Patent ID: 8454245

Claim:
A machine vision assembly for use in a system for the controlled spraying of herbicides over large areas in which there may exist an environment with dust and spray mist, wherein the machine vision assembly comprises: means for the sequential capturing of pictures using a digital camera, signal processing means for interpreting the pictures, an air inlet, a pipe surrounding a lens of the digital camera, means to direct a portion of an air flow from the air inlet into the pipe, creating an overpressure around the lens, wherein an outlet for the portion of the air flow is concentric around the pipe to the lens providing a uniform air flow away from the lens and out of the pipe, preventing dust and spray mist from adhering to the lens; and at least two lighting devices located on each side of the lens to provide a uniform and overlapping lighting, wherein another portion of the air flow from the air inlet is arranged to flow past the at least two lighting devices.