Multi-purpose on-board system for independently releasing biological agents for precision biological pest control

Abstract

A multi-purpose on-board system for automating the process of releasing different biological precision pest control materials using, but not limited to, unmanned aerial vehicles (or drones). The system includes multi-purpose high-performance electronic equipment (hardware), a dedicated or shared GPS/GLONASS/GALILEO in the aircraft and four different dedicated electromechanical release assemblies, specifically: a loose parasitic egg release assembly (BioBOT), a loose mass release assembly (BioCOTe), a live material (mite) release assembly (BioMITe), and a powdered beneficial fungus release assembly (BioFUNgus). The system enables full compliance throughout the biological control chain, including production, monitoring, integrated digital planning, controlled precision release and generation of reliable reports.

Claims

1. A multi-purpose embedded system for an autonomous release of biological agents in precision biological pest management that comprises: integration of a series of components applied to the precision biological management for installation in backpacks, on land vehicles, manned aircraft and unmanned air vehicles or drones; wherein the system comprises: a multi-purpose high-performance electronic apparatus; a GPS/GLONASS/GALILEO receiver, dedicated or shared with the drone; four different dedicated electromechanical dispensers, including a dispenser of loose parasitized eggs, a loose mass dispenser, a live material (mites) dispenser, and a beneficial fungi in powder form dispenser, each controlled individually or simultaneously by a high-performance multi-purpose electronic apparatus (hardware); configured and controlled via a dedicated touch-screen human-machine interface; a configured and controlled through a planning application in the form of a mobile device; or a configured in a desktop computer system through web software for management and planning wherein the presentation of the following functions: configuration of the drone's cruising speed (or associated vehicle); configuration of the width between coverage bands of the area; configuration of the release rate in milliliters per hectare; totalizer calculation (total volume applied); configuration of the release height based on a fixed value, topographic map or online topographic map; configuration of a withdrawal area; iterative adjustment of location and direction from the initial release point; iterative adjustment of curvatures for changes in bands; defining one or more customized polygons, reference points, route planning with illustrations and calculation of iterative areas on a map; optimized calculation of the instant rate in milliliters per minute based on all the previous characteristics for the automated operation of each dispenser individually or simultaneously; automated control of the instant rate in milliliters per minute, updated by the GPS/GLONASS/GALILEO receiver, including a differential signal, RTK or otherwise; system for individual dispenser calibration; sending data via serial interface, USB, Bluetooth and cloud via Wi-Fi network and mobile internet; generation of customized reports based on measurement metrics and quantity and pest type counts, performed manually or electronically, climate data, dispenser type, type of biological material with batch information, date of manufacture and expected date of birth, QR code related to biological material, client registration (with administrator and user name); generation of automatic billing based on client data, configurations, data received and customizable price tables; tracking and remote blocking of the apparatus; iterative data for navigation and operation of aircraft, with regard to displacement on a map; and generation of indicators based on artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms in order to define intelligent pest-management strategies.

2. The multi-purpose embedded system for the autonomous release of biological agents in precision biological pest management of claim 1, further comprising a high-performance multi-purpose electronic apparatus (hardware) for configuration, control and management of the dispensers and generation of data inherent in the precision biological management used for: a high-performance CPU processing center, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, UART (serial RS232) and USB communication interfaces, customized inputs and outputs for digital sensors and actuators, and an individual or simultaneous control unit for each dispenser dedicated to the automation of all biological material.

3. The multi-purpose embedded system for the autonomous release of biological agents in precision biological pest management of claim 2, further comprising an electronic system configured to support sensing and measurement of the flow and release rate of biological material, compatible with customized digital inputs and outputs of the multi-purpose, high-performance electronic apparatus.

4. The multi-purpose embedded system for the autonomous release of biological agents in precision biological pest management of claim 1, further comprising a dispenser configured for the release of biological material in the form of parasitized eggs that use: a casing for the main rotor; a rotating rotor controlled with compartments dedicated to the collection of the loose parasitized eggs from a specific compartment and mechanical relief system to maintain the integrity of the loose parasitized eggs, in accordance with the release rate in milliliters per hectare and all the configurations defined in the mission planning; and an integration support with apparatus body, its electromechanical components and connections.

5. The multi-purpose embedded system for the autonomous release of biological agents in precision biological pest management of claim 1 further comprising a dispenser for the release of biological material in the form of parasitized masses, which may include repellant, that uses: a casing for the main rotor; a rotating rotor controlled and based on nylon bristles dedicated to the collection of masses from a specific compartment and the separation of these masses while maintaining the integrity of the loose parasitized masses, in accordance with the release rate in milliliters per hectare and all the configurations defined in the mission planning; and an integration support with the apparatus body, its electromechanical components and connections.

6. The multi-purpose embedded system for the autonomous release of biological agents in precision biological pest management of claim 1, further comprising a dispenser for the release of live biological material, which may include inert material, that uses: a funnel-shaped compartment funnel for storing biological material; a continuous thread for moving and stirring the controlled storage compartment in accordance with the release rate in milliliters per hectare and all configurations defined in the mission planning; an electronic device based on electrical loads and on plastic bristles in order to electrostatically charge live biological material and the inert material, in order to increase the efficiency of the releases on the tops of high plants; and a centrifuge release nozzle for the distribution of biological material.

7. The multi-purpose embedded system for the autonomous release of biological agents in precision biological pest management of claim 1, further comprising a dispenser for the release of beneficial fungi in powder form that uses: an exhaust system housing and specific connection with the storage compartment; a rotary hood controlled according to the release rate in milliliters per hectare and all the configurations defined in the mission planning; and a release nozzle for homogeneous spraying without generating a powder vortex.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The details of one or more aspects of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below.

(2) FIG. 1 is an overall schematic of the system according to the disclosure;

(3) FIG. 2 is a representation of procedures relied upon for the release of Trichogramma insects;

(4) FIG. 3 is a representation of a process for spraying liquid inputs;

(5) FIG. 4 is a representation of the system for defining application areas, using a V2 drone, for example, where biological inputs are released with the rate for each biological input and for each releaser individually or simultaneously;

(6) FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate various operations of the drone, where FIG. 5A shows the drone operating for the release of parasitized loose eggs; FIG. 5B shows the drone operating for the release of loose masses; FIG. 5C shows the drone operating for the release of live inputs (mites); and FIG. 5D shows the drone operating for the release of beneficial powdered fungi;

(7) FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the mechanical assembly for the release of parasitized loose eggs;

(8) FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the mechanical assembly for the release of loose masses;

(9) FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the mechanical assembly for the release of live inputs (mites); and

(10) FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the mechanical assembly for the release of beneficial powdered fungi.

4) Summary

(11) In order to characterize the impacts and the scenarios in which the project is being developed, consider sugarcane as an example, which had approximately 9.3 million hectares harvested in 2017 (IBGE (Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatstica [Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics])).

(12) Currently in Brazil, there are no chemical options with a specific background in management of the sugarcane borer (Diatraea saccharalis). Bayer Cropscience's Certero and Arysta Lifescience's Diafuran 50 are examples; both have environmental classifications of hazardous and very dangerous, respectively (CRUZ). Certero, one of the main insecticides recommended for treatment, should be applied at the beginning of any infestation, when the caterpillars are small, and with up to 3% infestation intensity. Due to the phenological phase of the crop when the pest occurs, it can only be applied by airborne spraying, for example, using agricultural aviation. With an average total operating cost of BRL 35.00/ha for application of this chemical (four applications are required), without considering the cost of the chemical itself, and considering a utilization rate of agricultural aviation of 25%, according to SINDAG and PULVERIZADOR, for treatment, the cost of application of insecticides for the sugarcane crop alone has an estimated market value of approximately BRL 325.5 million (9.3 mha25% AGBRL 35/hafour applications).

(13) In light of this reality, and taking the same sugarcane borer as an example, biological management is basically performed by releasing loose eggs parasitized with Trichogramma. Approximately 300,000 ha are treated by BUG biological agents in blister packs for this crop alone (four releases are also required), at an average total cost of BRL 36.00/ha. Considering the same condition, covering this area alone, the service market for providing aerial release services is estimated at approximately BRL 10.8 million (0.3 mha25%BRL 36/hafour releases).

(14) In this context, this scenario illustrates the potential growth of aerial releases with regard to the accuracy of biological pest management and the need for increased efficiency through tools that enable access to larger areas.

(15) It is a new and growing market, both in Brazil and worldwide.

(16) The goal is the growing pressure for more sustainable procedures in order to compete in more demanding markets, since most chemical products have restricted classifications. The initial reduction in the use of these chemicals is estimated at 20%, and crop areas treated with this process will double in the first year.

(17) The goal is to use drones with the multi-purpose embedded system and its BioBOT, BioCOTe, BioMITe and BioFUNgus dispensers for autonomous aerial releases, definitively replacing the manual procedure and in order to mitigate the issues involving operation of competitors' motorcycle, agricultural aircraft and mechanized systems. It is also expected that the use of drones will present operating costs that are compatible with the load paid, for which its use is intended.

(18) Optimization and savings in several areas are the objectives. The comparisons and benefits when the system of this disclosure is used, based on the scenarios outlined above, are listed below.

(19) Economic Comparison:

(20) Cost of WorkersCost of Equipment:

(21) Without the system of this disclosure: BRL 8.00 per hectare (on average, 20 workers are used to cover to 1 ha); With the system of this disclosure integrated: BRL 10.00 per hectare (on average, one worker is used to cover to 40 ha);
Production of the Current AreaProduction of the Automated Area: Without the system of this disclosure: 300,000 hectares; With the system of this disclosure integrated: 600,00 [sic: 600,000] hectares (100% increase in the coverage of areas within the first year);
Use of Current ChemicalsUse of Chemicals with Expanded Biological Management: Without the system of this disclosure: BRL 325.5 million; With the system of this disclosure integrated: BRL 282.8 million (20% reduction in the use of chemicals within two years, with growth and access to larger scales of precision biological management).
Coverage Time:
Workers' TimeAutomated Process Time: Without the system of this disclosure: six hectares per man-hour (on average, 20 workers are used to cover 1 ha); With the system of this disclosure integrated: 80 hectares per hour (considering a drone speed of 50 km/h and a range of 30 m).
Release:
Manual/MechanizedAutomated and Integrated: Without the system of this disclosure: manual or mechanized release without precision. With the system of this disclosure integrated: automated release, controlled by GPS and tracked;
Fixed Release RateControlled Release Rate: Without the system of this disclosure: there is no accuracy of the release rate and the quantity released; With the system of this disclosure integrated: accurate control of the release rate in milliliters per hectare, based on GPS;
Manual/Mechanized EfficiencyAutomated Efficiency: Without the system of this disclosure: low efficiency, with little control of the release rate and intra-species competition; With the system of this disclosure integrated: optimal release rate, automation and greater use of biological management.
Environmental:
Environmental HazardsSustainable Processes: Without the system of this disclosure: environmental contamination due to the classification risks of insecticides; With the system of this disclosure integrated: reduction of environmental hazards with the increase in the use of biological management.
Safety:
Manual/Mechanized ProcedureAutomated Procedure: Without the system of this disclosure: stuck vehicles, motorcycle accidents and poor occupational safety record; With the system of this disclosure integrated: drone with digital mapping of the area, with occupational safety ensured.
Full Compliance:
Low TransparencyTraceability: Without the system of this disclosure: poor integration with uncertainties involving the coverage of the area and inaccurate release reports; With the system of the present disclosure integrated: alpha integration with software systems, digital mapping, automatic billing and the generation of accurate release reporting.

(22) Technically, the system that comprises this disclosure is based on the technological evolution of high-performance embedded computers; specifically, complex cloud computing systems that can be based on artificial intelligence, smartphones and tablet PCs, which are robust and capable of assessing situations and parameters that manual release and existing mechanized products cannot.

(23) The adoption of more efficient and interactive cloud-based computer systems and faster and more efficient and interactive smartphones and tablet computers has enabled the use of modern computer development methodologies, such as specific precision measurement frameworks, with GPS devices, the use of object-oriented programming languages, relational and non-relational databases and simplified, easy-to-assimilate machine-operator interfaces, such that digital integration and management have been considerably improved with regard to the state of the technique products.

(24) The verification of distinct digital areas integrated with automated computing and management of the dispensers by the embedded system used in the disclosure, within the same physical rural property, allows for intelligent planning of the release process, defining different standards for each area and each dispenser individually, such that full operational planning is undertaken in order to improve the operation in its entirety, and not just partially. The definition of these areas also permits the exclusion of areas that are not interesting for the release, such that the system also makes its calculations based on these optimized route parameters, in order to achieve optimal coverage of the optimal route.

(25) The purpose of the disclosure is to offer a simplified configuration system through a smartphone, tablet computer or PC application, using a cloud software system, in which the user must fill in the values, one at a time, thus avoiding configuration errors. Based on these values, the areas will be calculated automatically and the coverage and optimized routes will be presented to the user in the mission planner.

(26) The aim is also to offer an apparatus that controls the release rate of biological material using a similar operating methodology for all dispensers, using an electromechanical system that controls the volume of the release flow, in milliliters per hectare.

(27) The aim is also to offer operators information regarding the current situation in the area at the time of release, such as, for example, wind direction and speed, temperature and relative air humidity, and to inform and/or apply the best settings for the release parameters at that time.

(28) Another objective of the disclosure is to offer an apparatus capable of using georeferenced map images in conjunction with geographical location devices (GPS) for visual measurement of relevant areas and elements, presented to operators during the release process, integrated with calculations for the optimal release rate.

(29) A further aim is to offer an apparatus capable of recording and generating real-time data for the drafting of the reports on releases performed, making relevant calculations for measuring the process, such as the total area covered, total area sprayed, the route taken, total quantity of material consumed, time of operation, information on the status of the vehicle used (e.g., all available information on the drone), among other statistics useful for monitoring activities and of relevance to operators. These reports may be customized by the operators themselves in formats that are the most convenient and logical to monitor. These will be generated automatically in a cloud-based software system, together with billing for payment by clients. The inclusion of logos, client data, formatting and output file formats have been included so that it is no longer necessary to manually summarize the release information after receipt or to manually draft reports, thus avoiding potential fraud.

(30) Accordingly, the aim is to provide an automatically-controlled apparatus using motors and actuators that, in an integrated manner with other components, particularly software and hardware, enables automation of the release process with a focus on precision biological management.

(31) The aim is also to offer an apparatus that can gather relevant operational data and store them for subsequent consultation, either for the purposes of performance assessment or for generating indicators. The data gathered include, but are not limited to, height, speed, direction, vertical displacement, horizontal displacement, longitude and latitude positions, engine status, release rate, the operational aircraft or vehicle, material used, number of hours of operation, dates and times of events and the most recent operations undertaken with the apparatus.

(32) Finally, the aim is to offer an apparatus that is easy to configure, use and modify (customize) parameters specific to the crop it is working with. New techniques have been included, as well as a change in the basic system parameters, such as colors, keywords, logos, system language, positioning, format and type of controls presented, and all the information presented to the pilot may be changed by a single user with system administrator powers, making use and comprehension of the system easier for users.

(33) In the more complete version, for jobs that require maximum precision under critical conditions and greater autonomy, the apparatus will be supplied in its complete form, comprising a multi-purpose hardware system configured with two dispensers, which can be operated simultaneously or separately.

(34) In a simplified version, for jobs that cover smaller areas, the apparatus will be supplied in a more cost-effective manner, comprising a multi-purpose hardware system configured with one dispenser, which may be connected to a customized touch screen interface, rather than a smartphone or tablet computer.

(35) For other situations, versions of the apparatus that partially combine all of the aforementioned technologies and dispensers are planned.

(36) The novelty aspect of this disclosure is related to the combination of release technology and its multi-purpose operation with different dispensers, operated with the assistance of vehicles with geographical location technology (e.g. drones) and with implementation in more modern computer systems that involve the application of recent material release techniques and agronomic planning.

(37) In all versions, the vehicle chosen has the purpose of transporting the multi-purpose embedded system, the dispenser(s) and material through or over the target release site.

(38) The purpose of the electromechanical dispenser assembly is to generate the desired volume of biological material and releasing it onto the target for dispersal by gravity. As it is equipped with flow control, it enables the release operation to be undertaken with constant correction adjustments, thus improving the efficiency and precision of dispersal of the biological material from each dispenser.

(39) The computer program included in the system is the holder of the innovation in the form of planning, monitoring and execution of the application. It enables the definition of several different application areas, the planning of optimal routes over these areas, which ensure full coverage with the shortest route traveled, without sacrificing the safety of maneuvers, control based on data computed according to the desired concentration of material, also taking into consideration external factors, such as speed, height and ambient temperature. Fine tuning and adjustments to the system are performed automatically, following measurements of the position and geographic displacement (GPS) sensor and the sensors located in the dispensers, using management hardware equipped with processors and analysis and decision-making algorithms, based on parameters known to the material release technology. The durability of the apparatus allows it to operate for more working hours on a single day and under more adverse conditions, enabling it to operate on a larger number of days during the year.