Method implemented by computer, and, agricultural system

Description

52 METHOD IMPLEMENTED BY COMPUTER AND AGRICULTURAL SYSTEM DESCRIPTION FIELD

[001] This description refers to agricultural machinery. More specifically, this description refers to the detection and control of material application in a field using agricultural machinery. BACKGROUND

[002] There is a wide variety of different types of agricultural machinery that apply material to an agricultural field. Some of these agricultural machines include sprayers, tillage machines with side bars, air seeders, and row unit planters, among others.

[003] As an example, a row unit is usually mounted on a planter with a plurality of other row units. The planter is often towed by a tractor over the ground where the seed is planted in the soil, using the row units. The row units on the planter follow the soil profile using a combination of a downforce assembly that transmits a downward force to the row unit to push the disc openers into the soil and calibrate the wheels to set the penetration depth of the disc openers.

[004] Row units can also be used to apply material in the field (e.g., fertilizer to the soil, to a seed, etc.) over which the row units are moving. In some scenarios, each row unit has a valve coupled between a source of material to be applied and an application assembly. As the valve is actuated, the material passes through the valve, from the source to the application assembly, and is applied to the field.

[005] The above discussion is provided merely for general background information and is not intended to be used as an aid to Petition 870250083957, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 16 / 92 / 52 to determine the scope of the matter claimed. SUMMARY

[006] An application device on an agricultural machine includes a valve and an actuator that is controlled to apply liquid material, through a spray nozzle, to a field. Pressure is detected between the valve and the spray nozzle. A machine learning-based detector detects a state of the applicator, such as the possibility of the spray nozzle being partially or completely blocked or missing. A control signal is generated based on the detected state of the applicator.

[007] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid to determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. The claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve all the disadvantages mentioned in the background. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[008] Figure 1 is a top view of an example of a planting machine, shown in a partial pictorial and partial schematic form.

[009] Figure 2 shows a block diagram of an example of a part of an agricultural system.

[0010] Figure 3 is a side view showing an example of a row unit of the planting machine illustrated in Figure 1.

[0011] Figure 4 is a side view showing another example of a row unit of the planting machine illustrated in Figure 1.

[0012] Figure 5 is a side view showing another example of a row unit of the planting machine illustrated in Figure 1. Petition 870250083957, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 17 / 92 / 52

[0013] Figure 6 is a view of an application unit.

[0014] Figure 7 is an enlarged view of a portion of a row unit of the planting machine illustrated in Figure 4.

[0015] Figure 8 is an enlarged view of an example of an applicator.

[0016] Figure 9 is a visualization of a different example of a sprayer.

[0017] Figure 10 is another visualization of a different example of a sprayer.

[0018] Figure 11A is a block diagram showing an example of a material application control system.

[0019] Figure 11B is a block diagram showing an example of a material application control system.

[0020] Figure 12A shows a flow diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the material application control system shown in Figure 11.

[0021] Figure 12B shows another flow diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the material application control system shown in Figure 11.

[0022] Figure 12C shows another flow diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the material application control system shown in Figure 11.

[0023] Figure 13 shows an example of the architecture illustrated in Figure 1, employed in a remote server environment.

[0024] Figure 14 shows an example of a mobile device that can be used as an operator interface mechanism in the architectures shown in the previous Figures.

[0025] Figure 15 shows an example of a mobile device that can be used as an operator interface mechanism in the architectures shown in the previous Figures. Petition 870250083957, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 18 / 92 / 52

[0026] Figure 16 shows an example of a mobile device that can be used as an operator interface mechanism in the architectures shown in the previous Figures.

[0027] Figure 17 is a block diagram showing an example of a computing environment that can be used in the architectures shown in the previous Figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of this description, reference will now be made to the examples illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe them. However, it should be understood that there is no intention to limit the scope of the description. Any further alterations and modifications to the devices, systems, methods described, and any other further application of the principles of this description are fully contemplated, as would normally occur to a person skilled in the art to which the description refers. In particular, it is fully contemplated that the features, components, and / or steps described in relation to one example may be combined with the features, components, and / or steps described in relation to other examples in this description.

[0029] As discussed above, many current systems apply material to a field. Some systems that apply material to a field include a set of actuators that operate a set of valves or nozzles. The material to be applied to the field (which may be liquid) is pumped from a tank to the valves or nozzles through supply lines. A control system controls the actuators to operate the valves or nozzles (to open and / or close the valves or nozzles) to allow the pressurized material to flow through the valves or nozzle, from a spray nozzle or outlet orifice, to the field. Some spray nozzles are configured to provide a desired spray pattern, while Petition 870250083957, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 19 / 92 / 52 others are fixed holes or open tubes or outlets of a tube.

[0030] The environments in which systems apply material to a field are generally dusty, so applicators encounter dust, dirt, and other debris. It is not uncommon for moisture to accumulate in the nozzle or spray tip of an applicator and thus accumulate dust or other debris, causing a partial or total blockage of the spray tip. Similarly, the spray tip on applicators can be knocked off or fall from the applicator. In this way, instead of generating a desired spray pattern, the flow of material through the applicator is unrestricted.

[0031] In an attempt to detect the state of the applicator (e.g., whether the applicator is unblocked, fully blocked, partially blocked, or unrestricted), a pressure sensor can be deployed on the downstream side of the valve to detect the fluid pressure downstream of the valve in the applicator.However, the signal generated by the pressure sensor may be subject to excessive noise under certain conditions, making it difficult to identify the applicator's status.

[0032] The present description, therefore, proceeds with respect to a system that obtains parameters from the central flow system, such as the aggregate flow of all applicators in a fluid application, a pressure generated by the pump, as well as applicator parameters, such as an outlet pressure from the valve detected by a pressure sensor discarded downstream of the valve in the applicator. Features can be extracted from these signals, and the signal values ​​and features can be applied to a machine learning-based classifier. Based on the signal values, parameters, and features applied to the classifier, the classifier generates an output indicative of the applicator's state, such as whether there is a partial blockage, a total blockage, no blockage, or unrestricted flow (meaning the spray nozzle may be damaged or missing), as well as a relative flow rate compared to the flow rate in other applicators. A signal Petition 870250083957, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 20 / 92 / 52: A control signal can be generated based on the classifier output. The control signal can notify the operator about the applicator's status, control the applicator itself, control the central flow system, or control other items.

[0033] Figure 1 is a partial pictorial and schematic top view of an example of an agricultural system 90 comprising the agricultural planting machine 100, the towing vehicle 94, which is operated by the operator 92, and the material application control system 113, which may be deployed in one or more individual parts of the machine 100, located centrally on the machine 100, located remotely, or located on the tractor vehicle 94. The operator 92 (who may be a manual operator or an automated operator or a semi-automated operator) may illustratively interact with the operator interface mechanisms 96 to manipulate and control the vehicle 94, the system 113, and some or all parts of the machine 100.

[0034] Machine 100 is a row crop planting machine that illustratively includes a toolbar 102 which is part of a frame 104. Figure 1 also shows that a plurality of row planting units 106 are mounted on the toolbar 102. Machine 100 can be towed behind a towing vehicle 94, such as a tractor. Figure 1 shows that material can be stored in a tank 107 (or material(s) can be stored in a plurality of tanks) and pumped through one or more supply lines 111 so that the material can be dispensed or applied within or near the rows being planted. In one example, an applicator set 109 is provided to perform the application operation.For example, applicators 109 may include individual pumps that serve individual row units 106 and that pump material from tank(s) 107 to the supply line(s) 111 so that the material(s). Petition 870250083957, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 21 / 92 / 52 may be dispensed with in the field. In this example, the material application control system 113 controls the pumps 109. In addition, the applicators 109 may include actuators that actuate valves or nozzles. One or more pumps 115 pump the material from the tank(s) 107 to the valves or nozzles through the feed line(s) 111. In this example, the material application control system 113 controls the actuators by generating actuator control signals to apply the material according to a desired pattern, for example, to apply a continuous strip of material, to apply material in an overlapping pattern, to apply material in a spaced pattern (e.g., by seed) or in other ways.

[0035] The material application control system 113 also receives signals from sensors and other information and identifies problems with the applicators 109, such as whether the applicators 109 are blocked, partially blocked, or unrestricted. The identification of such problems is described in more detail elsewhere in this document.

[0036] In the example shown in Figure 2, an agricultural system or architecture 303 for a fluid application system 307 on the machine 100 is illustrated in which a single tank 107 contains material that is sent to a set of applicators 109-1, 109-2 by a central flow system 308 that includes one or more pumps 115, flow sensor 310, pressure sensor 312 and other items 314. The fluid is pumped by one or more pumps 115 through a plurality of different supply lines (labeled 111A-111B in Figure 2) to a plurality of different applicators 109-1, 109-2 in each row unit 106. Each applicator 109-1, 109-2 may have a flow control valve (300-1, 300-2) that is controlled by an actuator.Each applicator 109-1, 109-2 may also have an outlet orifice defined by a spray nozzle 302-1, 302-1, which may be an opening at the end of a tube, a spray nozzle that provides a desired spray pattern, or another spray nozzle. The valves. Petition 870250083957, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 22 / 92 / 52 Valves 300-1 and 300-2 are opened to allow pressurized liquid to flow through spray nozzles 302-1 and 302-2, which can spray the liquid according to a spray pattern 304-1 and 304-2. An outlet pressure sensor on valves 306-1 and 306-2 is deployed to detect the fluid pressure downstream of valves 300-1 and 300-2, but upstream of spray nozzles 302-1 and 302-2.

[0037] In operation, the pressure generated in lines 111A, 111B by pump(s) 115 can be detected by pressure sensor 312. The material flow generated by pump 115 can be detected by flow sensor 310. Pressure sensors 306-1, 306-2 and 312 can be pressure sensors or pressure transducers. Pressure sensors 306-1, 306-2 can be diaphragm sensors, pressure gauge sensors, Bourdon tube sensors, piezoelectric sensors, strain gauge sensors or other sensors. Flow sensor 310 can be an ultrasonic flow meter, a mass flow meter or any of a variety of other flow sensors.

[0038] Figure 2 also shows that the material application control system 113 may include the flow control system 318, the application detection and control system 320, and other items 322. The flow control system 318 may generate control signals that are provided to control the different applicators 109 in the different row units 106. Therefore, the material application control system 113 may generate different control signals to independently control the individual applicators 109-1 and 109-2 independently of each other in each of the row units 106 so that the material from the tank 107 may be applied according to a first application pattern (e.g., continuously in a furrow) using the applicator 109-1 and according to a second application pattern (e.g., intermittently based on the seed position in the furrow) using the applicator 109-2. Petition 870250083957, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 23 / 92 / 52

[0039] In addition, in one example, the application detection and control system 320 receives sensor signals from sensors 310, 312, 306-1, and 3062, as well as other information (such as a target application rate, characteristics of spray nozzles 302-1, 302-2, and / or other information) and provides this information to a machine learning-based classifier that generates an output corresponding to each applicator 109-1, 109-2 indicating the state of that applicator, such as whether the applicator is unlocked, partially locked, fully locked, unrestricted, etc. Furthermore, the application detection and control system 320 can estimate or identify the relative flow through each applicator 109-1, 109-2 and other items, and generate a control signal based on the applicator state, the relative flow through the applicator, etc.

[0040] Some examples of the functionality in row units 106 will now be described in relation to Figures 3-8. Figure 3 is a side view of an example of a row unit 106, with applicator 109 and system 113 also shown. A more detailed example of applicator 109 is described elsewhere in this document. Figure 3 shows that applicator 109 can be in six possible locations labeled 109, 109A, 109B, 109C, 109D, and 109E. It will be appreciated that row unit 106 will illustratively have a plurality of independently controllable applicators 109 (such as applicators 109-1 to 109-2 shown elsewhere in this document) which may be located at one or more of the different locations indicated by the numbers 109-109E or at other locations in row unit 106. Row unit 106 illustratively includes a chemical tank 110 and a seed storage tank 112.The row unit 106 also includes, for example, one or more disc openers 114, a set of gauge wheels 116 and a set of closing wheels 118. Seeds from tank 112 are fed into a seed meter 124, for example, by gravity or from a system. Petition 870250083957, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 24 / 92 / 52 centralized goods distribution (e.g., providing pneumatic goods distribution for each row unit). The seed meter 124 controls the rate at which seeds are released into a seed tube 120 or other seed delivery system, such as a brush belt or flight belt (shown in other Figures), from the seed storage tank 112. The seeds can be detected by a seed sensor 122.

[0041] In the example shown in Figure 3, the liquid material is passed, for example, pumped or otherwise forced, through one or more supply lines 111 to an inlet end of each applicator 109. Each applicator 109 is controlled by the control system 113 to allow the liquid to pass from the inlet end of the applicator 109 to an outlet end. The material application control system 113 detects the travel speed of the row unit 106 (for example, by detecting the travel speed of the towing vehicle 94 or otherwise) and varies the control signal control applicator 109 based on the travel speed to maintain a desired application pattern.An example of the application of material by means of an applicator 109 will be discussed, but it will be appreciated that the row unit 106 may have a plurality of independently controllable applicators 109, so that one or more materials may be applied at different rates or according to different application patterns (e.g., continuously, overlapping, intermittently, etc.). When mentioning that the different applicators are driven to apply material according to a different application pattern, it is understood, for example, that one applicator is controlled to apply material at a different rate than another applicator, or that one applicator applies material according to a spatial pattern (such as continuously or overlapping) that is different from a spatial pattern with which another applicator applies material (such as... Petition 870250083957, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 25 / 92 / 52 intermittently).

[0042] As the liquid passes through each applicator 109, the liquid moves through an application assembly 117 from a proximal end (which is connected to an outlet end of each applicator 109) to a distal nozzle (or application nozzle) 119, where the liquid is discharged into a trench, or near a trench or furrow 162, opened by the disc opener 114 (as described in more detail elsewhere). The distal nozzle, in one example, may include the outlet orifice (or spray nozzle) 302 shown in Figure 2.

[0043] Some parts of the 106 row unit will now be discussed in more detail. First, it should be noted that there are different types of seed meters 124, and what is shown is shown for example purposes only. However, in one example, each 106 row unit does not need to have its own seed meter. Instead, measurement or other seed singulation or splitting techniques can be performed at a central location, for groups of 106 row units. Measurement systems may include finger-picking discs and / or vacuum meters (e.g., with rotating discs, concave or bowl-shaped rotating devices), among others.The seed delivery system can be a gravity drop system (such as the seed tube 120 shown in Figure 3 where seeds are launched through the seed tube 120 and fall (via gravitational force) through the seed tube and exit through the outlet end 121 into the seed hole 162). Other types of seed delivery systems may be, or may include, assistive systems, due to the fact that they do not simply rely on gravity to move the seed from the metering system to the soil. Instead, these assistive systems actively help the seeds move from the meter to a lower opening, from where they exit or are deposited in the soil or hole. They may be systems that physically capture the seed and... Petition 870250083957, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, p. 26 / 92 / 52 move the seed from the meter to the outlet end of the seed delivery system or may be pneumatic systems that pump air through the seed tube to assist in seed movement. The air velocity can be controlled to regulate the speed at which the seed moves through the delivery system.

[0044] A downward force actuator 126 is mounted in a coupling assembly 128 that couples the row unit 106 to the toolbar 102. The actuator 126 may be a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, a spring-based mechanical actuator, or a wide variety of other actuators. In the example shown in Figure 3, a rod 130 is coupled to a parallel linkage 132 and is used to exert an additional downward force (in the direction indicated by arrow 134) on the row unit 106. The total downward force (which includes the force indicated by arrow 134 exerted by the actuator 126, plus the force due to gravity acting on the row unit 106 (and indicated by arrow 136)) is offset by upward-directed forces acting on the closing wheels 118 (from the ground 138) and the disc opener 114 (again from the ground 138).The remaining force (the sum of the force vectors indicated by arrows 134 and 136, less the upward force on the closing wheels 118 and the opening wheel 114 and the force on any other ground penetration component in the row unit (not shown)) is the differential force. The differential force may also be referred to here as the downward force margin. The downward force margin acts on the measuring wheels 116. This load can be detected by a measuring wheel load sensor, which may be located anywhere in the row unit 106 where it can detect this load. The measuring wheel load sensor may also be placed where it may not detect the load directly, but an indicative characteristic of that load. For example, it may be disposed near a set of gauge wheel control arms (or gauge wheel arm) 148 that mount from. Petition 870250083957, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 27 / 92 / 52, mobile form, the 116 gauge wheels on the 152 shaft control a displacement between the 116 gauge wheels and the discs on the double disc opener 114, to control the planting depth.

[0045] The measuring arms (or arms of the measuring wheel) 148 illustratively rest against a mechanical stop (or contact member of the arm - or wedge) 150. The position of the mechanical stop 150 relative to the rod 152 can be defined by a planting depth actuator assembly 154. The control arms 148 illustratively rotate around the pivot point 156 so that, as the planting depth actuator assembly 154 acts to change the position of the mechanical stop 150, the relative position of the measuring wheels 116, relative to the double disc opener 114, changes, to change the depth at which the seeds are planted.

[0046] In operation, the row unit 106 generally moves in the direction indicated by arrow 160. The double disc opener 114 opens a furrow 162 in the soil 138, and the depth of the furrow 162 is defined by the planting depth actuator assembly 154, which, in turn, controls the movement between the lower parts of the measuring wheels 116 and the disc opener 114. The seeds are launched through the seed tube 120 into the furrow 162, and the closing wheels 118 close the furrow 162, for example, by pushing the soil back into the furrow 162.

[0047] As the seeds are released through the seed tube 120, the seeds can be detected by the seed sensor 122. Some examples of the seed sensor 122 are described in more detail below. Some examples of the seed sensor 122 may include an optical or reflective sensor, which includes a radiation transmitter component and a receiver component. The transmitter component emits electromagnetic radiation and the receiver component detects the radiation and generates a signal indicating the presence or absence of a seed adjacent to the sensors. In another example, the row unit 106 may be fitted with a firming device. Petition 870250083957, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, p. 28 / 92 / 52 of seeds that is positioned to travel along furrow 162, after the seeds are placed in furrow 162, to secure the seeds in place. A seed sensor can be placed on the seed securer and generate a sensor signal indicating a seed.

[0048] The present description continues with respect to the seed sensor being located to detect a seed passing through it in the seed tube 120, but this is only for example purposes. The material application control system 113 illustratively receives a signal from the seed sensor 122, indicating that a seed is passing through the sensor 122 in the seed tube 120. When an intermittent application pattern is used, the system 113 determines when to activate the applicators 109 so that the material being applied through the application assembly 117 (and the distal nozzle 119 of the application assembly 117) is applied to a desired location relative to the seed in the hole or furrow 162. A brief example of the operation will now be described by way of overview.

[0049] The material application control system 113 is illustratively programmed with, or detects, a distance, for example, a longitudinal distance, that the distal nozzle 119 is from the outlet end 121 of the seed tube 120. The system 113 also illustratively detects, or is provided (for example, by another component, such as a GPS unit or a tractor, etc.), the travel speed of the row unit 106. As the row units 106 in an implement being towed by a prime mover (for example, a tractor) may move faster or slower than the tractor during turns, particularly as the width of the implement increases, the material application control system 113 may detect, calculate, or receive the travel speed of each row unit 106 of the implement.For example, the material application control system 113 can detect or receive information when the implement is turning right, indicating that... Petition 870250083957, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 29 / 92 / 52, the rightmost row unit 106 is moving more slowly, i.e., it has a lower travel speed than the leftmost row unit 106. Furthermore, the material application control system 113 detects, is provided with, or programmed with system data indicating the responsiveness of the applicators 109 under certain conditions (such as under certain temperature conditions, certain humidity conditions, certain elevations, when spraying a certain type of fluid, etc.).The spray angle of the applicators 109 (as well as the size and orientation of the spray pattern emitted by the applicator 109) and the system 113 also detects, is provided or programmed with one or more properties of the material being applied by means of the applicators 109 (as this may affect the speed at which the applicators 109 respond, the time it takes for the material to travel through the application assembly 117 to the distal nozzle 119 and be applied in the furrow 162, etc.). In addition, the material application control system 113 illustratively detects (or is provided with an indicative sensor signal) the forward speed of the row unit 106 in the direction generally indicated by the arrow 160. The application control system 113 may also obtain indicative information of the duty cycle used to control the applicator 109.

[0050] With this type of information, once system 113 receives a signal from the seed sensor indicating that a seed is passing through sensor 122 in seed tube 120, system 113 determines the amount of time it will take for the seed to fall through the outlet end of seed tube 121 and into furrow 162 to reside in its final seed location and position in furrow 162. System 113 then determines when nozzle 119 will be in a desired location relative to the final seed location and activates applicators 109 using a pulse-width modulated control signal with a switching frequency (given the duty cycle of the signal) that will apply the material to the desired location. By way of example, Petition 870250083957, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 30 / 92 / 52, it may be that some material needs to be applied directly onto the seed. In this case, system 113 times the actuation of actuators 109 so that the applied material is applied at the seed location. In another example, it may be desirable to apply some material at the seed location and also a predetermined distance on both sides of the seed location along the furrow. In this case, system 113 generates the control signal used to control the applicators 109 at a switching frequency and time so that the material is applied in the desired manner. In other examples, it may be that the material is applied at a location between the seeds in the furrow 162. As an example, relatively high nitrogen fertilizers may be more desirably applied between the seeds rather than directly onto the seed.In this case, system 113 was programmed illustratively with the desired location of the applied material, relative to the seed location, so that system 113 can determine when and at what frequency to generate the control signal to activate applicators 109 to apply the material between the seeds. Furthermore, as discussed above, applicators 109 can be activated to dispense material at a variable rate. Applicators 109 can dispense more material at the seed location and less at locations spaced from the seed location, or vice versa, or according to other application patterns. Different applicators 109 in the same row unit 106 can apply the same materials or different materials according to the same or different application patterns.

[0051] It should be noted that a wide variety of different configurations are contemplated here. For example, in one example, applicators 109 may have a valve that is supplied with material via a separate supply line 111 and may have a separate distal spray nozzle 119. Each applicator 109 may be placed closer to the distal spray nozzle or nozzle 119 (as indicated by applicator locations 109A and 109C). In this way, there is less uncertainty as to Petition 870250083957, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, p. 31 / 92 / 52 time that the material will take to move from applicators 109A and 109C to the corresponding distal spray nozzle or nozzle 119. In another example, the applicators are discarded at a different location (as in the seed tube 120), as indicated by applicators 109B and 109D. In these scenarios, again, the applicator locations 109B and 109D are closer to the corresponding distal spray nozzle or nozzle 119B, and the material can be applied before and / or after the seed falls into the furrow 162. For example, when the seed sensor 120 detects a seed, the system 113 may have the capability to trigger applicator 109B to apply the material into the furrow 162, before the seed exits the outlet end 121 of the seed tube 120, while continuously triggering a separate applicator 109D that is fed by a separate supply line 111 from applicator 109B.However, at the moment the seed falls through the distal end 121 of the seed tube 120, the final location of the seed may be directly in the material applied by the applicator 109B. In another example, the system 113 may control the applicator 109B to apply material, but stop applying it before the seed exits the distal end 121, again while triggering the applicator 109D to continuously apply the material. In this case, the material may be continuously applied in the furrow 162 by the applicator 109D and at a location behind the seed in the furrow 162, relative to the direction indicated by arrow 160, by the applicator 109B. This timing and frequency of actuation allow one or more materials to be applied between seeds, on seeds, continuously, overlapping, and / or elsewhere. All these and other configurations are contemplated in this document.

[0052] The applicator(s) 109 has / have an outlet pressure sensor for valve 306 that detects the pressure downstream of the valve. The sensor signals are fed back to system 113, which generates an output indicating the possibility of the spray nozzle 119 being partially blocked. Petition 870250083957, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 32 / 92 / 52 blocked, missing, or functioning correctly, as described in more detail elsewhere.

[0053] Figure 4 is similar to Figure 3, and similar items are numbered similarly. However, instead of the seed delivery system being a seed tube 120, which relies on gravity to move the seed to the furrow 162, the seed delivery system shown in Figure 4 is an assisted seed delivery system 166. Furthermore, Figure 4 shows that the row unit 106 has a row cleaner 125 that cleans debris and other materials before the opener 114. In Figure 4, row unit 106 also has a seed hopper 127 that provides seed to the seed meter 124. The assisted seed delivery system 166 also illustratively has a seed sensor 122 disposed therein.

[0054] The assistive seed delivery system 166 captures the seeds as they exit the seed meter 124 and moves them in the direction indicated by the arrow 168 towards the furrow 162. The system 166 has an exit end 170 where the seeds exit the assistive system 166, into the furrow 162, where they again reach their final resting place.

[0055] Figure 4 also shows that row unit 106 may have an optical seed sensor 122A (in addition to or instead of seed sensor 122) with an image capture device 169 and a light source 171. When seeds are released into the furrow 162, the seeds can be detected by seed sensor 122A. The light source 142 can direct illumination to a furrow area 162. Camera 169 captures an image (or a sequence of images) of the illuminated area. An image processing system (located in sensor 122A, material application control system 113, at a remote location and / or elsewhere) processes the image(s) to identify planting characteristics such as seed location, seed type, orientation of Petition 870250083957, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 33 / 92 / 52 seed, seed depth (or furrow), seed spacing, seed contact with soil, furrow integrity, anomalous material (such as rocks, plant matter, etc.) and / or other planting characteristics. The 122A optical seed sensor can be placed in a variety of different locations in row unit 106, or in different components of row unit 106, to obtain an image (or a sequence of images) of seeds in furrow 162.

[0056] In a system where seed sensor 122 is used, the material application control system 113 considers the speed at which the delivery system 166 moves the seed from seed sensor 122 to the output end 170. The system 113 also considers, illustratively, the speed at which the seed moves from the output end 170 to the furrow 162. For example, in one instance, the seed simply falls from the output end 170 to the furrow 162 under the force of gravity. In another instance, however, the seed may be ejected from the delivery system 166 at a speed greater or less than that which would be achieved under the force of gravity. Similarly, it may be that the seed falls straight down into the furrow 162 from the output end 170.In another example, however, the seed may be propelled slightly backward from the exit end 170 to accommodate the forward movement of the row unit 106, so that the seed's travel path is more vertical and thus the seed rolls less when it reaches the furrow. Additionally, the seed may be ejected backward and held against the soil by a rear member (such as a gripping wheel) that functions to stop any backward movement of the seed after ejection and to force the seed into a firm engagement with the soil.

[0057] Again, Figure 4 also shows that a plurality of 109 applicators can be placed in any one of a wide variety of different locations, some of which are illustrated by the numbers 109A, Petition 870250083957, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 34 / 92 / 52 109B, 109C and 109D. In another example, as discussed in more detail below in relation to Figure 7, an applicator 109 can be mounted in place of or near device 169.

[0058] When the optical seed sensor 122A is used, the material application control system 113 illustratively receives a signal from the seed sensor 122A, indicating the planting characteristics discussed above or other planting characteristics.The material application control system 113 can also receive a travel speed signal indicating a movement speed of the row unit 106 and then determines when and how often to independently actuate the different actuators 109 in the row unit 106 so that the material being applied through the application assemblies 117 (and the distal nozzles 119 of the application assemblies 117) is applied to a desired location relative to the seed in the hole or furrow 162, or according to a desired application pattern, and / or based on other planting characteristics identified by processing the image(s) captured by the optical seed sensor 122A. There may be more than one seed sensor, seed sensors of different types, different locations for seed sensors, etc.

[0059] Figure 5 is similar to Figure 4, and similar items are numbered similarly. However, in Figure 5, row unit 106 is also equipped with members 172 and / or 174. Members 172 and / or 174 may be angled for engagement with the soil or rigidly attached to the structure of row unit 106. In one example, member 172 may be a furrow shaper, which contacts the soil in the area within or near the furrow, and immediately after the furrow is opened, but before the seed is placed in it. Member 172 may therefore contact the side(s) of the furrow, the bottom of the furrow, an area adjacent to the furrow, or other areas. It may be equipped with a sensor 176, for Petition 870250083957, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 35 / 92 / 52 example, seed sensor 176, also.

[0060] In another example, member 172 can be positioned so that member 172 moves through the furrow after the seed is placed in the furrow. In this example, member 172 can act as a seed stabilizer, which secures the seed in its final seed location.

[0061] In both cases, member 172 may include a seed sensor 122, which detects the presence of the seed. The system 122 may be an optical sensor, which optically detects the presence of the seed as member 172 moves adjacent to, in front of, or over the seed. The sensor 122 may be a mechanical sensor that detects the presence of the seed, or the sensor 122 may be another type of sensor that detects the presence of the seed in the furrow. The sensor 122 illustratively provides a signal to the material application control system 113 indicating the presence of the detected seed.

[0062] In this example, the plurality of applicators 109 in row unit 106 may be placed at the location of applicator 109E, shown in Figure 5, and the spray nozzle or tip of the application assemblies corresponding to each applicator is shown in 119C. In the example shown in Figure 5, the outlet ends or nozzles 119C may be located just behind member 172 in relation to the direction indicated by arrow 160. The outlet ends or nozzles 119C may also be arranged on the opposite side of member 172 (such as in front of member 172 in the direction indicated by arrow 160). In this example, the seed sensor 122 detects the seed at a location that corresponds to its final seed location, or that is very close to its final seed location. This can increase the accuracy with which the seed sensor 122 detects the final seed location.

[0063] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 5, row unit 106 may have member 174 in addition to or instead of member 172. Member 174 may also be configured to enclose the ground within or Petition 870250083957, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, p. 36 / 92 / 52 near the pit or furrow. Member 174 may have a seed sensor 122 that detects the presence of a seed (or a feature from which the presence of seeds may be derived). Member 174 may be positioned so that it closely follows the outlet end 121 of the seed tube 120 or the outlet end 170 of the assist delivery system 166. In addition, the applicators 109 may be positioned as illustrated in 109F.

[0064] Figure 6 is a side perspective view of an applicator unit 105. Some items are similar to those shown in other previous Figures and these items are numbered similarly. In short, in operation, the applicator unit 105 connects to a side bar that is towed behind a towing vehicle 94, so that the unit 105 moves between the rows (if the rows are already planted).However, instead of planting seeds, the applicator unit 105 simply applies material to a location between the seed rows (or, if the seeds are not yet planted, between the locations where the rows will be after planting). Moving in the direction indicated by arrow 160, the disc opener 114 (in this example, a single disc opener) opens the furrow 162 in the soil 136, to a depth defined by the measuring wheel 116. The applicator unit 105 may have a plurality of independently controllable applicators 109. When the applicators 109 are activated, the material is applied to the furrow 162, closing the wheels 118 and then closing the furrow 162.

[0065] As unit 105 moves, the material application control system 113 controls the applicators 109 to dispense the material. This can be done in relation to seed or plant locations, if those locations are captured or are already known or have been estimated. Application can also be done before the location of the seeds or plants is known. In the latter situation, the locations where the material is applied can be stored so that the seeds can be planted. Petition 870250083957, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 37 / 92 23 / 52 subsequently, regarding the locations of the material that has already been disposed of.

[0066] Figure 6 shows that the applicators 109 can be mounted in any of several different positions on the unit 105. Two of the positions are shown in 109G and 109H. These are examples and the applicators 109 can also be located elsewhere. Similarly, several applicators 109 can be placed on the unit 105 in different locations, or adjacent to each other, to dispense several different materials or to dispense material more quickly or in larger volumes or to dispense the same material at different rates or according to different application patterns.

[0067] Figure 7 shows an enlarged view of a portion of row unit 106 illustrated in Figure 4, and similar items are numbered similarly. In Figure 7, the applicator 109 is shown with a spray nozzle 302 and a valve actuator 254 that actuates a valve 300 within housing 256. The valve 300 is fed with liquid material through a flow inlet 257 coupled to a conduit in the application assembly 117. When the actuator 254 is actuated to open the valve 300, the liquid material passes through the conduit in the application assembly 117, through the valve 300, and exits through the nozzle 302. In the example shown in Figure 7, the nozzle 302 generates a spray pattern indicated by the number α. 258. The spray pattern spreads over a spray angle. Figure 7 also shows the outlet pressure sensor of valve 306 positioned to detect the fluid pressure downstream of valve 300.

[0068] Figure 8 is an enlarged view of the applicator 109 showing the flow inlet 257, the valve housing 256 and the actuator 254, as well as the spray nozzle 302 and the pressure sensor 306. It may happen that, due to the location of the applicator 109 and the environment in which the applicator 109 operates, liquids and dust or debris may accumulate on the spray nozzle 302 and block or partially block the spray nozzle. Petition 870250083957, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 38 / 92 / 52 302. Similarly, the spray nozzle 302 may be damaged or dropped or broken from the applicator 109, resulting in unrestricted flow between the valve 300 in the valve housing 256 and the outlet end of the applicator 109. Therefore, the valve outlet pressure sensor 306 is disposed between the valve 300 / housing 256 and the spray nozzle 302. The detected pressure will change in response to actuation of the valve 300 and in response to a blockage or partial blockage of the spray nozzle 302 and / or in response to the spray nozzle 302 being damaged or missing. A classifier or other processor or machine learning-based model in the system 113 can therefore detect the state of the applicator 109 based on the pressure signals from the sensor 306 and generate a corresponding control signal.

[0069] Figure 9 illustrates another example of an agricultural spraying machine (or agricultural sprayer) 101. The sprayer 101 includes a spraying system 402 with a tank 404 containing a product, such as a liquid product, which is to be applied to the field 406. The tank 404 is fluidically coupled to the spray nozzles 408 by a delivery system consisting of a set of conduits. A fluid pump is configured to pump the product from the tank 404 through the conduits and through the nozzles 408 to apply the product to the field 406. In some examples, the fluid pump is driven by the operation of a motor, such as an electric motor or hydraulic motor, which drives the pump. The material application control system 113 can generate control signals to control the nozzles 408 individually, collectively, or in groups.

[0070] The applicators on sprayer 101 may be spray nozzles 408 which are coupled and spaced along the boom 410. The nozzles 408 may be similar to applicators 109, in that the nozzles 408 have a spray tip which may be damaged, missing, or blocked or partially blocked. Therefore, the nozzles 408 also Petition 870250083957, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 39 / 92 / 52, may have an outlet pressure sensor for valve 306. The signal from sensor 306 can be used by system 113 to detect the nozzle state and generate corresponding control signals. The boom 410 includes arms 412 and 414 which are coupled to a central frame 416. In some examples, arms 412 and 414 can articulate and rotate relative to the central frame 416. In some examples, the central frame 416 can be actuated up and down to adjust its height above field 406. In some examples, arms 412 and 414 can be articulated and pivoted relative to the central frame 416 and the central frame 416 can be actuated up and down. Thus, in some examples, arms 412 and 414 are movable between a storage or transport position and an extended or deployed position (shown in Figure 9).The boom 410, including each arm 412 and 414, may include several discrete and controllable sections that are supplied with fluid from tank 404 by the fluid pump through a respective conduit in each section.

[0071] Each section may include a respective set of one or more spray nozzles 408. Each section may be activated or deactivated by the material application control system 113 by actuating a corresponding controllable valve, for example, a section may be deactivated, i.e., the section or the nozzles of the section, or both, are prevented from receiving fluid, by actuating a controllable valve that is upstream of the section or the nozzles, or both. In some examples, the nozzles 408 of the section may have an associated controllable valve that may be actuated by the system 113 to activate or deactivate the nozzles 408. The product application rate is the rate (volumetric rate) at which the product is applied to the field over which the sprayer 101 moves. The application rate corresponds to a volumetric flow rate of the product from the tank 404 through the spray nozzles 408.The volumetric flow rate can be controlled by system 113, which controls the pump operation, for example, by varying the speed. Petition 870250083957, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 40 / 92 / 52 pump operation with an associated motor. In some examples, where the application rate is controlled for individual sections or for individual nozzles 408, a controllable valve, such as a solenoid valve, piezo valve or similar, corresponding to each section or each nozzle 408, may be operated to switch (e.g., pulse) between a closed state and an open state at variable frequency (e.g., pulse width modulation control) to control the rate at which the product is discharged from the spray nozzle assembly 408 of the respective section or from the respective individual spray nozzle 408.

[0072] In the example illustrated in Figure 9, the agricultural sprayer 101 comprises a towed implement 418 that carries the spraying assembly and a towing or support machine 420 (illustratively a tractor) that tows the towed spraying implement 418. The towed implement 418 includes a set of ground-penetrating elements, such as wheels 423. The towing machine 420 includes a power plant 421, such as an internal combustion engine that drives the rotation of a set of ground-penetrating elements, such as wheels 424, to propel the sprayer 101 over the field 406 at varying speeds. The ground-penetrating elements may also be tracks or other traction elements. In the illustrated example, the towing machine 420 includes an operator compartment or cab 422, which may include a variety of different operator interface mechanisms for controlling the agricultural sprayer 101.

[0073] The 101 agricultural sprayer may include a variety of sensors, such as one or more travel speed sensors that may be located on the towed implement 418 and / or the towing machine 420. The travel speed sensor(s) detect the travel speed and generate a sensor signal, indicative of the detected travel speed, for the control system of Petition 870250083957, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, pp. 41 / 92 / 52 application of material 113.

[0074] Figure 10 illustrates an example of a self-propelled agricultural sprayer 450. The sprayer 450 has an onboard spraying system 452, including, among other things, a tank 455 containing a product and a boom 454, which is carried on a machine frame 456 with an operator compartment 457, a set of ground-penetrating elements 460, such as wheels or tracks, and a power plant 462, such as an internal combustion engine, which drives the rotation of the ground-penetrating elements 460 to propel the sprayer 450 over the work site (field) where it operates. The operator compartment 457 may include a variety of different operator interface mechanisms for controlling the agricultural sprayer 450. The tank 455 is fluidically coupled to the spray nozzles 458 by a delivery system consisting of a set of conduits.A fluid pump is configured to pump the product from tank 455 through the conduits and through the nozzles 458 to apply the product to the field over which the agricultural sprayer 450 moves. In some examples, the fluid pump is actuated by the operation of a motor, such as an electric motor or hydraulic motor, which drives the pump and is controlled by the material application control system 113.

[0075] Spray nozzles 458 are coupled and spaced along the boom 454. Spray nozzles 458 can be configured similarly to spray nozzles 408 so that system 113 can detect the state of the spray nozzles (e.g., blocked, partially blocked, unrestricted, etc.). Boom 454 includes arms 462 and 464 which are coupled to a central frame 466. In some examples, arms 462 can articulate or rotate relative to the central frame 466, such as by the actuation of one or more actuators. In this way, arms 462 and 464 are movable between a storage or transport position and a position Petition 870250083957, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, p. 42 / 92 / 52 extended or deployed (shown in Figure 10). In some examples, the central chassis 466 can be actuated up and down (by one or more actuators) to change the height of the central frame 466 above the work area. The boom 454, including each arm 462 and 464, may include several discrete and controllable sections that are supplied by the product of the tank 455 by the fluid pump through a respective conduit of each section.

[0076] Each section may include a respective set of one or more spray nozzles 458. Each section may be activated or deactivated by control signals generated from the material application control system 113 that actuate a corresponding controllable valve, for example, a section may be deactivated, i.e., the section or the nozzles 458 of the section, or both, are prevented from receiving fluid, by actuating a controllable valve that is upstream of the section or the nozzles, or both. In some examples, the nozzles 458 of the section may have an associated controllable valve 300, valve outlet pressure sensor 306 and spray nozzle 302. The valve 300 may be actuated by the material application control system 113 to activate or deactivate the nozzles 458. The product application rate is the rate (volumetric rate) at which the product is applied to the field over which the sprayer 450 moves.The application rate corresponds to a volumetric flow rate of the product from tank 455 through the spray nozzles 458. The volumetric flow rate is controlled by the operation of the pump, for example, by varying the operating speed of the pump with an associated motor. In some examples, where the material application control system 113 controls the application rate for individual sections or for individual nozzles 458, a controllable valve 300, such as a solenoid valve, piezoelectric valve or similar, corresponding to each section or each nozzle 458, can be controlled by the system 113 to switch (e.g., pulse) between a closed state and an open state at a variable frequency (e.g., pulse width modulation control). Petition 870250083957, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 43 / 92 / 52 to control the rate at which the product is discharged from the spray nozzle assembly 458 of the respective section or from the respective individual spray nozzle 458.

[0077] The 450 agricultural sprayer may include a variety of sensors, such as a travel speed sensor that detects the travel speed of the 450 sprayer and / or individual nozzles 458 or one or more sets of nozzles 458. The material application control system 113 receives the signals generated by the travel speed sensor(s) and varies the control signal(s) used to control the actuation of the valves in the 458 nozzles, based on the travel speed, to maintain a target application pattern. The system 113 may also detect the state of each 458 nozzle based on the signal from the valve outlet pressure sensors 306 and generate corresponding control signals.

[0078] Figure 11 is a block diagram showing an example of material application and control system 113 in more detail. Some items are similar to those shown in previous Figures, and they are numbered similarly. Figure 11 shows that the material application and control system 113 can communicate with operator interface mechanisms 96, applicators 109 (which may include the various nozzles 408 and 458, as well as other applicators), central flow system 308, and other items 330. Figure 11 also shows that the material application and control system 113 can communicate with one or more sensors 332, which may include central pressure sensors 312, central flow sensors 310, valve outlet pressure sensors 306, a position sensor 333, a speed sensor 334, and any one of a wide variety of other sensors 336.

[0079] Figure 11 also shows that the material application and control system 113 may include one or more processors or Petition 870250083957, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page. 44 / 92 / 52 servers 338, data storage 340 (which can store one or more target application rates 342, material data 343, spray nozzle data 344, sensitivity / limit data 346 and any of a wide variety of other data 348), communication system 350, fluid control system 318, application detection and control system 320, control signal generator 352 and any of a wide variety of other functionalities 322. The application detection and control system 320 may include the data storage interaction component 354, the central operating parameter identification system 356, the applicator-level parameter identification system 358, the resource extraction system 360, the machine learning-based classification system 362, the output generator 364 and any of a wide variety of other items 366.Before describing the overall operation of the material application and control system 113 in more detail, a description of some of the items of the agricultural system 337 and their operations will first be given.

[0080] One or more target application rates 342 can identify the material application rate that should be applied by the fluid application system 307 in the field over which the applicators are moving. The target application rates 342 can be georeferenced so that the rate at which the material is applied can change based on the geographic location of the applicators. In this way, the target application rates 342 can be downloaded in the form of an application map, or the target application rates 342 can be entered by an operator or detected or received in other ways.

[0081] Material 343 data can identify characteristics of the material being applied by the applicators. For example, Material 343 data can describe the fluid properties (e.g., specific gravity, density, etc.) of the material being applied. Petition 870250083957, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, pp. 45 / 92 / 52 among other things.

[0082] Spray nozzle data 344 can identify the type of spray nozzle 302 (e.g., a tube outlet, a fixed or variable orifice, a spray nozzle designed to provide a desired pattern, etc.) being used to apply the material. Spray nozzle data 344 can identify the spray nozzle size, the spray angle type or spray pattern 258 emitted by spray nozzle 302, the orifice size, or other dimensions or characteristics of spray nozzle 302. Spray nozzle data 344 can be standard data or data downloaded from a remote system. Spray nozzle data 344 can be entered by the operator or received in other ways as well.

[0083] Sensitivity / threshold data 346 can identify one or more thresholds used to determine the state of a given applicator. For example, the pressure detected by the valve outlet pressure sensor 306 can be compared to the pressure detected by other valve outlet pressure sensors 306 on other applicators. The difference can be compared to a sensitivity level or threshold identified by sensitivity / threshold data 346 to determine whether the state of the specific applicator 109 should be identified or signaled or otherwise analyzed.For example, if the pressure detected by a first valve outlet pressure sensor 306-1 differs from the pressure detected by a second valve outlet pressure sensor 306-2 by a threshold value (e.g., 20%), this may indicate a problem with one of the two valve outlet pressure sensors 306-1 and / or 306-2, so the status of the corresponding applicators 109-1 and 109-2 should be analyzed. The sensitivity / threshold data 346 may be standard data, downloaded from a remote system, entered by an operator, and / or obtained or received in other ways. Petition 870250083957, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, pages 46 / 92 / 52

[0084] The 350 communication system facilitates communication between items in the material application and control system 113 and can facilitate communication with other systems or other machines (such as those described in relation to Figure 13 below). Therefore, the 350 communication system can be a controller area network (CAN) bus and bus controller, a cellular communication system, a near-field communication system, a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi communication system, a long-distance network communication system, a local area network communication system, or any one of a wide variety of other communication systems or combinations of systems.

[0085] The flow control system 318 illustratively provides an output to control the signal generator 352 to generate control signals to control the flow control valves 300 in the applicators 109 based on the target application rate 342, the spray nozzle data 344, the fluid data 343 and / or other data. The flow control system 318 can identify the switching frequency and provide the switching frequency to control the signal generator 352 which, in turn, generates a pulse-width modulated control signal to control the flow control valves 300 in the applicators 109 in order to provide the application of the material according to a target rate, a target application pattern or other target data. The control signals can also take other forms.

[0086] The application detection and control system 320 can receive sensor signals from one or more sensors 332 and detect the state of one or more applicators 109 (such as whether the applicators 109 are functioning correctly, partially blocked, totally blocked, have unrestricted flow - indicating that the spray nozzle 302 is missing, or other states). The data storage interaction component 354 interacts with the data storage 340 to obtain data or other information needed for the system. Petition 870250083957, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 47 / 92 / 52 detection and control of applications 300 to identify the state of different applicators 109. The data storage interaction component 354 can interact with local data storage 340 or remote data storage using the communication system 350 or in other ways. The central operating parameter identification system 356 identifies the parameters of the central flow system 308 where these parameters (or features derived from these parameters) can be used by the machine learning-based classification system 362 to identify the state of one or more applicators 109. In this way, the central operating parameter identification system 356 can identify the overall flow of the tank 107 for all applicators 109 controlled by the central flow system 308 by reading the sensor signal generated by the flow sensor 310.The central operating parameter identification system 356 can also identify the fluid outlet system pressure from pump 115 by reading the sensor signal generated by the central pressure sensor 312.

[0087] The applicator level parameter identification system 358 identifies line-level parameters or applicator-specific parameters corresponding to the applicators 109. Thus, the applicator level parameter identification system 358 can identify the pressure at the outlet of each flow control valve 300 by reading the sensor signal generated by the valve outlet pressure sensors 306. The applicator level parameter identification system 358 can also correlate these pressure signals with the valve commands generated by the flow control system 318. The applicator level parameter identification system 358 can also identify other applicator level parameters.

[0088] The 360 ​​resource extraction system can obtain the various sensor signals and other inputs from the central flow system 308 and from the individual applicators or applicator sets 109 and extract resources that Petition 870250083957, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, pp. 48 / 92 / 52, may be useful for the machine learning-based classification system 362. Thus, the feature extraction system 360 can analyze the pressure pulses from the various pressure sensors 312, 306, to identify pulse characterization features. Such features may indicate the graphical area corresponding to the different portions of the pressure pulse defined by the pressure signals, any overshoot or undershoot in the pressure pulses, pressure signal decay characteristics, the steady-state pressure level before the corresponding valve closes 300, the low-pressure level or steady-state pressure level before current is applied to the flow control valve 300 to open the valve, or any of a wide variety of pulse characterization features.Feature extraction can be performed using any of several different types, algorithms, or feature extraction models. Feature extraction can be performed by components such as classification algorithms, prediction algorithms, clustering algorithms, or other feature extraction algorithms. Features can be numeric, categorical, ordinal, binary, textual, or other.

[0089] The machine learning-based classification system 362 receives the features extracted by the feature extraction system 360, as well as any or all of the parameters identified by the central operator parameter identification system 356 and the applicator-level parameter identification system 358 and / or the sensor signals themselves. The machine learning-based classification system 362 may receive other information (such as data from the data storage 340, sensor signals from the various sensors 342, the geographical position of the machine, valve control signals generated by the flow control system 318 and / or any of a wide variety of other information). The machine learning-based classification system Petition 870250083957, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 49 / 92 / 52, by machine 362, classifies the inputs to generate an output indicating the state of one or more applicators 109 under analysis. The state of an applicator 109 under analysis may identify that the applicator 109 is blocked, partially blocked, without a spray nozzle, functioning correctly, etc. The classification may also identify that the flow rate of the material applied by the applicator is above normal, normal, below normal, or otherwise classified in relation to the flow rate of other applicators 109 or in relation to an expected flow rate.

[0090] The machine learning-based classification system 362 may include a neural network, a deep neural network, an artificial intelligence model (such as a large language model classifier), a rule-based classifier, a rule-based classifier where the rules are generated by a neural network or a large language model, or another type of classification algorithm or classification model.

[0091] Based on the classification output by the machine learning-based classification system 362, the output generator 364 generates an output to control the signal generator 352 so that the control signal generator 352 can generate a control signal based on the classification.

[0092] The control signal generator 352 can generate a control signal to control the operator interface mechanisms 96. For example, the control signal generator 352 can generate a control signal to control an operator interface output mechanism, such as a screen, an alarm, or any other mechanism to provide an audio, visual, or tactile output to an operator. The output can identify the applicator. The output can identify the state of a specific applicator 109. The output can identify a potential problem (such as a blocked applicator, a partially blocked applicator, an applicator where the spray nozzle Petition 870250083957, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 50 / 92 / 52 is missing, etc.). The output may provide tutorial information identifying how an operator can verify and / or correct any corresponding problem. The output may also include a wide variety of other outputs.

[0093] The control signal generator 352 can generate a control signal to control one or more applicators 109. For example, when an applicator is partially blocked, the control signal can instruct the flow control system 318 to increase the frequency with which the corresponding valve 300 is actuated to increase the flow rate of the applicator 109; even if it is partially blocked, the control signal can instruct the flow control system 318 to reduce the actuation frequency of a valve 300 where the applicator 109 is missing the spray nozzle 302. Other control signals to control the applicator 109 can also be generated.

[0094] The control signal generator 352 can generate a control signal to control the central flow system 308. For example, the control signal can be used to control the pump 115 to increase or decrease the system pressure, to stop pumping, or to control the central flow system 308 in other ways.

[0095] The control signal generator 352 can generate control signals to control the communication system 350 to communicate the status of the various actuators to other systems, other machines, etc. For example, when an applicator is clogged or has a missing spray nozzle 302, the control signal generator 352 can control the communication system 350 to communicate with a supplier indicating that a new spray nozzle 302 is needed to replace the damaged or missing spray nozzle. The control signal generator 352 can also generate any of a wide variety of other control signals. Petition 870250083957, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, pages 51 / 92 / 52

[0096] Although some of the sensors 332 have been described elsewhere herein, the position sensor 333 may be a sensor that generates an output indicative of the location of the position sensor 333 in a local or global coordinate system. Therefore, the position sensor 333 may be a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver, a dead reckoning system, a cellular triangulation system, or any of several other position sensors. The speed sensor 334 detects the speed of one or more applicators 109 on the ground over which the machine is moving. Therefore, the speed sensor 334 may be a speedometer, a sensor that detects the rotational speed of a shaft or wheel or drive shaft or other transmission, or a sensor that generates an output indicative of the speed of the applicator 109 based on input from other sensors.For example, speed sensor 334 can receive multiple outputs from position sensor 333 and calculate the applicator speed based on the change in position over time. Sensors 332 can also include any one of a wide variety of other sensors 336.

[0097] Figures 12A, 12B, and 12C (collectively referred to herein as Figure 12) illustrate a flow diagram showing an example of the operation of the material application and control system 113 in identifying the state of one or more applicators 109 and generating control signals. First, it is assumed that the liquid application machine is configured for flow detection and processing, as indicated by block 370 in the flow diagram of Figure 12. For example, the machine is configured to receive or detect system-level parameters (e.g., using the central operating parameter identification system 356), as indicated by block 372. The system 113 is configured to receive or detect line-level parameters (such as using the applicator-level parameter identification system 358) as indicated by block 374 in the flow diagram of Figure 12. The Petition 870250083957, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 52 / 92 / 52 The system can also be configured, illustratively, with a machine learning-based classification system trained 362, as indicated by block 376 in the flowchart of Figure 12. The system or machine can also be configured in other ways, as indicated by block 378 in the flowchart of Figure 12.

[0098] The application detection and control system 320 also detects any operator inputs and / or uses the data storage interaction component 354 to access any stored values ​​that may be needed to classify the state of an applicator, as indicated by block 380 in the flow diagram of Figure 12. In one example, system 320 prompts the operator to enter values ​​(such as target application rate 342, material data 343, spray nozzle data 344, sensitivity / limit data 346, or other data) and detects the operator inputs that provide this information. The operator prompt and input detection are detected by block 382 in the flow diagram of Figure 12.As mentioned, the stored data or values ​​may include the target application rate 342, spray nozzle data 344, sensitivity / limit adjustment data 346, fluid characteristics or material data 343 and / or any of a wide variety of other data 384.

[0099] Machine 90 is then controlled (by an automated operator, a human operator, or a semi-automated operator) to perform a liquid application operation, as indicated by block 386 in the flowchart of Figure 12. Control signals to control pump 115 and / or valves 300 can be generated based on a variety of different parameters or criteria, such as seed population, dose volume, travel speed, application pattern, etc. The central operating parameter identification system 356 detects the operating parameters of the central flow system 308, as indicated by block 388 in the flow diagram of Figure 12. The central operating parameters Petition 870250083957, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 53 / 92 / 52 may include the overall material flow detected by the central flow sensors 310, as indicated by block 390 in the flow diagram of Figure 12. The central operating parameters may be the pressure generated by the pump 115 and detected by the central pressure sensor 312, as indicated by block 392 in the flow diagram of Figure 12. The central operating parameters may include the displacement speed, as indicated by block 394 in the flow diagram of Figure 12. The central operating parameters may include any of a wide variety of other parameters 396.

[00100] The applicator level parameter identification system 358 detects any line level or applicator level parameters, as indicated by block 398 in the flowchart of Figure 12. Such parameters may include the valve command, as indicated by block 400, the line pressure (downstream of valve 300) as represented in the sensor signal generated by the valve outlet pressure sensors 306 and as indicated by block 402 in the flow diagram of Figure 12. In addition, the valve command signal 400 can be used to separate or identify pressure pulses in the detected line pressure 402. Because the valve command signals 400 can be current signals generated by the control signal generator 352, the signals 400 can be predictable and consistent, thus improving the accuracy in identifying line pressure pulses.Line or applicator level parameters may include any of a wide variety of other 404 parameters. It will also be noted that the control system pressure at the pump 115 and the line level pressures may be detected or sampled at different frequencies. For example, the central pump pressure may be detected or sampled at a frequency of 100 Hz, while the line level pressure may be detected or sampled at 10 kHz. These are just examples. Petition 870250083957, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, pp. 54 / 92 / 52

[00101] The feature extraction system 360 can process parameters or other data to obtain any desired features that can be used by the machine learning-based classification system 362. Obtaining such features is indicated by block 406 in the flowchart of Figure 12. Features can include things like pulse characterization features 408 (e.g., pulse area, decay characteristics, overlap or subposition, steady-state pressure before and after valve actuation, etc.). Features can include any of a wide variety of other features 410. In addition, control system pressure values ​​can be used to scale line-level pressure values ​​or vice versa. The scaled values ​​can be used in the remainder of the processing, as an example.

[00102] The signals, parameters, and / or resources are then applied to the machine learning-based classification system 362, as indicated by block 412 in the flow diagram of Figure 12. The machine learning-based classification system 362 performs the classification to generate a classification output, as indicated by block 414. The classification output may indicate the estimated relative flow of material through an applicator, as indicated by block 416, the applicator state, such as no blockage 418, partial blockage 420, total blockage 422, or no restriction (indicating that the spray nozzle 302 may be missing), as indicated by block 424, or any of a wide variety of other classification outputs, such as an upstream restriction (e.g., a compressed supply line), an incorrectly installed nozzle size, or others, as indicated by block 426.

[00103] Based on the classification output of system 362, output generator 364 generates an output to control signal generator 352 which can generate a control signal based on the classification output, as Petition 870250083957, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 55 / 92 / 52 indicated by block 428 in the flow diagram of Figure 12. The control signal can be used to control the operator interface mechanisms, as indicated by block 430. The control signal can be used to control communication system 350, as indicated by block 432. The control signals can also be used to perform any of several other control operations, as indicated by block 436.

[00104] Until the application operation is completed, as determined in block 438, processing is reverted to block 386, where the system continues to execute the net application operation and detect the various parameters and resources, etc.

[00105] It can thus be seen that the current system automatically detects the state of an applicator. The state can identify the relative flow of material through the applicator, whether the applicator is blocked or partially blocked, whether the spray nozzle is missing, among other things. This can be used to generate control signals, such as notifying the operator, controlling the applicator, controlling the application system, among other things. By automatically, it is understood, in one example, that the operation or process can be executed without additional human involvement, except perhaps to initiate or authorize the operation or process.

[00106] The present discussion has mentioned processors and servers. In one example, processors and servers include computer processors with associated memory and timing circuitry, not shown separately. Processors and servers are functional parts of the systems or devices to which they belong and are enabled by and facilitate the functionality of other components or items in such systems.

[00107] It should be noted that the discussion above described a variety of systems, components, generators, sensors and / or logic. It should Petition 870250083957, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, pp. 56 / 92 / 52, observe that such systems, components, generators, sensors, and / or logic may comprise hardware items (such as processors and associated memory, or other processing components, some of which are described below) that perform the functions associated with such systems, components, generators, sensors, and / or logic. Furthermore, the systems, components, generators, sensors, and / or logic may comprise software that is loaded into memory and subsequently executed by a processor or server, or other computing component, as described below. The systems, components, generators, sensors, and / or logic may also comprise different combinations of hardware, software, firmware, etc., some examples of which are described below.These are just a few examples of different structures that can be used to form the systems, components, generators, sensors, and / or logic described above. Other structures can also be used.

[00108] In addition, a variety of user interface (UI) displays were discussed. The UI can take on a wide variety of different forms and can have a wide variety of different user-actuated input mechanisms arranged within it. For example, user-actuated interface input mechanisms can be text boxes, checkboxes, icons, links, dropdown menus, search boxes, etc. The mechanisms can also be actuated in a wide variety of different ways. For example, they can be actuated using a point-and-click device (such as a trackball device or a mouse). The mechanisms can be actuated using hardware buttons, switches, a joystick or keyboard, thumb switches or thumb devices, etc. The mechanisms can also be actuated using a virtual keyboard or other virtual actuators.Furthermore, when the screen on which they are displayed is a touch screen, the... Petition 870250083957, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 57 / 92 / 52 mechanisms can be activated using touch gestures. Furthermore, when the device displaying the mechanisms has speech recognition components, the mechanisms can be activated using speech commands.

[00109] Various data storage methods were also discussed. It should be noted that data storage methods can be divided into multiple data storage methods. All can be local to the systems that access them, all can be remote, or some can be local while others are remote. All of these configurations are covered in this document.

[00110] In addition, the Figures show several blocks with functionality assigned to each block. It should be noted that fewer blocks can be used, therefore the functionality is performed by fewer components. Furthermore, more blocks can be used with the functionality distributed among more components.

[00111] Figure 13 is a block diagram of the 100 architecture shown in Figure 1, except that the 100 planter communicates with elements in a 500 remote server architecture. In one example, the 1000 remote server architecture provides computing, software, data access, and storage services that do not require end-user knowledge of the physical location or configuration of the system delivering the services. In many examples, remote servers can provide services over a wide area network, such as the internet, using appropriate protocols. For example, remote servers can deliver applications over a wide area network, and these can be accessed through a web browser or any other computing component. Software or components shown in Figure 11, as well as the corresponding data, can be stored on servers in a remote location. Computing resources in a remote server environment can be Petition 870250083957, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, pp. 58 / 92 / 52 consolidated in a remote data center location or may be dispersed. Remote server infrastructures can deliver services through shared data centers, even if the services appear as a single access point for the user. Thus, the components and functions described in this document can be provided from a remote server in a remote location using a remote server architecture. Alternatively, the components and functions can be provided from a conventional server, or they can be installed directly on client devices, or in other ways.

[00112] In the example shown in Figure 13, some items are similar to those shown in Figures 1-12 and they are numbered similarly. Figure 13 specifically shows that the material application control system 113 and the data storage (or other items in the agricultural system 90) can be located at a remote server location 502. Therefore, parts of system 113 access these systems through the remote server location 502. Figure 13 also shows that other machines 506 and / or other systems 504 can communicate with the remote server environment 502.

[00113] Figure 13 also depicts another example of a remote server architecture. Figure 13 shows that it is also contemplated that some elements from Figures 2 and 11 may be disposed of at the remote server location 500, while others may not. For example, data storage may be located in a separate location from location 500 and accessed through the remote server at location 500. Regardless of where the elements are located, the elements may be accessed directly by the system 113, through a network (a wide area network or a local area network), the elements may be hosted in a remote location by a service, or they may be provided as a service or accessed by a connection service that Petition 870250083957, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, pp. 59 / 92 / 52 resides in a remote location. Furthermore, data can be stored in virtually any location and accessed intermittently or routed to stakeholders. For example, physical carriers can be used instead of, or in addition to, electromagnetic wave carriers. In this example, where cellular coverage is weak or nonexistent, another mobile machine (such as a fuel truck) might have an automated information gathering system. As the planter or sprayer approaches the fuel truck for refueling, the system automatically collects information from the planter or sprayer using any type of ad-hoc wireless connection. The collected information can be routed to the main network when the fuel truck reaches a location with cellular (or other wireless) coverage.For example, a fuel truck might enter a covered location while moving to refuel other machines or when it is at a main fuel storage location. All of these architectures are covered in this document. Furthermore, information can be stored in the planter or sprayer until the planter or sprayer enters a covered location. The planter or sprayer itself can then send the information to the main network.

[00114] It should also be noted that the elements of Figures 2 and 11, or portions thereof, can be discarded in a wide variety of different devices. Some of these devices include servers, desktop computers, laptop computers, tablet computers, or other mobile devices such as palmtop computers, cell phones, smartphones, multimedia players, personal digital assistants, etc.

[00115] Figure 11 is a simplified block diagram of an illustrative example of a portable or mobile computing device that Petition 870250083957, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, pp. 60 / 92 / 52 may be used as a portable device for a user or client 16, in which the present system (or parts thereof) may be employed. For example, a mobile device may be employed in the operator compartment of the towing vehicle 94 for use in generating, processing, or displaying application data. Figures 15-16 are examples of portable or mobile devices.

[00116] Figure 14 provides a general block diagram of the components of a client device 16 that can execute some of the components shown in Figures 2 and 11, interact with those components, or both. In the device 16, a communication link 13 is provided that allows the portable device to communicate with other computing devices and, in some examples, provides a channel to automatically receive information, such as by scanning. Examples of communication links 13 include enabling communication through one or more communication protocols, such as wireless services used to provide cellular access to a network, as well as protocols that provide local wireless connections to networks.

[00117] In other examples, applications may be received on a removable Secure Digital (SD) card that is connected to an interface 15. The interface 15 and the communication links 13 communicate with a processor 17 (which may also incorporate processors from previous Figures) along a bus 19 that is also connected to memory 21 and input / output (I / O) components 23, as well as the clock 25 and the location system 27.

[00118] I / O components 23, in one example, are provided to facilitate input and output operations. I / O components 23 for various examples of device 16 may include input components such as buttons, touch sensors, optical sensors, microphones, touch screens, proximity sensors, accelerometers, orientation sensors and Petition 870250083957, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 61 / 92 / 52 output components, such as a display device, a speaker and / or a printer port. Other I / O components 23 may also be used.

[00119] Clock 25 illustratively comprises a real-time clock component that displays a time and date. It may also, illustratively, provide timing functions for processor 17.

[00120] The location system 27 illustratively includes a component that generates a current geographic location of the device 16. This may include, for example, a global positioning system (GPS) receiver, a GNSS, a dead reckoning system, a cellular triangulation system, or another positioning system. The location system 27 may also include, for example, mapping software or navigation software that generates desired maps, navigation routes, and other geographic functions.

[00121] Memory 21 stores the operating system 29, network settings 31, applications 33, application configuration settings 35, data storage 37, communication units 39, and communication configuration settings 41. Memory 21 may include all types of computer-readable memory devices, both volatile and non-volatile tangible. Memory 21 may also include computer storage media (described below). Memory 21 stores computer-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor 17, cause the processor to perform computer-implemented steps or functions according to the instructions. The processor 17 may also be enabled by other components to facilitate its functionality.

[00122] Figure 15 shows an example where device 16 is a tablet computer 644. In Figure 24, the computer 644 is shown with the user interface display screen 646. The screen 646 can be a Petition 870250083957, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, pp. 62 / 92 / 52 touch screen or a pen-enabled interface that receives input from a pen or stylus. The 644 computer may also use an on-screen virtual keyboard. Evidently, the 644 computer may also be connected to a keyboard or other user input device via a suitable attachment mechanism, such as a wireless link or USB port, for example. The 644 computer may also, for example, receive voice input.

[00123] Figure 16 shows that the device can be a smartphone 71. The smartphone 71 has a touch screen 73 that displays icons or tiles or other user input mechanisms 75. Mechanisms 75 can be used by a user to run applications, make calls, perform data transfer operations, etc. In general, the smartphone 71 is built on a mobile operating system and offers more advanced computing capabilities and connectivity than a feature phone.

[00124] Note that other forms of devices 16 are possible.

[00125] Figure 17 is an example of a computing environment in which the elements of Figure 11, or parts thereof, (for example) can be deployed. With reference to Figure 17, an exemplary system for implementing some embodiments includes a computing device in the form of a computer 810 programmed to operate as discussed above. The components of the computer 810 may include, but are not limited to, a processing unit 820 (which may comprise processors or servers of the preceding Figures), a system memory 830, and a system bus 821 that connects various system components, including the system memory, to the processing unit 820. The system bus 821 may be any of several types of bus structures, including a memory bus or a Petition 870250083957, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 63 / 92 / 52 memory controller, a peripheral bus and a local bus that uses any one of a variety of bus architectures. The memory and programs described in relation to Figures 2 and 11 can be employed in corresponding parts of Figure 17.

[00126] The 810 computer generally includes a variety of computer-readable media. Computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by the 810 computer and include both volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media. By way of example, and not limitation, computer-readable media may comprise computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media are distinct from and do not include a modulated data signal or carrier wave. Computer storage media include hardware storage media, including both volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storing information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data.Computer storage media include, but are not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile discs (DVDs) or other optical disc storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store the desired information and that can be accessed by the computer. Communication media may incorporate computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data in a transport mechanism and include any means of delivering information. The term modulated data signal means a signal that has one or more of its characteristics defined or altered so as to encode information in the signal. Petition 870250083957, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, pages 64 / 92 / 52

[00127] System memory 830 includes computer storage media in the form of volatile and / or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM) 831 and random access memory (RAM) 832. A basic input / output system (BIOS) 833, which contains the basic routines that help transfer information between elements within the computer 810, such as during initialization, is typically stored in ROM 831. RAM 832 typically contains data or program modules that are immediately accessible and / or are currently operated on by the processing unit 820. By way of example, and not limitation, Figure 16 illustrates the operating system 834, application programs 835, other program modules 836, and program data 837.

[00128] The 810 computer may also include other removable / non-removable volatile / non-volatile computer storage media. By way of example only, Figure 17 illustrates a hard disk drive 841 that reads from, or writes to, non-removable, non-volatile magnetic media, an optical disk drive 855, and a non-volatile optical disk 856. The hard disk drive 841 is typically connected to the system bus 821 via a non-removable memory interface, such as interface 840, and the optical disk drive 855 is typically connected to the system bus 821 via a removable memory interface, such as interface 850.

[00129] Alternatively, or in addition, the functionality described herein may be performed, at least in part, by one or more hardware logic components. For example, and without limitation, illustrative types of hardware logic components that may be used include Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (e.g., ASICs), Application-Specific Standard Products (e.g., ASSPs), System-on-a-Chip (SOC) type systems, Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs), Petition 870250083957, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, pages 65 / 92 / 52 etc.

[00130] The computer units and their associated storage media discussed above and illustrated in Figure 17 provide storage of computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, and other data for the computer 810. In Figure 17, for example, the hard disk drive 841 is illustrated as storing the operating system 844, application programs 845, other program modules 846, and program data 847. Note that these components may be the same as or different from the operating system 834, application programs 835, other program modules 836, and program data 837.

[00131] A user can input commands and information into the computer 810 through input devices such as a keyboard 862, a microphone 863, and a pointing device 861, such as a mouse, trackball, or touch device. Other input devices (not shown) may include a joystick, game console, satellite dish, digitizer, or similar. These and other input devices are often connected to the processing unit 820 through a user input interface 860 that is coupled to the system bus, but may be connected by other interface and bus structures. A visual display 891 or other type of display device is also connected to the system bus 821 through an interface, such as a video interface 890.In addition to the monitor, computers may also include other peripheral output devices, such as speakers 897 and a printer 896, which may be connected via a peripheral output interface 895.

[00132] The 810 computer is operated in a network environment using logical connections (such as a controller area network - CAN, local area network - LAN, or wide area network - WAN) to one or more Petition 870250083957, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 66 / 92 / 52 remote computers, such as a remote computer 880.

[00133] When used in a LAN network environment, computer 810 is connected to the LAN 871 through a network interface or adapter 870. When used in a WAN network environment, computer 810 typically includes a modem 872 or other means to establish communications over the WAN 873, such as the Internet. In a network environment, program modules can be stored on a remote memory storage device. Figure 17 illustrates, for example, that remote application programs 885 can reside on the remote computer 880.

[00134] It should also be noted that the different examples described in this document can be combined in different ways. That is, parts of one or more examples can be combined with parts of one or more other examples. All of this is contemplated in this document.

[00135] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, it should be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Instead, the specific features and acts described above are described as exemplary ways of implementing the claims. Petition 870250083957, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, pp. 67 / 92

Claims

1 / 4 CLAIMS 1. Computer-implemented method, characterized in that it comprises: Detecting (398) a liquid pressure in an applicator downstream of an applicator flow control valve and upstream of an applicator spray nozzle in an agricultural application machine; Generating (402) a pressure signal based on the detected liquid pressure; Generating (406) an applicator parameter based on the pressure signal; Applying (412) the applicator parameter to a machine learning-based (ML-based) classification system; Generating (414) a classification output, with the ML-based classification system, indicative of an applicator state based on the applicator parameter; and Generating (428) a control signal based on the classification output.

2. Computer-implemented method according to claim 1, characterized in that generating a classification output comprises: Generating (422) the classification output indicating the possibility of the applicator spray nozzle being blocked.

3. Computer-implemented method according to claim 1, characterized in that generating a classification output comprises: Generating (420) the classification output indicating the possibility of the applicator spray nozzle being partially blocked.

4. Computer-implemented method according to claim 1, characterized in that generating a classification output includes: Generating (424) the classification output indicating the possibility of the applicator spray nozzle being missing.

5. Computer-implemented method according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises: Extracting (408) features from the pressure signal; Applying (412) the features with the applicator parameter to the ML-based classification system; and Generating (414) the classification output based on the extracted features.

6. Computer-implemented method according to claim 5, characterized in that extracting features comprises: Identifying (408) pulse characterization features of the pressure signal.

7. Computer-implemented method according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises: Detecting (388) a central flow system parameter generated from a central flow system (308) in the agricultural application machine; and Applying (412) central flow system parameter with applicator parameter to ML-based classification system, wherein the generation of classification output includes the generation of classification output based on the applicator parameter and the central control system parameter.

8. Computer-implemented method according to claim 7, characterized in that the central flow system (308) comprises a pump (115) that pumps liquid to the applicator (109) and in that the detection of a parameter of the central flow system comprises: Petition 870250083957, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 69 / 92 3 / 4 Detecting (390) the flow of liquid material pumped by the pump.

9. Computer-implemented method according to claim 7, characterized in that the central flow system (308) comprises a pump (115) that pumps liquid to the applicator (109) and in that the detection of a parameter of the central flow system comprises: Detecting (392) the pressure of the liquid material pumped by the pump (115).

10. Computer-implemented method according to claim 1, characterized in that the generation of a control signal comprises: Generating (430) an operator interface control signal to control an operator interface system (96) based on the classification output.

11. Computer-implemented method according to claim 1, characterized in that generating (428) a control signal comprises: Generating (432) a control signal from the communication system to control a communication system (350) based on the classification output.

12. Computer-implemented method according to claim 1, characterized in that generating (428) a control signal comprises: Generating (428) a control signal from the application system to control the applicator (109) based on the classification output.

13. Agricultural system, characterized in that it comprises: an application machine (100) with a plurality of Petition 870250083957, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 70 / 92 4 / 4 applicators (109) that apply liquid to a field, each applicator (109) having a controllable valve (300) that opens to allow liquid to pass through the valve (300), and a spray nozzle (302) that receives the liquid passing through the valve (300) and applies the liquid to the field; a plurality of applicator pressure sensors (306), each applicator pressure sensor (306) being mounted on a corresponding applicator (109) and being configured to detect the liquid pressure between the controllable valve (300) and the spray nozzle (302) of the corresponding applicator (109); a central flow system (308) configured to pump liquid from a reservoir (107) to a plurality of applicators (109);an application detection and control system (320) configured to generate an applicator parameter for each applicator (109) based on the liquid pressure detected by the corresponding applicator pressure sensor (306); a machine learning-based (ML-based) classification system (362) configured to generate a classification output indicative of an applicator state (109) based on the applicator parameter; and a control signal generator (352) configured to generate a control signal based on the classification output.

14. Agricultural system according to claim 13, characterized in that the ML (362)-based classification system includes: an artificial neural network.

15. Agricultural system according to claim 13, characterized in that the classification system based on ML (362) includes: a rule-based classifier. Petition 870250083957, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, pp. 71 / 92

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