Automatic target recognition and dispensing system
First Claim
1. An apparatus for projecting a control agent toward a target, the apparatus including:
- a source of the control agent adapted for use in connection with an environmental control function;
an outlet incorporating at least one outlet orifice adapted to direct the control agent emanating from the outlet orifice toward a target;
a control valve selectively movable between an operative mode in which the outlet is effectively open and an inoperative mode in which the outlet is effectively closed;
an outlet support assembly movable on at least one independent control axis for selectively orienting the outlet orifice and thereby orienting the control agent emanating from the outlet orifice in the operative mode;
one or more actuators to effect movement of the outlet support assembly about the control axis;
a first sensor for sensing aspects of an environment and generating data indicative thereof, wherein the first sensor is fixed relative to the at least one independent control axis;
a classification device for identifying targets within the environment on the basis of the data from the first sensor; and
a controller adapted to orient the outlet orifice toward the targets with the one or more actuators and to select the operative mode of the control valve in accordance with a predetermined control logic;
thereby to project a beam or a jet of the control agent toward the identified targets for the purposes of the environmental control function;
wherein the first sensor is substantially co-located with the outlet such that a ray projected from the sensor is substantially co-linear with a jet path and the projected beam or jet of the control agent is within a field of view of the first sensor.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An automated apparatus, method and system for projecting a control agent toward a recognised target for the purposes of agricultural cultivation or environmental management or various other applications; a source of the control agent adapted for use in connection with an environmental control function, an outlet incorporating at least one outlet orifice to direct the control agent emanating from the outlet orifice toward a target. An activation means is movable between an operative mode and an inoperative mode in which the outlet is effectively closed. A targeting mechanism movable on at least one independent control axis provided for selectively orienting the outlet orifice and thereby orienting the control agent in the operative mode. A first sensing system, a classification system, a control system in accordance with a predetermined control logic adapted to deliver doses of the control agent to the identified targets for the purposes of the environmental control function.
21 Citations
19 Claims
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1. An apparatus for projecting a control agent toward a target, the apparatus including:
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a source of the control agent adapted for use in connection with an environmental control function; an outlet incorporating at least one outlet orifice adapted to direct the control agent emanating from the outlet orifice toward a target; a control valve selectively movable between an operative mode in which the outlet is effectively open and an inoperative mode in which the outlet is effectively closed; an outlet support assembly movable on at least one independent control axis for selectively orienting the outlet orifice and thereby orienting the control agent emanating from the outlet orifice in the operative mode; one or more actuators to effect movement of the outlet support assembly about the control axis; a first sensor for sensing aspects of an environment and generating data indicative thereof, wherein the first sensor is fixed relative to the at least one independent control axis; a classification device for identifying targets within the environment on the basis of the data from the first sensor; and a controller adapted to orient the outlet orifice toward the targets with the one or more actuators and to select the operative mode of the control valve in accordance with a predetermined control logic; thereby to project a beam or a jet of the control agent toward the identified targets for the purposes of the environmental control function; wherein the first sensor is substantially co-located with the outlet such that a ray projected from the sensor is substantially co-linear with a jet path and the projected beam or jet of the control agent is within a field of view of the first sensor. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification