DESC:HEALTH MONITORING OF SPRAYING SYSTEM IN UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES FOR SPRAYING APPLICATIONS

FIELD
[0001] The embodiments herein generally relate to control and management system for an Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. More particularly, the disclosure relates to control and management system for health monitoring of spray system mounted on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for agriculture applications.
BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART
[0002] A pesticide is a chemical or biological agent (such as a virus, bacterium, or fungus) that deters, incapacitates, kills, or otherwise discourages pests. Target pests can include insects, plant pathogens, weeds, molluscs, birds, mammals, fish, nematodes (roundworms), and microbes that destroy property, cause nuisance, or spread disease, or are disease vectors.
[0003] Pesticide application plays an important role in pest management. Proper technique of application of pesticide and the equipment used for applying pesticide are vital to the success of pest control operations. The application of pesticide is not merely the operation of sprayer or duster. It has to be coupled with a thorough knowledge of the pest problem.
[0004] The use of pesticides involves knowledge not only of application equipment, but of pest management as well.
[0005] The main purpose of pesticide application technique is to cover the target with maximum efficiency and minimum efforts to keep the pest under control as well as minimum contamination of non-targets.
[0006] All pesticides are poisonous substances and they can causeharm to all living things. Therefore their use must be very judicious. The application techniques ideally should be target oriented so that safety to the non-targets and the environment is ensured. Therefore, proper selection of application equipment, knowledge of pest behaviour and skillful dispersal methods are vital.
[0007] Further the complete knowledge of the equipment is necessary to develop desired skill of operation, to select and to estimate the number and type of equipments needed to treat the crop in minimum time and to optimize use of the equipment.
[0008] In prior arts the application of the pesticide is done through manual spraying, wherein a worker carries the pesticide tank on his back and manually sprays through the nozzle. The pesticide if not diluted properly, can burn leaves and adversely affect the health of the worker.
[0009] Hence a larger amount of diluted pesticide is required which increases the time to spray a given area, which is very difficult manually. Moreover the effectiveness of spray is dependent on the diligence of the worker and may not be uniform across the field.
[00010] In some other prior arts the pesticide spraying through Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) is mentioned. UAV enables fast and precise delivery of pesticides using atomizer nozzles.
[00011] The atomizers of the UAVs use a rotating toothed disk, whose rotational speed determines the droplet size. If the droplet size is smaller, higher concentration of pesticide can be used without adversely affecting the crops. This enables concentrated pesticide solution, reducing both the amount of time and water required to spray a given area.
[00012] The disadvantage with this approach is that, during the spray mission if the atomizer fails, the concentrated solution increases the risk of burning the crops. Moreover in the instance of the nozzle failure, when the nozzle fails to deliver the pesticide during a spray mission, the user will get to know about the failure only after the UAV lands.
[00013] This puts user at a disadvantage because the crops that have received pesticide and those that haven’t cannot be distinguished and spraying the whole area gain will adversely affect the crops that have already received the pesticide.
[00014] Therefore, there is a need in the prior arts for a system that enables healthcare monitoring of the spraying system and automatically triggers flight controller to abort mission on the nozzle failure.
OBJECTS
[00015] Some of the objects of the present disclosure are described herein below:
[00016] The main objective of the present disclosure is to provide a system for spraying applications.
[00017] Another objective of the present disclosureis to provide a system for healthcare monitoring of spraying system in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for spraying applications.
[00018] Still another objective of the present disclosureis to provide a system for healthcare monitoring of spraying system in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for spraying applications which automatically triggers flight controller to abort mission on nozzle failure.
[00019] Yet another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a system for healthcare monitoring of spraying system in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for spraying applications that can be resumed from the trigger point after replacing nozzle post nozzle failure.
[00020] Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a system for healthcare monitoring of nozzles in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for spraying applications that reduces risk of failure of other dependent components.
[00021] Another objective of the present disclosure is to providea system that identifies the failure.
[00022] Another objective of the present disclosure is to providea system that identifies the failure and saves potential time lost due to troubleshooting of the problem.
[00023] Another objective of the present disclosure is to providea system that reduces cost due to unscheduled downtime and increases availability of the system.
[00024] The other objectives and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated for illustration of preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope thereof.
SUMMARY
[00025] In view of the foregoing, an embodiment herein provides an efficient system for health monitoring of nozzles in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles used for spraying applications.
[00026] According to an embodiment, the disclosure particularly relates to an efficient system for In flight real-time health of the nozzles and aborts mission if any failure is detected.
[00027] According to an embodiment, this reduces the workload on the UAV operator as the real time health monitoring is automated and the system can resume mission from the same point when it was aborted after the rectification of the snag or failure.
[00028] According to an embodiment, the systemfor health care monitoring of spraying system in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for spraying applications comprises a Mission management and flight control computerwith companion computer (MMFCC), a high voltage source, an atomizer or nozzle, a pump, a flow meterand a Payload interface board.
[00029] According to an embodiment, the Mission management and flight control computer (MMFCC)with companion computercontrols flight mission and health of the UAV and the high voltage source distributes power to the system.
[00030] According to an embodiment, the atomizer atomizes the pesticide into fine droplets for spraying applications and the pump pumps the pesticide and water mixture to the atomizer.
[00031] According to an embodiment, the flow meter measures the pump output and the payload interface board enables the communication of MMFCC with companion computer and high Voltage Sourcewith the nozzle or atomizer, the pumpand the flow meter.
[00032] According to an embodiment, the system for monitoring spraying in an unmanned aerial vehicle includes a pump for pumping a mixture of pesticide and water, an atomizer connected to the pump for atomizing the mixture of pesticide and water, a flow meter connected to the pump for measuring pump output, an interface board connected to the atomizer and the pump for monitoring health of the atomizer and the pump, a flight controller connected to the interface board for transmitting signals based on the monitored health and command from a user andthe interface board controlling the atomizer and the pump based on the received signals.
[00033] According to an embodiment, the interface board displays a ‘Pass’ message on detecting health of the atomizer and the pump as normal and ‘Fail’ message on detecting health of the atomizer and the pump as abnormal on a display unit.
[00034] According to an embodiment,the flight controller transmits signals for starting the pump and the atomizer based on command from a user and healthy condition determined from monitored health.
[00035] According to an embodiment, the interface board monitors the health of the atomizer based on feedback pulse and current drawn by the atomizer. In an embodiment, the interface board disconnects the atomizer based on detecting increase in current drawn or feedback pulse of the atomizer.
[00036] According to an embodiment, the interface board monitors the health of the pump based on output signal obtained from the flow meter, current drawn by the pump and feedback pulse of the pump.
[00037] According to an embodiment, the interface board monitors health of the interface board, the atomizer and the pump using Power-on Built In Test.
[00038] According to an embodiment,a high voltage source is provided for powering the interface board.
[00039] According to an embodiment, the interface board compares instant values and standard values of parameters of the atomizer and the pump for monitoring their health.
[00040] According to an embodiment, a method for monitoring spraying in an unmanned aerial vehicle, includes the steps of pumping a mixture of pesticide and water by a pump, atomizing the mixture of pesticide and water by an atomizer, monitoring health of the atomizer and the pump and transmitting the monitored health to a flight controller by an interface board, transmitting signals to the interface board by the flight controller based on the monitored health andcontrolling the atomizer and the pump by the interface board based on the received signals.
[00041] These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating preferred embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[00042] The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similar or identical items.
[00043] Fig. 1 illustrates the data transfer flow among the various components of UAV, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[00044] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[00045] As mentioned above, there is a need in the prior arts to develop an efficient system for In flight real-time health monitoring of spraying system in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles deployed in agriculture related applications.
[00046] According to an embodiment, the system configured for health monitoring of spraying system in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for spraying applications comprises of a Mission Management and flight control computer with companion computer (MMFCC) 102, a high voltage source 101, an atomizer or nozzle 104, a pump 105, a flow meter 106 and a payload interface board103. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to Fig.1, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown preferred embodiments.
[00047] Fig 1 illustrates data transfer flow among the various components of the UAV, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. According to an embodiment, the components of the spray system 100 are Mission management and flight control computer with companion computer (MMFCC) or the flight controller 102, Power or voltage source 101, atomizer or nozzle 104, pump 105, flow meter 106 and the payload interface board103.
[00048] According to an embodiment, the Mission management and flight control computer (MMFCC) with companion computer 102 also known as flight controller acts as the brain of the UAV. The MMFCC with companion computer102 controls all the parameters related to the flight, mission and health of the UAV and its sub systems.
[00049] According to an embodiment, the high voltage power source 101 is configured to provide and/or distribute power to the system and the atomizer or nozzle 104atomizes the pesticide into fine droplets for spraying.
[00050] The flow meter 106 measures the pump output when the pump 105 pumps the pesticide and water mixture to the atomizer 104, according to an embodiment herein.
[00051] According to an embodiment, the payload interface board 103 is configured to enable the communication of MMFCC with companion computer 102 and high voltage source 101 with the nozzle or atomizer 104, the pump105 and the flow meter 106.
[00052] According to an embodiment, the interface board 103 is powered independently through a stand-alone power source 101. During power-up, the interface board monitors its health and the health of the nozzles through Power-on Built In Test (PBIT).
[00053] The PBIT test confirms that all the components are healthy and displays a Pass or fail message to the user. The flight controller or the MMFCC with companion computer 102 sends signals to the interface board 103after receiving pass message and on receiving command by the user to start spraying, according to an embodiment. The flight controller transmits an atomizer input signal and a pump input signal to the interface board 103.
[00054] According to an embodiment, the user is required to set the area for spray operation and other relevant mission parameters before he can command the UAV to start the spraying operation.
[00055] Once the interface board 103 receives commands from the flight controller 102 of atomizer input signal and pump input signal, it transmits the corresponding control signals and power to the atomizer 104 and pump 105 to start spraying, according to an embodiment.
[00056] The interface board 103 can also alter the configuration of the spray system by switching on and/or off the redundant pumps 105and nozzles or atomizers 104. If the atomizer 104 current exceeds the normal operating condition, the interface board 103 can disconnect the faulty nozzle 104 from the system using software resettable fuses, according to an embodiment.
[00057] According to an embodiment, the interface board103 can also send distress messages, if any failure is predicted or abnormal behavior is seen, to the MMFCC with companion computer 102 to perform suitable actions and alert the operator.
[00058] According to an embodiment, the health of the atomizer or nozzle 104 is monitored through the feedback pulse and current drawn information, wherein the atomizer or nozzle 104 transmits the feedback pulse to the interface board 103. The health of the pump 105 is monitored by the flow meter 106 output signal, current drawn by pump and feedback pulse.
[00059] According to an embodiment, all parameters of the components are analyzed continuously and compared with nominal values available in the database through proprietary algorithms.
[00060] The algorithms are enriched with increasing operational data and enable precise and early predictions of the failure, according to an embodiment.
[00061] According to an embodiment, the complete process is automated to increase reliability of operations and decrease workload of the operator.
[00062] According to an embodiment, any performance deviations from the nominal value triggers the actions like: the flight controller 102 is alerted to initiate return-to-home command; or the flight controller 102 marks the current location to resume spaying operation from the same point after snag rectification; or the spraying operations are stopped and the UAV starts its journey towards home location. In an embodiment, the flight controller 102 is in a serial connection with the interface board 103.
[00063] According to an embodiment, flight and spray parameters are logged by the flight controller 102. On any performance deviation, logged data can be used for in-depth analysis and trouble shooting.
[00064] A main advantage of the present disclosure is that the device provides an efficient system for in-flight real time health monitoring of the spraying system104 of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for spraying applications.
[00065] Another advantage of the present disclosure is that the risk of non uniform coverage of pesticide dosage arising from failure and/or deterioration of atomizer or nozzle 104 health is reduced.
[00066] Yet another advantage of the present disclosure is thatthe proposed system has the ability to assess health of spray system before start of mission using Power-on Built In Test.
[00067] Another advantage of the present disclosure is thatthe system has the ability to resume mission from the same point as abortion, after the snag rectification.
[00068] Another advantage of the present disclosure is thatthe system has the ability to use logged parameters and operational history to increase the prediction accuracy of the spraying system 104 failures.
[00069] Another advantage of the present disclosure is thatthe system helps in reducing unscheduled maintenance and associated costs.
[00070] Another advantage of the present disclosure is thatthe system helps in reducing workload on the UAV operator as real time health monitoring is automated.
[00071] Another advantage of the present disclosure is thatthe system helps in increasing the UAV availability.
[00072] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
,CLAIMS:We claim:
1. A system for monitoring spraying in an unmanned aerial vehicle comprising:
a pump (105) for pumping a mixture of pesticide and water;
an atomizer (104) connected to the pump (105) for atomizing the mixture of pesticide and water;
characterized in that
a flow meter (106) connected to the pump (105) for measuring pump output;
an interface board (103) connected to the atomizer (104) and the pump (105) for monitoring health of the atomizer (104) and the pump (105);
a flight controller (102) connected to the interface board (103) for transmitting signals based on the monitored health and command from a user; and
the interface board (103) controlling the atomizer (104) and the pump (105) based on the received signals.
2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the interface board (103) displays a ‘Pass’ message on detecting health of the atomizer (104) and the pump (105) as normal and ‘Fail’ message on detecting health of the atomizer (104) and the pump (105) as abnormal on a display unit.
3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flight controller (102) transmits signals for starting the pump (105) and the atomizer (104) based on command from a user and healthy condition determined from monitored health.
4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the interface board (103) monitors the health of the atomizer (104) based on feedback pulse and current drawn by the atomizer (104).
5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the interface board (103) disconnects the atomizer (104) based on detecting increase in current drawn or feedback pulse of the atomizer (104).
6. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the interface board (103) monitors the health of the pump (105) based on output signal obtained from the flow meter 106, current drawn by the pump (105) and feedback pulse of the pump (105).
7. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the interface board (103) monitors health of the interface board (103), the atomizer (104) and the pump (105) using Power-on Built In Test.
8. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a high voltage source (101) is provided for powering the interface board (103).
9. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the interface board (103) compares instant values and standard values of parameters of the atomizer (104) and the pump (105) for monitoring their health.
10. A method for monitoring spraying in an unmanned aerial vehicle, comprising the steps of:
pumping a mixture of pesticide and water by a pump (105);
atomizing the mixture of pesticide and water by an atomizer (104);
characterized in that
monitoring health of the atomizer (104) and the pump (105) and transmitting the monitored health to a flight controller (102) by an interface board (103);
transmitting signals to the interface board (103) by the flight controller (102) based on the monitored health; and
controlling the atomizer (104) and the pump (105) by the interface board (103) based on the received signals.