Fertilizer Spreader Coverage Control Using Real-Time Optical Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for measuring and controlling the uniformity of dry fertilizer distribution on agricultural fields are inefficient and time-consuming, leading to non-uniform nutrient delivery and poor crop yields, as evidenced by striping and other patterns of uneven fertilizer application.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing sensors, such as cameras and LiDAR, mounted on drones or spreaders to capture real-time images of fertilizer distribution, processed by a computing device to determine coverage and adjust spreader parameters for uniformity, including spreader speed, vane positioning, and spinner RPM.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If pan testing is used to measure fertilizer coverage, then measurement accuracy is improved, but time consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefertilizer coverage measurement accuracyVSAvoidtime required for coverage measurement

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical pan testing system with an optical sensing system using cameras and image processing algorithms. The system captures images of the fertilizer spreader in operation and uses computer vision to automatically calculate coverage metrics, eliminating the need for manual pan testing while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a visual copy (image) of the fertilizer application process and analyzes this copy to determine coverage. Instead of physically collecting fertilizer samples in pans, the system captures optical information about the spreader and fertilizer distribution, then processes these images to extract coverage data, significantly reducing measurement time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual calibration adjustments are made to spreader parameters, then control flexibility is improved, but operator skill requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespreader parameter control flexibilityVSAvoidoperator skill requirement for calibration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback loop where the optical sensing system continuously monitors fertilizer coverage and provides real-time measurements back to the operator. This feedback enables automatic or assisted calibration by showing the actual coverage patterns, allowing operators to make informed adjustments without requiring expert knowledge of spreader mechanics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service calibration by automatically capturing images, processing them to determine coverage metrics, and presenting results that guide parameter adjustments. The spreader can be calibrated through a user-friendly interface that translates complex coverage data into simple adjustment recommendations, reducing the skill barrier.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If real-time sensor data collection is implemented, then measurement accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefertilizer distribution measurement accuracyVSAvoidsensor and processing system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a multi-functional camera system that serves multiple purposes: capturing images for coverage measurement, tracking spreader position, monitoring environmental conditions, and providing visual records. This universal imaging platform reduces overall system complexity by consolidating multiple specialized sensors into a single versatile device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an image processing algorithm as an intermediary between the simple camera sensor and the complex coverage analysis. These algorithms automatically extract relevant features from images, filter noise, and convert visual data into quantitative coverage metrics, bridging the gap between simple data collection and complex measurement requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables accurate, real-time estimation and control of fertilizer coverage and distribution, optimizing nutrient delivery and reducing inefficiencies due to environmental variations, thereby improving crop yield and reducing resource waste.

Implementation Method 1

sensors, such as cameras and LiDAR, mounted on drones or spreaders to capture real-time images of fertilizer distribution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLIDAR: LIDAR

Data Source

PatentUS20260060168A1Systems and methods for real-time measurement and control of solid fertilizer coverage on agricultural targets

Publication Date: 2026.03.05 AGZEN INC

AI summary

Presented herein are systems, methods, and devices for measurement and control of the coverage and/or spatial uniformity of dry (solid) fertilizer (e.g., powder, granules, and/or other particulate) that is automatically, mechanically distributed (e.g., via a spinner spreader) onto soil or another agricultural target.