advancement of innovative solutions in precision agriculture and have facilitated the successful development of his patented technologies.

Conclusion

Paul D Colaizzi exemplifies the role of inventors in pushing the boundaries of technology within the field of agriculture. His innovative patents reflect a commitment to improving crop management through advanced sensor technologies and data analysis. As his work continues to gain recognition, it holds the potential for significant impacts on the future of precision agriculture, contributing to more sustainable farming practices and improved crop yields.