MONITORING MODULE FOR SPRAY DEVICES

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the application of plant protection products, fertilizers and / or pesticides using a (preferably portable) sprayer or a small device (such as a bicycle lens), in particular with a monitoring module with which existing sprayers can be equipped to monitor the spraying process.

[0002] Spraying equipment is extensively described in the prior art. In agriculture, spraying equipment is used to apply pesticides or fertilizers (see, for example, WO2018 / 108696A1, DE102013109785A1, EP0143588A2, EP0256744A1). Spraying equipment is also used in forestry (see e.g. US20050121462A1) or pest control (see e.g. WO2018011009A1, WO2018011010A1, WO2018011011A1, WO2018011012A1, US2005 / 0006400A1, US2006 / 0102245A1, US20060249223A1, US2006 / 0261181A1, WO2013 / 165684A2, WO2015 / 087805A1, US4790454).

[0003] Often, relatively simple devices are used, consisting of a portable container for the spraying agent and a nozzle holder with at least one nozzle through which the spray can be distributed. Depending on the application, a hand-held sprayer may also be equipped with several nozzles mounted on a small bar. A hand- or motor-driven pump delivers the spraying agent from the container through spray lines to the nozzle holder and then through the at least one nozzle onto one or more target objects as the user walks through the target area. The application rate depends on the walking speed, the spray width, and the amount of spray delivered per unit of time. Since these application parameters typically vary during an application process (humans are not machines), the application rate is uneven across the target area.This can result in too little or too much spray being applied. Too little spray can render it ineffective. Too much can cause unnecessary costs or even damage.

[0004] The spray typically consists of a carrier liquid (water) and one or more active ingredients (e.g., a herbicide, fungicide, pesticide) and / or nutrients. Before application, the spray must first be prepared by diluting (e.g., a concentrate) with a carrier liquid (water). The correct dilution must be determined to achieve a defined application rate of active ingredient / nutrients per unit area. The required dilution depends on the spray width and the walking speed of the person applying the spray. Therefore, the correct dilution depends on the nozzle(s) used, the height at which the nozzle(s) are held above the target area, the amount of spray material dispensed per unit of time, and the speed at which the person moves through the target area.

[0005] US2018274212A1 discloses an electric control valve for controlling the fluid flow in a building installation. The following publications disclose flow meters: https: / / portal.endress.com / dIa / 5001108 / 4573 / 000 / 00 / INO 1088DIT_0217.pdf, https: / / gmptec.de / wpcontent / uploads / datenblaetter / td_sonoflow_il.52_y2.0_engl_sonotec.pdf, DE102005013662A1. JPH07256159A discloses a device for displaying the atomization rate of a backpack sprayer.

[0006] WO2018 / 108696A1 discloses a portable sprayer comprising a flow meter, a distance sensor, and a signal transmitter. The sprayer is configured to interact with a mobile computer (e.g., a smartphone). Using a GPS sensor and a timer on the mobile computer, the walking speed of the user of the portable sprayer can be determined. The flow meter determines the application rate dispensed per unit of time. A prior calibration procedure determines the spray width.The distance sensor and signal transmitter ensure a constant distance between the sprayer's nozzle holder and the target objects, thus guaranteeing a consistent spray width. If the distance is too great or too small, the signal transmitter informs the user, allowing them to adjust the distance accordingly to maintain a constant spray width. WO2018 / 108696A1 thus reveals solutions to the problems described above. However, to benefit from these solutions, a user must purchase a new, appropriately equipped sprayer. It would be advantageous if the solutions described in WO2018 / 108696A1 could also be used with an existing sprayer.

[0007] EP3348329A1 discloses a known monitoring module for equipping a portable sprayer, wherein the route tracking unit is not part of the monitoring module.

[0008] DE102013109785A1 discloses a known monitoring module for equipping a portable sprayer, wherein the monitoring module does not include a route tracking unit but a localization unit.

[0009] This is made possible by the present invention.

[0010] A first object of the present invention is a monitoring module for equipping a preferably portable sprayer with functions for monitoring a spraying process, wherein the monitoring module according to claim 1 comprises: A first connecting element and a second connecting element for integrating the monitoring module into a line of the sprayer between a container for spraying agent and at least one nozzle, wherein the first connecting element is configured to be connectable to an upstream part of the line of the sprayer, wherein the second connecting element is configured to be connectable to a downstream part of the line of the sprayer, a flow chamber between the first connecting element and the second connecting element, a flow meter for measuring a quantity of spraying agent flowing through the flow chamber per unit of time, a control unit, a transmitting unit, a route tracking unit, a quantity determination unit, and a power supply unit for supplying power to the flow meter, the control unit, and the route tracking unit.the quantity measurement unit and the transmitting unit with electrical energy, wherein the control unit is configured to receive readings from the flow meter, wherein the control unit is configured to cause the route tracking unit to follow a route, wherein the control unit is configured to cause the quantity measurement unit to determine, based on the received readings, quantities of spray material that are or have been applied along the route, and wherein the control unit is configured to cause the transmitting unit to transmit information about the route and the quantities of spray material that are or have been applied along the route to a computer system.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is a system according to claim 3 comprising: a monitoring module, and a mobile computer system, wherein the monitoring module comprises: a first connecting element and a second connecting element for integrating the monitoring module into a line of a sprayer between a container for spraying agent and at least one nozzle, wherein the first connecting element is configured to be connectable to an upstream portion of the line of the sprayer, wherein the second connecting element is configured to be connectable to a downstream portion of the line of the sprayer, a flow chamber between the first connecting element and the second connecting element, a flow meter for measuring a quantity of spraying agent flowing through the flow chamber per unit of time, a control unit, a transmitting unit, a route tracking unit, a quantity determination unit, and a power supply unit for supplying power to the flow meter and the control unit.the route tracking unit, the quantity measurement unit, and the electrically powered transmission unit, wherein the control unit of the monitoring module is configured to receive measured values ​​from the flow meter and to cause the transmission unit to transmit the information on the quantities of spray material applied per unit of time with the sprayer, preferably via a network, to the computer system, wherein the computer system comprises: a receiving unit, a control unit, and an output unit, wherein the control unit is configured to cause the receiving unit to receive the information on the quantities of spray material applied per unit of time with the sprayer along the route, preferably via the network, wherein the control unit is configured to cause the output unit to transmit the information on the quantities of spray material applied or have been applied along the route.to display to a user.

[0012] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below, without distinguishing between the subject matter of the invention (monitoring module, system). Rather, the following explanations are intended to apply analogously to all subject matter of the invention, regardless of the context in which they are made (monitoring module, system).

[0013] If steps in a process or computer program product are listed in a sequence, this does not necessarily mean that the steps must be executed in the specified order. Rather, the unclaimed examples should be understood to mean that the steps listed in a sequence can be executed in any order or even in parallel, unless one step is based on another, which will be clear from the description of each step. The listed sequences represent preferred embodiments of the examples.

[0014] The monitoring module according to the invention serves to track and / or monitor (control) and / or document a spraying process using a spraying device, wherein the spraying process is carried out by a human user. A spraying process describes the application of one or more spraying agents to one or more target objects in a target area.

[0015] The monitoring module can be a separate device independent of a sprayer.

[0016] The monitoring module according to the invention can be understood as a retrofit kit for existing (preferably portable) sprayers, with which the existing sprayers can be equipped with extended functionalities to control, track and / or document spraying processes. Synonymous terms for the term "monitoring module" are, for example, monitoring unit, monitoring device, spray application control module and / or the like.

[0017] The term "spraying device(s)" includes spraying devices that can be carried by a human user on their back and / or in their hand; however, the term is not limited to such spraying devices. Spraying devices that can be moved, for example, with mechanical aids (such as bicycle sprayers) are also included in the term "spraying device(s)." Preferably, the spraying device into which the monitoring module according to the invention can be integrated is a portable spraying device. The term "portable" means that the spraying device can be transported by an adult person, who is typically tasked with performing spraying duties, over a distance of, for example, more than 100 meters without electrical and / or motor-driven aids.Examples of portable spraying devices are disclosed in: WO2018 / 108696A1, DE102013109785A1, EP0143588A2, EP0256744A1, US20050121462A1, WO2018011009A1, WO2018011010A1, WO2018011011A1, WO2018011012A1, US2005 / 0006400A1, US2006 / 0102245A1, US20060249223A1, US2006 / 0261181A1, WO2013 / 165684A2, WO2015 / 087805A1 and US4790454.

[0018] The monitoring module according to the invention is designed for easy integration into a variety of sprayers. Sprayers typically comprise a container in which the spraying agent to be applied is located. They also comprise at least one nozzle through which the spraying agent leaves the sprayer during a spraying process. Typically, the at least one nozzle transforms the spraying agent passing through it into droplets with a specific droplet size distribution, which depends, among other things, on the pressure upstream of the nozzle, the flow rate of the spraying agent, and the design of the nozzle.

[0019] The monitoring module according to the invention is inserted into a line of a sprayer between the sprayer's container and the at least one nozzle. The container and the at least one nozzle are connected via a fluid flow through this line. The monitoring module is integrated into this fluid flow, whereby the fluid flow between the container and the at least one nozzle is maintained (after integration).

[0020] For integration into a line, the monitoring module has two connecting elements, a first connecting element and a second connecting element.

[0021] The first connecting element serves to connect the monitoring module to the upstream portion of the line. This refers to the section of the line leading to the container. Spray material flowing from the container towards the at least one nozzle flows through this section of the line and from there into the monitoring module.

[0022] The second connecting element serves to connect the monitoring module to the downstream portion of the line. This refers to the portion of the line leading to the at least one nozzle. Spray material flowing from the container towards the at least one nozzle first passes through the monitoring module and then through this portion of the line to the at least one nozzle.

[0023] The connecting elements can be designed, for example, as hose barbs. Often, the line between the container and the at least one nozzle of a sprayer is a flexible hose. It is conceivable to cut the hose at one point and pull the resulting two hose ends (hose openings) over the two hose barbs of the monitoring module. One hose barb then acts as the first connecting element and is connected to the hose end leading (upstream) to the container, while the other hose barb acts as the second connecting element, leading (downstream) to the at least one nozzle. Hose clamps can be used to further secure the hose ends to the barbs.

[0024] Numerous other possible examples of connecting elements are disclosed in the prior art (see e.g. DE102017000008, DE19818085, DE102017004353, SE7611659, DE4139742, DE2523338, DE3218965, DE4211498, GB8511911, DE3617199, DE9319397).

[0025] The monitoring module according to the invention comprises a flow chamber. It is located between the two connecting elements. The monitoring module, which is inserted into a line of a sprayer, forces the spray medium flowing from the sprayer's container towards the at least one nozzle of the sprayer to flow through the flow chamber.

[0026] A flow meter is located inside the flow chamber. This flow meter measures the quantity of spray agent flowing through the flow chamber per unit of time. Depending on the measurement method used, "quantity" refers to either volume or mass.

[0027] Examples of flow meters include impeller sensors, magnetic-inductive flow meters, variable area flow meters, ultrasonic flow meters, Coriolis mass flow meters, calorimetric flow meters, and vortex flow meters. Orifice plates or pitot tubes are also possible. Further details on flow measurement can be found, for example, in the following textbook: KW Bonfig: Technische Fließmessung (Technical Flow Measurement), Vulkan-Verlag Essen, 3rd edition, 2002, ISBN 3-8027-2190-X.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, a vane sensor is used for flow measurement. The measuring principle is based on the fact that a vane rotates at a speed proportional to the flow velocity of the fluid driving it. To measure the rotational speed, a permanent magnet can be attached to the vane, which moves along with it. A Hall sensor, past which the permanent magnet moves, can be used as a pulse counter. The number of pulses measured per unit of time is proportional to the rotational speed of the vane and thus to the flow velocity of the fluid.

[0029] The monitoring module further comprises a control unit, a transmitter unit, and a power supply unit. The control unit is used to control the electrical / electronic components of the monitoring module, in particular the acquisition of measured values, optionally the storage of measurement data, optionally the performance of calculations, and the transmission of data to a computer system via the transmitter unit. The control unit typically includes a processor, program memory, and main memory. The control unit may also include non-volatile data storage, preferably implemented as semiconductor memory, which can be used, for example, to store measured values ​​and / or the results of calculations.

[0030] The power supply unit provides electrical energy to the flow meter, the control unit, the transmitter unit, and any other electrically driven components of the monitoring module. The power supply unit can be, for example, an electrochemical cell (battery) or a rechargeable battery.

[0031] The transmitter unit sends data from the monitoring module to a separate computer system. Preferably, the data is transmitted via a short-range wireless connection such as Bluetooth, Zigbee, Z-Wave, EnOcean and / or the like, particularly preferably via Bluetooth LE (Low Energy).

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the monitoring module comprises a housing, a first connecting element attached to the housing, a second connecting element attached to the housing, a flow chamber in the housing between the first connecting element and the second connecting element, a flow meter in the flow chamber for measuring a quantity of spray material flowing through the flow chamber per unit of time, a transmitter unit in the housing outside the flow chamber, a control unit in the housing outside the flow chamber, the control unit being configured to receive readings from the flow meter and to cause the transmitter unit to transmit data on the quantity of spray material flowing through the flow chamber per unit of time to a computer system, and a power supply unit in the housing outside the flow chamber for supplying electrical power to the flow meter, the control unit, and the transmitter unit.

[0033] Preferably, the housing includes means for attaching it to a sprayer. It is conceivable that several housings are present. The housings can be nested within each other or be separate. For example, there can be a (separate) housing for the power supply unit, for the control unit, and / or the transmitter unit.

[0034] One possible unclaimed use of the present invention is a method for equipping a preferably portable sprayer with a monitoring module comprising the following steps: Providing a monitoring module, the monitoring module comprising: a first connecting element, a second connecting element, a flow chamber between the first connecting element and the second connecting element, a flow meter for measuring a quantity of spray material flowing through the flow chamber per unit of time, a transmitting unit, a control unit, the control unit being configured to receive readings from the flow meter and to cause the transmitting unit to transmit data on the quantity of spray material flowing through the flow chamber per unit of time to a computer system, a power supply unit for supplying electrical energy to the flow meter, the control unit and the transmitting unit, providing a preferably portable sprayer, the sprayer comprising: a container for receiving spray material, at least one nozzle,and a line between the container and the at least one nozzle. Integrating the monitoring module into the line between the container and the at least one nozzle.

[0035] The step "Integrating the monitoring module into the line between the container and the at least one nozzle" causes spray medium flowing from the container to the at least one nozzle to flow through the flow chamber of the monitoring module.

[0036] The step "Integrating the monitoring module into the line between the container and the at least one nozzle" can include the following sub-steps: Separating the line between the container and the at least one nozzle, creating a first line opening and a second line opening, wherein the first line opening (upstream) leads towards the container, wherein the second line opening (downstream) leads towards the at least one nozzle, connecting the first connecting element to the first line opening and connecting the second connecting element to the second line opening.

[0037] The monitoring module according to the invention is designed to interact with a computer system. Preferably, the computer system is a mobile computer system. A (communicative) connection can be established between the monitoring module according to the invention and the computer system, via which data is transmitted from the monitoring module to the computer system. A reverse transmission of data from the computer system to the monitoring module is also conceivable. In the latter case, the monitoring module has a receiver unit for receiving the transmitted data.

[0038] In one embodiment, it is conceivable that the monitoring module according to the invention and the computer system are permanently connected (e.g., via a Bluetooth connection) during the period in which the flow meter acquires measured values, and that the measured values ​​and / or data derived therefrom are transmitted from the monitoring module to the computer system. However, it is also conceivable that data is transmitted only at defined times and / or upon the occurrence of defined events. For example, it is conceivable that the measured values ​​and / or data derived therefrom are stored in a data memory of the monitoring module. It is also conceivable that a user initiates a transmission of (stored) data, for example, after completion of a spraying process, by entering a corresponding command into an input unit of the transmission module and / or the computer system.

[0039] A "computer system" is a system for electronic data processing that processes data using programmable instructions. Such a system typically comprises a "computer," the unit containing a processor for performing logical operations, as well as peripherals.

[0040] In computer technology, "peripherals" refers to all devices connected to a computer that are used to control the computer and / or as input and output devices. Examples include monitors (screens), printers, scanners, mice, keyboards, drives, cameras, microphones, speakers, touchscreens, etc. Internal ports and expansion cards are also considered peripherals in computer technology.

[0041] The term "mobile" refers to a computer system that a user can carry with them. Modern computer systems are often categorized into desktop PCs, portable PCs, laptops, notebooks, netbooks, tablet PCs, and handheld devices (e.g., smartphones). A mobile computer system is preferably a tablet PC or a handheld computer, especially a smartphone or smartwatch.

[0042] Input into the computer system is provided via input devices such as a keyboard, mouse, microphone, touchscreen, and / or similar devices. Input also includes selecting an entry from a virtual menu or list, clicking a checkbox, and similar actions.

[0043] Output from the computer system is usually via a screen, a printer, a speaker, or by saving data to a storage device.

[0044] A typical computer system therefore comprises an input unit for entering data and / or control commands into the computer system and an output unit for outputting data and / or information. The computer system also includes a receiver for receiving data, which is transmitted to the computer system, for example, via a radio link. The computer system may also include a transmitter unit with which data can be transmitted from the computer system to the monitoring module and / or to another computer system. Naturally, the computer system includes a power supply unit that provides the computer system's components with electrical power.

[0045] A monitoring module and a (preferably mobile) computer system constitute the system according to claim 3. The system according to the invention can also comprise several monitoring modules and / or several computer systems as well as further components.

[0046] In principle, one embodiment allows for the integration of the functionalities of a system according to the invention into a single device. However, distributing the functionalities across different devices (monitoring module, computer system, and optionally other components) offers a particularly cost-effective solution, since mobile computing systems in the form of smartphones, smartwatches, or tablet computers are ubiquitous. The invention is therefore based on the idea of ​​utilizing as many functions as possible provided by a preferably mobile computing system for tracking, monitoring (controlling), and / or documenting spraying operations. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the monitoring module therefore integrates only those components that are not typically provided by a (mobile) computing system.These are means for integrating the monitoring module into the line of a sprayer and means for determining the quantities of spray agent being applied. The amount of spray agent applied is determined by means of the flow meter. Furthermore, means are needed to transmit the measured values ​​recorded by the flow meter and / or data derived from them to the computer system in order to use this data for further purposes (performing calculations, combining with other data, displaying, storing, and / or the like). However, it is also conceivable that functions typically provided by a (mobile) computer system could be provided by the monitoring module.

[0047] The route tracking unit typically includes a GPS sensor and a timer.

[0048] The route tracking unit is configured to track a route. The term "track a route" means that the route tracking unit is configured to determine its position at defined intervals and / or at defined times and / or upon the occurrence of defined events using a GPS sensor (whereby the position of the GPS sensor is determined) and to store the position in a data memory (preferably together with the time at which the position was determined).

[0049] A GPS sensor (GPS: Global Positioning System) is a component of a satellite navigation system used to determine position. A satellite navigation system relies on satellites that continuously transmit their current position and precise time using coded radio signals. From the signal travel times, a receiver (referred to in this description as the GPS sensor) can calculate its own position and speed. Well-known satellite navigation systems include NAVSTAR GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou. The term "GPS sensor" should not be understood as being limited to the GPS satellite navigation system; it should also encompass receivers from other satellite navigation systems.

[0050] The route tracking unit can determine the position of the GPS sensor. If the GPS sensor is carried with the monitoring module and / or the sprayer and / or the mobile computer system, the position of the monitoring module and / or the sprayer and / or the mobile computer system can be determined. During a spraying operation, a user moves the sprayer together with the monitoring module (and, if applicable, the mobile computer system) through a target area, spraying an area or one or more target objects with a spray. The route traveled by the user can be tracked and recorded (stored in a data storage device) using the route tracking unit. Furthermore, the speeds at which the user moves through the target area can be detected, tracked, and recorded.

[0051] The "target area" is the spatial area in which one or more target objects are to be sprayed with one or more spraying agents.

[0052] The "target object(s)" can be one or more plants, one or more areas of a field (e.g., the arable land), walls, paths, roads, railways, or other objects. A target area can also include target objects that are to be treated with different amounts of a spray or with different sprays during application.

[0053] The quantity measurement unit is a component of the monitoring module. It determines the amount of spray material applied per unit of time by the sprayer. The unit receives the readings from the flow meter and calculates the applied quantity of spray material. The unit can be configured to calculate the application rate of the active ingredient contained in the spray material per unit area. This calculation is preferably based on the following parameters: Spray width, concentration of the active ingredient in the spray, amounts of spray material flowing through the flow chamber per unit of time, and speeds at which the user moves through the target area.

[0054] The spray width can be entered by a user and / or empirically determined in a calibration procedure described below. Depending on the configuration, for example when using a bar with multiple nozzles, the spray width may also already be known and stored as a parameter in a data memory.

[0055] The concentration of the active ingredient in the spray can also be entered by the user. It is also conceivable that the user specifies the product they are using as a spray, for example, by entering the product name or an identifier into the mobile computer system, and that the computer system then uses this information to determine the concentration of the active ingredient from a database. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the quantity measurement unit calculates the concentration of the active ingredient in the spray – as described below in the calibration procedure.

[0056] The amount of spray agent flowing through the flow chamber per unit of time is measured by the flow meter in the flow chamber of the monitoring module.

[0057] The speeds at which the user moves through the target area are determined by the route tracking unit.

[0058] The quantity determination unit can also be configured to combine the information about the respective positions of the GPS sensor (and thus of the sprayer and the monitoring module) with the quantities of spray applied at the positions per unit of time and / or per unit of area and / or with the application rates of active ingredient applied at the positions per unit of area, so that the quantity applied per unit of time / application rate per unit of area is also available for each position.

[0059] In one embodiment, the quantity determination unit is configured to receive a spray width, receive speeds along a route, receive quantities of spray material applied per unit of time along the route, and determine from the received data (spray width, speeds, quantities of spray material per unit of time) quantities of spray material applied per unit area along the route.

[0060] In another embodiment, the quantity determination unit is further configured to determine the concentration of an active ingredient in the spray, and to determine the application rates of the active ingredient per unit area along the route.

[0061] An unclaimed example of a monitoring module includes: A first connecting element and a second connecting element for integrating the monitoring module into a line of a preferably portable sprayer between a container for spraying agent and at least one nozzle, wherein the first connecting element is designed to be connectable to an upstream part of the line of the sprayer, wherein the second connecting element is designed to be connectable to a downstream part of the line of the sprayer, a flow chamber between the first connecting element and the second connecting element, a flow meter for measuring quantities of spraying agent flowing through the flow chamber per unit of time, a control unit, a quantity detection unit, a transmitter unit and a power supply unit for supplying the flow meter, the control unit, the quantity detection unit and the transmitter unit with electrical energy.• where the control unit is configured to receive readings from the flow meter, • where the control unit is configured to instruct the quantity determination unit to determine, based on the received readings, the quantities of spray material applied or have been applied per unit of time by the sprayer, • where the control unit is configured to instruct the transmission unit to transmit information on the quantities of spray material applied or have been applied per unit of time by the sprayer to a computer system.

[0062] An unclaimed example of a monitoring module includes: a route tracking unit with a GPS sensor and a timer and a quantity measurement unit, wherein the route tracking unit is configured to track a route, wherein the quantity measurement unit is configured to determine quantities of spray material that are or have been applied along the route, and wherein the control unit is configured to cause the transmitting unit to transmit information about the route and the quantities of spray material that are or have been applied along the route to the computer system via a network.

[0063] In an unclaimed example, a system comprises: a monitoring module, a quantity measurement unit, a route tracking unit and a computer system, wherein the monitoring module comprises a first connecting element and a second connecting element for integrating the monitoring module into a line of a sprayer between a container for spraying agent and at least one nozzle, wherein the first connecting element is configured to be connectable to an upstream portion of the line of the sprayer, wherein the second connecting element is configured to be connectable to a downstream portion of the line of the sprayer, wherein the monitoring module comprises a flow chamber between the first connecting element and the second connecting element, wherein the monitoring module comprises a flow meter for measuring a quantity of spraying agent flowing through the flow chamber per unit of time, and wherein the quantity measurement unit is configuredto determine quantities of spray material applied per unit of time by the sprayer based on readings from the flow meter, wherein the route tracking unit is configured to track a route, and wherein the computer system is configured to display information to a user about the quantities of spray material applied along the route.

[0064] In an unclaimed example, a system comprises a monitoring module and a mobile computer system, wherein the monitoring module comprises: a first connecting element and a second connecting element for integrating the monitoring module into a line of a preferably portable sprayer between a container for spraying agent and at least one nozzle, wherein the first connecting element is configured to be connectable to an upstream portion of the line of the sprayer, wherein the second connecting element is configured to be connectable to a downstream portion of the line of the sprayer, a flow chamber between the first connecting element and the second connecting element, a flow meter for measuring quantities of spraying agent flowing through the flow chamber per unit of time, a control unit and a transmitting unit, wherein the control unit is configured to receive readings from the flow meter and to instruct the transmitting unit to send data on the quantities of spraying agent.a power supply unit for supplying electrical energy to the flow meter, the control unit, and the transmitter unit, wherein the computer system comprises: a receiving unit, a control unit, a quantity determination unit, a route tracking unit, and an output unit, wherein the control unit is configured to cause the receiving unit to receive the data on the quantities of spraying agent flowing through the flow chamber per unit of time from the monitoring module, preferably via the short-range radio link, wherein the control unit is configured to cause the route tracking unit to follow a route, and wherein the control unit is configured to cause the quantity determination unit to determine the quantity of spraying agent based on the received data.to determine the quantities of spray material that flow through the flow chamber per unit of time, the quantities of spray material applied per unit of time by the sprayer along the route, the control unit being configured to cause the output unit to display information about the route and the quantities of spray material that are or have been applied along the route to a user.

[0065] In an unclaimed example, a system comprises a monitoring module and a mobile computer system, wherein the monitoring module comprises: a first connecting element and a second connecting element for integrating the monitoring module into a line of a preferably portable sprayer between a container for spraying agent and at least one nozzle, wherein the first connecting element is configured to be connectable to an upstream portion of the line of the sprayer, wherein the second connecting element is configured to be connectable to a downstream portion of the line of the sprayer, a flow chamber between the first connecting element and the second connecting element, a flow meter for measuring quantities of spraying agent flowing through the flow chamber per unit of time, a control unit, a quantity detection unit, a transmitter unit, and a power supply unit for supplying the flow meter and the control unit.the quantity measurement unit and the transmitting unit with electrical energy. ∘ wherein the control unit is configured to receive measured values ​​from the flow meter, o wherein the control unit is configured to cause the quantity measurement unit to determine, based on the received measured values, quantities of spray material that are or have been applied per unit of time with the sprayer, o wherein the control unit is configured to cause the transmitting unit to transmit information on the quantities of spray material that are or have been applied per unit of time with the sprayer, preferably via a short-range radio link, to the computer system, wherein the computer system comprises: a receiving unit, a control unit, a route tracking unit, and an output unit, o wherein the control unit is configured to cause the receiving unit to transmit the information on the quantities of spray material,to receive information about the amount of spray applied per unit of time by the sprayer, preferably via short-range radio communication, wherein the control unit is configured to instruct the route tracking unit to follow a route, wherein the control unit is configured to determine, based on the received information and the followed route, the quantities of spray applied per unit of time by the sprayer along the route, and wherein the control unit is configured to instruct the output unit to display information about the route and the quantities of spray applied or applied along the route to a user.

[0066] Preferably, the network is at least partially a mobile network, over which data is transmitted according to a mobile communication standard (such as GSM, GPRS, UMTS, 2G, 3G, LTE, 4G or 5G).

[0067] In an unclaimed example, a system comprises A monitoring module and a mobile computer system, wherein the monitoring module comprises a route tracking unit with a GPS sensor and a timer, a transmitter unit and a quantity measurement unit, wherein the monitoring module comprises a flow meter for measuring a quantity of a spraying agent flowing through the flow chamber per unit of time, wherein the quantity measurement unit is configured to determine quantities of spraying agent applied per unit of time by the sprayer based on readings from the flow meter, wherein the route tracking unit is configured to track a route, and wherein the quantity measurement unit is configured to transmit information about the route and the quantities of spraying agent applied along the route to the computer system via a network.where the computer system is configured to display the route and information on the quantities of spray applied along the route to a . To display users.

[0068] In an unclaimed example, a system comprises a monitoring module comprising a control unit and a transmitter unit, a first computer system configured as a mobile computer system comprising a route tracking unit with a GPS sensor and a timer, a quantity determination unit, and a transmit and receive unit, a second computer system, wherein the monitoring module comprises a flow meter for measuring the quantity of a spray agent flowing through the flow chamber per unit of time, wherein the control unit of the monitoring module is configured to receive readings from the flow meter and to cause the transmitter unit to transmit data on the quantity of spray agent flowing through the flow chamber per unit of time to the first computer system via a first network, wherein the route tracking unit is configured to track a route, and wherein the route tracking unit is configured to determine speeds along the route.wherein the quantity determination unit is configured to determine the quantities of spray and / or the application rates of an active ingredient contained in the spray that have been applied along the route, wherein the first computer system is configured to transmit information about the route and information about the quantities of spray and / or application rates of active ingredient applied along the route to the computer system via a second network, wherein the second computer system is configured to display the route and the information about the quantities of spray and / or application rates of active ingredient applied along the route to a user.

[0069] The first network preferably comprises a short-range radio link between the monitoring module and the first computer system, preferably a Bluetooth, Zigbee or similar connection.

[0070] The second network preferably includes a long-range mobile connection according to a mobile communication standard (such as GSM, GPRS, UMTS, 2G, 3G, LTE, 4G or 5G).

[0071] The system according to the invention can further comprise a preferably portable spraying device. In this embodiment, the spraying device comprises a container for receiving a spraying agent, at least one nozzle through which the spraying agent exits the spraying device in the direction of a target object, a line between the container and the at least one nozzle, and means for conveying the spraying agent from the container towards the at least one nozzle (e.g., an electrically or manually operated pump). The preferably portable spraying device can be designed as a backpack device and, in such a case, includes, for example, straps for carrying it on a person's back.

[0072] Another unclaimed exemplary use is a process comprising the steps: Equipping a portable sprayer with a monitoring module, characterized in that the monitoring module is integrated into a line between a container for spraying agent and a nozzle of the portable sprayer, such that spraying agent flowing from the container to the nozzle flows through a flow chamber of the monitoring module, recording a route traveled by the portable sprayer over a period of time, recording the quantities of spraying agent flowing through the flow chamber along the route, transmitting data on the route traveled and the quantities of spraying agent via a network to a computer system, and displaying the route and information on the quantities of spraying agent applied along the route to a user.

[0073] Preferably the method further comprises the following steps: Receiving a spray width, receiving information about an active ingredient, recording a user's route during a defined time period, determining user speeds along the route, recording quantities of spray material applied by the user per unit of time along the route, determining application rates of the active ingredient per unit area along the route based on user speeds, applied quantities of spray material and information about the active ingredient, displaying the route and the application rates of the active ingredient per unit area along the route.

[0074] Calibration can be performed at the beginning of a spraying process. This calibration is preferably supported by a computer program, which is preferably installed and executed on a mobile computing system such as a smartphone.

[0075] The user of the preferably mobile computer system is prompted by the computer program to cover a defined distance at a constant speed (e.g., a distance of 10 to 100 meters) or to move at a constant speed for a defined period of time (e.g., 10 seconds to one minute). During the movement, the user is to apply a spray or test liquid (e.g., water) to the ground using a spray device. An average speed is determined using a GPS sensor and a timer. This average speed is preferably an arithmetic mean speed.A flow meter measures the average quantity of spray medium or test liquid that exits from at least one nozzle of the portable sprayer per unit of time during the user's movement (according to the invention, the flow rate through the flow chamber of the monitoring module according to the invention is determined; however, this is equal to the flow rate exiting the at least one nozzle). Preferably, the average quantity per unit of time is the arithmetically averaged quantity per unit of time. The average quantity per unit of time can be expressed, for example, as a mass per unit of time (e.g., g / sec) or as a volume per unit of time (e.g., L / min).

[0076] The obtained calibration values ​​(average speed and average quantity per unit of time) can be used to perform further calculations, make adjustments and / or make preparations.

[0077] The calibration values ​​obtained can be used, for example, to prepare a spray. Many sprays are offered as a concentrate that, according to the manufacturer's instructions, must be diluted with a thinner (usually water) before use. Often, the degree of dilution itself is not specified; instead, the application rate of active ingredient per unit area is given. In the case of a herbicide as the active ingredient, this means that the amount of the active ingredient (e.g., in grams or milligrams) to be applied per unit area (e.g., per m² or per hectare) to achieve the desired (optimal) effect is indicated. Using the calibration values ​​listed above, a spray width, and the required application rate, the degree of dilution can be determined. The spray width can be entered into the computer system by the user.The user can determine the spray width, for example, by measuring the width of the strip on the floor wetted by the spray or test liquid during calibration. From the average amount dispensed per unit of time from the at least one nozzle and the average speed at which the user moves, the average amount of spray applied per unit area can be calculated. The required application rate and the concentration of an active ingredient in a concentrate can be entered into the computer system by the user or retrieved from a database using a product name or identifier.From the aforementioned parameters (required application rate of active ingredient per unit area, average amount of spray applied per unit area, concentration of active ingredient in the present concentrate), the quantities of concentrate and diluent that must be mixed together to produce a spray that results in the required application rate when applied with the portable sprayer can be determined.

[0078] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to figures, without limiting the invention to the features and combinations of features shown in the figures.

[0079] Fig. 1 Figure 10 schematically shows an embodiment of the monitoring module according to the invention. The monitoring module (10) comprises a first connecting element (11) and a second connecting element (12) for integrating the monitoring module into a line of the sprayer between a container for the spraying agent and at least one nozzle. The monitoring module (10) further comprises a flow chamber (13) between the first connecting element and the second connecting element. Arrows A and B indicate the flow direction of a spraying agent that flows from the container of the sprayer through the flow chamber (13) towards the at least one nozzle. Arrow A indicates the flow direction of the spraying agent entering the flow chamber (13) from the direction of the container; arrow B indicates the flow direction of the spraying agent exiting the flow chamber (13) towards the at least one nozzle.Inside the nozzle is an impeller (18) which is set into rotation by the spray medium flowing through the flow chamber (13). A permanent magnet (19) is attached to the impeller (18). As the impeller (18) rotates, the permanent magnet (19) passes a Hall sensor (14). The Hall sensor (14) acts as a pulse counter. The pulses are transmitted to a control unit (15). The impeller (18), the permanent magnet (19), and the Hall sensor (14) together form a flow sensor. The control unit (15) determines the rotational speed of the impeller from the pulses per unit of time and, from the rotational speed of the impeller, the flow velocity of the spray medium. The flow velocity of the spray medium can be transmitted to a (separate) computer system via a transmitter (16).A power supply unit (17) provides electrical power to the flow meter (14, 18, 19), the control unit (15), and the transmitter unit (16). All components of the monitoring module (10) are attached to or housed in a casing (20).

[0080] Figuren 2a bis 2c shows schematically how a monitoring module according to the invention can be integrated into a line of a sprayer. Fig. 2a Figure 22 shows the sprayer. The sprayer comprises a first container (22) with a first liquid and a second container (23) with a second liquid. The second liquid could, for example, be an active ingredient concentrate, the active ingredient being a pesticide. The first liquid could be a diluent for the active ingredient concentrate, for example, water.

[0081] The first liquid is conveyed from the first container (22) towards at least one nozzle (27) via a first conveying device (24), such as an electrically driven pump. The second liquid is conveyed from the second container (23) towards at least one nozzle (27) via a second conveying device (25), such as an electrically driven pump. The liquids mix as they travel through the pipe (28). A mixture of the first and second liquids emerges from the at least one nozzle (27). The flow can be stopped by a shut-off valve (26).

[0082] In Fig. 2a The schematic shows that the line (28) between the containers (22, 23) and the at least one nozzle (27) is cut at one point (indicated by the scissors). Fig. 2b The figure shows that the line (28) between the containers (22, 23) and the at least one nozzle (27) has been cut. The fluid connection between the containers (22, 23) and the at least one nozzle (27) is interrupted. The monitoring module (10) according to the invention is integrated at the point of interruption. For this purpose, the monitoring module (10) has a first connecting element (11) and a second connecting element (12). The first connecting element (11) is connected to the part of the line (28) that leads upstream towards the containers (22, 23). The second connecting element (12) is connected to the part of the line (28) that leads downstream towards the at least one nozzle (27). Fig. 2c The monitoring module (10) integrated into the line (28) is shown. The monitoring module (10) restores the fluid connection between the containers (22, 23) and the at least one nozzle (27). Fluid flowing from the containers (22, 23) towards the at least one nozzle (27) flows through a flow chamber (13) of the monitoring module.

[0083] Fig. 3 Figure 40 schematically shows an embodiment of a system according to the invention. The system (40) comprises a monitoring module (10) and a computer system (30). The monitoring module (10) can, for example, be the one described in Figure 40. Fig. 1 The monitoring module shown is configured to transmit data on the quantity of a spray agent flowing through a flow chamber of the monitoring module per unit of time to the computer system (30). The computer system (30) comprises a receiving unit (31), a control unit (32), and an output unit (33). The control unit (32) is configured to cause the receiving unit (31) to receive the data transmitted by the monitoring module (10).

[0084] The control unit (32) is further configured to cause the output unit (33) to display the data to a user.

[0085] Fig. 4Figure 40 schematically shows another embodiment of the system according to the invention. The system (40) comprises a monitoring module (10) and a computer system (30). The monitoring module (10) is configured to measure quantities of spray agent flowing through a flow chamber (not explicitly shown) of the monitoring module (10) per unit of time and to transmit data on these quantities to the computer system (30) via a transmitter unit (not explicitly shown) of the monitoring module. The computer system (30) comprises a receiver unit (31), a control unit (32), a quantity determination unit (36), a route tracking unit (35) with a GPS sensor (34), and an output unit (33). The quantity determination unit (36) and the route tracking unit (35) can be components of the control unit (32).The control unit (30) is configured to instruct the receiving unit (31) to receive data from the monitoring module (10) on the quantities of spray material flowing through the flow chamber per unit of time. The control unit (32) is further configured to instruct the route tracking unit (35) to track the route along which the computer system (30) (or the GPS sensor (34) as part of the computer system (40)) is moved. The control unit (32) is further configured to instruct the quantity determination unit (36) to determine, based on the data transmitted by the monitoring module (10), the quantities of spray material applied per unit of time by the sprayer along the route. The control unit (32) is further configured to instruct the output unit (33) to display information about the route and the quantities of spray material applied or applied along the route to a user.

Claims

1. A monitoring module (10) for equipping a portable spraying device with functions for monitoring a spraying process, wherein the monitoring module (10) comprises: - a first connecting element (11) and a second connecting element (12) for integrating the monitoring module (10) into a conduit (28) of the spraying device between a container (22, 23) for a spray agent and at least one nozzle (27), wherein the first connecting element (11) is configured to be connectable to an upstream oriented part of the conduit (28) of the spraying device, wherein the second connecting element (12) is configured to be connectable to a downstream oriented part of the conduit (28) of the spraying device, - a flow chamber (13) between the first connecting element (11) and the second connecting element (12), - a flow meter for measuring an amount of spray agent flowing through the flow chamber (13) per unit of time, - a control unit (15), - a transmission unit (16), - a route tracking unit, - a quantity determination unit, and - a power supply unit (17) for supplying electrical power to the flow meter, the control unit (15), the route tracking unit, the quantity determination unit, and the transmission unit (16), • wherein the control unit (15) is configured to receive measurement values from the flow meter, • wherein the control unit (15) is configured to cause the route tracking unit to track a route, • wherein the control unit (15) is configured to cause the quantity determination unit to determine quantities of spray agent that are or were applied along the route based on the received measurement values, • wherein the control unit (15) is configured to cause the transmission unit (16) to transmit information regarding the route and the quantities of spray agent that are or were applied along the route to a computer system (30).

2. The monitoring module (10) according to claim 1, comprising: - wherein the route tracking unit comprises a GPS sensor and a timekeeper, - wherein the control unit (15) is configured to cause the transmission unit (16) to transmit the information regarding the route and the amounts of spray agent that are or were applied along the route to the computer system (30) via a network.

3. A system (40) comprising a monitoring module (10) according to claim 1 and the computer system (30), wherein the computer system is a mobile computer system, ∘ wherein the control unit (15) is configured to cause the transmission unit (16) to transmit the information regarding the quantities of spray agent that are or were applied with the spraying device per unit of time to the computer system (30), preferably via a network, - wherein the computer system (30) comprises: • a receiving unit (31), a control unit (32), and an output unit (33), ∘ wherein the control unit (32) of the computer system (30) is configured to cause the receiving unit (31) to receive the information regarding the quantities of spray agent that are or were applied with the spraying device per unit of time along the route, preferably via the network, ∘ wherein the control unit (32) of the computer system (30) is configured to cause the output unit (33) to display the information regarding the amounts of spray agent that are or were applied along the route to a user.

4. The system (40) according to claim 3, • wherein the route tracking unit comprises a GPS sensor and a timekeeper, • wherein the quantity determination unit is configured to determine quantities of spray agent that are applied per unit of time by the spraying device based on measurement values from the flow meter, • wherein the quantity determination unit is configured to transmit information regarding the route and the quantities of spray agent that were applied along the route to the computer system (30) via a network, • wherein the computer system (30) is configured to display the route and the information regarding the quantities of spray agent that were applied along the route to a user.