Agricultural Sprayer Boom Distance Detection Using Multi-Sensor Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting the distance between an agricultural spraying device and agricultural areas or crops using sensor units are prone to inaccuracies due to irregularities in vegetation, leading to misinterpretation of measured values and unsatisfactory height control of the sprayer boom.
Innovation Solution
A method that evaluates measured values from multiple sensor units in relation to each other, using filter algorithms and reference values to assess signal plausibility and usability, allowing for real-time interpretation of environmental information and adjustment of measured values to improve distance detection precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If known signal filtering methods (e.g., low-pass filter) are used to process sensor measurements, then the system complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to misinterpretation of measured values caused by vegetation irregularities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges measurements from multiple sensor units (ultrasonic and optical sensors) to evaluate the usability of individual measured values. By combining data from several sensors and comparing measurements across different positions on the boom, the system can identify and filter out erroneous measurements caused by vegetation irregularities, thereby maintaining measurement precision without oversimplifying the processing approach
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously evaluating the usability of measured values based on comparisons with other sensor measurements and predefined criteria. This feedback mechanism allows the system to dynamically adjust which measurements are considered valid for boom height control, improving measurement precision while maintaining operational simplicity through automated decision-making
2Measurement precision
If measurements from multiple sensor units are evaluated in relation to each other to improve measurement precision, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement evaluation process into distinct steps: individual sensor measurements are first processed separately, then compared against each other and usability criteria, and finally integrated to determine the valid distance measurement. This segmentation allows complex multi-sensor evaluation to be managed through systematic, modular processing steps, reducing the perceived device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision
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 approach provides significantly more precise distance detection and reliable height control of the sprayer boom, accounting for fluctuations and anomalies in crop density and growth patterns, enhancing the accuracy of agricultural spraying operations.
Implementation Method 1
ultrasonic sensors are used to determine the distance to the ground or the top of the crop
Implementation Method 2
These units detect the distance to the agricultural field and/or its vegetation
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for detecting the distance of a boom of an agricultural sprayer, in particular a field sprayer, to an agricultural area and/or its crop, comprising the steps of: generating measured values by means of several sensor units, wherein the sensor units are spaced apart from each other on a boom of the agricultural sprayer and the measured values include environmental information of the respective sensor units, and evaluating at least one measured value from at least one sensor unit depending on at least one measured value from the same and/or at least one other sensor unit.