Agricultural Applicator With Real-Time Optical Targeting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current agricultural sprayers and applicators apply materials uniformly across fields without considering localized needs, leading to inefficiencies and environmental impacts, as prescriptions are generated offline and prone to georeferencing and application errors.
Innovation Solution
An agricultural applicator equipped with on-board real-time image sensors and controllers that identify targets on the field, adjusting material application in real-time to apply materials precisely to specific targets, such as weeds or crop rows, using optical sensors and image processing modules to correct and transform images for accurate nozzle control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If broadcast application is used to apply material uniformly across the field, then coverage is ensured, but material waste increases and environmental impact worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from uniform broadcast application to localized targeted application by using image sensors to identify specific weed locations and controlling individual nozzles to apply material only at those locations, thereby reducing overall material usage while maintaining effective weed control
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements real-time feedback by capturing images of the field, processing them to identify weed locations, and immediately adjusting nozzle operation based on detected targets, enabling dynamic adaptation of material application to actual field conditions
2Measurement precision
If prescription-based application is used to target specific areas, then material usage is reduced, but georeferencing errors and application inaccuracies increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the mechanical prescription-based approach with an optical sensing and real-time image processing system that directly detects weed locations and triggers nozzle activation, eliminating georeferencing errors and prescription interpretation issues
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-correction by using real-time image capture and processing to automatically adjust nozzle operation based on actual weed locations, eliminating the need for external prescription data and manual scouting
3Measurement precision
If real-time image sensing and targeted application is implemented, then material application precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the application task into separate functional modules: image capture, image processing, target identification, and nozzle control, allowing each module to be optimized independently and simplifying the overall system architecture despite the increased functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses multi-functional components that perform multiple tasks, such as image sensors that both capture field imagery and provide real-time weed location data, and controllers that manage both nozzle activation and application rate control, thereby reducing the number of separate components needed
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 system enhances precision in material application, reducing waste and environmental impact by applying materials only where needed, improving efficiency and reducing unnecessary application by up to 80%, and allowing for multiple passes with adjusted treatments.
Implementation Method 1
an on-board, real-time image sensor that senses targets for the material to be applied
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
An agricultural machine (100) that travels across a field in a direction of travel is disclosed. The agricultural machine (100) comprises: a material reservoir (110); a boom (118) having an elongate axis that is transverse to an elongate axis of the agricultural machine (100); a plurality of controllable valves (190) mounted across the boom (118); a plurality of optical sensors (122) that each capture images of a portion of the field ahead of the plurality of controllable valves (190) in the direction of travel; a calibration system (230) that, for each given optical sensor (122), generates a transform corresponding to the given optical sensor (122) to apply to a received image, received by the given optical sensor (122) to identify a location on the field corresponding to a position in the received image; a pump (184) that pumps material from the material reservoir (110) to the plurality of controllable valves (190); a target identification system (158) that identifies a target in the received image and applies the transform to the received image to identify a location on the field corresponding to the target; and a valve controller (170) that generates a valve control signal to control the plurality of controllable valves (190) to apply the material to the target. Further, a method of controlling said agricultural machine (100) is disclosed.