Sprayer Control Method for Safe Remote Operation Checking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In existing sprayer control systems, operators must manually approach the sprayer to check its operation, which reduces work efficiency due to potential exposure to spray materials and requires countermeasures to prevent exposure.
Innovation Solution
A control method and system that allows the sprayer to automatically operate and switch to manual operation only when a cancellation condition is met, enabling safe checking of the spray device's operation without interrupting automatic travel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the sprayer operates automatically along a target route, then productivity is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates because the manipulator must approach the sprayer to check operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a camera to capture images of the sprayer's operation and transmits them to a terminal device, creating a visual copy of the operation that can be checked remotely. This eliminates the need for the manipulator to physically approach the sprayer while maintaining the ability to monitor operation quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a communication system as an intermediary between the sprayer and the manipulator. The camera captures operation data and transmits it through a communication network to a terminal device, allowing remote monitoring without direct physical contact.
2Ease of operation
If the manipulator approaches the automatically traveling sprayer to check operation, then ease of operation is improved, but object-affected harmful factors worsen due to exposure to spray material
Solution Approach 1:
The camera creates a visual copy of the spray operation, allowing the manipulator to view operation details on a terminal device without physically approaching the sprayer. This eliminates exposure to harmful spray materials while maintaining full operational visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of physically approaching the sprayer with an electronic/visual system. The camera and communication device substitute for direct visual inspection, eliminating the need for the manipulator to be in proximity to the spray material.
3Productivity
If the spray device starts spraying soon after automatic travel begins, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates because operation checking becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The camera continuously captures images of the spray operation and transmits them in real-time to the terminal device. This allows the manipulator to monitor operation correctness continuously without interrupting the spray workflow, maintaining both productivity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous visual feedback of the spray operation to the manipulator through the terminal device. The manipulator can observe the actual spray operation and make adjustments if needed, ensuring operational reliability while maintaining continuous work flow.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
[Problem] The present invention provides a control method for a sprayer, a control program for a sprayer, a control system for a sprayer, and a sprayer, each of which eliminates or minimizes reduction in work efficiency. [Solution] The control method for a sprayer is a control method for a sprayer including a spray device. This control method includes: automatically operating the spray device; and only while a cancellation condition is satisfied, canceling automatic operation of the spray device to manually operate the spray device according to a user's manipulation, and thereby enabling operation check of the spray device.