Agricultural Sprayer Optical Calibration for Nozzle Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current agricultural spraying machines require manual, static calibration that is cumbersome and inefficient, necessitating a simpler and faster method to automate the calibration process.
Innovation Solution
An automated calibration method for agricultural spraying machines using optical sensors with a field of view forming a grid, where each sector is associated with a spray nozzle, and a control system performs automatic association by detecting patterns on a reference system, such as a tarpaulin or projected light patterns, to align the field of view with the spray nozzles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual calibration is performed in a static manner indoors, then calibration precision can be maintained, but calibration time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical calibration operations with an automated optical measurement system. The control system automatically captures images of the reference system, detects pattern positions, calculates calibration parameters, and adjusts nozzle positions without manual intervention, thereby reducing calibration time while maintaining precision through systematic automated procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-establishing a reference system with known pattern positions before calibration begins. This reference system serves as a predetermined standard that guides the automated calibration process, allowing the control system to quickly determine nozzle positions relative to the spray boom without performing complex measurements during calibration
2Ease of manufacture
If manual calibration is performed, then calibration can be completed with simple equipment, but the ease of operation and automation level decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration system performs self-service through automated image capture, automatic pattern detection, automatic coordinate calculation, and automatic nozzle position adjustment. The control system independently completes the entire calibration process without requiring operator intervention for measurements or calculations, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining high automation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a reference system with detectable patterns as an intermediary between the optical sensor and the spray nozzles. This reference system mediates the calibration process by providing a standardized interface that the control system can automatically detect and use to determine spatial relationships, simplifying the overall calibration operation
3Area of stationary object
If the field of view of optical sensors is to cover the potential spray field, then spraying coverage is improved, but the calibration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the wide field of view into multiple detectable patterns arranged in a grid or array on the reference system. Each pattern corresponds to a specific spatial location, allowing the control system to independently determine positions across the entire spray field coverage area through systematic detection of individual patterns rather than attempting to measure the entire area as a single complex structure
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
Facilitates faster and more precise calibration, improving the predictability and efficiency of localized spraying by simplifying the commissioning and maintenance of agricultural spraying machines.
Implementation Method 1
the acquisition by the corresponding optical sensor of an image of said field of view integrating said plurality of patterns
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for calibrating an agricultural spraying machine comprising a plurality of spray nozzles arranged on the spray boom, at least one optical sensor and a control system, each optical sensor of said at least one optical sensor having a field of view comprising sectors, each of the sectors being associated with a spray nozzle, the control system being configured to control the plurality of spray nozzles as a function of images acquired by the optical sensors, the calibration method comprising, for an optical sensor, an automatic association implemented by the control system of each sector of the field of view of the corresponding optical sensor with a spray nozzle of the plurality of spray nozzles.