Fertilizer Grain Size Determination via Optical Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining fertilizer grain size for optimal spreading are time-consuming, require significant equipment and effort, and are prone to subjective errors, leading to inefficient fertilizer distribution.
Innovation Solution
A method involving measuring a fertilizer sample volume, distributing it into a measuring bowl to form a single layer, imaging the layer with a digital camera, calculating the area covered by the granules, and using a correlation function to determine the grain size, which can be done using a mobile device for quick and accurate analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mobile test rig with sieves is used to determine particle size distribution, then the need to ship fertilizer samples is eliminated, but equipment costs and measurement time become considerable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical sieve-based classification system with an optical imaging system using a digital camera to capture and analyze fertilizer granule images. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical sieving equipment while maintaining measurement capability through digital image processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy (image) of the fertilizer granules instead of physically separating them through sieving. By capturing images of granules on a measuring surface and analyzing their areas digitally, the system obtains particle size distribution data without requiring physical classification equipment.
2Device complexity
If visual comparison with comparison charts is used to classify fertilizers, then equipment costs are reduced, but the evaluation becomes subjective and setting recommendations may be unsuitable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective visual comparison with automated optical imaging and digital image analysis. The system objectively measures granule areas from captured images and determines particle size distribution through computational methods, eliminating human subjectivity while maintaining simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-measurement by automatically capturing images, processing them through image analysis algorithms, and generating particle size distribution results without requiring expert interpretation. The measuring device and software work together autonomously to provide precise measurements.
3Measurement precision
If central fertilizer service analysis is used to determine average particle size, then reliable information is obtained, but time and effort for individual batch analysis become considerable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables on-site self-measurement by fertilizer applicators using portable imaging devices. Instead of sending samples to centralized laboratories, users can immediately capture images and obtain particle size distribution results at the application location, dramatically increasing analysis throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates digital images of fertilizer granules that can be immediately processed and analyzed without physical sample preparation or shipping. This digital copying approach eliminates the time-consuming steps of sample collection, transportation, and laboratory processing while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Data Source
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AI summary
This document describes a method and a device for determining the particle size of a fertilizer and/or providing a setting recommendation for a fertilizer spreader. By photographing a single layer of fertilizer particles from above, the particle size can be easily estimated based on the area covered by the particle layer. Depending on data regarding the type of fertilizer spreader and the spreading disc used, setting recommendations for the fertilizer spreader can be derived from the determined particle size and the corresponding fertilizer class.