Adhesive Mat for Fertilizer Distribution Measurement
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the distribution of fertilizer grains transversely to the direction of a fertilizer spreader are cumbersome, time-consuming, or require complex image processing, often due to changes in fertilizer quality or insufficient data, and are not efficiently adaptable to varying conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method using an adhesive mat/plate to catch and hold fertilizer granules, which are then imaged and localized in a digital camera image to calculate their distribution, allowing for real-time adjustment of spreader settings to achieve the desired working width, utilizing a mobile device for image analysis and data transmission to a central server for complex evaluations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a measuring bowl with anti-spray loss grids is used to collect and weigh fertilizer grains, then the distribution can be determined, but the procedure becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical weighing system with an optical imaging system. Instead of collecting fertilizer grains in a measuring bowl and weighing them, the invention uses a camera to capture images of the adhesive mat with fertilizer grains, and software to automatically analyze the distribution. This substitution of mechanical measurement with optical-digital measurement eliminates the time-consuming manual weighing process while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy (image) of the fertilizer grain distribution on the adhesive mat. Instead of physically handling and weighing the grains, the system captures a visual copy through camera imaging and processes this digital representation to determine distribution. This copying approach preserves all spatial information while eliminating the need for physical manipulation and weighing of the actual grains.
2Measurement precision
If an imaging method with a vehicle-mounted camera is used to determine fertilizer distribution, then measurement can be performed, but complex image processing is required to distinguish fertilizer grains from soil
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adhesive mat as an intermediary element between the fertilizer spreader and the ground. This mat serves as a standardized background that contrasts with the fertilizer grains, making them easily distinguishable in images. The mat acts as a mediator that simplifies the imaging task by providing a uniform, contrasting background, eliminating the need for complex algorithms to distinguish grains from variable soil backgrounds.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive mat is designed with a specific color or visual property that contrasts with the fertilizer grains. This color contrast allows for simple image processing by enabling easy differentiation between the mat background and the fertilizer particles. The visual property of the mat (its color or reflectivity) is specifically chosen to maximize contrast and minimize processing complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional collecting trays with large grid width are used, then fertilizer grains can be collected, but they must be evaluated together as a sample volume rather than individually
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive mat is divided into a fine grid pattern with small collecting spaces (grid width ≤ 10 mm, preferably ≤ 5 mm). This segmentation allows each fertilizer grain to be associated with a specific small region, enabling individual grain location and counting. The fine segmentation provides sufficient resolution to distinguish individual grains while maintaining a simple flat mat structure that is easy to manufacture and deploy.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach simplifies the determination of fertilizer distribution, enabling precise and efficient adaptation of spreader settings to ensure uniform coverage, reducing handling and equipment complexity while minimizing errors from changing lighting conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an adhesive mat/plate 4, which essentially transverse to the direction of travel 3a is laid out on a field 5 or the like. The adhesive mat/plate 4, which is described in more detail below and is not shown to scale for better understanding, is designed in such a way that it captures and holds fertilizer granules 2 thrown away from the fertilizer spreader 3 essentially at the point 6 of their impact
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A method and a device for determining the distribution of spread fertilizer granules (2) are described. According to the invention, the fertilizer granules (2) are collected and held in place on adhesive mats/plates (4) laid out at the point of impact. By recording the spread and held fertilizer granules (2) in at least one camera image (10), the actual distribution of the spread fertilizer granules (2) can be determined in a simple and reliable manner in order to optimize the settings of fertilizer spreaders (3).