Front-Mount Sprayer Cameras for Real-Time Targeted Nozzle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current agricultural sprayers apply materials uniformly across fields without considering localized needs, leading to inefficiencies and environmental impact, and existing prescription-based systems rely on outdated or inaccurate data, resulting in georeferencing and application errors.
Innovation Solution
A real-time, on-board target identification and control system with cameras mounted on the front of the sprayer to capture images ahead of the sprayer, processing them to identify targets and correlate their locations to nozzles for precise material application, using image processing and machine learning to improve accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If cameras are mounted on the rear of the sprayer to capture images of targets, then the system can identify targets after passage, but the images are degraded by dust and obscurants generated during spraying
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional rear-mounted camera approach by mounting cameras on the front of the sprayer. This reversal allows the camera to capture images of targets before the sprayer passes over them, avoiding contamination from dust and obscurants generated during spraying. The front-mounted camera captures clear images of the work area ahead, enabling accurate target identification without the harmful effects of spray-related contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by capturing images of targets before the sprayer reaches them. The front-mounted camera takes pictures of the work area in advance, allowing the system to identify targets and calculate their positions relative to nozzles before material application begins. This preliminary imaging avoids the dust and obscurant problems that occur when imaging after the sprayer has passed through an area.
2Measurement precision
If prescription-based application is used with pre-generated maps, then material can be applied to specific locations, but georeferencing errors and outdated data reduce accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by using real-time image capture and processing to continuously update target location information. Instead of relying on static pre-generated prescriptions, the front-mounted camera provides current visual feedback about target positions, allowing the system to adjust material application based on actual, up-to-date conditions in the work area rather than relying on potentially outdated map data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of pre-generated prescription maps with an optical sensing system. Instead of using GPS-based georeferencing and static maps that are prone to errors, the system uses front-mounted cameras to optically detect and identify targets in real-time, substituting optical measurement for mechanical positioning systems and eliminating georeferencing errors.
3Ease of operation
If uniform broadcast application is used, then the sprayer operation is simple, but material is wasted applying chemicals where not needed
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by transitioning from uniform broadcast application to localized target-specific application. The front-mounted camera identifies specific targets in the work area, and the system applies material only to those identified locations rather than uniformly across the entire field. This allows simple sprayer operation to be combined with precise, waste-reducing material application to specific problem areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by using the sprayer's own front-mounted camera to automatically identify targets and guide material application. The sprayer independently detects its own work area conditions, identifies targets, and controls material application without requiring external prescription data or manual intervention, thereby eliminating waste while maintaining operational simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A camera is mounted on the front of a sprayer. Targets are identified from images generated by the camera. The location of the target is identified relative to a nozzle on the sprayer. A control signal is generated to control the timing and duration of actuation of the nozzle.