CHEMICAL APPLICATION DETECTION SYSTEM AND MOBILE VISUAL SENSING TECHNOLOGY

Abstract

A chemical application detection system and mobile visual sensing technology utilizes drones, ground robotics, or fixed camera with a GPS system and a UV sensing camera. The detection device senses a color hue of one or more additives combined with a chemical treatment applied to a field above or below the canopy. The detected information is transmitted to a computer where the chemical treatment and location are displayed.

Claims

1. A chemical application detection system, comprising: a mobile visual sensing technology adapted to detect information about one or more additives added to a chemical treatment and applied to a field.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the mobile visual sensing technology device has UV sensing capability.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein the mobile visual sensing technology is equipped with a GPS system.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein the chemical treatment is selected from a group consisting of a pesticide, a herbicide, a fertilizer, an algaecide, a fungicide, an insecticide, and a sterilant.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein the one or more additives is selected from a group consisting of a chemical, a mineral, a vitamin, and a fluorescent.

6. The system of claim 1 wherein the one or more additives has a specific hue assigned to the chemical treatment.

7. The system of claim 1 wherein the detected information includes a color of a hue of the one or more additive and a location of where the hue is located.

8. The system of claim 1 wherein the detected information is transmitted to a computer where dimensions of a field and a location of one or more chemical treatments are displayed.

9. The system of claim 1 wherein the mobile visual sensing technology is ground robotics.

10. The system of claim 1 wherein the mobile visual sensing technology is adapted to detect information about a chemical treatment from under a leaf canopy.

11. The system of claim 1 wherein the mobile visual sensing technology is adapted to determine a location of a rogue plant.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0011] The FIGURE is a block schematic diagram of a chemical application detection system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] Referring to the FIGURE, a chemical application detection system 10 includes a bulk storage tank 12 filled with a chemical treatment 14 such as a pesticide, a herbicide, a fertilizer, an algaecide, a fungicide, an insecticide, a sterilant or the like. Added to the chemical treatment 14 within the storage tank 12 is an additive 16 that naturally emits a UV spectrum light.

[0013] The additive 16 is of any type such as a benign or common chemical, mineral, fluorescent, or vitamin that emit different color hues in the UV spectrum that are undetectable to the human eye, but are detectible by various devices. Examples of some of the additives 16 are set forth in the table below.

TABLE-US-00001 Chemicals: Quinine (blue) Metaline Minerals: Europium (blue) Calcite (red) Willemite (green) Esperite (yellow) Clinohedrite (orange) Vitamins: B2 (yellow) Thiamine Niacin Riboflavin Fluorescent: Calcein

[0014] A specific additive 16 or combination of additives 16 having a specific hue is assigned to a specific chemical treatment 14 and the mixture is packaged and sold for use. The specific additive 16 or combination creates a tag or unique UV colored signature that permits identification, inspection, and profiling.

[0015] The mixture is then applied to a field 18 in a conventional manner and the additive 16 naturally emits the specific hue associated with the chemical treatment 14 on a plant. Utilizing a detection device 20, such as a UAV drone, ground robotics, fixed-wing drone, fixed camera, or the like, an inspection of the field 18 is conducted. Preferably, the detection device is equipped with a UV camera 22 having ultraviolet photomultipliers 24 or a spectrometer 26 such as a hyper or multi spectrometer. Also, the detection device 20 is equipped with a GPS system 28.

[0016] In operation, the detection device 20, which is controlled manually or automatically, is directed to fly over the field 18, move under the canopy, or detect from a fixed position. As the detection device 20 inspects the field 18 the specific hue of the additive 16 is detected by the UV cameras. The detected information 30 includes the color of the hue and the location of where the hue is located. The detected information is then transmitted or downloaded to a computer 32 having a processer 34 that operates software 36, a memory 38, a display 40 and an input device 42. Using the transmitted/downloaded information 30, the software 36 of the computer produces a graphic 44 or digital display that is displayed and/or printed illustrating the dimension of the field 18 (or area) and the location of the various chemical treatments 14 preferably using a color that matches the hue of a specific additive 16.

[0017] Thus disclosed is a chemical application detection system and a mobile visual sensing equipment that can be used to determine if a field has been effectively covered by chemical treatments. The system is also used to inspect large areas to determine if farm operators are meeting mandatory chemical treatment requirements. For example, a determination could be made as to whether harmful chemicals are being used too near watersheds or in areas with concerns related to overspray and run-off.

[0018] Finally, the system is used to detect rogue plants. More specifically, instead of having individuals walk fields for hours, the system is adapted to focus on a single plant to detect, for example, an additive that adheres to a rogue plant and determine the rogue plant's location. Based on the location, the individual is directed to the location of the rogue plant for treatment or removal.