A system and method for the detection and tracking of droplets sprayed from an agricultural spray nozzle is provided. The system includes a sensor configured to observe droplets sprayed from the nozzle, a frame extractor module, a droplet shape and size extraction module, a droplet tracking module, and a data log module. The system may provide an artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled framework capable of processing images obtained of droplets, detecting and tracking all droplets appearing across image frames, and determining the droplets' geometric and dynamic data. The system further provides for the integration of deep-learning techniques into an image processing algorithm which enables precise and reliable determination of droplet characteristics. In addition, the deep-learning framework produces consistent results under a variety of uncertain imaging conditions.

Various embodiments of an apparatus, methods, systems and computer program products described herein are directed to an agricultural observation and treatment system and method of operation. The system uses a pump in combination with a fluid regulator to obtain and disperse fluid from the fluid tanks. The fluid regulator includes a fluid input port, a fluid output port and a fluid control valve. A first tube fluidly coupled from the fluid pump to the fluid input port. The system includes a moveable treatment head having one or more spraying tips, including a first spraying tip. A second tube is fluidly coupled from the fluid output port to the moveable treatment head. A system includes a controller configured to provide to the fluid regulator to open and close the fluid control valve to release an amount of the first fluid.

A planter system for planting seeds and spraying fluid includes a seeder assembly including a seed tube and a conveyor apparatus configured to propel or carry the seed through the seed tube. The planter system also includes a sensor configured to transmit a detection signal upon detection of the seed passing a detection location. The planter system also includes a control system configured to determine a travel time of the seed from the detection location to a furrow based on a baseline drop time for the seed, a baseline travel speed of the seeder assembly, and an operating travel speed of the seeder assembly. The control system is configured to transmit a control signal to a valve coupled to a nozzle assembly based on the travel time and the detection signal to spray the fluid on or adjacent the seed.

In one aspect, a crop input applicator is provided. In one aspect, the applicator comprises a valve (e.g., voice coil valve) disposed to deposit liquid on or near a seed furrow and/or on or near a seed. In one aspect, the applicator includes one or more seed sensors disposed to detect passage of seeds.

An agricultural system can include a boom assembly supporting one or more nozzle assemblies there along. A boom adjustment system can be operably coupled with the boom assembly. A sensing system can be configured to capture data indicative of one or more application variables. A computing system can be communicatively coupled to the boom adjustment system and the sensing system. The computing system can be configured to receive, from the sensing system, the data associated with the one or more application variables, calculate a spray quality index based on the data associated with the one or more application variables, and generate an output to change a position of the boom assembly through the boom adjustment system based at least in part on the calculated spray quality index deviating from a defined range.

A system for controlling nozzle flow rate includes a master node having an expected overall flow rate module configured to generate an expected overall flow rate of an agricultural product based on one or more sprayer characteristics, and an adjustment module configured to generate an error correction based on a difference between the expected overall flow rate and an actual overall flow rate of the agricultural product. A plurality of smart nozzles are in communication with the master node, each of the smart nozzles includes an electronic control unit in communication with one or more control valves and one or more nozzle assemblies. Each of the smart nozzles includes a target smart nozzle flow rate module configured to generate a target smart nozzle flow rate of the agricultural product based on the one or more sprayer characteristics. The target smart nozzle flow rate is adjusted according to the error correction.

A method for handling a fluid includes separating the fluid into a liquid and a vapor within a container such that at least a portion of the vapor is disposed above the liquid, detecting a level of the liquid in the container, and actuating at least one valve to exhaust the vapor from the container to maintain the level of the liquid at or above a desired level. The at least one valve is communicatively coupled to a controller. The method further includes sending a signal from the at least one valve to the controller, and determining diagnostic data based at least in part on the signal.

Systems and methods for suppressing vaporization of a volatile fluid dispensed from a pressure vessel are provided. The system includes an evaporator coupled in thermal communication with a first flow of volatile fluid from the vessel and in fluid communication with a second flow of volatile fluid from the vessel. The evaporator includes at least one channel for channeling the second flow of volatile fluid therethrough. A metering valve is coupled in fluid communication with the channel and between the evaporator and the vessel. In addition, the system includes a compressor coupled in fluid communication with and downstream from the at least one channel. Moreover, the system includes a return line coupled in fluid communication with an outlet of the compressor. The compressor is configured to compress the second flow of volatile fluid and channel the compressed second flow of volatile fluid to the pressure vessel via the return line.

Described herein are implements and application units for placement of fluid applications with respect to agricultural plants of agricultural fields. In one embodiment, an application unit includes a frame to be positioned in operation between two rows of plants and a plurality of flexible members coupled to the frame in operation such that the plurality of flexible members guide a lateral position of the frame to be approximately equidistant from the two rows of plants based upon whether at least one flexible member of the plurality of flexible members contacts one or more plants of the two rows of plants. The plurality of flexible members include a plurality of fluid outlets for spraying crop input in close proximity to the rows of plants.

An agricultural implement includes the calibration of liquid fertilizer distribution for an agricultural implement. The calibration system measures the level of the liquid fertilizer or utilizes a known volume in a container and the pressure of the liquid fertilizer. The system uses the level and pressure to calculate the density of the liquid fertilizer, which helps achieve more consistent fertilizer application. Additionally, the density of the liquid fertilizer can be used to more accurately measure the tank level of a particular tank. The system can include a tilt sensor and valves so that when the agricultural implement is traversing a hill or otherwise rough terrain, the system can accurately measure tank level and selectively draw liquid fertilizer from a particular tank or tanks to mitigate spillage. The system also can measure and monitor the tank level of the tank or tanks and automatically fill the tank or tanks based on the measured tank level.