Agricultural Spreader Boom Distance Measurement Using Crop-Specific Pulse Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring the distance between an agricultural distributor linkage and crops or soil using ultrasonic sensors often result in incorrect measurements due to incorrect assignment of reflection pulses, leading to the need for frequent corrections and inefficient operation.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method that selects the most appropriate reflection pulse for distance calculation using stock-specific selection rules, which can be manually or automatically determined based on the type of vegetation or soil, to improve measurement accuracy and reduce errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the first arriving reflection pulse is always selected for distance measurement, then the measurement process is simple and fast, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to incorrect pulse assignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic selection of reflection pulses based on real-time analysis of pulse characteristics (amplitude, duration, temporal position) rather than always selecting the first arriving pulse. The evaluation algorithm dynamically determines which reflection pulse corresponds to the vegetation top by assessing multiple pulse properties, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy while adapting to different vegetation types and conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the selection criterion from a fixed rule (first arriving pulse) to a variable rule based on multiple parameters including pulse amplitude, duration, and temporal position. By evaluating these parameters and selecting pulses that meet specific criteria, the system achieves accurate distance measurement across diverse vegetation types without sacrificing measurement speed.
2Measurement precision
If statistical correction using average values from previous measurements is applied, then measurement errors are reduced, but the system complexity and response time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary evaluation of reflection pulse characteristics before final distance calculation. By pre-defining selection criteria based on pulse amplitude, duration, and temporal position, and by pre-classifying vegetation types, the system prepares the data in advance to enable accurate measurement without requiring complex post-processing or statistical corrections from multiple measurements.
3Measurement precision
If multiple selection rules for different plant stocks are implemented, then measurement accuracy for specific crop types improves, but the device complexity and programming requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by creating vegetation-specific evaluation algorithms tailored to different crop types (e.g., cereals, broadleaf plants, potatoes). Each crop type has optimized selection criteria that reflect its specific reflection characteristics. The system automatically identifies the vegetation type and applies the appropriate local evaluation rules, achieving high measurement accuracy for each specific crop without requiring manual configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the system to automatically identify vegetation type and select appropriate evaluation algorithms without external intervention. The self-service mechanism classifies the current vegetation type based on received reflection pulses and automatically applies the corresponding crop-specific selection rules, eliminating the need for manual programming or complex user configuration while maintaining high measurement precision.
4Measurement precision
If frequent corrective movements are made to maintain target distance, then distance control accuracy improves, but the guidance smoothness and operational efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical trial-and-error adjustment with an intelligent evaluation algorithm that predicts the most appropriate reflection pulse for distance calculation. By substituting mechanical corrective movements with algorithmic pulse selection based on amplitude, duration, and temporal characteristics, the system achieves accurate target distance control while minimizing unnecessary mechanical adjustments, thereby improving guidance smoothness and operational efficiency.
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 enhances the reliability of distance measurements, allowing for smoother and more precise guidance of the distributor linkage over crops or soil, reducing corrective movements and maintaining a consistent target distance.
Implementation Method 1
the transit times of signal pulses emitted by the spreader boom and the reflection pulses received after their reflection from the crop and/or soil are measured
Implementation Method 2
ultrasonic sensors are placed on the distributor boom of a field sprayer to emit ultrasonic pulses and receive reflection pulses reflected from the crop and/or soil. The clear distance between the distributor boom and the respective crop or soil can be calculated from the transit time of the ultrasonic pulses
Implementation Method 3
reflection pulses received after their reflection from the crop and/or soil
Data Source
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AI summary
This document describes a method and device for measuring the distance between an agricultural spreader boom and a crop and/or soil. The method measures the travel times of signal pulses emitted by the spreader boom and the reflection pulses received after reflection from the crop and/or soil. From these measurements, a clear distance to the spreader boom is calculated. Furthermore, upon reception, one of the reflection pulses associated with a specific signal pulse is selected for travel time measurement using a programmed selection rule. By selecting the selection rule from a stored list of crop-specific selection rules, the frequency of measurement errors is reduced, thus minimizing the need for corrective movements of the spreader boom to maintain a target distance to the crop and/or soil.