Patent ID: 12239123

Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings provided herein are meant to illustrate features of embodiments of the disclosure. These features are believed to be applicable in a wide variety of systems comprising one or more embodiments of the disclosure. As such, the drawings are not meant to include all conventional features known by those of ordinary skill in the art to be required for the practice of the embodiments disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Systems and methods disclosed herein facilitate application of agricultural fluids to plants, particularly in orchards or groves. For example, embodiments of the systems and methods facilitate dispensing fluid towards foliage of a plant according to a relative amount or density of the foliage and orientation of the nozzle assemblies dispensing the fluid. Particular embodiments of the systems and methods disclosed herein enable a user to capture an image of a spray apparatus adjacent a plant (e.g., a tree or vine in an orchard or grove), and identify a relative position and orientation of each nozzle assembly on the spray apparatus. Systems of the present disclosure are configured to determine a relative overlap amount of a spray path projection of each nozzle assembly and the foliage of the plant in the image, and determine an operating parameter (e.g., a duty cycle) of each valve assembly based on the relative overlap amount of the corresponding nozzle assembly. In some embodiments, a user identifies the foliage overlap amount of each nozzle assembly's spray path projection in the image. In other embodiments, systems of the present disclosure may be configured to automatically determine the overlap amount using image recognition software or techniques. By determining the operating parameter of each valve assembly on a spray apparatus based on relative overlap amounts between the associated nozzle assembly's spray path projection and foliage to which fluid is being applied, the systems of the present disclosure facilitate improving the effectiveness and reducing the time of agricultural spraying operations.

FIG.1is a schematic end view of an example fluid application system, designated in its entirety by the reference number10. In the example embodiment, fluid application system10includes a spray apparatus12, a controller14, and a portable electronic device16. Unless otherwise noted, directions, such as horizontal and vertical, refer to the orientation of the fluid application system10shown inFIG.1.

Spray apparatus12includes a manifold18, a fluid supply or reservoir20, a plurality of nozzle assemblies22, a plurality of valve assemblies24, a frame26, and a fan or blower28. Spray apparatus12is supported on a chassis including a plurality of wheels that allow spray apparatus12to be moved along the ground. Spray apparatus12may be coupled to a vehicle configured to move spray apparatus12along the ground. Spray apparatus12may receive mechanical and/or electrical power from the vehicle and/or may have its own power source, such as an engine. In further embodiments, spray apparatus12may be self-propelled and/or configured to operate at a fixed location.

In the example, spray apparatus12is an air blast sprayer in which fluid emitted from nozzle assemblies22is propelled by airflow generated by fan28. Accordingly, fluid application system10may be used as an agricultural sprayer, e.g., an orchard sprayer, for spraying crops. Such crops may define a canopy at a distance above the ground. In other embodiments, spray apparatus12may have any configuration suitable for spraying fluid onto plants. For example, in some embodiments, spray apparatus12may be configured as, without limitation, an air blast sprayer, an herbicide sprayer, a vineyard sprayer, an over-the-row boom sprayer, a fan sprayer, a vertical or tower sprayer, and a small batch sprayer.

Further, in the example embodiment, fluid reservoir20holds a quantity of material30, such as, and without limitation, a liquid, a mixture of liquid and powder, and/or other material, to be dispensed by fluid application system10, for example, onto a crop. In some embodiments, material30may be water or an agrochemical such as an herbicide or a pesticide, and may be dispensed by nozzle assemblies22onto, for example, the crop and/or the ground. The quantity of material30held in fluid reservoir20generally flows through manifold18to nozzle assemblies22. For example, a pump assembly50may be configured to selectively draw a flow of material30from reservoir20through an inlet conduit and pressurize the flow of material30. The terms “pipe” and “conduit,” as used herein, include any type of tube made of any suitable material such as metal, rubber, or plastic, for channeling material30therethrough.

Manifold18includes a fluid supply line or pipe32connected to fluid reservoir20and supported by frame26. Manifold18has a length34and nozzle assemblies22are positioned along length34of manifold18. In the example, manifold18is curved and nozzle assemblies22are spaced circumferentially along manifold18and are positioned on manifold18such that fluid emitted from nozzle assemblies22is directed radially outward from spray apparatus12. In other embodiments, spray apparatus12may include any manifold18that enables spray apparatus12to operate as described. In yet other embodiments, nozzle assemblies22may be mounted to frame26at suitable locations and orientations to produce a desired spray pattern. In such embodiments, nozzle assemblies22may be connected to manifold18by suitable flow conduits, such as hoses or pipes.

In the example embodiment, frame26is cylindrical and extends about fan28. In addition, frame26defines a central inlet36and at least one outlet38extending circumferentially about fan28. Fan28is configured to rotate and, thereby generate an airstream40. Specifically, airstream40is drawn into inlet36and redirected radially outward from fan28through outlet38. Nozzle assemblies22are positioned proximate outlet38within the path of airstream40. Accordingly, fluid emitted from nozzle assemblies22is carried by airstream40. Notably, the direction and orientation of nozzle assemblies22relative to the direction of airstream40affects the fluid flow characteristics of fluid carried by airstream40. As described herein, nozzle assemblies22may be operated to provide desired fluid flow characteristics based on the orientation and position of nozzle assemblies22. For example, fluid application system10may facilitate control of characteristics of the fluid, e.g., pressure, flow rate, and droplet size, based on the orientation and position of nozzle assemblies22. As a result, fluid application system10may facilitate providing desired application rates to the crops adjacent the ground and in the canopy.

In the example embodiment, each nozzle assembly22includes a nozzle body and a spray nozzle42. Spray nozzle42may have any suitable nozzle configuration known in the art, for example, and without limitation, spray nozzle42may include a spray tip (not shown), such as a flat fan tip, cone tip, straight stream tip and/or any other suitable spray tip that enables nozzle assembly22to function as described herein. Similarly, valve assembly24may generally have any suitable valve configuration known in the art, for example, and without limitation, a latching solenoid valve, 2WNC solenoid valve, pilot actuated solenoid valve, flipper solenoid valve, and/or the like.

In the example embodiment, valve assembly24is a direct acting solenoid valve that includes an actuator configured to pulse with a timing, duration, frequency, and duty cycle determined by controller14. In some embodiments, the pulse timing, duration, and/or frequency are suitable to reduce dynamic effects of pulsing on the upstream system pressure and flow, therefore creating a controlled variable resistance to flow. In alternative embodiments, valve assembly24may be pneumatically or hydraulically actuated. The term “duty cycle,” as used herein, refers to the cycle of operation of the valve assembly operating intermittently rather than continuously and includes the percentage of time the valve assembly is open divided by the total operation time. The duty cycle controls the flow rate or emission rate of material30through nozzle assembly22in a rapid on/off manner. Each valve assembly24is connected in fluid communication between the fluid supply line32and a corresponding one of the plurality of nozzles assemblies22to control fluid flow through the respective nozzle assembly. In some embodiments, valve assembly24is configured to be mounted to and/or integrated within a portion of spray nozzle42.

In one embodiment, controller14is configured to regulate the timing and duration of valve assembly24to control the phasing between nozzles assemblies22to facilitate reducing harmonics and/or vibrations of manifold18. For example, the phasing and or timing of nozzle assemblies22can be regulated to facilitate reducing and/or eliminating water hammering in fluid supply line32. The phrase “water hammering” as used herein includes a sudden change in flow of material30, which can result in shock waves propagating through fluid application system10. Flow changes can occur due to operation of nozzles assemblies22, starting and stopping of a pump assembly, and/or directional changes caused by fittings between nozzles assemblies22and manifold18, for example.

In one particular embodiment, valve assembly24may be configured the same as or similar to the valves disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,435,458 (the '458 patent), filed on Mar. 2, 2012, and entitled “Electrically Actuated Valve for Control of Instantaneous Pressure Drop and Cyclic Durations of Flow,” which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes. Specifically, the '458 patent discloses a solenoid valve in which the valve poppet is configured to be pulsed such that the cyclic durations of the poppet control the average flow rate through the valve. For example, the valve may be operated with a pulse-width modulation, in which the poppet moves from a sealed position to an open position relative to the valve inlet and/or valve outlet and the duty cycle of the pulse controls the average flow rate. Additionally, the pressure drop across the valve may be controlled during each pulse of the poppet by regulating the position to which the poppet is moved relative to the valve inlet and/or the valve outlet. For instance, the displacement of the poppet may be regulated such that the valve is partially opened during each pulse.

In the example embodiment, spray nozzle42includes a nozzle body portion, which receives material30flowing through fluid supply line32, and a nozzle head attached to and/or formed integrally with the nozzle body portion. The nozzle head is configured for emitting material30from nozzle assembly22onto the crop and/or the ground.

In the illustrated embodiment, valve assemblies24are coupled in communication with controller14. In particular, each actuator of each valve assembly24is coupled in communication with controller14. Controller14controls one or more operating parameters of each valve assembly24, for example, and without limitation, a timing, a duration, a duty cycle percentage, and/or a pulse frequency of the valve assembly. In one embodiment, valve assembly24has an operational frequency in the range of between and including about 0 Hertz (Hz) and about 15 Hz, and can have a duty cycle in the range between and including 0% to 100%.

In one particular embodiment, controller14may be configured the same as or similar to the controller disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,191,795 (the '795 patent), filed on Jul. 31, 2009, and entitled “Method and System to Control Nozzles While Controlling Overall System Flow and Pressure,” which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes. Specifically, the '795 patent discloses using a “flow factor” for individually scaling fluid flow from each valve assembly24. For example, the controller is configured to control the rate at which the liquid agricultural product is emitted from each valve based upon the calculated flow factor for each valve.

As described above, in the example embodiment, controller14is configured to regulate the overall application rate of material30by fluid application system10to achieve predetermined flow and pressure objectives while regulating or controlling the individual flow of each individual nozzle assembly22to achieve a specific distribution of material30across the plurality of nozzle assemblies22. More particularly, controller14is configured to receive various input data, including, for example, and without limitation, flow rate data, a target application rate for material30(e.g., gallons per acre), nozzle droplet spectra data, a fluid pressure within fluid supply line32, and a ground speed at which fluid application system10is being moved across a surface. Controller14may be configured to receive the target application or flow rate information based on, e.g., a user input target application rate input at a user input device (e.g., portable electronic device16).

In some embodiments, for example, as the ground speed of spray apparatus12increases, controller14increases a flow rate of material30through fluid application system10to maintain the target application rate. Similarly, as the ground speed of spray apparatus12decreases, controller14decreases a flow rate of material30through fluid application system10to maintain the target application rate.

Controller14is configured to control at least one operating parameter of each of the plurality of valve assemblies24. For example, controller14is configured to control a duty cycle of each valve assembly24. In alternative embodiments, controller14may be configured to control operating parameters of any components of fluid spray apparatus12.

Portable electronic device16is communicatively coupled to controller14and is configured to send signals to and receive signals from controller14. In the example, portable electronic device16and controller14are connected by a wireless connection. In some embodiments, portable electronic device16and controller14may be connected by a wired connection. In other embodiments, portable electronic device16and controller14may be connected in any suitable manner. For example, in some embodiments, at least one relay or data storage device may be used to transfer information between controller14and portable electronic device16.

In the example, portable electronic device16and controller14are shown as separate devices. In other embodiments, portable electronic device16and controller14may be incorporated in a single device. For example, portable electronic device16and controller14may be included in a computing device mounted to a portion of fluid application system10.

Portable electronic device16may be any suitable computing device. For example, portable electronic device16may be, without limitation, a tablet computing device, a cellular telephone device, a laptop computing device, and any other suitable computing device. Suitably, the portable electronic device16is a handheld device.

In the example embodiment, portable electronic device16includes a user interface44. User interface44is configured to present or display information to a user of portable electronic device16, and to receive user input, for example, relating to operation of fluid application system10. In some embodiments, user interface44includes a presentation interface or display screen (e.g., a monitor, LCD screen, or touch screen) that presents or displays information to a user of portable electronic device16, and an input device (e.g., a keyboard, a mouse, or a touch screen) that receives the user input. In some embodiments, such as the illustrated embodiment, the presentation interface and the input device are integrated into a single device, such as a touch screen. In some embodiments, user interface44is configured to generate or display a graphical user interface for presenting information to a user and receiving user input. The graphical user interface may be implemented as a downloadable application and/or a website. In such embodiments, users of fluid application system10may use their own, individual portable electronic devices16(e.g., smartphones or tablets) with fluid application system10, rather than a dedicated electronic device for fluid application system10.

In the illustrated embodiment, portable electronic device16also includes a camera46configured to capture one or more images, for example, of spray apparatus12and foliage and/or plants. Camera46may be any suitable camera capable of capturing images for display on user interface44of portable electronic device16. In the example embodiment, fluid application system10is compatible with any portable electronic device16that includes user interface44and camera46. In other embodiments, fluid application system10is compatible with portable electronic devices that do not include camera46.

Portable electronic device16is configured to generate or display at least one image of foliage48and at least a portion of spray apparatus12. In particular, portable electronic device16is configured to display an image that includes foliage48, and at least a portion of spray apparatus12, such as nozzle assemblies22or a portion of spray apparatus12to which nozzle assemblies22are mounted. As described herein, portable electronic device16is configured to identify or receive user input identifying the location and orientation of nozzle assemblies22and relate projected spray paths of nozzle assemblies22to foliage48using the image. In addition, at least one of controller14and portable electronic device16is configured to determine at least one operating parameter of valve assemblies24based on the image. In other embodiments, portable electronic device16may be configured to generate any suitable images. For example, in some embodiments, a plurality of images is overlaid to determine a relationship between spray apparatus12(e.g., spray path projections of nozzle assemblies22) and foliage48.

Although certain functions, determinations, and/or calculations are described herein as being performed by one of controller14and portable electronic device16, it should be understood that such functions, determinations, and/or calculations may be performed by either controller14or portable electronic device16, and further, that such functions, determinations, and/or calculations may be distributed between controller14or portable electronic device16.

FIG.2is a schematic view of fluid application system10adjacent foliage48of a plant54. Nozzle assemblies22(FIG.1) are located and oriented to spray material30onto foliage48. Spray path projections56show the projected path of material30from each nozzle assembly22. As shown inFIG.2, at least some spray path projections56overlap a portion of foliage48by an overlap amount58. As described herein, the overlap amount58of spray path projections56may be used to determine a relative amount of fluid to be dispensed from each nozzle assembly22for application to foliage48. As shown inFIG.2, some spray path projections56may not overlap foliage48.

With reference toFIGS.1and2, portable electronic device16may identify the location and orientation of nozzle assemblies22on the image and generate spray path projections56based on the location and orientation of nozzle assemblies22. In some embodiments, the location and orientation of nozzle assemblies22is input by a user, for example, using user interface44. In other embodiments, controller14and/or portable electronic device16may identify the position and/or orientation of nozzle assemblies22autonomously.

To facilitate determining spray path projections56and overlap amounts58, controller14and/or portable electronic device16may determine a relationship between the size and position of foliage48and the size and position of spray apparatus12. For example, a height60of plant54including foliage48may be determined based on a known dimension of spray apparatus12, such as a width. The dimension of spray apparatus12may be input into portable electronic device16by a user. The relative positions of spray apparatus12and foliage48may be used to increase the accuracy of the determined spray path projections56and overlap amounts58.

At least one of controller14and portable electronic device16is configured to determine an operating parameter of valve assemblies24based on spray path projections56and overlap amounts58in the image. For example, a duty cycle of each valve assembly24may be determined based on spray path projection56and a relative overlap amount58of the nozzle assembly22corresponding to valve assembly24. In one embodiment, for example, the lengths of all overlap amounts58may be summed to determine a total overlap amount of all spray path projections56, and each individual overlap amount58may be divided by the total overlap amount to determine a relative or normalized overlap amount for each nozzle assembly22. The relative overlap amount may be used to determine a duty cycle for the valve assembly24that corresponds to the respective nozzle assembly22. The relative overlap amount may be proportional to the duty cycle and/or may be multiplied by a ratio to determine the operating duty cycle. In some embodiments, portable electronic device16is configured to determine the operating parameter for each valve assembly24and communicate the operating parameter to controller14, which controls operation of each valve assembly24according to the determined operating parameter. In other embodiments, controller14determines the operating parameter for each valve assembly24based on information received from portable electronic device16, such as the position and orientation of nozzle assemblies22and the overlap amount58of each nozzle assembly22. In yet other embodiments, the operating parameter for each valve assembly24may be determined in any suitable manner.

In this embodiment, once the operating parameters for valve assemblies24are determined, the operating parameters remain fixed during application of fluid to a row of plants or to an entire field. In other embodiments, one or more operating parameters of valve assemblies24may be varied in real time based on foliage48as the spray apparatus12travels along a row or through a field.

FIGS.3-7are views of an example graphical user interface100that may be displayed on user interface44of portable electronic device16(shown inFIG.1). Graphical user interface100includes a series of windows102,104,106,108that allow a user to receive and input information. Graphical user interface100may be hosted on a website (e.g., either locally on controller14or accessible via the Internet) that allows a user to access graphical user interface100using any portable electronic device16(shown inFIG.1) that is connected to the Internet and/or controller14. In other embodiments, graphical user interface100may be at least partially stored (e.g., as computer executable instructions or software) on portable electronic device16.

In the example embodiment, graphical user interface100allows a user to input values corresponding to fluid application system10. For example, window102includes a plurality of input fields that allows a user to input physical characteristics of fluid application system10such as, without limitation, a specific gravity of material30(shown inFIG.1) to be applied, a size of valve assemblies24, a size of nozzle assemblies22, and a dimension of manifold18(“diameter of sprayer”). In other embodiments, user interface100may receive any user input that allows fluid application system10to operate as described herein.

In some embodiments, graphical user interface100may allow a user to store and load a profile that includes pre-stored physical characteristics of a spray apparatus, and allow users to repeatedly use the same settings without reentering the values. In addition, graphical user interface100may include a default profile. In other embodiments, graphical user interface100may include any suitable profiles.

FIG.4illustrates window102with the input fields populated with example values. For example a “Default” profile has been selected from a profile selection drop down menu. The Default profile has the following pre-stored values populated in the input fields of window102:specific gravity: 1valve assembly size: 15.5nozzle assembly size: 2diameter of sprayer: 1

Referring toFIGS.2and5, in the example embodiment, once the input fields of window102(shown inFIG.4) are populated, graphical user interface100generates an image in window104that includes a photographic image of spray apparatus12and foliage48, as well as graphical elements overlaid on the photographic image to facilitate identifying the position and orientation of nozzle assemblies22, spray path projections56of nozzle assemblies22, and overlap amounts58of spray path projections56. The photographic image displayed in window104may be captured by camera46or may be uploaded onto portable electronic device16. In the example embodiment, graphical user interface100allows a user to access camera46and capture the image in real time.

In the example embodiment, the graphical elements displayed or overlaid on the photographic image include cross-hairs110used to identify a central location of spray apparatus12, nozzle assembly markers114that display the location and orientation of nozzle assemblies22on spray apparatus12based on user inputs, spray path projection lines116that indicate the spray path projection56for each of the identified nozzle assemblies22, and overlap amount lines118that indicate the overlap amount58for each spray path projection56.

In the example embodiment, a user positions the cross-hairs110on an object in the image, such as the central location of spray apparatus12, by dragging and dropping the cross-hairs110to the desired location. The outer boundary or size of the cross-hairs110may be adjusted to match a size of the spray apparatus12displayed on the photographic image using suitable input elements, such as graphical sliders that adjust the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the cross-hairs110.

Further, in the example embodiment, a user identifies nozzle assemblies22on the photographic image by adding individual nozzle assemblies22or groups of nozzle assemblies22(e.g., by using window106shown inFIG.6) by entering one or more position values of each nozzle assembly or group. For example, the position values of nozzle assemblies22may be entered using graphical user interface100as radial ordinances of the nozzle assembly along the outer circumferential boundary of cross-hairs110. As the values for nozzle assemblies22are entered, window104generates and displays nozzle assembly markers114for each nozzle assembly22to facilitate identifying where nozzle assemblies22have already been identified. Additionally, in the example embodiment, window104includes a vertical slider bar120to facilitate adjusting the position of individual nozzle assemblies22. For example, once a nozzle assembly marker114is displayed in window104, the circumferential position of the nozzle assembly marker114may be adjusted by sliding slider bar120up or down. In other embodiments, graphical user interface100may include other graphical input elements to facilitate identifying and/or adjusting the position of nozzle assemblies22.

Additionally, in the example embodiment, spray path projection lines116are displayed on the photographic image in window104as the location and orientation of each nozzle assembly22is identified on the photographic image. In the example embodiment, each spray path projection line116emanates from a distal end of a corresponding nozzle assembly marker114, and extends radially outward to the edges of the photographic image.

Further, in the example embodiment, window104displays overlap amount lines118along spray path projection lines116that overlap a portion of foliage48. Overlap amount lines118generally correspond to the overlap amount58of spray path projection lines116and the foliage displayed on the photographic image. Overlap amount lines118are displayed with a contrasting appearance relative to spray path projection lines116such that overlap amount lines118can be distinguished from spray path projection lines116. In the example embodiment, overlap amount lines118are displayed in a color (e.g., teal) that contrasts with the color in which the spray path projection lines116are displayed (e.g., blue).

In some embodiments, overlap amount lines118are generated automatically by portable electronic device16using suitable image recognition software and/or techniques. In other embodiments, overlap amount lines are generated in response to user input. In the example embodiment, window104includes a horizontal slider bar122that allows a user to adjust the starting point, the ending point, and the length of each overlap amount line118.

As shown inFIG.7, additional operating parameters of fluid application system10may be input using window108of graphical user interface100. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, a travel speed of spray apparatus12(“MPH), a desired application rate (“GPA”), the row spacing between adjacent rows of plants (“Row Spacing FT”), and a target or set point operating pressure of spray apparatus12(“PSI”) are input using window108of graphical user interface100.

Based on the information input via graphical user interface100, controller14(shown inFIG.1) and/or portable electronic device16(shown inFIG.1) determines operating parameters of fluid application system10(shown inFIG.1), such as an operating duty cycle for each valve assembly24(shown inFIG.1). In some embodiments, the operating values are sent to controller14(shown inFIG.1) and controller14operates fluid application system10(shown inFIG.1) based on the determined values. In other embodiments, the operator adjusts nozzle assemblies22(shown inFIG.1) and/or valve assemblies24(shown inFIG.1) based on the values determined by portable electronic device16(shown inFIG.1).

FIG.8is a flow diagram of an example method200of applying agricultural fluid to foliage. With reference toFIGS.1,2, and8, method200includes positioning202spray apparatus12within a field including foliage48and generating or displaying204, using portable electronic device16, at least one image that includes a portion of spray apparatus12and foliage. The portion of spray apparatus12displayed in image may include nozzle assemblies22or a portion of spray apparatus12(e.g., manifold18or frame26) to which nozzle assemblies22are mounted.

In addition, method200includes receiving206a user input that identifies at least one of a location and an orientation of each nozzle assembly22in the image. For example, nozzle assemblies22may be identified by radial ordinances about a center cross hair that a user positions on spray apparatus12in the image. In other embodiments, the user may identify nozzle assemblies22in any suitable manner. For example, in some embodiments, a user may touch or tap the image to identify locations of the nozzle assemblies22, and slide or drag on a touch screen of portable electronic device16to indicate the orientations of nozzle assemblies22in the image. In some embodiments, nozzle assemblies22may not necessarily be located along a curve. In such embodiments, a Cartesian coordinate system may be used to identify the locations and orientations of nozzle assemblies22.

Method200also includes determining208a spray path projection for each nozzle assembly22in the image based on the user input. Method200further includes determining210an overlap amount58between the spray path projection56and the foliage in the image for each nozzle assembly22. In addition, method200includes determining212an operating parameter of each valve assembly based on the relative overlap amount of the spray path projection that corresponds to the nozzle assembly associated with the respective valve assembly. In some embodiments, determining210an overlap amount58includes determining a total overlap amount for the plurality of nozzle assemblies22, and determining a relative or normalized overlap amount for each nozzle assembly by dividing the overlap amount of the respective nozzle assembly by the total overlap amount. The duty cycle of each valve assembly24may be determined based on the relative or normalized overlap amount of the nozzle assembly22that corresponds to the respective valve assembly24.

In some embodiments, controller14controls fluid application system10based on the determined operating parameter. For example, in some embodiments, controller14individually actuates the plurality of valve assemblies to obtain a desired flow characteristic of fluid emitted from each nozzle assembly. The operating parameter may be any suitable operating parameter including, for example and without limitation, a duty cycle of each valve assembly24.

FIGS.9and10are views of an example graphical user interface300that may be displayed on user interface44of portable electronic device16(shown inFIG.1). Graphical user interface300includes a series of windows302,304that allow a user to receive and input information. Graphical user interface300may be hosted on a website (e.g., either locally on controller14or accessible via the Internet) that allows a user to access graphical user interface300using any portable electronic device16(shown inFIG.1) that is connected to the Internet and/or on controller14. In other embodiments, graphical user interface300may be at least partially stored (e.g., as computer executable instructions or software) on portable electronic device16.

In the example embodiment, graphical user interface300allows a user to input values corresponding to fluid application system10. For example, window302includes a plurality of input fields that allows a user to input physical characteristics and/or operating parameters of fluid application system10(shown inFIG.1) such as, without limitation, a number of nozzle assemblies22(shown inFIG.1) of fluid application system10, a size of nozzle assemblies22(“tip size”), a specific gravity of material30(shown inFIG.1) to be applied, a frequency of control signals provided to valve assemblies24(“Frequency (Hz)”), a distance of nozzle assemblies22from a centerline306, a circumferential spacing between nozzle assemblies22, and a spray diameter. Additional operating parameters of fluid application system10may be input using window108of graphical user interface300. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, a travel speed of spray apparatus12(“speed (mph)”), a desired application rate (“Rate (gpa)”), the row spacing between adjacent rows of plants (“Row Spacing (feet)”), and a target or set point operating pressure of spray apparatus12(“Pressure (psi)”) are input using window302of graphical user interface300. In other embodiments, user interface300may receive any user input that allows fluid application system10to operate as described herein.

In some embodiments, graphical user interface300may allow a user to store and load a profile that includes pre-stored physical characteristics and/or operating parameters of a spray apparatus, and allow users to repeatedly use the same settings without reentering the values. In addition, graphical user interface300may include a default profile. In other embodiments, graphical user interface300may include any suitable profiles.

In the example embodiment, once the input fields of window302,304are populated, graphical user interface300generates a schematic representation308in window302,304that includes spray apparatus12and spray path projections56of nozzle assemblies22. The graphical user interface300automatically generates the schematic representation308based on the information input by the user such as the number of nozzle assemblies22, the spacing between nozzle assemblies22, and the desired application rate.

Based on the information input via graphical user interface300, controller14(shown inFIG.1) and/or portable electronic device16(shown inFIG.1) determines operating parameters of fluid application system10(shown inFIG.1), such as an operating duty cycle for each valve assembly24(shown inFIG.1). In some embodiments, the operating values are sent to controller14(shown inFIG.1) and controller14operates fluid application system10(shown inFIG.1) based on the determined values. In other embodiments, the operator adjusts nozzle assemblies22(shown inFIG.1) and/or valve assemblies24(shown inFIG.1) based on the values determined by portable electronic device16(shown inFIG.1). The operating parameters may be saved as a profile and/or downloaded for use on controller14and/or portable electronic device16using the “Download Profile” button310in window304.

As shown inFIG.10, user interface300may provide diagnostic information based on the input values and/or the determined operating parameters. For example, window304includes diagnostic fields which display the duty cycle for each nozzle assembly22of fluid application system10. In other embodiments, user interface300may provide any outputs that allow fluid application system10to operate as described herein.

While, in some embodiments, the described methods and systems are used to handle a fluid that is applied to agricultural fields, such as an herbicide or a pesticide, the described methods and systems may be used for handling any type of fluids, not just fluids for use in the agricultural industry.

Embodiments of the methods and systems described herein may more efficiently apply materials, such as fluids, to surfaces compared to prior methods and systems. For example, the systems and methods described provide improved fluid application systems that increase the precision and operating efficiency of foliage spray systems. In addition, the methods and systems reduce the time required to adjust operating parameters, such as duty cycle, based on the position of a nozzle assembly relative to foliage.

Some embodiments involve the use of one or more electronic or computing devices. Such devices typically include a processor, processing device, or controller, such as a general purpose central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a microcontroller, a reduced instruction set computer (RISC) processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic circuit (PLC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a digital signal processing (DSP) device, and/or any other circuit or processing device capable of executing the functions described herein. The methods described herein may be encoded as executable instructions embodied in a computer readable medium, including, without limitation, a storage device and/or a memory device. Such instructions, when executed by a processing device, cause the processing device to perform at least a portion of the methods described herein. The above examples are exemplary only, and thus are not intended to limit in any way the definition and/or meaning of the term processor and processing device.

When introducing elements of the present invention or the preferred embodiment(s) thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “the” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Moreover, the use of “top”, “bottom”, “above”, “below” and variations of these terms is made for convenience, and does not require any particular orientation of the components.

As various changes could be made in the above without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.