Variable-Rate Irrigation Control for Real-Time Spot Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern irrigation systems are imprecise and wasteful, requiring multiple passes over a field to apply different applicants, often leading to over-application and inefficiency due to their inability to work in real-time and integrate mobile data collection and precision product delivery.
Innovation Solution
A system with a control device that uses image sensors and software modules to create variable rate applications, allowing simultaneous general irrigation and targeted treatment of specific areas based on detected conditions, using separate systems for primary and secondary applicant delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional irrigation systems apply applicants uniformly across entire fields, then equipment simplicity is maintained, but precision and resource efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The irrigation system divides the field into discrete zones or locations and applies applicants independently to each zone based on specific needs. The system segments the application process into broad delivery (primary applicant) and targeted delivery (secondary applicant) components, allowing precise control over where and how applicants are applied without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different applicants or application rates to different locations within the field based on local conditions. Image sensors detect specific plant conditions in discrete areas, and the control system adjusts application parameters locally rather than uniformly across the entire field, optimizing resource use while maintaining operational efficiency.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple passes are used to apply different applicants to different field areas, then application precision is improved, but productivity and time efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines multiple application functions into a single pass operation. By integrating image sensing, data processing, and variable rate application control into one coordinated system, the irrigation machine can perform what traditionally required multiple passes in a single operation, maintaining precision while improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
Image sensors and data processing systems identify and map areas requiring specific treatments before the applicant application begins. This preliminary detection and planning allows the system to pre-position and pre-configure application parameters for each zone, enabling precise variable rate application during a single pass without requiring multiple sequential operations.
3Reliability
If operators over-apply applicants to ensure adequate coverage, then application reliability is improved, but resource efficiency and cost effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Image sensors continuously monitor plant conditions and provide real-time feedback to the control system. This feedback loop allows the system to adjust application rates dynamically based on actual field conditions, ensuring adequate coverage where needed while reducing or eliminating applications where not required, thereby maintaining reliability while preventing waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static, uniform application rates to dynamic, location-specific application rates. Application parameters are continuously adjusted based on real-time or near-real-time data from image sensors and processing systems, allowing the system to optimize applicant delivery for each discrete location rather than applying fixed rates across the entire field.
4Measurement precision
If traditional systems require separate passes for data collection and applicant application, then measurement accuracy is improved, but time efficiency and operational complexity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges data collection (image sensing) and applicant application operations into a single integrated process. Image sensors mounted on the irrigation machine collect data about plant conditions while the machine is in motion, and this data is processed to control applicant application in real-time or near-real-time, eliminating the need for separate data collection and application passes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous operation throughout the field pass, with image sensing, data processing, and applicant application occurring simultaneously and continuously rather than in separate discrete steps. This continuous operation eliminates idle time between data collection and application phases, maximizing productivity while maintaining measurement precision through ongoing data acquisition.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a system, method and apparatus for providing variable rate application of applicants to discrete field locations. According to a first preferred embodiment, the present invention includes a control device having software modules to allow for the execution of irrigation and chemical spray patterns according to specific prescriptions for each crop being sprayed. According to further preferred embodiments, the control device may use data from a variety of image sensors to create a selective, variable rate application of applicants. Using the imaging data, the system of the present invention may use a primary applicant system to broadly deliver a first selected application (e.g. water or the like) and use a separate system to deliver targeted applicants for specific plants or areas of a given field.