Methods and apparatus for precision agriculture operations utilizing real time kinematic global positioning system systems

• US 20030187560A1
• Filed: 03/26/2003
• Published: 10/02/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 07/15/1998
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Arthur F. Lange, Mark E. Nichols, Russell J. Keller
• Original Assignee: Arthur F. Lange, Mark E. Nichols, Russell J. Keller
• Inventors: Nichols, Mark E., Keller, Russell J., Lange, Arthur F.
• Application Number:
  US10/400,949
• Publication Number:
  US 20030187560A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 701/50
• CPC Class Codes: A01B 39/18 for weeding
• CPC Class Codes: A01B 79/005 Precision agriculture
• CPC Class Codes: A01C 21/005 Following a specific plan, e.g. pattern
• CPC Class Codes: Y02A 40/10 in agriculture
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 111/904 Population control function

Abstract

Real time kinematic (RTK) global positioning system (GPS) technology is integrated with precision farming methodologies to provide highly accurate seeding, cultivating, planting and/or harvesting operations. RTK GPS systems are used to control fully or semi-autonomous vehicles in these operations and may allow for precision planting of seeds (e.g., from a seeder equipped with an RTK GPS receiver and related equipment) and/or precision weed removal (e.g., using a vehicle fitted with weed eradication mechanisms such as augers and/or herbicide sprayers). Crop specific fertilizer/pesticide application is also enabled through the use of centimeter-level accurate positioning techniques.

Claims

1. A vehicle, comprising:

a precise positioning apparatus configured to provide real-time precise positioning information regarding the location of the vehicle; and

a sensor-controller apparatus configured to detect a target at least in part according to the location of the vehicle.