Agricultural Sprayer Diagnostic System for Precision Substance Application
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural sprayers face inefficiencies in substance application, leading to over-spraying or under-spraying due to the lack of precise targeting of crops and weeds, resulting in increased costs and potential environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
An agricultural machine equipped with an imaging system that captures images of the field, processes them to identify crop and weed locations, and controls actuatable applicator mechanisms to apply substances precisely, using a control system that generates user interface displays for diagnostic data and adjusts spraying modes based on image processing and confidence metrics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional spraying methods are used without imaging systems, then the spraying operation is simple and fast, but the precision of substance application is poor leading to over-spraying or under-spraying
Solution Approach 1:
The spraying system is divided into multiple independently controllable actuatable applicator mechanisms (such as individual nozzles or nozzle groups) that can be controlled separately based on image processing results. This segmentation allows precise control of substance application at different locations while maintaining overall system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
An imaging system with image capture components and image processing modules is introduced as an intermediary between the sprayer and the field. This intermediary provides real-time information about crop and weed locations, enabling the control system to make informed decisions about where and how much substance to apply.
2Loss of substance
If imaging systems are added to improve targeting precision, then substance application precision improves, but the cost and complexity of the system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback loop where the imaging system continuously captures images of the field, the image processing module analyzes the images to identify crop and weed locations, and the control system adjusts the actuatable applicator mechanisms in real-time based on this feedback. This closed-loop control minimizes substance waste by applying chemicals only where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses onboard imaging and processing capabilities to autonomously determine spraying decisions without requiring external guidance or manual intervention. The actuatable applicator mechanisms self-regulate their operation based on real-time field conditions detected by the imaging system.
3Reliability
If traditional spraying is used without real-time monitoring, then the operation is simpler, but diagnostic capabilities and operational control are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
A diagnostic system with sensors monitors the operation of imaging components and provides real-time status information to the control system. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable operation by detecting issues early and allowing for及时调整, while the automated nature of monitoring maintains ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The diagnostic system autonomously monitors and assesses the operational status of imaging components without requiring manual inspection. The system self-diagnoses potential issues and can automatically adjust operations or alert operators, maintaining both reliability and ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural machine includes a product application system comprising a plurality of actuatable applicator mechanisms. Each actuatable applicator mechanism is configured to apply a substance on an agricultural surface. An imaging system includes an imaging capture component configured to capture of an image of plant matter on the agricultural surface, and an image processing module configured to determine a characteristic of the plant matter based on the image. A control system is configured to control one or more of the actuatable applicator mechanisms to apply the substance on the agricultural surface based on the determined characteristic, obtain diagnostic data indicative of operation of the imaging system, and generate a user interface display that displays a representation of the diagnostic data.