Computer Vision Spray Nozzle Control for Single-Pass Field Edges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural sprayers face challenges in efficiently applying different chemicals to the edges and planted areas of a field, requiring separate passes and equipment usage, which is time-consuming and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A computer vision sprayer control system with electrically adjustable nozzles, equipped with sensors and AI models, autonomously adjusts spray patterns and directions to apply multiple products simultaneously and accurately, even at the distal end of a long boom arm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate passes and equipment are used to treat field edges and planted areas, then different chemicals can be applied to different zones, but treatment time and equipment wear increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines edge treatment and planted area treatment into a single operational pass by integrating a utility nozzle system with the main boom system. The controller coordinates both systems to apply different chemicals simultaneously to different zones, eliminating the need for separate passes and UTV interventions.
Solution Approach 2:
The agricultural machine's boom system is designed to perform multiple functions: treating both the planted area and field edges in one pass. The system can switch between different spray patterns and chemical applications based on real-time sensor input, making a single piece of equipment versatile enough to handle previously separate operations.
2Measurement precision
If manual intervention and separate equipment are used for edge treatment, then precise chemical application is possible, but fuel consumption and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses onboard sensors (GPS, depth sensors, tilt sensors) to automatically detect when the boom is over non-crop areas and autonomously activates the utility nozzle system. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual intervention and separate equipment, maintaining precision while reducing fuel consumption by consolidating operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller receives real-time feedback from sensors monitoring boom position, depth, and orientation. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts which nozzles are active and modifies spray patterns to maintain precise chemical application to the correct zones without manual input.
3Reliability
If multiple passes are made to treat different field zones, then thorough coverage is achieved, but time loss and environmental impact increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous useful action by treating both field zones in a single uninterrupted pass. The controller continuously monitors sensor data and dynamically adjusts nozzle activation throughout the pass, ensuring complete and thorough coverage of both planted areas and edges without stopping or making additional passes.
4Device complexity
If traditional boom systems are used without computer vision control, then system simplicity is maintained, but ability to autonomously adjust spray patterns is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment systems with an automated control system based on sensor input and processor control. The controller electronically actuates nozzles and adjusts spray patterns based on real-time data, substituting mechanical operator intervention with automated electronic control while maintaining reasonable system complexity through modular architecture.
Data Source
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AI summary
Computer vision control of spray nozzles and related systems, circuitry, and methods are disclosed. A circuitry of a computer vision sprayer control system receives an image signal captured by a computer vision system disposed at a distal end of a boom arm of a boom carried by a crop sprayer. The circuitry provides a spray nozzle control signal to a spray nozzle controller configured to control operation of a spray nozzle at the distal end of the boom arm. The spray nozzle is electrically controllable with at least one degree of freedom. The circuitry includes a processor to determine adjustments to make to the spray nozzle based, at least in part, on the image signal and generate the spray nozzle control signal responsive to the determined adjustments. A method includes retrieving a spray maneuver and determining adjustments to make to the spray nozzle to execute the spray maneuver.