WO2024074704A1

WO2024074704A1 - Measuring spray patterns of individual nozzles for spot spraying and characterization by in spot and out spot behaviours (isos)

Info

Publication number: WO2024074704A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/077772
Authority: WO
Inventors: Steffen TELGMANN; Greg Robert KRUGER
Original assignee: Basf Agro Trademarks Gmbh
Priority date: 2022-10-06
Filing date: 2023-10-06
Publication date: 2024-04-11

Abstract

A computer implemented method for measuring spray characteristics of a nozzle, comprising obtaining fluid sensor data associated with a spray pattern of the nozzle, providing a model relating fluid sensor data associated with a spray pattern of the nozzle with a measure for spray characteristics based on the spray pattern inside a target spot region and outside a target spot region, measuring the spray characteristics based on the obtained fluid sensor data and the provided model, providing the measure for spray characteristics of the nozzle in particular via the communication interface.

Description

MEASURING SPRAY PATTERNS OF INDIVIDUAL NOZZLES FOR SPOT SPRAYING

AND CHARACTERIZATION BY IN SPOT AND OUT SPOT BEHAVIOURS (ISOS)

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a sensor for measuring spray characteristics of a nozzle, a computer-implemented method for measuring spray characteristics of a nozzle, uses of such a method, a computer program element and an apparatus for measuring spray characteristics of a nozzle.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

The general background of this disclosure is the treatment of plants in an agricultural field, which may be an agricultural field, a greenhouse, or the like. The treatment of plants, such as the cultivated crops, may also comprise the treatment of weeds present in the agricultural field, the treatment of insects present in the agricultural field or the treatment of pathogens present in the agricultural field. In the technical field of agriculture, there is steady push to make farming or farming operations more sustainable. Precision farming or agriculture is seen as one of the ways to achieve better sustainability and reducing environmental impact. Various nozzles are available often times substantially varying in their spray pattern. That makes it difficult to compare the spray characteristics of nozzles suitable for precision farming specially for spot spraying.

Thus, there is a need for a robust, reliable method for measuring spray characteristics of nozzles.

SUMMARY

In one aspect the disclosure relates to a computer implemented method for measuring spray characteristics of a nozzle, comprising obtaining fluid sensor data associated with a spray pattern of the nozzle, providing a model relating fluid sensor data associated with a spray pattern of the nozzle with a measure for spray characteristics based on the spray pattern inside a target spot region and outside a target spot region, measuring the spray characteristics based on the obtained fluid sensor data and the provided model, providing the measure for spray characteristics of the nozzle in particular via the communication interface.

In one aspect the disclosure relates to a sensor for measuring spray characteristics of a nozzle, the sensor comprising: a communication interface configured for obtaining fluid sensor data associated with a spray pattern of the nozzle, a model relating sensor data, e.g. fluid sensor data, associated with a spray pattern of the nozzle with a measure for spray characteristics based on the spray pattern inside a target spot region and outside a target spot region, the communication interface further configured for coupling to a processing device configured to initiate determination of measure for the spray characteristics, based on the obtained fluid sensor data the communication interface configured for providing the measure for the spray characteristics of the nozzle.

In one aspect the disclosure relates to an apparatus for measuring spray characteristics of a nozzle comprising: a communication interface configured for obtaining fluid sensor data associated with a spray pattern of the nozzle, a model relating fluid sensor data associated with a spray pattern of the nozzle with a measure for spray characteristics based on the spray pattern inside a target spot region and outside a target spot region, a processor coupled to the communication interface configured to initiate measuring the spray characteristics of the nozzle based on the obtained fluid sensor data and the model, the communication interface further configured for providing the measure for the spray characteristics of the nozzle.

In an example the model may be stored and/or embedded in a non-volatile memory and in this way forming model device. The model and/or the model device may be adapted to receive fluid sensor data and relating the fluid sensor data associated with a spray pattern of the nozzle with a measure for spray characteristics based on the spray pattern inside a target spot region and outside a target spot region. In other words, the model may be adapted to convert the fluid sensor data associated with a spray pattern of the nozzle into a measure for spray characteristics based on the spray pattern inside a target spot region and outside a target spot region. The measure may be a single measure value and/or a combination of a plurality of measure values, e.g. a set of three measures and/or a set of three measurement values. In this way in an example the model may be implemented as a converter and/or converting device.

In an example the method, sensor and apparatus may be used in order to providing the model relating fluid sensor data associated with a spray pattern of the nozzle with a measure for spray characteristics based on the spray pattern inside a target spot region and outside a target spot region, to calibrate the model and/or to adapt the model.

In one aspect the disclosure relates to a product comprising a nozzle and a digital representation of the measure for spray characteristics of the nozzle.

In an aspect the disclosure relates to a computer program element, configured, when executed on a processor measuring of spray characteristics of a nozzle according to the methods presented herein.

In yet another aspect the present disclosure relates to a computer element with instructions, which when executed on one or more processors is configured to carry out the steps of the method(s) of the present disclosure or configured to be carried out by the apparatus(es) of the present disclosure.

In yet another aspect the present disclosure relates to a non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon software instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to measure spray characteristics of a nozzle, comprising the steps of the method disclosed herein.

The methods, systems and computer elements disclosed herein provide an efficient, and robust way for measuring spray, a spray jet, a spray pattern, a spray characteristic and/or a nozzle generating a spray pattern. The generated measure may be a quality indicator to the spraying properties of a nozzle. This enables a comparison of different nozzles. In particular generating a measure and/or a set of measures under substantially the same conditions for different nozzles allows for comparing the different nozzles. A comparison of nozzles is essential, when an appropriate nozzle for spot spraying needs to be selected.

Spray characteristics of nozzles are important for more precise targeting of treatment and thereby reduce the risk for overdosing and/ or underdosing treatment products. This in turn leads to a a more efficient, sustainable robust way of treating an agricultural field.

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an efficient, and robust way of measuring spray characteristics of a nozzle, in particular a nozzle for treating an agricultural field. These and other objects, which become apparent upon the following description, are solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. The dependent claims refer to preferred embodiments of the invention. It is a further object of the present disclosure to provide a measure for the spray characteristics of a nozzle, in particular targeted to spot spraying applications.

EMBODIMENTS

In the following, terminology as used herein and/or the technical field of the present disclosure will be outlined by ways of embodiments and/or examples. Where examples are given, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to said examples.

Treatment may relate to any treatment for the cultivation of plants. The term treating or treatment is to be understood broadly in the present case and may relate to any treatments of the agricultural field, such as for the cultivation of plants. Treatment may include treatment to be conducted during a season on an agricultural field such as applying products, including but not limited to, fertilization, crop protection, growth regulation, soil treatment, soil nutrient management, soil nitrogen management. Treatment product may refer to any object or material useful for the treatment. In the context of the present invention, the term treatment product may include: chemical products such as fungicide, herbicide, insecticide, acaricide, molluscicide, nematicide, avicide, piscicide, rodenticide, repellant, bactericide, biocide, saf- ener, plant growth regulator, urease inhibitor, nitrification inhibitor, denitrification inhibitor, or any combination thereof. biological products such as microorganisms useful as fungicide (biofungicide), herbicide (bioherbicide), insecticide (bioinsecticide), acaricide (bioacaricide), molluscicide (biomolluscicide), nematicide (bionematicide), avicide, piscicide, rodenticide, repellant, bactericide, biocide, safener, plant growth regulator, urease inhibitor, nitrification inhibitor, denitrification inhibitor, or any combination thereof. fertilizer and nutrient, seed and seedling, water, and any combination thereof.

In an embodiment processor may refer to an arbitrary logic circuitry configured to perform basic operations of a computer or system, and/or, generally, to a device which is configured for performing calculations or logic operations. In particular, the processor, or computer processor may be configured for processing basic instructions that drive the computer or system. It may be a semi-conductor based processor, a quantum processor, or any other type of processor configures for processing instructions. As an example, the processor may be or may comprise a Central Processing Unit ("CPU"). The processor may be a (“GPU”) graphics processing unit, (“TPU”) tensor processing unit, ("CISC") Complex Instruction Set Computing microprocessor, Reduced Instruction Set Computing ("RISC") microprocessor, Very Long Instruction Word ("VLIW") microprocessor, or a processor implementing other instruction sets or processors implementing a combination of instruction sets. The processing means may also be one or more special-purpose processing devices such as an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit ("ASIC"), a Field Programmable Gate Array ("FPGA"), a Complex Programmable Logic Device ("CPLD"), a Digital Signal Processor ("DSP"), a network processor, or the like.

The methods, systems and devices described herein may be implemented as software in a DSP, in a micro-controller, or in any other side-processor or as hardware circuit within an ASIC, CPLD, or FPGA. It is to be understood that the term processor may also refer to one or more processing devices, such as a distributed system of processing devices located across multiple computer systems (e.g., cloud computing), and is not limited to a single device unless otherwise specified.

In an embodiment memory may refer to a physical system memory, which may be volatile, non-volatile, or a combination thereof. The memory may include non-volatile mass storage such as physical storage media. The memory may be a computer-readable storage media such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM, or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage, or other magnetic storage devices, non-magnetic disk storage such as solid-state disk or any other physical and tangible storage medium which can be used to store desired program code means in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by the computing system. Moreover, the memory may be a computer-readable media that carries computer- executable instructions (also called transmission media). Further, upon reaching various computing system components, program code means in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures can be transferred automatically from transmission media to storage media (or vice versa). For example, computer-executable instructions or data structures received over a network or data link can be buffered in RAM within a network interface module (e.g., a “NIC”), and then eventually transferred to computing system RAM and/or to less volatile storage media at a computing system. Thus, it should be understood that storage media can be included in computing components that also (or even primarily) utilize transmission media.

In an embodiment a wireless communication protocol may be used. The wireless communication protocol may comprise any known network technology such as GSM, GPRS, EDGE, UMTS ZHSPA, LTE technologies using standards like 2G, 3G, 4G or 5G. The wireless communication protocol may further comprise a wireless local area network (WLAN), e.g. Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi).

In an embodiment target spot may refer to a spot that is to be targeted by the treatment, e. g. target region. The target spot be a function of the height of the nozzle and/or the distance of the nozzle to the target spot region. The target spot region may in a particular example refer to spot having a diameter of 50 cm and/or to a spot diameter of 50 cm. In an embodiment, the target spot region may refer to a one dimensional representation of a target region. In an embodiment, the target spot region may be associated with a width, e.g. on spot width.

In an embodiment non-target spot may refer to a region outside the target-spot region that is not intended for treatment, e. g. non-target spot region, wherein treatment product is applied. In an embodiment, non-target spot region may be associated with a width, e.g. out of spot width.

“Spray pattern” is understood broadly and refers to a pattern formed by a liquid leaving a nozzle. In particular, it may refer to a lateral distribution of the liquid leaving the nozzle. In an embodiment, the lateral of a spray pattern may refer to a one dimensional representation of a spray pattern along a predetermined axis.

In an embodiment the sensor may be coupled to a processing device for determining the measure of the spray characteristics of the nozzle. This enables easy use of the sensor. In an example the sensor may be implemented as a sensor unit which may be adapted to collect the sensor signals and/or sensor data of at least one peripheral sensor, e.g. of a fluid sensor.

In an embodiment the digital representation of the measure of the spray characteristics may be provided via a web service and/or via a software application. This enables to provide the nozzle and the digital representation of the spray characteristics in an efficient way.

In an embodiment, the measure of the spray characteristics, in particular the measure of the spray characteristics of the nozzle and/or of a nozzle arrangement comprising a plurality of nozzles, may additionally or alternatively comprise a measure for uniformity of a spray pattern of an individual nozzle in a target spot region. This measure may e.g. be a coefficient of variation of a nozzle (CV_nozzle), which is a statistical method used for determining spray uniformity across a target area, based on the ratio of the standard deviation to the mean and shows the extent of variability in relation to the mean of the volume of treatment product in the target area across the target area. Considering a measure for the uniformity of the spray pattern is beneficial. Uniform spray patterns avoid overdosing and underdosing of a treatment product in the target area. Considering a measure for uniformity of the spray pattern leads to a more efficient, sustainable robust way of treating an agricultural field. It may be beneficial to predefine the target area.

In an embodiment the measure of the spray, in particular of the spray characteristics of the nozzle and/or of a nozzle arrangement, may additionally or alternatively comprise a measure for the spray characteristics of a nozzle in a non-target spot region. Considering a measure of the spray characteristics outside the target spot region, in particular adjacent to the target spot region, is beneficial as it accounts for the risk of dosing in areas not intended for dosing which leads to a more efficient, sustainable robust way of treating an agricultural field.

In an embodiment the measure of the spray characteristics, in particular the measure of the spray characteristics of the nozzle and/or of a nozzle arrangement, may additionally or alternatively comprise a measure for the amount of treatment product applied in the non-target spot region. Considering the amount of treatment product applied in the nontarget region is beneficial at it accounts for the risk of dosing in regions not intended for dosing which leads to a more efficient, sustainable robust way of treating an agricultural field.

The measure for the spray characteristics, in particular the measure of the spray characteristics of the nozzle and/or of a nozzle arrangement, may additionally or alternatively comprise a measure for the non-target spot region covered by the spray pattern. It is desired to have a small non-target area in the spray pattern. Considering the measure for the non-target spot region covered by treatment product is beneficial as it accounts for the risk of overdosing in regions not intended for dosing which leads to a more efficient, sustainable robust way of treating an agricultural field. The measure for the non- target spot region covered by the spray pattern may be determined by a distance between the end of the target-spot region and the start of a region, where no treatment product is applied. A way for determining this distance is by projection of the spray pattern perpendicular to the intended movement direction of the treatment device. In an embodiment, the measure of the spray characteristics, in particular the measure of the spray characteristics of the nozzle and/or of a nozzle arrangement, may additionally or alternatively comprise a measure for the decay of treatment product application in the non-target spot. The spray pattern may also be characterized by a slope indicative of the decay of the deposited treatment product across the non-target area. A steep slope relates to small overdosing in the non-target area. In an example the decay may be defined as slope starting at the mean volume of the volume distribution in the target area over the length of the in the in the off-target distance. Considering the measure for the non-target spot covered by treatment product is beneficial as it accounts for the risk of overdosing in areas not intended for dosing which leads to a more efficient, sustainable robust way of treating an agricultural field.

In an embodiment the spray characteristics of a nozzle, in particular the measure of the spray characteristics of the nozzle and/or of a nozzle arrangement, may comprise the measure for uniformity in the target spot, the measure for the amount of treatment product applied in the non-target spot, the measure for the non-target area covered by the spray pattern, and a measure for the decay of treatment product application in the non- target spot. In other words, the measure of the spray characteristics of the nozzle and/or of a nozzle arrangement may comprise a plurality of measures and/or a set of measures of the spray characteristics of the nozzle and/or of a nozzle arrangement. The plurality of measure may be combined to a single measure value.

This allows an easy comparable description of the spray characteristics. Including these measures has the advantage that each measure can be weighted. This enables a more flexible situation targeted description of an individual nozzle. This leads to a more efficient, sustainable robust way of treating an agricultural field.

The spray pattern may be characterized based on a measure for application on a non- target area. The non-target area may be directly adjacent to the target area. The width of the non-target area may be defined as the region between the target area and the region, not covered by the treatment product, e.g. no fluid volume is deposited. A small non-target area relates to a more precise application. In an embodiment, the measure for the spray characteristics may be based on a spray pattern outside the target spot region, e.g. OS or out of spot. In particular the measure for the spray characteristics may be based on an out of spot width.

In an embodiment, the out of spot width may be determined based on fluid sensor readings. In a more preferred embodiment, the out-spot width may be the width from the end of the spot width to location Xj, where the fluid sensor reading is below a threshold. In some instances, the threshold may be 0. This has the advantage, that no treatment product will in use be applied outside of the determined out of spot width and the region outside the out of spot width can be neglected for the assessment.

In an embodiment, the spray pattern may be characterized by a combination of the three measures described above. In particular a combination of the measures of application in the non-target areas is beneficial. This allows not only to focus on the size of the non-target area but also on the distribution across the non-targe region.

In an embodiment, the spray characteristics comprise a measure associated with efficacy of a treatment and/or of a treatment product applied with the nozzle. For this, the spray characteristics may be determined according to the method disclosed herein.

Then, for a specific organism in the field a specific treatment product is applied using the nozzle. Then by applying a rating the efficacy of the treatment product is determined and mapped to the spray characteristics. By this the efficacy of the treatment product inspot and out of spot may be determined. This allows rating of suitability of the nozzle for application and/or for applying a treatment product. The mapping of the efficacy to the spray characteristic may be made by the model.

The method is based on the technical consideration that in addition to the in-spot width the amount of fluid and or treatment product applied outside the in-spot width has a huge influence on buildup of resistances.

These and other objects, which become apparent upon reading the following description, are solved by the subject matters of the independent claims. The dependent claims refer to preferred embodiments of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following, the present disclosure is further described with reference to the enclosed figures. The same reference numbers in the drawings and this disclosure are intended to refer to the same or like elements, components, and/or parts.

Fig. 1 illustrates an example embodiment of a system with a treatment device for treatment of an agricultural field;

Fig. 2 illustrates a spray pattern of an individual nozzle;

Fig. 3 illustrates a workflow of according to the disclosure;

Fig. 4 illustrates an example of a sensor according to the disclosure

Fig. 5 illustrates an apparatus for measuring spray characteristics according to the disclosure;

Fig. 6 a) and b) illustrate determination of the spray characteristics in accordance with the disclosure

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT

The following embodiments are mere examples for implementing the method, the system or application device disclosed herein and shall not be considered limiting.

The disclosure is based on the finding that for precision farming spray characteristics of individual nozzles are of key importance. In precision farming individual nozzles are used for precise application of a treatment product to a target area e.g. an individual plant. Precise application of treatment products may reduce the risk for overdosing treatment product and thereby reduce pollution. Furthermore, precise application may reduce the risk of resistances. It is therefore necessary to provide a measure for the spray characteristics of individual nozzles. FIG. 1 illustrates a general setup of a treatment device suitable for spot spraying 102 shown here as part of a distributed computing environment. The treatment device 102 is used for performing and/or conducting an agricultural farming operation on a field which comprises a plurality of geographical locations 108. The farming operation may be a treatment for a crop which comprises a crop plant 114 located at a first geographical location 108a. The farming operation may even relate to a control or eradication of weed plants. 108d may refer to a second geographical location which may also include crop. 108c may refer to a third geographical location, comprising weed. 108b may refer to a third geographical location comprising weed and crop.

The treatment device 102, 105, 107 may include a connectivity interface 104. The connectivity interface 104 may either be a part of a network interface, or it may be separate unit. In this drawing for simplicity, it is assumed that the connectivity interface 104 and the network interface are the same unit. The connectivity interface 104 is operatively coupled to a computing unit (not shown explicitly in FIG. 1 ). The computing unit is operatively connectable to the treatment device 102, 105, 107. The connectivity interface 104 is configured to communicatively couple the treatment device 102, 105, 107 to the distributed computing environment. The connectivity interface 104 can be configured to provide field specific data at the computing unit. Moreover, the connectivity interface 104 can also be configured to provide update data, for example collected at the treatment device 102, 105, 107 to any one or more remote computing resources 106, 110, 112 of the distributed computing environments. Any one or more of the computing resources 106, 110, 112 may be a remote server 106, which can be a data management system configured to send data to the treatment device 102, 105, 107 or to receive data from the treatment device 102. For example, as detected maps or as farming operation maps comprising update data recorded during the farming operation on a geographical location 108a may be sent from the treatment device 102 to the remote server 106, shown in this example as a cloud based service. Any one or more of the computing resources 106, 110, 112 may be a field management system 110 that may be configured to provide a control protocol, an activation code or a decision logic, or in general field specific data, to the treatment device 102 or to receive data, for example, update data, from the treatment device 102, 105, 107. Alternatively, or in addition, such data may be received by the field management system 110 via the remote server 106 or data management system. Any one or more of the computing resources 106, 110, 112 may be a client computer 112 that may be configured to receive client data from the field management system 110 and/or the treatment device 102, 105, 107. Such client data may include for instance farming operation schedule to be conducted on one or more fields or on the plurality of geographical locations 108 with the treatment device or field analysis data to provide insights into the health state of certain one or more geographical locations or field. The client computer 112 may also refer to a plurality of devices, for example a desktop computer and/or one or more mobile devices such as a smartphone and/or a tablet and/or a smart wearable device. The treatment device 102, 105, 107 may be at least partially equipped with the computing unit, or the computing unit may be a mobile device that can be connected to the treatment device, via the connectivity interface 104. It will be appreciated that the field management system 110 and the remote server 106 may be the same unit. The computing unit ma receive the field specific data either via the client computer 112, or it may receive it directly from the remote server 106 or the field management system 110.

In particular when data such as update data is recorded by the treatment device 102,

105, 107, such data may be distributed to any one or more of the computing resources

106, 110, 112 of the distributed computing environment.

Figure 2 illustrates the spray pattern of a flat fan nozzle 128. The stationary spray pattern of a flat fan nozzle on the ground resembles an ellipse 130. A spray jet is denominated as 132. In this illustration, an inner part of the hashed ellipse is denominated as 134 and refers to the in-spot region. Adjacent to the target area 134, the illustration shows the out of spot 136 or non-target region. This refers to a region that is not intended for targeting with the treatment product, but nevertheless the treatment product may also be applied in this region. Flat fan nozzles are generally used for providing evenly distributed drops and are for use with high flow rates. The pattern is generally maintained over a range of pressures and flow rates. The pressures and flow rates may be applied to the nozzle 128. One typical application is for applying soil incorporated herbicides. In use the nozzle may be mounted on a treatment device which traverses the area in the field that is to be treated. This leads to a more complicated spray pattern in the target area, making it difficult to assess the appropriate nozzle that provides the least undesired impact in the field. It is advantageous to provide a measure for the spray characteristics. This allows comparison between individual nozzles and thereby enables the ability to select appropriate nozzles.

In an example the nozzle 128 comprises a nozzle arrangement. The nozzle arrangement comprises at least one nozzle. In an example the nozzle arrangement comprises a plurality of nozzles.

Figure 3 illustrates a workflow 300 according to the present disclosure. At step 305 a while loop may be initiated. At step 310 fluid sensor data from fluid sensors Xi are obtained, in particular via a communication interface as described with respect with reference to figures 4 or 5. The fluid sensors 508. i that generate the fluid sensor data Xi are arranged substantially opposite of the nozzle 122a that is to be examined.

At step 320 for each fluid sensor 508. i , it may be determined whether the sensor X belongs to an in spot or an out of spot region of the spray pattern. This determination may be based on a predefined in spot region for the sensors inside the in-spot region.

Alternatively, the in-spot region may be determined by reading sensor values X and comparing to the neighbouring sensor value X-i when the comparison meets a threshold, the corresponding fluid sensor may be attributed to the in-spot region. The sensor values X may be provided as sensor data X. Similarly, the out of spot region may be identified as being adjacent the in-spot region and having a fluid sensor value larger than an out of spot threshold. In an embodiment, the out of spot threshold may be zero.

At step 330 the fluid sensor data X will be categorized accordingly. At step 315, the Index i is increased. The while loop is continued until i=N, wherein N is the number of fluid sensors 508. i.

At step 340 a measure for spray characteristics based on in spot fluid sensor data may be determined, wherein the in spot fluid sensor data are data provided by a fluid sensor X that is determined as to be inside the in-spot region. This may be performed according to the following equation also described with respect to figures 6 a) and b). For the target spot an IS_CV (In-Spot Coefficient of Variation) may be determined. The IS_CV may be the standard deviation in the in spot region over the average inside the in-spot region. The IS_CV may be determined in accordance with the following equation:

IS-CV

wherein yi = is the measured fluid sensor value of an in-spot value at position i and i or I runs from one side of the in-spot to the other side of the in-spot region. Therefore, accounting all fluid sensors in the in-spot region. For the example in Fig. 6b, where the inspot is 50 cm wide, this amounts to 2,33%.

At step 380, a measure for the spray characteristics out of spot (OS) may be determined. For this determination, sensors Xi may be attributed or allocated to an out of spot region as described above.

In this example, the measure for the spray characteristics may comprise a set of measures and the measure for the spray characteristics may comprise determining a length of the out of spot region (LOS) as disclosed instep 350. The LOS may be determined based on :

LOS = (xl*w)+(xr*w)/2, in particular

LOS = [(xl*w)+(xr*w)]/2, where xl, r = count of fluid sensors within left or right out of spot region respectively w = width of one fluid sensor (e.g. in cm). For the example shown in figure 6, this amount to LOS_50=(2*5)+(2*5)/2 = 10.

Additionally, or alternatively, determining the spray characteristics out of spot may comprise at step 360 determining a volume of treatment product applied in the out of spot region (VOS). This may be determined according to the equation shown below. vos50 = ((S os J) + (£os_r))/2, wherein os_l or osl and os_r or osr = are associated with the fluid sensor readings Xi on the left and right out of spot region respectively. And the sum accordingly refers to the sum of all sensors 508. i in the left or right out of spot region respectively. For the example shown in figure 6, where S os_l = (38+69) and S os_r = (75+41 ) this would amount to vos50= (38+69) + (75+41 )/2 = 111 ,5.

Additionally, or alternatively, determining the spray characteristics out of spot may comprise at step 370 determining a slope of the out of spot region (MOS). This may be determined based on the following equation: mos= max(mos_r, mos_l), where r and I refer to the left or right region adjacent to the in spot region respectively.

For the example in figure 6, MOS50 may be determined accordingly to mos50 = max(mosr50, mosl50)

= max(max((yn-yn+1 )/xr), max((yn-yn-1 )/xl)) mosr50 = max((yn-yn+1 )/xr) mosl50 = max((yn-yn-1 )/xl) x = Outer in-spot Value y = Out-spot Value mosr50 = max(((99-75)/99), ((75-41 )/99), ((41 -0)/99)) = 0,41 mosl50 = max(((95-69)/95), ((69-38)/95), ((38-0)/95)) = 0,4

Mos50 = max(0,41 , 0,4) =0,41

Additionally, or alternatively, the out of spot spray characteristics may be determined according to the following equation.

OS = (VOS* LOS)/MOS

In the example described in reference to figures 6 a) b) the OS_50 value amounts to:

=[[((£ os/50) + (£ osr50))/2] * [(x1 *y)+(x2*y)/2]] / max(max((yn-yn+1 )/xr), max((yn- yn-1 )/xl)) =[[(38+69) + (75+41 )/2 ] * [(2*5)+(2*5)/2]] /[max(max(((99-75)/99), ((75- 41 )/99), ((41 -0)/99)), max(((95- 69)/95), ((69-38)/95), ((38-0)/95)) ] =[111 ,5 *10] / 0,41 = 2720

Figure 4 illustrates a sensor 400, a sensor unit 400 or a sensor controller 400 for determining spray characteristics of a nozzle. The sensor 400 may comprise a model 402, relating fluid sensor data associated with a spray pattern of the nozzle with a measure for spray characteristics based on the spray pattern inside a target spot size and outside a target spot size. The fluid sensor data may be provided by fluid sensors 508. i. The model may be stored in a non-volatile memory 403. The sensor may further comprise a computer program element 405, that when executed on a processor performs the steps of the method for measuring spray characteristics as disclosed herein, in particular the method as described in relation to figure 3. The sensor may further comprise a communication interface 406 for obtaining fluid sensor data. In this example, the fluid sensor data are provided from fluid sensors 508. i. The fluid sensors 508. i. may be coupled to the communication interface via fluid sensor line 404. The fluid sensors 508. i may comprise a plurality of i fluid sensors 508. i which are arranged in a sensor arrangement. The communication interface 406 in this example may be operatively coupled to a processor 410 via processing line 408. Communication interface 406 may further be coupled to an output device 414 via monitoring line 412 for displaying the measured spray characteristics. The output device in this example may be a monitor.

Figure 5 illustrates an apparatus for measuring spray characteristics according to the disclosure 500. Apparatus 500, patternator 500 or measuring apparatus 500 may comprise a mount 502 for an individual nozzle 122a, 128 e.g. a nozzle 128 as described with respect to figure 2. Mount 502 may be located such that nozzle 122a is located at height 504 above a ground area 506 of the apparatus, i.e. nozzle 122a is located substantially opposite to ground area 506.

The apparatus 500 may comprise fluid sensors 508. i adapted for determining a lateral distribution of the spray pattern of the nozzle 122a. The fluid sensors 508. i are substantially arranged on the ground area 506. In this example, the fluid sensors 508. i comprise vials distributed along a lateral side of the ground area 506 of the patternator 500 e.g. along an axis X. The apparatus 500 may comprises a number of sensors N 508.1 ... 508.N distributed along a lateral side of the ground area at lateral positions 1..N. In this illustration the fluid sensors may comprise vials for collecting fluid emitted by the nozzles at lateral positions 1..N. In this illustration 16 sensors are shown, however, it is clear that this number is for illustration purposes only.

The fluid sensors, in particular the vials, may comprise a scale or balance at each location N for measuring fluid volumes by weight. Alternatively, or additionally the fluid sensors may comprise a flow sensor at each location N for measuring the flow of fluid volumes. Alternatively, or additionally the sensors may comprise optical sensors for measuring the volume at each location N. In yet another example the fluid sensors may measure the height of the fluid in the vials, e.g. by ultrasound sensors.

Even it is possible to arrange the fluid sensors 508. i in a three-dimensional arrangement, in this example of figure 5, the fluid sensors 508. i are substantially arranged in a two-dimensional line. Grooves 414’ or tranches 414’ lead and/or guide the fluid to the fluid sensors 508. i. Each fluid sensor 508. i is allocated to one of the tranches 414’. In this way a three-dimensional spray pattern and/or a three-dimensional spray characteristic is transferred into a two-dimensional spray pattern and/or a two-dimensional spray characteristic. The lateral spray-pattern may be a two-dimensional spray pattern.

The apparatus 500, in particular the fluid sensors 508. i, may be coupled to a sensor 400 or sensor unit 400 for measuring spray characteristics of a nozzle 122a, 128 as described with reference to figure 4. In operation the nozzle 122a is attached to a fluidic system that provides a fluid to the nozzle with a predetermined pressure for a predetermined time.

Fluid sensors 508. i measure the volume of fluid expelled by nozzle 122a, 128 at locations 1 ..N. The fluid sensor data Xi are then obtained at communication interface 406 of the sensor 400. In this example, sensor 400 or sensor unit 400 is coupled to a processor 410 as described with reference to figure 4. The obtained fluid sensor data are then used to measure the spray characteristics of the nozzle based on model 402. The measured spray characteristics may then be provided via communication interface 406 to a monitor 414. Figure 6 a depicts an example of a lateral spray pattern in accordance with the disclosure. Nozzle 122a as described with reference to figure 2 was operated at a predetermined pressure for a predetermined time. Accordingly, the fluid sensors measured a lateral distribution of the spray pattern of the nozzle. In this example, the number N of fluid sensors is 16. A hashed part in the fluid sensors is shown to depict the sensor reading for each fluid sensor. In an example the hashed part represents a fluid level inside a vial.

Figure 6b shows an example of numerical readings Xi for each sensor 508. i associated with the spray pattern. Figure 6 b is used in the following to describe the model for measuring the spray characteristics of nozzle 122a.

Figs. 6a and 6b depict an in-spot area. In this example the in-spot area has a length of 50 cm. This is a typical size of spot spraying areas. In other examples, the in-spot area may be determined from the fluid sensor measurements. Additionally, or alternatively the in-spot area may be determined by exceeding a threshold between neighbouring fluid sensor signals Xi. This is based on the technical consideration that in spot the sensor readings are not changing much, therefore, if there is a substantial reduction from one fluid sensor 508. i to the next fluid sensor along the axis X may be an indication that the in-spot area in this direction ends. Similarly, this detection mechanism may be performed on the other end of the in-spot area. This information may then be used to measure the spray characteristics of the nozzle 122a, 128.

The present disclosure has been described in conjunction with a preferred embodiment as examples as well. However, other variations can be understood and effected by those persons skilled in the art and practicing the claimed invention, from the studies of the drawings, this disclosure and the claims. Notably, in particular, the any steps presented can be performed in any order, i.e. the present invention is not limited to a specific order of these steps. Moreover, it is also not required that the different steps are performed at a certain place or at one node of a distributed system, i.e. each of the steps may be performed at a different nodes using different equipment/data processing units. As used herein, ..determining" also includes ..initiating or causing to determine", “generating" also includes ..initiating and/or causing to generate" and “providing” also includes “initiating or causing to determine, generate, select, send and/or receive”. “Initiating or causing to perform an action” includes any processing signal that triggers a computing node or device to perform the respective action.

In the claims as well as in the description the word “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality. A single element or other unit may fulfill the functions of several entities or items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in the mutual different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used in an advantageous implementation.

Any disclosure and embodiments described herein relate to the methods, the systems, devices, the computer program element lined out above and vice versa. Advantageously. the benefits provided by any of the embodiments and examples equally apply to all other embodiments and examples and vice versa.

All terms and definitions used herein are understood broadly and have their general meaning.

Claims

1 . A computer implemented method for measuring spray characteristics of a nozzle (122a, 128), comprising obtaining fluid sensor data (Xi) associated with a spray pattern of the nozzle, providing a model (402) relating fluid sensor data associated with a spray pattern of the nozzle with a measure for spray characteristics based on the spray pattern inside a target spot region (CV_nozzle, IS_CV) and outside a target spot region (OS), measuring the spray characteristics based on the obtained fluid sensor data and the provided model, providing the measure (CV_nozzle, IS_CV, OS) for spray characteristics of the nozzle (122a, 128) in particular via the communication interface (406).

2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the measure of the spray characteristics comprises a measure for uniformity (CV_nozzle, IS_CV)_ of a spray pattern of an individual nozzle in a target spot region.

3. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the measure of the spray characteristics comprises a measure for the spray characteristics of the nozzle in a non-target spot region (OS).

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the measure of the spray characteristics comprises a measure for the amount of treatment product applied in the non-target spot region (LOS).

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the measure of the spray characteristics comprises a measure for the non-target spot region covered by the spray pattern (VOS).

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the measure of the spray characteristics comprises a measure for the decay of treatment product application in the non-target spot region (MOS). The method according to claim 6, wherein the measure for the decay is based on a slope. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the spray characteristics comprise a measure associated with efficacy of a treatment applied with the nozzle. A sensor (400) for measuring spray characteristics of a nozzle (122a, 128), the sensor (400) comprising: a communication interface (406) configured for obtaining fluid sensor data

(Xi) associated with a spray pattern of the nozzle (122a, 128), a model (402) relating sensor data (Xi) associated with a spray pattern of the nozzle with a measure (CV_nozzle, IS_CV, OS) for spray characteristics based on the spray pattern inside a target spot region (CV_nozzle, IS_CV) and outside a target spot region (OS), the communication interface (406) further configured for coupling to a processing device (410) configured to initiate determination of the spray pattern, based on the obtained fluid sensor data; the communication interface (406) configured for providing the measure for the spray characteristics of the nozzle. The sensor (400), according to claim 9, wherein the model (402) is configured to measure the spray characteristics according to any one of claims 1 to 8. An apparatus (500) for measuring spray characteristics of a nozzle (122a, 128) comprising: a communication interface (406) configured for obtaining fluid sensor data

( ) associated with a spray pattern of the nozzle (122a, 128), a model (402) relating the fluid sensor data ( ) associated with a spray pattern of the nozzle (122a, 128) with a measure (CV_nozzle, IS_CV, OS) for spray characteristics based on the spray pattern inside a target spot region (CV_nozzle, IS_CV) and outside a target spot region (OS), a processor (410) coupled to the communication interface (406) configured to initiate measuring the spray characteristics of the nozzle based on the obtained fluid sensor data and the model, the communication interface (406) further configured for providing the measure (CV_nozzle, IS_CV, OS) for the spray characteristics of the nozzle. The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the model (402) is configured to measure the spray-characteristics according to any one of claims 1 to 8. A product comprising a nozzle and a digital representation of the measure for spray characteristics of the nozzle. The product according to claim 13, wherein the measure of the spray characteristics of the nozzle have been measured according to the method of any one of claims 1 to 8 Computer element with instructions, which, when executed on one or more computing device(s), is configured to carry out the steps of the method according to any one of the claims 1 to 8.