Optical Imaging System for Spray Characterization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring and monitoring spray characteristics in agricultural applications are limited by high costs, complexity, sensitivity to environmental factors, and a narrow field of view, making them unsuitable for widespread adoption and real-time evaluation in field conditions.
Innovation Solution
An optical imaging system using reflectance-based, wide-angle, direct, and full-fan imaging with digital cameras and processors to capture and analyze spray characteristics such as drop size distribution, spray sheet length, and drift potential, allowing for real-time data collection and analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If transmittance-based non-intrusive methods such as laser diffraction, laser interferometry, and pulsed laser backlit-high speed image analysis are used, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a digital camera to capture optical images of spray droplets, creating a visual copy of the spray characteristics. This optical copy is then processed through image analysis algorithms to extract measurement data, replacing the need for complex transmittance-based instrumentation while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical and optical transmittance-based measurement systems with an optical imaging and image processing system. Instead of using laser diffraction or interferometry requiring precise optical benches, the system uses a digital camera with standard lens to capture images that are then analyzed computationally to derive spray characteristics
2Measurement precision
If transmittance-based methods with narrow field of view are used, then measurement precision is improved, but adaptability to different spray configurations and field deployment is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal measurement system using a digital camera and image processing algorithms that can handle multiple spray configurations (different nozzle types, spray patterns, and agricultural conditions) through a single device. The wide field of view lens enables the system to adapt to various spray geometries without requiring reconfiguration of complex optical paths
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from narrow line-of-sight transmittance measurements to wide-field optical imaging, adding spatial dimensionality to the measurement capability. This allows simultaneous observation of multiple droplets across a broad spray area, enabling field deployment while maintaining measurement precision through computational analysis of the extended field of view
3Reliability
If sophisticated transmittance-based instrumentation is used, then measurement reliability is improved, but ease of operation and cost-effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service measurement system where the digital camera automatically captures spray images and the image processing algorithms autonomously extract droplet size and velocity characteristics. This eliminates the need for operators to manually configure complex optical systems or interpret sophisticated measurement outputs, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining reliability through consistent automated analysis
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
The system provides accurate, reliable, and cost-effective monitoring of spray characteristics, enabling field deployment and real-time data generation, which can help mitigate off-target spray drift and improve spray application efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
optical imaging systems and optical imaging methods are disclosed herein for investigating and measuring one or more characteristics of a spray using reflectance based, wide-angle, direct and full-fan optical imaging
Data Source
AI summary
Optical imaging systems and methods are disclosed herein for investigating and analyzing one or more characteristics of a spray, including spray front velocity, spray sheet length, spray break-up dynamics, drift potential, and drop-size distribution. Optical imaging systems disclosed herein include an image acquisition device, one or more illumination source, a processor for processing and analyzing image data, a background, and a spray system that includes at least a nozzle. The image acquisition device and illumination sources are positioned on the same side of the spray. The processor has a first algorithm to generate a feedback correction factor and a second algorithm to identify droplets and develop a drop-size distribution for the spray. Optical imaging methods for determining spray characteristics are also disclosed and generally include the steps of providing an imaging system, capturing images of the spray with the imaging system, processing the images, and analyzing the images.